Palaces & Forts

Tour Code: (NHI – PFT 9N / 10D) < Book this Tour >
09 Nights / 10 Days
Delhi-Agra- Jaipur- Shekhawati -Delhi

The rich cultural past of India is reflected in the innumerable forts, palaces and other monuments across the country. This tour gives you the opportunity to discover some of the most wonderful Forts and Palaces of Delhi-Capital city of India, Agra- The city of Taj Mahal, Jaipur - The royal city of Forts & Palaces, Shekhawati - Open air art gallery of Rajasthan

• Day 1- Arrive Delhi
  Meet on arrival by Nature Holidaiz India representative Traditional welcome with garlanding and transfer to the Hotel Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 02: Delhi / Agra (200 Kms - 04 hrs)
  After a morning at leisure, we drive to the city of Taj, Agra, stopping enroute at a good restaurant for refreshment. We arrive by evening and check inn to the Hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure, Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 03: In Agra
  After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.
  
  Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort - built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains, and gates, Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 04: Agra / Jaipur (250 Kms - 05 hrs)
  After breakfast we leisurely drive to Jaipur - the fabled "pink city" of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments.
  
  Enroute we stop at Fatehpur Sikri - which has been described as "the world's most perfectly preserved ghost town". Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. In the afternoon continue to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, arrive and check inn to the Hotel.
  
  This will be a cultural evening; we visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner will be served, overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 05: In Jaipur
  After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Hotel we visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber - ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors.
  
  We stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)- this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.
  
  Post lunch tour of the Maharajah's City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armory and costumes. Later we visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century, overnight stay at the Hotel.
  
  (Shekhawati Region: Mandawa, Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Ratangarh are the parts of Shekhawati region, approximately 15 to 35 Kms. From each other and in radius of hardly 75kms, so one can stay at one place and can have day return tour to all the places).
   

• Day 06: Jaipur / Mandawa (151 kms - 03hrs)
  After breakfast at the Hotel we leave for Mandawa - often called the 'open air art gallery of Rajasthan', the region is famous for the high quality frescoes
  
  Arrive by lunch and transfer to the Hotel. After lunch we take a half - day sightseeing tour of Mandawa to appreciate the painted havelis on the ancient and the famous silk route, Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 07: Excursion to Nawalgarh
  Breakfast at the Hotel followed by an excursion tour of Nawalgarh - which is only 8kms from Mandawa is a town has a colourful bazaar and two forts, there is also interesting temples in town including Ganga Mai near Nansa Gate. Evening we drive back to Hotel in Mandawa Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 08: Excursion to Dundlod and Ratangarh
  Today After breakfast we leave for an excursion trip to Dundlod and Ratangarh - Sight seeing of the frescoland - Shekhawati Haveli's & the local market Evening back to Mandawa and overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 09: Mandawa / Delhi (260 Kms - 05 hrs)
  After a leisurely breakfast at the Hotel we continue by road back to Delhi, arrive and check inn to the Hotel Rest of the day at leisure, Overnight stay at the Hotel.
   

• Day 10: Leave Delhi
  Full day will be free for personal activities; you may wish to explore the local markets of Delhi Evening transfer to the international airport in time to Board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.
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Palaces & Fort Tour of Rajasthan  < Book this Tour >
Tour Code: (NHI – PFT 17N / 18D)
17Nights / 18 Days

Delhi - Pachewar - Bundi - Castle Bijaipur –
Udaipur - Dungarpur - Narlai - Luni - Osian –
Kuchaman - Nawalgarh - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
 

• Day 1: Delhi
  Arrive in Delhi meet assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel, Overnight stay at Hotel.
   

• Day 2: Delhi
  Morning combined sightseeing of Old and New Delhi visiting Qutub Minar. India Gate (war memorial), Laxmi Narayan Temple a (modern Hindu temple), drive past President's estate, Parliament House, Secretariat building, Raj Ghat and Shanti van, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 3: Delhi – Pachewar
  Early morning express train to Jaipur. From here, we continue by road to the small village of Pachewar and stay in the 300 years old fort, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 04: Pachewar – Bundi
  Morning, drive to Bundi. Arrive Bundi and check in Hotel. Afternoon visit Hada Kingdom located in the saddle- like fold of the hills. This is a beautifully located fortified settlement. Its fort and palaces are impressive especially for the delicacy and profusion of their architectural embellishments and Bundi equally well known for its step wells as well as for its school of paintings, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 5: Bundi - Castle Bijaipur
  Morning, drive to Bijaipur. Arrive Bijaipur & check in Hotel. Afternoon, visit the forests. Located 40 Kms from Chittorgarh this Sisodia principality is now more easily accessible and far less hostile to its visitors, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 6: Castle Bijaipur – Udaipur
  Morning, drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur & check in Hotel. Overnight stay in Hotel
   

• Day 7: Udaipur
  Morning, sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Shaelion Ki Bari (queen's resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (folk art museum) Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 8: Udaipur – Dungarpur
  Morning, drive to Dungarpur. Arrive Dungarpur & check in Hotel, Afternoon, visit deep in the heart of Bhil Country surrounded by hills. The house of Dungarpur was a 13th century hostile offshoot of Chittorgarh that later made peace with it. Off the beaten track, Dungarpur has two beautiful palaces whose architecture is worth exploring since they consist of every known embellishment used in the making of any building, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 9: Dungarpur – Narlai
  Morning, drive to Narlai. Arrive Narlai & check in Hotel. Afternoon visit the Narlai Legend says that it was here that the sage Narad Muni meditated long before it inhabited. Later it became a hunting preserve for the Sisodias, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 10: Narlai - Luni
  Morning, drive to Luni. Arrive Luni & check in Hotel. Afternoon visit the Luni River that has provided a lifeline to dwellers in the desert, even though it has been a seasonal phenomenon and its floods in the past have wrought havoc, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 11: Luni
  Sightseeing of Luni Visit the Fort Chanwa, Luni built by the youngest son of Jodhpur's Maharaja Umaid Singh a hundred years ago, used large blocks of sandstone to create a handsome building and includes jharokhas and cupolas characteristic of the architecture of the region. The interior are 19 rooms, serve Rajasthani cuisine, and makes a delightful excursion into the idyllic world of a desert community, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 12: Luni - Osian
  Morning, drive to Osian. Arrive Osian & check in Hotel. Afternoon Sightseeing of Osian An ancient town of the Thar Desert, renowned for a cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain Temples dating from 8th to 11th century. The most important temples are the Surya or Sun Temple and the Sachiya Mata Temple. The latter has a "Shikhar" clustered by a row of tarots an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling, overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 13: Osian – Kuchaman
  Morning, drive to Kuchaman. Arrive Kuchaman & check in Hotel. Located in Nagaur District, Kuchaman Fort has had a strategic role to play in Rajasthan's history, which unravels as one move around its 17th century battlements. Its picturesque village is idyllic for those who would like to discover the charm of walking through it, overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 14: Kuchaman - Nawalgarh
  Morning, drive to Nawalgarh. Arrive Nawalgarh & check in Hotel, Afternoon, visit Nawalgarh, the seat of the Poddar families. “Nawalgarh” known for the high quality of its paintings, even in the richly frescoed Shekhawati area its Poddar School has some excellent old work. Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior- political leader Evening visit to Mandawa, Dundlod, founded Nawalgarh in 1737. The Mandawa Castle is one of the finest of Rajasthan, is now a beautiful Hotel and it has beautiful frescoes, havelis & mansions overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 15: Nawalgarh – Jaipur
  Morning, drive to Jaipur. Check in Hotel. Afternoon visit the bazaars of Jaipur, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 16: Jaipur
  Morning, visit Amber Fort via Wind Palace & Water Palace here you have the elephant ride to the top of the fort. After sightseeing of Amber, visit city palace, Observatory & the glittering bazaars of Jaipur Back to Hotel, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 17: Jaipur - Agra
  Morning, departure by car for the fabled city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted "ghost" capital of the Emperor Akbar with its beautifully preserved forts, palaces and mosques. Arrive Agra and check into your Hotel. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal built by the Emperor Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1653 as an expression of his love for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day 18: Agra - Delhi
  Sightseeing of Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal once again and later visit the Red Fort and Moti Mosque. After lunch, transfer to Delhi via Sikandra to visit the Tomb of Emperor Akbar. On arrival in Delhi, you will be transfer to your Hotel or the airport for your onward journey.
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Forts & Palace Tour of Rajasthan < Book this Tour >
Tour Code: (NHI – PFTR 14N / 15D)
14 Nights / 15 Days

DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER /JAISALMER / JODHPUR/
UDAIPUR/ PUSHKAR / JAIPUR/ AGRA/DELHI
 

• Day-01: Arrive Delhi
  Meet on arrival in Delhi international airport and transfer to Hotel Overnight stay at Hotel.
   

• Day-02: Delhi Sightseeing
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Visiting - The mighty Red Fort, Jama Masjid, The silver street of Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, Birla Mandir, The India Gate -- a 42 m high war memorial, The Rashtrapati Bhawan, The tomb of Emperor Humayun, Qutab Minar -- a 73 m high victory tower and The Bahai Temple Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-03: Drive Delhi - Mandawa (250 kms / 05 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Mandawa. On arrival in Mandawa check in at Hotel Castle Mandawa, (best available Hotel). Set in the heart of the Shekhawati region (often called the largest open-air art gallery in the world) of Rajasthan. Castle Mandawa is an ideal base to discover the legacy of 18th Century frescoes that adorn the Havelies of this storybook town. With canopied balconies and turreted battlements, the Castle Mandawa offers modern comforts with an old world charm. The highlight of your stay is a royal repast where guests dine under the stars entertained by a Rajasthani fire dancer. A two hundred and forty year old fortress, which is converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality
  
  From Castle Mandawa you can take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. En-route you can shop for the colorful art and crafts of Rajasthan: tied and dyed textiles, metal handicrafts, carved wooden artifacts and more. You can also get a unique insight to life in the desert by visiting nearby villages on a camel safari overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-04: Drive Mandawa - Bikaner (190 kms / 3 ½ hours)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Bikaner. Rao Bika, second son of the founder of Jodhpur, founded Bikaner. The city figured importantly on the great caravan trade routes. A long city wall encircles the old city while all-important buildings, including the fort and the palaces, are outside the city walls. The Ganga Canal, built between 1925 and 1927, brought prosperity to this otherwise arid desert region.
  
  On arrival in Bikaner check in at the Hotel Afternoon proceed for half Day sightseeing tour of Bikaner city -- visiting The Junagarh fort which was built in 1588, with several places & temples Lallgarh palace carved from red sand stone sandstone, Ganga golden jubilee museum & also visit camel breeding farm Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-05: Drive Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330 kms / 7 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer, the golden city of Thar Desert was founded in 1156 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal, the head of Bhati clan of Rajputs. This citadel town blossoms with intricately carved Havelies & Temples. Placid cows chew cud as life continues at its own pace in this medieval fortified wonder of the Great Indian Desert. This town with population of 40,000 is a definite walking city & will transport you back in time. This town was declared a national heritage city in 1974 & it is our endeavor to preserve & protect it for your pleasure. The environs of Jaisalmer are home to many endangered desert flora & fauna. The great Indian bustard is our prized resident. "Aakal" Fossil Park is testimony of the antiquity of this region On arrival in Jaisalmer check in at the Hotel Overnight at the Hotel.
   

• Day-06: Jaisalmer
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for half Day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. This desert city is unlike any city in India. It also called the Golden City because of the colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun. Your tour of Jaisalmer starts with a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, situated on the 80m high Trikuta Hill. The fort has a maze of winding alleys, all of paved in stone. Within the fort walls, you will also see a group o beautifully carved Jain temples. Proceed on to see two of Jaisalmers most famous Havelis Salim Singh ki Haveli, once the residence of the Prime Minister of the former princely state of Jaisalmer. Also visit Patron ki Haveli, another of Jaisalmer` s elaborate residences Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-07: Drive Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 kms / 06 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. “Jodhpur” known as the 'blue city' because of its blue houses, the bustling desert city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is distinguished by a massive fort that tops a sheer rocky ridge rising in the middle of the town. The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall, built about a century after Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of a Rajput clan known as Rathores. Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom and was called Marwar On arrival in Jodhpur check in at the Hotel Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-08: In Jodhpur
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for half Day sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city. Your tour of this desert city takes you to one of the most imposing Forts -- The Mehrangarh Fort, with its intricately carved sand stone edifice setting, seemingly impregnable and built a top a 400 ft high rock. Close to the Fort is The Jaswant Thada -- the royal crematorium and a cenotaph of the rulers of Jodhpur built in translucent white marble. Walk through the local giridkot and The Sardar market, colorful bazaars where one can shop for textiles, handicrafts, and clay figurines overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-09: Drive Jodhpur - Udaipur (275 kms / 06 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Udaipur. Royal Capital of a divine dynasty, languid lake city or 'city of sunrise', Udaipur, was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a descendant of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus - laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor even toDay. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain - it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichola, add to the magic of Udaipur On arrival in Udaipur check in at the Hotel Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-10: In Udaipur
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for half Day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. One of most romantic cities of Rajasthan, Udaipur is better known as the city of lakes. Your tour takes you to City Palace -- towering over the lake, this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, the main part of the palace is preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection of glass, porcelain figures and miniature paintings. Located only 150 mts from the city palace is the famous Jagdish Temple -- which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki bari -- or garden of the maids of honour. A small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool Evening enjoy sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-11: Drive Udaipur - Pushkar (330 kms /07 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Pushkar. Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle On arrival in Pushkar check in at the Hotel Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-12: Drive Pushkar - Jaipur (145 kms /2.5 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City" because of the pink - colored buildings in its old city. It is situated on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was careful to cultivate good favour with the ruling Mughals, he laid out the city with rectangular blocks according to ancient Hindu architecture. It is a wonderful city for shopping On arrival in Jaipur check in at the Hotel Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-13: In Jaipur
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for full Day sightseeing tour of Jaipur -- the pink city takes you to the Hawa Mahal -- The Palace of Winds, the facade of which is all pink windows and filigree screens, The Jantar Mantar -- the largest and best preserved 18th century stone observatory, The City Palace --still the home of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur housing an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Also visit to Amber Fort situated 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects it's terraces and ramparts. The climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked Elephants Overnight stay in Hotel.
   

• Day-14: Drive Jaipur - Agra (250 kms /05 hrs)
  Morning after breakfast, drive to Agra situated on the bank of Yamuna River, is home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries and its superb monuments date from this era, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 kms outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city was abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. The entire city of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is virtually intact and a site worth seeing is the 54 m high main entrance -- The Buland Darwaza, The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat, On arrival in Agra check in at the Hotel for Overnight stay.
   

• Day-15: Drive Agra - Delhi (220 kms/04 hrs) & Depart
  Morning after breakfast, proceed for half Day sightseeing tour of Agra city visiting the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world -- a monument of love created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and perhaps the most perfect architectural monument of the world, The red sand stone fort -- a testament to the rise and fall of the Mughal empire built by Emperor Akbar in red sand stone over 400 years ago Later drive to Delhi airport to board flight for onward destination.
  
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