THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

This citadel city built in the 12th century is an architectural dream in yellow sandstone lying in the lonely silence of the Thar Desert.  The Forts and palaces and several superbly carved Jain Temples in and around Jaisalmer are all reminiscent of a glorious history. Nothing else in India is remotely similar to Jaisalmer.  Enjoy a visit to Garhi Sagar Lake and the Fort.  After visiting the Fort walk back to the hotel passing by the local market where you can see the desert life at its natural best.

In the afternoon visit to Sam Dunes Desert National Park, a vast stretch of protected Bio sphere reserve with an area of over 3000 sq. km.  See the awe inspiring Sam Dunes, within the Park. This is also the great Indian Bustard's breeding site where you can also see the Indian Gazelle Chinkara, eagles and many such birds and animals.  Enjoy a camel ride in the desert during the sunset.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08:            JAISALMER-JODHPUR (285kms – approx. 6 hr drive) 
Breakfast at the hotel before driving to Jodhpur.  When you arrive in Jodhpur, check into the hotel.  This evening is free for independent activities.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 09:            IN JODHPUR
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for a half day city tour of Jodhpur City.

Jodhpur was the home of the Rathore rulers - the princely State of Rajasthan.  A high 10 Km. long stone wall protects the well fortified city.  Within stands an imposing Fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mtrs. above the surrounding plains.  Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named). The Fort is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red sandstone.  Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

This evening enjoy a Village Safari to a nearby village to see the life of local people.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay. 
 
DAY 10:            JODHPUR - UDAIPUR (318kms – approx. 7hr drive) 
Breakfast at the hotel driving to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples en route
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Ranakpur temple is one of the biggest and is the most important Jain Temple in India. The extremely beautiful Ranakpur complex is well worth seeing.  Sixty km before Udaipur, these temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravalli hill range.  The main temple is the Chamukha Temple or four -faced temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, beautiful crafted and well - kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike.  Within the complex are two other Jain temples and a little distance away, a sun temple.

Enjoy your lunch (not included) at a local restaurant.  After lunch continue the drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check into the hotel.  Evening is free for independent activities.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 11:            IN UDAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel then proceed for a city tour of Udaipur city followed by boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
This morning after breakfast enjoy a guided tour of this "Lake City".  Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan.  It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge City Palace, towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords fine views of the lake and the city from upper terraces.
Proceed on to the Jagdish temple which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle - a mighty bird called Garuda in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan art.  The temple is still in use and is visited by colourfully dressed pilgrims. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari – the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.

This afternoon take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola.  The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating.  The banks of the lake provided interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place here.  Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty. You will also have time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 12:            UDAIPUR- DEOGARH (135kms approx. 3hr drive)
Breakfast at the hotel before driving to Deogarh.  On your arrival at Deogarh, check into your hotel. This evening is free for independent activities. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 13: DEOGARH - JAIPUR (285kms - 6hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Jaipur and on arrival check into the hotel.  This evening proceed to visit the Crafts Bazaar to see the Blue Pottery, Bandhani work and Block Printing. Return to the hotel for overnight.
 
DAY 14:            IN JAIPUR 
After breakfast depart the hotel for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort including Elephant ride.

Amber Fort - 11 Kms. from Jaipur, is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below.  Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings.  As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included) before making a tour of the city.

Jaipur - Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan.  It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city.  As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others.  Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.

This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions.  Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).  Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 15:            JAIPUR- AGRA (230kms - approx. 6hr drive) 
After breakfast, depart the hotel and drive to Agra .  En route to Agra stop at Fatehpur Sikri to visit this deserted city.

Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sand stone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital.  Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built.  It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition.  It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. 

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri continue the journey to Agra and upon arrival check into the hotel.  Evening is free for independent activities. Overnight, stay at the Hotel.

Agra In the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire.  During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture.  Akbar the Great made Agra great.  The city’s origins are dim but Akbar’s grandfather Babur is credited with Agra’s founding.  The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

This evening visit the marble factory to see the inlay work.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

 DAY 16:            AGRA - DELHI  (205kms - approx. 5hr drive) 
AThis morning after breakfast visit that magnificent monument to love

Taj Mahal, that magnificent monument to love - built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen.  Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock.  The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.  Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori blinded and his hands cut off, so he would never duplicate the structure.  What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.  Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day.  It is impossible to visualise the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden.  Paradise, in Islam, is visualised as a lush garden where running streams flow.  When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

Also visit the Agra Fort and the city.  At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence.  As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India.
(Note: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.  Please plan the date accordingly

Tour ends

Important note:
Taj Mahal, Agra will  remain closed on Every Friday.
Red Fort, Delhi will remain closed on Every Monday
Please plan the dates accordingly.

HOTELS ENVISAGED (or similar, depending on availability):

TOUR COST

On application for the current Tour Cost

Where prices are quoted in US$, the UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

Payment
1. Acceptance Payment (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with Creative Travel Delhi, India to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in India (or on Acceptance) - 50% of the cost is payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Creative Travel, India.
3. On arrival in India – the remaining 50% is payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable

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Excluded from the Cost