Royal Rajasthan

DAY 01: DELHI

On arrival at airport, be received by our representative and take a transfer and check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Meals:

DAY 02: DELHI

After breakfast in the morning, enjoy a full day's city tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Red Fort comprising of exquisite palaces reflecting Mughal architecture and the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the colorful and bustling Chandni Chowk bazaars. Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, Humayun's Tomb, one of the city's finest historic sites as well as the Qutub Minar, a soaring, 239.5 ft high tower of victory dating back to 1199. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India, Rajpath and India Gate, among other landmarks. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 03: DELHI - AGRA - 216 KILOMETRES /4 HOURS BY ROAD

After breakfast drive to Agra. Enroute visit Sikandra. On arrival in Agra, check into the hotel. Refresh yourself and go on a sightseeing tour of the city - visit the Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Made of red sandstone, this structure reflects fine Mughal architecture with ornate interiors in the Jehangir Mahal (Jehangir's Palace), Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Deewan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience). At sunset, visit the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a shrine for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is looked upon as the ultimate symbol of love with its majestic marble domes and elegant minarets. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 04: AGRA - JAIPUR 249 KILOMETRES /6 HOURS BY ROAD

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Enroute, visit the imperial 'Ghost Town' of Fatehpur Sikri, constructed of sandstone and built by Emperor Akbar. Within it, lies the tomb of the great Sufi saint, Salim Chisti. It houses the Panch Mahal (Palace of Five Storeys) and the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), two of the many excellent representations of Mughal architecture. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into the hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take a walk through the city' s streets. In the evening, visit the Birla Temple for the 'Arati' (prayer) ceremony. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 05: JAIPUR

After breakfast, proceed to Amber (pronounced Aamer) Fort enjoying an elephant ride up the fort's ramparts. The fort, originally built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh encloses superb palaces and a beautiful temple in marble dedicated to the fearsome goddess Kali. Later, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) from where the palace women would discreetly observe the activities of the bustling bazaar below, without being seen themselves. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace Museum, which contains elaborate costumes, magnificent armory and intricate carved weapons. Then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory nearby built in 1728. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 06: JAIPUR - BIKANER - 320 KILOMETRES /6 HOURS BY ROAD

After breakfast, drive to Bikaner. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 07: BIKANER - JAISALMER - 323 KILOMETRES /6 HOURS BY ROAD

After breakfast, proceed on a morning sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort, Anup Mahal, Ganga Mandir, Rang Mahal and Har Mandir. Later drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 08: JAISALMER

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city and visit the 800 years old sandstone Jaisalmer Fort that dominates the entire town with its presence atop the Trikuta Hill. The Fort encloses a number of exquisitely carved havelis of merchants. Also visit the Jain temples dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries, the town's main market and assorted havelis including the most renowned Patwon-ki-Haveli. Later, proceed to Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride up to Sunset Point. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 09: JAISALMER - JODHPUR

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay. Enjoy a sightseeing tour in the faternoon and visit the Meherangarh Fort built during the 15th and 16th centuries. Within the Fort are some magnificent palaces with superb collections of palanquins, elephant hawdahs (seats used by the royalty during processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Stop by at the Jaswant Thada, which harbors royal cenotaphs built in white marble. Also visit the colorful local market around the popular landmark, the Clock Tower. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 10: JODHPUR - UDAIPUR

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. En route visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur where intricate carvings detail mythological figures, patterns and motifs on the walls, pillars and domes. On arrival in Udaipur, check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Meals:

DAY 11: UDAIPUR

After breakfast, go on a half-day sightseeing tour and visit the City Palace where the royal family still resides. The main portion of the palace is now a museum, which houses a lavish collection of artifacts, intricate miniature paintings and sculptures. Take a stroll around Sahelion-ki-Bari, a beautiful garden with fountains. Enjoy boat ride at Lake Pichola (subject to watr level) in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Meals:

DAY 12: UDAIPUR

After breakfast, take a transfer to the airport to board connecting flight for onward destination.

Meals:

SHIKARBADI

City: Udaipur

Location
Shikarbadi is located at Govardhan Vilas. About half a kilometre long dirt road takes you to Shikarbadi, the road flanked by nothing but desert plants, the horse stables and the air strip. The airport is about 35 km from here, the railway station about 7 km and the bus stand about 5 km.

An erstwhile hunting lodge for the royalty, Shikarbadi was converted into a hotel when hunting was banned by the government in 1976. But the lodge retains its old ambience, complete with a stud farm, an air hangar, and a deer park. Animals roam the grounds in the evenings and amid the lush greenery one can see peacocks serenading. The Aravallis ring Shikarbadi from behind, birds chirp, egrets fly, the rooms have gabled roofs and trees abound. The interiors are like that of an English villa, all stone walls and wooden everything. Stay at Shikarbadi if you are looking for something different, if you want to take a break from the chaos of life.

Rooms
There are 26 rooms at Shikarbadi, including 3 Suites, a Family Suite and 21 Standard rooms. The Family Suite is the largest, made to accommodate big groups, comprising a living room, a small dining hall, a kitchen, a master bedroom and a smaller room with twin beds. The Living room has comfortable couches, a large table with chairs, a separate antique study table and a television with cable connection. The Master bedroom is simply furnished with a double bed with red silk bedspread and intercom. A small dressing room adjoins it and is adorned with a large mirror and cupboard. The washroom has Biotique amenities including soap, shampoo, moisturiser. A geyser ensures 24-hour supply of running hot water. The decor of the Family Suite is very basic, more functional than ornamental. The kitchen has a refrigerator, a small geyser and washing sink. Kitchen ware is available on request.

The Suites have a split level living room, a bedroom, spacious dressing room and washroom. The living room is large and open with a refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, pretty cane couches and divan, television, a small dining table, a study table and intercom. Large photographs of tiger adorn the walls. A balcony adjoins the living room with a view of the Gordan Lake. The bedroom is beautiful with a bamboo double bed. Rajasthani miniatures are hung on the walls which are complemented by blue, silk drapes and bedcover. There is large gilt-edged mirror here. Amenities include television and intercom. The adjoining dressing room has a lovely rosewood dresser and cupboard. The dressing room leads to the very spacious washroom, as big as a normal room. The washroom is very clean and appointed with a bathtub, a large mirror, hair dryer, shampoo, soap, moisturiser and conditioner, as week as hot and cold running water. There is lots of natural light. The washroom has two entrances - one from the bedroom and the other from the living room, making it easier for groups. Outside, you have a beautiful view of Shikarbadi's private lake and the Aravallis beyond.

The rooms are immensely pretty, with wooden floors and stone walls. Large windows give you amazing views of grassy meadows. Wrought iron chairs adorn the room, as well as a lounge, cane chair. Amenities include tea/coffee maker, mini refrigerator, television, intercom, a large mirror. The washrooms too have stone inlaid walls and all the amenities are similar to Deluxe room washrooms except for the fact that these do not have bathtubs.

Guests can avail 24-hour room service; all the rooms have broadband internet access as well as safety deposit lockers.

Dining & Facilities
The poolside area is beautiful, marked off with a fountain. There is pool side seating in the garden with quaint wrought iron chairs and tables, and beyond, only the Aravalis. One end of the pool has deck chairs and a small Pool Bar Deck which is a small bar. The 'Baithak' restaurant also lies here. Serving multi cuisine fare, it can accommodate about 50 people. The decor is ostentatious with a large chandelier dominating the room. The theme is hunting with old hunting pictures on the walls. It has stone walls and the lighting is dim, making the ambience quite cosy after the heat outside. This restaurant can be used for conference as well.

The animals at the sanctuary are fed everyday at 4:30 pm near the swimming pool so it's the perfect time for some wildlife gazing. Shikarbadi offers interesting activities such as rifle shooting classes, horse riding, horse safari in the nearby jungles as well as the Shikarbadi paddock (Horse riding: Rs. 250 per head for 40 minmutes; Safari: Rs. 1500 per person, including breakfast.)

The second restaurant is called 'Cheetal'. It offers charming outside seating by the deer park, under natural canopies of trees. Sloping roof and stone walls again recreate the English-villa atmosphere. There more pictures of kings hunting, or with their prey. The restaurant is multi cuisine and the timings are 7 am to 11:30 pm.

The lobby of Shikarbadi is next to the reception area in a separate building complex and on its upper floor is the bar, decorated with tiger and bear skins. Cane furniture adorns the bar and from its peaceful, open spaces you get a great view of the surrounding countryside.

Other facilities offered at Shikarbadi include Comfort Travel Desk, sightseeing, airport/railway station transfer, car rental, currency exchange, doctor on call, laundry service, parking.

HOLIDAY INN AGRA

City: Agra

Location
Holiday Inn Agra is located on Mahatma Gandhi Road, about 8 km both from the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. The Kheria airport is 10 km away, while the Agra Cantt. railway station is 8 km away. The Idgah Bus Terminus is approximately 10 km away and Fatehpur Sikri is about 35 km away from the hotel.

Holiday Inn Agra is a 5 star hotel with state-of-the-art facilities and luxurious accommodation. On entering the hotel, a huge reception with a lobby leads up a flight of stairs to the rooms.

Room
The rooms are categorised into Deluxe and Club rooms and Suites. The Deluxe room is compact with a double bed, sofa, satellite television, telephone, tea and coffee maker, cupboard, safe and an all modern bathroom with running hot and cold water and amenities like soap, shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser. Guests of Club rooms have access to an exclusive Club Lounge and a separate dining room on a private floor. The Club room amenities include a tea kettle, mini bar, satellite television, safety locker, dial board for laptop and telephone with the bathroom facilities same as the Deluxe rooms. The Suite has a separate drawing and dining area with an attached bedroom and bathroom. The amenities in the room remain the same here, but in the bathrooms, an additional amenities are provided for.

Dining
The Curry Centre, with a seating capacity of 82 people, serves exotic Indian cuisine. The Olive Garden offers Chinese and Continental food. Moving upwards, The Downtown Club is an upscale place where they serve both international and domestic liquor.

Hotel Facilities
There are four fully equipped conference rooms - Regent I, Regent II, Senate and Regal. The Regent and Regal combined is perfect for a gathering of 50 - 600 people, while the Senate boardroom can seat 15 - 40 people. The halls are equipped with the latest audio and video facilities. The business centre offers internet, photocopy and secretarial services for the guests.

Facilities at Holiday Inn Agra include steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage centre, salon, a gymnasium and a cyber cafe. The Mezzanine floor has a beautiful open terrace swimming pool with a garden equipped with a bar and bar-be-que counter.

Other facilities offered at Holiday Inn Agra include a laundry service, housekeeping service, travel desk, car rental facility, concierge services, bell desk, shopping arcade, currency exchange, doctor on call and parking facilities.

Don't Miss
A must try at Holiday Inn Agra is the delectable chicken tikka at the Curry Centre - a speciality of the hotel, the juicy tikkas are marinated and prepared as per an authentic Mughlai style recipe!

HOLIDAY INN

City: Jaipur

Location
Holiday Inn is located on Amer Road in Jaipur.

Holiday Inn is a classified as 5 Star hotel by the Govt. of India. The hotel's architecture upholds the local culture, blending it comfortably with surroundings. All modern facilities are incorporated in the well planned hotel designed as a Haveli, which means a nobleman's mansion.

Rooms
The hotel offers a range of well furnished rooms to the guests. The amenities in the rooms include air conditioner, satellite television, telephone, mini bar, safety deposit locker and tea coffee maker. Every room has an attached washroom with hot and cold water supply and bathroom amenities like soap, shampoo and linen.

Dining
The hotel offers a range of dining options - Palms, the coffee shop is a beautiful place where you can savour the choicest Indian and international cuisine while enjoying a colourful puppet show through bay windows. The Bar is an extension of the Palms, where you can revitalize yourself with a diverse range of Indian and imported wines and spirits. Aangan is the Indian specialty restaurant, where you will be entertained with flute recitals, while the chefs conjure ethnic cuisines for you. Goth - The Village is the ethnic outdoor village restaurant, with an authentic Indian rural backdrop with folk dancers, fortune - teller, fire eaters entertaining you. The Goth is open only for dinner.

Facilities
Holiday Inn offers 7 halls for banquets, conferences and seminars. This includes a Boardroom as well. All the halls combines together can accommodate around 10 - 500 persons.

The facilities offered in the hotel include a shopping arcade, swimming pool, travel desk, business centre, laundry service, foreign exchange counter, parking, doctor on call, safety deposit lockers, Wi Fi internet and STD/ ISD phone facility. Other facilities include a gymnasium, table tennis and some indoor games.

GORBANDH PALACE

City: Jaisalmer

Location
Gorbandh Palace is located on Sam Road in the desert city of Jaisalmer. The railway station is about 4 kms away from the hotel, while the bus stop is about 2 kms away. The famous sand dunes are about 45 kms away and the Jaisalmer Fort and city are about 3 kms away from the hotel.

Gorbandh Palace offers spectacular views of the acclaimed Jaisalmer Fort and is well-connected to the famous Sam Sand Dunes. The hotel offers modern amenities in an authentic Rajasthani ambience. Abundant greenery within the hotel, its fountain and blue waters of the swimming pool create a comfortably cool environment that defies the heat and sand of the desert.

Rooms
The hotel has 67 very well appointed centrally air-conditioned rooms and suites. Sixteen more rooms are in the offing. There are three Deluxe Suites with private balconies overlooking the swimming pool, the gardens and the Jaisalmer Fort. The sixty four Deluxe Rooms also have private balconies. Connecting rooms are also available. All the rooms and suites are well equipped with direct dial telephone, satellite television, DVD player and a mini bar. The Suite has tea/coffee maker and Wi Fi internet connectivity as well. The Deluxe room offers broadband internet connection.

Dining
The dining culture at Gorbandh Palace explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites. Rasoda is a multi cuisine restaurant serving Continental, Indian, Chinese and Rajasthani cuisine. You can also enjoy your meals at Bageecha, the open air garden restaurant or Sarovar, the poolside restaurant. For a quick bite and beverages, try Zhilmil, the coffee shop. Adjoining the Deluxe rooms is the Tall Garden Restaurant offering a range of Indian and international cuisines. For liquors and spirits, hit the Madhushala bar that serves an exquisite selection of Indian and imported liquor. The hotel can also arrange for romantic dinners at the sand dunes.

Facilities
Gorbandh Palace offers excellent conference and banquet options and has a business centre as well. The Darikhana conference room can accommodate around 100 persons. The Bageecha lawns, Sarovar poolside, Taal amphitheatre, roof top terrace are used as venues for weddings, banquets and other gatherings. Special dinners at the sand dunes and Patwon ki Haveli can be arranged on request. As many as 500 guests can attend casual buffet style functions and up to 200 guests can be accommodated for sit-down dinners.

Gorbandh Palace organises a plethora of activities like camel and jeep safaris into the sand dunes and the Fort and also organises for Swiss tent accommodation on the sand dunes for an overnight stay. Puppet shows and folk dances can also be arranged on request.

Other facilities include same day laundry and dry-cleaning service, travel and tour guides, travel desk, money exchange, fax and internet, safety deposit locker, doctor on call, souvenir shop, luggage storage area, massage centre, airport transfers and car on hire.

Recreational activities include a kid's club with games like carom, volleyball, cards and chess, a swimming pool and a cultural programme including songs, dance and puppet shows every evening.

GAJNER PALACE HOTEL- 30 MINUTES AWAY FROM BIKANER TOWN

City: Bikaner

Gajner Palace is a Grand Heritage Palace of the HRH Group of Hotels. Spread over 6000 acres, the palace is a 30-minute drive from Bikaner. 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.

Rooms
The hotel has luxuriously appointed suites and rooms. Historic Suites are lake facing suites with dressing room, sitting cum dining arrangement and large bathroom. Deluxe rooms are lake facing rooms with large bathrooms. All the suites and rooms are centrally air-conditioned and are equipped with period furniture, chandeliers, telephone, television, mini-bar and tea-coffee making facilities.

Dining
The Mirage is a multi-cuisine restaurant serving speciality Indian, Continental, Chinese and Rajasthani meals. Mrigtrishna Bar serves an exquisite selection of liquors.

Facilities
The hotel offers options for banquets, special dinners and corporate events at innumerable venues. Facilities include boardroom for 12 and conference room for 120 people. Venues for banquets and weddings include Dungar Niwas courtyard, Mirage restaurant terrace, Manoranjan amphitheatre, Shabnam Mahal, Dungar Niwas terrace, Gajner Rail restaurant; special dinners at sand dunes, sanctuary and Sugansagar Paal. As many as 1000 guests can attend casual buffet style functions and upto 150 guests for sit-down banquets. Other facilities include same day laundry and dry-cleaning, travel and tour guides, travel desk, 24 hours money exchange, safety lockers, facsimile and internet, doctor on call, library, railway station transfers and cars/limousines on hire. The hotel also arranges for billiards, nature walks, cycling, horse riding, camel and jeep safari into sanctuary; solar boat charters and boating at Gajner Lake, puppet show and folk dances.

Location
Built on the banks of Gajner Lake, the hotel is spread over 6000 acres and is a 30-minute drive from Bikaner.

AVALON COURTYARD RESIDENCES AND SUITES

City: New Delhi

Location Avalon Courtyard-Residences & Suites is situated in South Delhi on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, approximately 20 km from the airport and 45 minutes from the New Delhi Railway Station. Contemporary in style, Avalon Courtyard begins with a liberating sense of space - the rooms and suites are designed with flair and style, windows with abundant natural light, silk cushions, vibrant colours, branded appliances, Italian furniture, around a sky lit atrium, with the serenity of 'The Wishing Tree' as its main feature. Room Amenities Each room is attractively designed with all the comforts of home. All apartments provide guests with amenities such as kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, LCD televisions with cable connection, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, 24 hours room service, a tea/coffee makers, mini bars and electronic safes. Hair dryer, iron/iron boards, and DVD players are available on request. All rooms also have direct dial telephones with STD/ISD facilities. The hotel also provides a choice of newspaper and magazines. The sleek and modern bathrooms are fitted with rain showers and include all the desired amenities. Dining Wishing Tree Cafe, the restaurant, is located in the beautiful central sun - lit atrium offering a distinctive taste of world cuisine round the clock. Their competent service is available through room service as well. Avalon Courtyard does not serve alcohol. Hotel Facilities State of the art conference facilities are available with Wi-Fi high speed internet connections, white boards, flip charts. LCD Projectors with screens, laptops, DVD and audio systems can be provided upon request. The hotel also has an evening turn-down service, and provides laundry services on request. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the wellness trees spa, which offers you the only heated indoor swimming pool in Delhi with an in-built Jacuzzi. The Wellness Tree Gym has state of the art cardio and weight equipment, hands on fitness trainers at all times to guide and train guests. The spa includes sauna, steam room, chilled showers and massage services. A stay at the hotel entails complimentary usage of the gymnasium and swimming pool. Other facilities offered here are housekeeping services, car rental facility, travel desk, doctor on call, power back up and parking. Don't Miss The lounge experience at the Wishing Tree Cafe - the ambience, decor combined with the excellent delicacies is awesome.

AJIT BHAWAN PALACE

City: Jodhpur

Location
Ajit Bhawan is located near the Circuit House in Jodhpur. The Jodhpur railway station is about 4.5 kilometres away, the airport about 5 kilometres away and the bus stop about 2 kilometres away from the hotel. The nearest market is Rai ka Bagh about 3 kilometres away.

Home of the royal family of Jodhpur, Ajit Bhawan was built for Maharaja Ajit Singhji Rathore, younger brother of Maharaja Umaid Singhji of the erstwhile Jodhpur state. Ajit Bhawan offers a unique combination of ageless elegance with modern comfort. Built of Jodhpur stone, Ajit Bhawan incorporates the traditional style of gardens and has been built proportionately with two floors. The high ceiling ground floor has a mezzanine section circulating cool air and thus keeping the rooms cool from the scorching sun in the summer.

Rooms
Ajit Bhawan offers 69 stylish rooms that compliment the character of the hotel, mixing Raj splendour with a contemporary twist. With 10 Deluxe rooms, 22 Luxury rooms, 7 Luxury room, 10 Luxury tents and 15 Suites, the hotel promises a luxurious stay as antiques from various periods and photographs from the family archives create an ambiance that suggests a private home rather than a hotel room. Every room has a unique character. The Executive room is bigger than the Deluxe room, while the Luxury room has superior furnishings. The Luxury Tent is a concrete room with multi layered canopies to protect from the heat and cold, while providing a unique tent experience. The Luxury Suite is a class apart with a designer living room and bedroom and washroom. All rooms are well furnished and equipped with a telephone, plasma television with satellite channels, mini bar, air conditioner, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, electronic safe, tea/coffee maker and hair dryer. The washrooms are large with a shower cubicle or bathtub and luxurious toiletries provided for.

Dining
Ajit Bhawan offers a range of dining options. The Jodhpur Cafe is a multi cuisine restaurant that serves a wide range of sumptuous cuisines from around the world besides offering traditional Rajasthani delicacies. The view from the restaurant is spectacular as it looks over the rhombus pool. The Garden Restaurant is an extension of the cafe done in an alfresco setting. The Jodhpur Cafe and Garden Restaurant combined can accommodate around 105 guests. Dhani is a traditionally decorated restaurant open for dinner offering local Rajasthani cuisines. The Lounge Bar is located next to the reception and has a royal touch. Cane furniture, pictures of erstwhile Maharajas and royal artefacts are displayed in the bar. With about 25 as the seating capacity, the Lounge Bar offers a range of Indian and international liquor.

Hotel Facilities
The hotel offers lavish settings for conferences and banquets that can be organised in the plush halls or on the landscaped gardens.

Recreational facilities include a spectacular swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. A health club, shopping arcade and a fleet of vintage club on hire are some of the other facilities available at the Ajit Bhawan. The hotel also organises folk dance performances and puppet shows on request.

Other facilities include business centre, Wi- Fi internet connection, currency exchange, travel desk, laundry service, housekeeping service, car rental facility and parking. Room service is available round the clock.

Outdoor activities include horse riding, camel safari, village safari, rock climbing, trekking and boating (during season).

Don't Miss
To take a few laps in the gorgeous swimming pool that is fitted with an ancient water wheel! There are deck chairs under shady trees that surround the pool where guests can enjoy a massage or a book. The Luxury Suite is worth seeing for its extravagant decor and rich furnishings.

The Bahai Lotus Temple - An architectural marvel of Delhi