Tour Itinerary

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN 2007

DAY 01:  ARRIVE DELHI 
Arrive Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport late this evening.  Welcome to India.!!!

Creative Travel’s Airport Representative will meet you upon arrival at the airport as soon as you come out from the main hall after you clear all formalities to customs and immigration.  A special welcome awaits you here.   Later transfer to the hotel by an air conditioned vehicle.  Upon arrival check into the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02:  IN 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.

 

After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

 

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.

 

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 for your overnight stay.

DAY 03:  DELHI- SAMODE (264kms – approx. 6hr drive)
Morning drive to Samode.  We stay at the Samode Palace for one night.  Later we visit the Samode Village with its local artisans producing printed cloth and glass bangles.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 04:    SAMODE- BIKANER (350kms – approx. 7/8hr drive)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner and on arrival check into the hotel.  The evening is free to relax.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 05:  IN BIKANER
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a half day city tour of Bikaner.

 

Bikaner is on an elevated ground amidst an arid, rocky expanse of sand.  It is a city surrounded, like most Rajasthan cities of yore, by a fortified wall. This wall is seven kilometres long and has five gates.  Bikaner is famous for camels, which are said to be the best in the world. This morning’s visit includes Junagarh Fort. This magnificent fort is surrounded by a moat and has palaces and temples. The Suraj Pol or the sun gate is the main entrance to the fort and the Har Mandir is the temple where royal weddings and births were celebrated.  Among the palaces inside are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Bijai Mahal. The Chandra Mahal or the moon palace, the Phool Mahal or flower palace has exquisite mirror work. The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is one of the best museums in Rajasthan.

In the afternoon visit Karni Mata Temple.  Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 06:  BIKANER- JAISALMER (350kms – approx. 8hr drive))
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer - The Pearl of the Desert.  On arrival in Jaisalmer, check into your hotel for two nights.  The evening is free for independent activities.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 07:  IN JAISALMER
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for a full day city tour of Jaisalmer including visit of Sam Dunes in the desert.

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 5hrs) 
This 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

This afternoon drive to Delhi. En route visit Sikandra - the Tomb of Emperor Akbar.  After visiting Sikandra continue the drive to Delhi and upon arrival check into the hotel.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 17:  IN DELHI 
Breakfast at the hotel.  After breakfast proceed to visit Akshardham Temple.  Return to the hotel for check out (your luggage will be taken care of). Checkout time is 1200 noon.  The evening is free for shopping etc.

Late this evening transfer to the airport to board flight for onwards destination.

DAY 18:  DEPART DELHI 
Early this morning leave Delhi for onwards destination

 

HOTELS ENVISAGED (or similar, depending on availability):

 

City Category  A Category B Category C

Delhi - 02 nights  The Connaught
Standard room The Park
Luxury room Le Meridien
Premium room

Samode - -1 night  Samode Palace
Deluxe room Samode Palace
Deluxe room Samode Palace
Deluxe room

Bikaner- 02 nights  Heritage
Standard room Lallgarh Palace
Standard room Lallgarh Palace
Standard room

Jaisalmer- 02 nights  Heritage
Standard room  Gorband Palace
Superior room Fort Rajwada
Superior room

Jodhpur - 02 nights  Karni Bhawan
Standard room Ajit Bhawan Palace
Deluxe room Taj Hari Mahal
Superior room

Udaipur - 02 nights  Paras Mahal
Standard room Trident Hilton
Premium room  Fateh Prakash Palace
Dove Cote room

Deogarh - 01 night  Deogarh Maha
Standard room  Deogarh Mahal
Standard room Deogarh Mahal
Standard room

Jaipur - 02 nights  Holiday Inn
Standard room Trident Hilton
Premium room Le Meridien
Deluxe room  

Agra - 01 night  Clarks Shiraz
Standard room Trident Hilton
Premium room  Jaypee Palace
Standard room

Delhi - 01 night  The Connaught
Standard room The Park
Luxury room  Le Meridien
Premium room  

 

 

TOUR COST - available on application

 

 

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

 

· Accommodation on a twin sharing, room and breakfast basis at the hotels specified,

· Any single room subject to a supplement shown.

· All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned car.

· Services of an English speaking local guide at all places

· Entrance fees at monuments (except camera fees)

· Cycle Rickshaw ride during Old Delhi visit

· Camel ride in Jaisalmer

· Boat cruise on Lake Pichola, Udaipur

· Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur (subject to operating) or jeep.

· Porterage at airports and hotels (not tips).

· All currently applicable taxes.

· Prices quoted in US$ and the UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

 

 

Excluded from the Cost

 

· Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.

· Any other meals or services not mentioned in the programme.

· Any international airfare or any airport taxes.

· Any Government or State taxes subsequently introduced.

· Travel Insurance

· Any Christmas or New Year Dinner