LAND OF THE RAJPUTS

DAY 08:            UDAIPUR
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.

DAY 09:            UDAIPUR- JAIPUR (fly) 
After an early tea/ coffee in time transfer to the airport to board flight for Jaipur at 0740 hrs.  Met upon arrival in Jaipur airport at 0840 hrs.  Transfer to the hotel for check in.  Rest of the morning is free to relax in the hotel.
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).  Included is a photo visit to 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 10:            JAIPUR 
After breakfast depart the hotel for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort including Elephant ride.
Amber Fort - 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort 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.
Afternoon is free for shopping etc. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 11:            JAIPUR-AGRA (approx. 5-6 hrs drive)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Agra.  En route to Agra visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone 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.
Afterwards continue the drive to Agra and on arrival check into the hotel.  Evening is free for independent activities.
Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 12:            AGRA – DELHI (approx. 5 hrs drive)
This morning after breakfast visit that magnificent monument to love – The Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal 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 be able to 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 visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden.  Paradise, in Islam, is visualized 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.

This afternoon drive to Delhi.  On arrival check into the hotel for your overnight stay.

DAY 13:            DELHI 
After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India.  Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern.  Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.  Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city.  Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi.  Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance.  Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.  If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.
Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts
Enjoy lunch (not included) at one of Delhi's many fine restaurants.
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi.  Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.
You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.  Return to the hotel.
This evening pick up from the hotel and proceed to witness Sound & Light show at the Red Fort.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 14:            DEPART DELHI  
In time transfer to Delhi's International airport to board flight for onwards destination.

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 date accordingly.

HOTELS ENVISAGED (or similar, depending on availability):

TOUR COST – All Tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150.

On application for the current Tour Cost

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

Cost of economy class airfare per person for sectors Udaipur - Jaipur is included but is subject to change by the airlines without any prior notice.

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

Included in the Cost

Excluded from the Cost