ROYAL RAJASTHAN
A
Private Tour Limited to Fellows of the Bowers Museum
27 Feb to 12
March, 2010 (or 14 March for Agra)
This is a private
tour limited to Fellows of the Bowers Museum only
India’s
recorded history goes back to 4,000
years, with remarkable examples of civilization well ahead
of other countries. Throughout this period, reverence was shown
to the many Gods her people worshipped, and the land was dominated
by independent kingdoms. Reverence to the Gods led to gold and
jewels and the finest of architecture bestowed onto them, and
independent kingdoms accumulated wealth not seen elsewhere. Thus
she was a prime target for marauders, attracted by her wealth
and attributes of her civilization. Forts for defense and palaces
for residence were de-rigor for the independent kingdoms,
and though many have not survived the ravages of time, those that
have, were either too beautiful not to have been maintained or
too well built and withstood the elements. Thus, there are some
exquisite examples of architecture that we will not only see,
but also live in – most perhaps only 200 to 400 years old, though
some forts going back to at least 1,000 years.
We
will see the finest examples of India’s temples and forts, religions,
jewelry and wealth - all that has made India famous.
26 February, 2010 Arrive
Delhi
We will meet you as you exit the customs and immigration area
of Delhi airport and transfer you to your hotel. Hotel check in
1200 noon. Overnight: The Oberoi, Delhi.
27 February, 2010 Delhi
Sightseeing in Delhi, visiting New and Old Delhi. In New Delhi
drive past the 12th century 230 feet high Qutab Minar, gracefully
hand-carved for its entire height of 234 ft, the mausoleum of
emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture,
the imposing Lakshmi Narayan temple, India Gate (memorial to the
India army soldiers who died in the World War), the Rashtrapati
Bhavan (formerly the viceroy's residence) and the parliament House.
Continue to Old Delhi. See the Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone,
the Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Jama Masjid - the
largest mosque in India. Spend some time in Chandni Chowk to savor
the ambience of a crowded oriental bazaar. Overnight: The Oberoi,
Delhi.
28 February, 2010 Delhi
– Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur. Udaipur is a center of historic arts and crafts
of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is
of course the modern face of Udaipur, that one can look at if
interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity
is no real distraction. This is a place that will hold you in
its thrall no matter who you are or where you come from. We will
go for a sightseeing tour of the Udaipur city visiting the City
Palace for which work started in 1559. The grand City Palace is
actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling
Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the
state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a
luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural
wonder in granite and marble; Jagdish Temple for which work started
on 13 May 1652 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu and is located in the center of the old city. Late
afternoon proceed for a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening:
PARTICIPATE IN HOLI CELEBRATIONS WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY. Overnight:
Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur.
1 March, 2010 Udaipur
Enjoy the Holi Festival today. Overnight:
Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur.
2 March, 2010 Udaipur
Full day excursion to Ranakpur to see the Jain Temples built in
the 15th century, situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town
is named after Rana Kumbha, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur.
Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The Ranakpur Jain
temples have grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There
are 1444 pillars in the temples and no two of them are similar.
Visit Surya Temple and other Jain
Temples a little distance away. Overnight: Shiv Niwas Palace,
Udaipur.
3 March, 2010 Udaipur
– Jodhpur
Fly to Jodhpur. Call it by its many names and they will not do
Jodhpur justice. An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is
the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing
this colorful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history
that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning
tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition,
spices and fabrics, color and texture, Jodhpur has them all and
in plenty. Situated in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur not only offers
tangibles, in terms of what you can see and buy but also fills
one with a sense of history and the splendors of an era gone forever.
The hospitality of the locals, the demure women, the colorful
turbans - all set against the unmerciful desert is something to
feel, not just see. Every pore of Jodhpur tells its own tales
of heroic tales that made legends out of kings and soldiers, romances
that continue to warm the heart and a time when epics were lived
out on the streets by everyday man. Overnight: Taj Umaid Bhawan
Palace, Jodhpur.
4 March, 2010 Jodhpur
This morning proceed for a guided city tour visiting the Mehrangarh
Fort. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold
of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view
of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly,
the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately
carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and
taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience
will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Rest of the day
at leisure to explore the local market. Overnight: Taj Umaid Bhawan
Palace, Jodhpur.
5 March, 2010 Jodhpur
– Manvar
We drive to Manvar Resort, and as we approach the camp, transfer
to 4-WD vehicles for the final leg of our journey to the desert
camp, a total journey time of 3 hours. Overnight: Manvar Camp.
6 March, 2010 Manvar
Enjoy a Camel safari this morning going into the desert. The Camel
trek will give you an opportunity to see the splendor of the Thar
Desert from the back of its most famous and iconic inhabitant
– The Ship of the Desert. In the evening go on a 4-WD vehicle
safari, giving a contrast to the earlier walks and another experience
of the desert way of life around Manvar. Overnight: Manvar Camp.
7 March, 2010 Manvar
– Jaisalmer
We drive to Jaisalmer, a journey of 4 hours. Jaisalmer a fairy-tale
town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal.
Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's
most exotic and unusual towns. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal
in the 12th century, stands on the 80 meter high Trikuta hill,
with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival
takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of
color and activity. Overnight: Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer.
8 March, 2010 Jaisalmer
Spend the morning sightseeing the city famous its Havelis (mansions)
and their frescoes. The most elaborate and magnificent of all
the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon ki Haveli. The haveli was
built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh
ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli are the other two havelis that
are opened to visitors. Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala,
The Fort here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. The fort
is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries,
the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between
the Bhattis, the mughals and the rathors of Jodhpur. Within the
fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between
the 12th and 15th centuries. Late afternoon we will go for a camel
ride on the sand dunes as the sun is setting on the horizon. Overnight:
Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer.
9 March, 2010 Jaisalmer
– Gajner
Depart by road to Gajner, a journey of 5 ½ hours. Gajner
Palace was built on the banks of Gajner Lake by Sir Ganga Singhji,
one of the greatest Maharajas of Bikaner, in the early decades
of the twentieth century. The Palace was used as a hunting resort
by former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the
days of the Raj. During the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singhji, this
palace was used for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Christmas
season was often celebrated with prearranged duck and Imperial
Sand Grouse shoots. Royalty, both National and International,
Viceroys and other dignitaries were invited on this grand occasion.
Overnight: Gajner Palace, Gajner.
10 March, 2010 Gajner
- Jaipur
Drive to Bikaner city visiting Junagarh Fort, originally called
Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in
the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh
Palace. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built
on a hilltop. We will also visit the Camel Breeding Farm, the
only one of its kind in Asia where camels are bred and trained.
Also visit Deshnoke temple: The 600-year old temple is dedicated
to Karni Mata, host to thousands of rats who are considered sacred
and worshipped. The temple has huge intricately silver gates donated
by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Later take an overnight train to the
Pink City of Jaipur. Overnight: On board the train.
11 March, 2010 Jaipur
Arriving early this morning, we will drive to the outskirts of
the city to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State
until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai
Mahal and Jagmandir. Experience traveling on elephant back to
the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. In the afternoon
proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the Observatory,
the Palace of Winds and the City Palace and Museum. The museum
has an interesting textile section, which contains dresses and
costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Overnight:
Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur.
12 March, 2010 Jaipur
- Delhi
Morning free for shopping. After checking out of the hotel at
12:00 noon, depart by road to Delhi International airport, a journeys
of 5 hours, to board your onward International Flight.
End of your Tour
OPTIONAL TOUR TO AGRA
12 March, 2010 Jaipur
- Agra
Depart this morning by road to Agra visiting the ancient Moghul
capital of Fatehpur Sikri
en-route, a total journey time of 5 hours. This 16th century
capital of Moghul emperor Akbar is
a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built in sandstone. The
city had to be deserted because of lack of water. The white marble
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar's spiritual adviser, is now
observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot here. Later continue our
drive to Agra. Overnight: ITC Mughal, Agra.
13 March, 2010 Agra
Spend the dawn at the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for
his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural
marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from
white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen
brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who
took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble', returning
to your hotel for breakfast. Later visit Agra fort containing
the hall of private and public audience and other palaces, then
the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula, known as the 'Baby Taj'. It was the
first Mughal structure totally built from marble with extensive
use to pietra dura. Overnight: ITC Mughal, Agra.
14 March, 2010 Agra –
Delhi
Morning free for shopping. After checking out of the hotel at
12:00 noon, depart by road to Delhi International airport, a journeys
of 4 1/2 hours, to board your onward International Flight.
End of your Tour
COST and
REGISTRATION: Please contact Lesley
Ann Hamilton-Keating at the Bowers Museum, Santa
Ana, CA 92706.
COST WOULD INCLUDE:
1.Accommodation: Hotels as per list in a
double share basis,
2. Meals: Breakfast in all places,
3. Guide: English speaking local guide for sightseeing where stated,
4. Boat Ride: At Lake Pichola in Udaipur,
5. Safaris: 4-WD and Camel safari at Manvar,
6. Camel Ride: At Jaisalmer,
7. Elephant Ride: At Amber Fort, Jaipur (if an elephant ride is
not available, then this will be substituted with a 4-WD vehicle
drive),
8. Train Travel: For sector Bikaner-Jaipur in 2 Tier AC Sleeper,
9. Taxes: All prevailing taxes like Luxury tax in all hotels and
Expenditure tax, Inter state road tax, toll tax, driver’s allowance,
parking wherever applicable,
10. Vehicles: Transfers & sightseeing as per program using
air-conditioned vehicles,
11. Monuments: Entrances fee for entry into monuments as per itinerary,
and,
12. Representation: The services of a SJI representative at all
airport and hotel transfers.
COST WOULD NOT INCLUDE:
1. Beverages, mineral water, alcohol, laundry, telephone calls;
or other items of personal nature,
2. Tips and gratuities to driver, guide, porters, bellboys and
waiters at restaurants,
3. Increases in Airfares or Government imposed taxes or entrance
fees,
4. Still camera or video camera fees at the various monuments
and museums,
5. Any meals except specifically mentioned,
6. Services not specifically stated in the itinerary,
7. Personal or travel insurance,
8. Departure Taxes or Visa Handling Fees,
9. Any changes you may choose to make during your holiday,
10. VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA,
11. Domestic air fare (given separately),
12. Supplements listed above, and,
13. International Air.