Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your everyday city life and plan a trip to divulge into the pleasures of being a royal. Explore the awe-inspiring grandeur of palaces and evade into a land of mystical tales that the forts bring along. Enjoy the luxuries of a royal cuisine and enchant your senses with the ambiance and aura that these monumental palaces pertain within the intricacy of their carvings. Welcome to the package that brings to you the best of the royal semblance and presents you with a journey through the opulence of their enormous dwellings.
Be heartily welcomed by our representative in Delhi to help you check into your hotel to enjoy a typical North Indian lunch at the famous Kareem's. Post lunch, bask in the light of victory reflected from a 200 year old monument called the Red Fort. Glance at the smaller structures set within the fort complex like the Diwani-i-Aam, Moti Masjid and the Mumtaz Mahal to have a complete breath-taking involvement with the entire complex. End your day by going on a shopping spree and enjoying an open air dinner at Delhi Haat. Stay the night at the hotel.
After a sumptuous breakfast meander towards a city with historical tales etched in its soul. Set on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra is a city that has a story in the turn of every lane and lets the traveller explore innate snipets of the Royals of the yesteryears in a very modest yet with reverence. On reaching Agra, check into your esteemed hotel and enjoy a lavish lunch. Next, set foot on one of the most grand and exemplary pieces of Mughal heritage that has flamboyance in its own glamorous accord. The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a string of gorgeous palaces that are worth capturing in your royal memories. Whether it be the Sheesh Mahal- having an extravagant interior facade of mirrors or be it the Jhahangiri Mahal with its Tibara Dalans (pavilions with three exits) -- all of it exhibits their own feel of magnificence and dignity. The Khas Mahal, the Bengali Mahal and the Shah Jahani Mahal, with their own integrated set of ornate pavilions and courtyards have their own tales to tell. Spend the rest of the evening imbibing a glorious view of the famous Taj Mahal from the Mehtab Bagh as a prologue to what the journey holds next. End your day with an opulent dinner spot, decorated with traditional frescos, at Esphahan which is part of the majestic The Oberoi Amravilas. Night stay at your hotel.
Kick start your day with a wondrous visit to the mausoleum that Agra is best known for. Said to be an act ordained for everlasting love by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal proves to be an epitome of excellence of Mughal architecture. The monument is set between a traditional Mughal Char Bagh, which administers the mystic feeling this romantic aura required. Next, get ready to explore the royal tales of the city that served as a capital to the Mughal Kingdom for a short span of 15 years. Fatehpur Sikri or the city of victory bears witness to great Mughal periodic architecture and thus divulges true royalty that the Delhi Sultanate ruled in. The Palace of Jodha Bai (the one time home of the Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife) was said to be one of the favourite palaces of the Emperor himself. Set around an enormous courtyard, it blends traditional Indian columns, Islamic cupolas and turquoise-blue Persian roof tiles- thus establishing its royal appeal in aspects. The ornately carved Birbal Bhawan (living quarters of one of Akbar’s most senior ministers) is a vivid example of the opulence with which the Emperor furnished his ministers with. The grand Buland Darwaza, the tomb of Salim Chishti, the Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas are a few other spectacular snipets of this great historic city that are worth getting lost into. Return to Agra with the glitter of royalty on your mind. Night stay at the hotel.
From the ruins of an old city, it's time to divulge into the planes surrounded by the Aravalli range and the Vindhyas. Thus begins our Palace Tour of Rajasthan..! Enjoy picturesque views of cliffs and rugged mountains on the way to Ranthambore. On arrival, get ready to feel the might of the powerful and flamboyant fort of Ranthambore. The beautiful ruins of the fort have an aesthetic appeal that can mesmerise the vision and minds of all the people who lay their eyes on this potent masterpiece. The fort is considered a crescendo of power due to its history of defending the Rajput Empire against the attacks of foreign invaders. Enjoy a royal dinner, under a canopy of stars and a backdrop of the vintage lodge, on the Neem Terrace at the Vivanta Hotel.
It's time to lend our ears and reveal to our eyes a story of immense courage and passion for love that is seldom heard. Behold we present to you the historic city of Chittorgarh..! This city is famous for the battle that a woman, Rani Padmini, fought with her valour, not on the battle field, but for womanhood and for safeguarding her dignity from the usurper, Allauddin Khilji. The Chittorgarh Fort bears witness to all the little struggles that were a part of this massive moment that finally led to the commission of the Jahaur Vrat (Jumping into fire) by the mighty spirited queen along with her companions. Being a part of the Palace Tour of Rajasthan, it is inevitable to mention that the Queen's palace exhibits intricate levels of Rajput craftsmanship through a series of beautiful garden, ornamental pavilions and tranquil courtyards. Other than this the Rana Kumbha Palace, the oldest monument in the Chittorgarh Fort, is said to be the birthplace of the founder of Udaipur (another city in Rajasthan), Maharana Udai Singh. This palace is also well-known for its cellar, where, as the legend goes, was the pyre set for Rani Padmini to commit jahaur. End your day being lost in the tales of this courageous queen and her legendary beauty. Stay the night in your destined hotel. Thus ends day two of the enthralling Palace Tour of Rajasthan.
Tune into the most romantic track on the radio as we are on our way to 'the most romantic spot in the continent of India'. It is the city which is known for its Rajput era inclination and as the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar - Udaipur. On the way, take a detour and don't miss the glamorous fort of Kumbalgarh as it is one of the highlights of the Palace Tour of Rajasthan. Built by a Hindu Sisodia Rajput, Rana Kumbha, it is also believed to be the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. The Badal Mahal, situated within the Fort complex, is the highest point in the fort and thus serves to provide spectacular images of the natural landscape. It has two distinct portions-the Zanana Mahal, section for the royal ladies, and the Mardanna Mahal (section for the royal male members)-both of which are beautifully adorned with wall paintings. The jalli and lattice work in the palace for the ladies is worth a mind shot. On arrival at Udaipur, spend a serene evening in an omnipresent romantic aura, viewing the Fateh Sagar Lake and the Pichola Lake, flanked by mesmerising gardens and viewing decks. Enjoy a royal dinner, savouring the taste of the authentic Rajput dish, Laal Maans, in Ambrai at Amet Haveli as royal dining is an integral part of the Palace Tour of Rajasthan. Night stay at the hotel.
Let the drum rolls begin as we are about to enter the ostentatious City Palace of Udaipur. Known as one of the biggest palaces to be experienced in Palace Tour of Rajasthan, the City Palace is a rendezvous of numerous smaller but glamorous palaces that each have their own epitome of grace and vintage beauty. The Palace Complex along with two Grand Heritage Hotels called “Shiv Niwas Palace” and “Fateh Prakash Palace”, historical monuments like Jagmandir Island Palace, Zenana Mahal, Manek Chowk and Darbar Hall have intricate craftsmanship that give out royal vibes to any person viewing it. One of the 11 palaces is the Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace which is adorned with beautiful crystal and porcelain statues. Though not a typical palace but , Palace Tour of Rajasthan also includes,the Bhim Vilas which is decorated with miniature paintings that present the life of the Hindu deities like Radha and Krishna, have succesfully added a piety to the entire grand milieu . The other orante palaces inside the structure including the Krishna Vilas, the Sheesh Mahal and Moti Maha. Retire to the decks of the Jaisamand Lake for a rather peaceful and modest afternoon. Post lunch, get a rather prolonged glance at the palace situated within the water. The famous Lake Palace, initially known as Jagniwas or Jan Niwas, provides the apt surroundings of experiencing intricate Rajput workmanship in architecture . Adorned by the Lake Pichola on all sides, it truly poses as one of the finest breath-taking sites of Udaipur. The walls made of black and white marbles are adorned by semi-precious stones and ornamented niches-prove that no stone was left unturned in the ordeal of providing the perfect royal aesthetics by the Maharana Jagat Singh (62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar). Flanked by gardens, fountains and pillared terraces, it is one of the most beautiful palaces in Rajasthan. Enjoy a picturesque sunset from the Karni Mata Temple, located on a hillock of Udaipur. The serene beauty of Udaipur-the White City, as seen from the viewing platform here, makes it a photographer's paradise. Have a royal dinner at Neel Kamal Restaurant, in the Lake Palace, while enjoying a majestic view of the reflection of the twinkling lights on the waters of Lake Pichola. Stay the night in your destined hotel.
From dainty palaces situated around water bodies, it’s now turn to visit some palaces on the hills. Mount Abu, a popular hill station situated in the Aravalli range, has a number of exhibits of royal heritage that capture the traveller's attention in the entire Palace Tour of Rajasthan. On arriving at Mount Abu, glance at the Sunrise Palace. The architecture of this palace is greatly influenced by colonial styles and thus it appears more like a British Mansion. The royal grandeur sprinkled with the touch of awesome craftsmanship of the by-gone era, is truly worth praising. The Kesar Bhawan Palace, though, has been converted to a heritage hotel, has certain intrinsic royal features that is hard to ignore. Post lunch, devour your senses into the rocky Achalgarh Fort. The fort houses a number of beautifully sculpted temples and palaces that attract a number of tourists to this location. Experience an amazing sunset, with the fort against a background of crimson, and etch it in your box of memories with indelible ink. Night stay at the hotel.
Next stop....The golden sand dunes of Jaisalmer. Enjoy an amazing drive across a sea of sand and dive into the depths of the Thar Desert. On arriving in Jaisalmer, check into your hotel and spend a tranquil evening sitting by the Gadi Sagar Lake. Before retiring to bed, feed yourself with some royal cuisine and lip-smacking dishes at the Surya Garh Restaurant, Jaisalmer while enjoying some more royal pleasures. Stay the night in your destined hotel.
Start your day with the massiveness of the fort made popular with the name of 'Sonar Qila' (Golden Fort) by the famous Bengali sleuth, Feluda. A major asset in the Palace Tour of Rajasthan, the name is truly justified by the facade of the fort that has been built using yellow sandstone and yellow limestone, thus giving its golden lustre. The architectural style of the intricately adorned Raj Mahals and Havelis prove that it is not only a magnificence of visual perception but also skilled workmanship. The two canon points, located at vantage points within the fort, give you an amazing panoramic view of Jaisalmer City and the Thar Desert. Next take a visit to the Salim Singh ki Haveli that is unique for its arched roof, which draws close resemblance to that of a peacock. It casts an incredible silhouette with its 38 ornate flanking balconies. Explore further intricacies of palace architecture in the Patwa ki Haveli. Being one of the largest havelis in Jaisalmer, it is originally a cluster of five grandiose havelis, each with its own marvellous little features that deserve a decent place in the haveli of your dreams. Post lunch, visit one of the finest examples of Indian craftsmanship. With its ornate balconies, canopies and intricately carved screens, the Mandir Palace of Jaisalmer is without a doubt one of the most magnanimous sights that does not fail to capture the senses of the tourist in an ambiance of splendour and awe. After all the palace exploration, experience a marvel amidst the sand dunes of Jaisalmer called the Vyas Chhatri. Though not a typical palace but the spot has been included in the Palace Tour of Rajasthan for its magnificent beauty and architectural significance. Housing a series of semi open pavilions, carved with baroque patterns, it will soothe your senses for the evening and present you with a beautiful sunset amidst the dunes of Jaisalmer. Night stay at the hotel.
From the golden sand dunes of Jaisalmer we are now ready to set in search for the Banjaras in blue. Jodhpur...here we come..! On arriving check into your hotel and enjoy a ravishing lunch. After satisfying your taste buds, gear up for some more opulence of the Palace Tour of Rajasthan. Get a chance to visit a palace that serves as a living heritage, that is, it still is used for the purpose it was constructed for. The Umaid Bhawan Palace, still, has the royal family residence in it along with a luxury hotel. The sector opened for visitors houses a unique museum containing the belongings of the historic Rajas and Maharajas. Next up, get lost in the meandering and lush Mandore Gardens. It also houses a museum called the 'Hall of Heroes' and a temple of the 33 crore Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The architectural glamour of the bygone era is clearly evident from these immaculate structures. Enjoy a ravishing sunset at Mansuria Hills Garden and end your day with a wondrous canvas painted in crimson. Stay the night in your destined hotel.
We all know Bikaner as the place famous for producing lip-smacking snacks that have made Indian chat sessions delicious since times immemorial. But, the true fact is that, apart from being a large known brand for munchies, Bikaner has magnetic and fascinating pieces of palace architecture that elucidate the rich history of Rajput culture quite vividly, hence have their special spot in the Palace Tour of Rajasthan. Check into your hotel at Bikaner and retire for your lunch. After satisfying your grub, head towards the magnific Junagarh Fort. The artistically engraved fort, consists of a number of dignified temples and pompous palaces done in mirror, adorned with frescos and lacquer work. The palaces dedicated to the royal ladies, in particular capture the attention of tourists, as they exhibit exquisite designs of great artistic skill. Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal are further exemplary pieces of extraordinary Indian palace architecture and workmanship. Next, calm yourself amidst ornamented cenotaphs (chatris) at the Devi Kund. Each of these belonged to specific members of the royal family and thus have an intrinsic feature in their aesthetics that self-elucidate themselves. Enjoy a regal scenery over the Thar Desert as the sun falls in love with the moon. Night stay at the hotel.
As we draw towards the end of the tour, the epilogue to the Palace Tour of Rajasthan is yet to be read because we are on our way to Ajmer. Post lunch, let's explore Akbar's palace and museum. Showing intrinsic features of Mughal Architecture, it is in line with the cityscape of Ajmer which is a harmonious confluence of Mughal and Rajput influence, owing to its history. It is believed to be the place where Prince Jahangir was born. The museum too houses some interesting vintage exhibits. Next, take a short drive to meander in the lanes of the Roopangarh Fort. The royal style of living donned by the kings of the 17th century is clearly evident. Return to the city and dine in an exquisite ambiance amongst artificial water bodies and gardens at The Ambrosia Restaurant. Stay the night in your destined hotel.
After breakfast, visit one of the most impressive and magnificent structures of Palace Tour of Rajasthan -the Taragarh Fort. Though the fort now mostly lies in the form of ruins, it was constructed in 1354 upon a steep hillside and built under the reign of King Ajaypal Chauhan. Rani Mahal is a small palace within the fort complex, built for the wives and concubines of rulers. Though not in its original charm yet deserves a moment of appreciation for the abundance of heritage that it signifies. Take a short drive to reach the spot where Lord Bramha performed his great yagya (ritual).The Man Mahal and the Pushkar Palace both offer an enriching experience and prove to be of impeccable significance to the generic Rajasthani architectural pattern and to the Palace Tour of Rajasthan. Enjoy an authentic Rajasthani Thali at Om Shiva Garden Restaurant and take a drive back to Ajmer. Spend a lazy evening boating and gazing at the setting sun at Ana Sagar Lake. Watch the magic of colours that nature unfolds, as the sun hits the bottom horizon. Night stay at your destined hotel.
The time has finally arrived to bid adieu to this prodigious Palace Tour of Rajasthan but before returning to Delhi, one last stop at the destination where the journey of the Fairy Queen ends is inevitable - the city of Alwar. After lunch, it's time to get lost in the opulent melange of Rajput and Islamic styles of architecture at the Alwar City Palace. The museum, within the palace complex, housing swords that belonged to great rulers of the Delhi Sultanate are too worth a visit. Next, visit the Bala Quila (young fort) and enjoy the intricacies of marble and stone work, thus, perching in the poise of royalty. For a beautiful finale, experience the beautiful spectacle of the Vijay Mandir Palace. What adds to this setting is a tranquil lake in the foreground of the palace and the lush gardens surrounding the structure, which is adds to the radiance of the scenery. End your Palace Tour of Rajasthan, with a sumptuous dinner at the Dadhikar Fort and feed yourself a mesmerising view of the Aravalli Range along with authentic cuisines. Stay the night in your destined hotel.
Time to head back to where we started this incredible palace and fort expedition, that is, Delhi and thus turn the final page in the book dedicated to the aan,baan and shaan of the eras that have flown by.
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