Rajputana Retreat

An amazing holiday deal from Dubai, it is especially designed to let you experience the regal lifestyle of the famous Rajputs, an ancient warrior clan of Rajasthan.

Inclusions:

• 9 nights accommodation at hotel / resort
• Breakfast everyday
• All transfers by air-conditioned car
• All sightseeing tours by air-conditioned car
• All inter city transfers by air-conditioned car
• Second class air-conditioned chair car railway ticket for Ajmer - Delhi
• Elephant ride at Amber Fort
• English speaking guide during sightseeing tours
• All applicable transport taxes
• All applicable hotel taxes

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Delhi - Agra [205 km / 123 miles | 3-4 hours by road] After breakfast, drive to Agra. En route, stop at Sikandra, the tomb of Emperor Akbar. On arrival in Agra, check into the hotel. Thereafter, take a sightseeing tour and 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, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Deewan-e-Am. In the evening, visit the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a shrine for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered to be the ultimate symbol of love with its majestic marble domes and elegant minarets. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Agra - Jaipur [249 km / 150 miles | 4-5 hours by road] After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En route, visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri constructed of sandstone and built by Emperor Akbar. Within it, lies the tomb of the great Sufi saint Salim Chisti. It also houses the Panch Mahal and the Buland Darwaza, two of the many excellent representations of Mughal architecture. On arrival in Jaipur, check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4: Jaipur After breakfast, go on a full day sightseeing tour and visit the Hawa Mahal from where the royal women would discreetly observe the activities of the bustling bazaar below. Proceed to Amber Fort with 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. In the evening, visit the City Palace Museum with its collection of elaborate costumes, magnificent armory and intricately carved weapons. Also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory built in 1728. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur - Jodhpur [298 km / 180 miles / 7 hours by road] After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right in the middle of the town. Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel. In the evening, visit the Fort and the Jaswant Thada, which harbors royal cenotaphs built in white marble. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jodhpur - Udaipur [260 km / 157 miles / 6 hour drive] Udaipur has been dubbed as the Venice of the East. On arrival in Udaipur, check into the hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Udaipur After breakfast, go on a half-day sightseeing tour and visit the City Palace where the royal family still occupies a part but the main portion 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. Admire the Jagdish Temple in the heart of the city dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Udaipur - Pushkar [250 km / 150 miles / 5 hour drive] After breakfast, drive to the holy city of Ajmer. Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel in Pushkar. In the afternoon, visit Ajmer. Return to Pushkar and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Pushkar - Delhi Enjoy the day at leisure till departure. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station to board connecting train for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer and check into the hotel.

Day 10: Depart Delhi In the afternoon, take a city tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit historic sights including the Red Fort comprising exquisite palaces reflecting Mughal architecture; the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and visit the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory dating back to 1199 AD. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, residence of the President of India, Rajpath and India Gate. In the evening, transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

Delhi: Grand Park inn / similar
Agra: Howard Park Plaza / similar
Jaipur: Park Prime / similar
Jodhpur: Park Prime / similar
Udaipur: Park Prime / similar
Pushkar: Pushkar Resort / similar

• DELHI
• AGRA
• JAIPUR
• JODHPUR
• UDAIPUR
• PUSHKAR

DELHI

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From the arches and domes of historical monuments to modern commercial centres, New Delhi has evolved into a city-of-the-future while still preserving its unique flavour and style. Breaking away from the shackles of being just a bureaucratic base, the city is in the process of a steady makeover, inching its way to becoming a business hotspot.

Don't Miss
There is so much to do in Delhi that will delight everyone. From shopping at the trendiest boutiques, to finding bargains in Sarojini Nagar, and getting lost in the world of knick-knacks, jewellery, fabrics, sarees, furnishings, and books in Old Delhi. Wander the alleys of Chandni Chowk. Gaze spellbound at the Qutab Minar. Roam the cavernous interiors of the Red Fort (Lal Quilla). Take the spanking new Delhi Metro across town. Explore the circles of Connaught Place, or run circles in Nehru Park. Meditate at Lodhi Gardens. Or, gawk at the Parliament building and India Gate. In other words, do the things that each new person suggests you should do in the capital of the nation, and you will never have a dull moment.

Delhi Akshardham Temple Delhi Bahai Lotus Temple Delhi India Gate Delhi Jantar Mantar Delhi Red Fort

AGRA

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There are not many places in the world that command the kind of respect and popularity as Agra does. The Taj Mahal may have added a different perspective to the place but it was always a destination favoured by the kings and nobles of the Mughal era. Akbar, the most renowned and respected of all the Mughal emperors ruled the India of yore from the ramparts of the Red Fort of Agra. In fact, Agra served as the base for most of the Mughal rulers.

Don't Miss
Agra is famous for the Taj Mahotsav. During this time, visitors to the city will be graced by cultural performances and get an insight into the arts and crafts of the region. Traditional music, poetic recitals, classical dances and rides on bedecked camels and elephants are other highlights.

Agra Architectural Splendour Agra Lush Lawns Around The Taj Mahal Agra Taj Mahal Agra The Fort Agra Tomb of Itmad ud Daulah

JAIPUR

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A bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis and yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The old Jaipur painted in pink can grip any visitor with admiration. A city set against the stunning backdrop of ancient forts and palaces that are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance and chivalry.

Don't Miss
Strong on eco-tourism, Rajasthan Tourism has created parks around Jaipur where short treks can be combined with a study of the local flora as well as wildlife. Head for Nahargarh Biological Park or Jhalana Nature Park, both in the Aravalli folds close to Amber Fort.

Jaipur City Palace Jaipur Hawa Mahal Jaipur Jaigarh Fort Jaipur Jantar Mantar Jaipur View from Jaigarh Fort

JODHPUR

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This second largest city in Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Meherangarh) has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert, Jodhpur is a must stop destination for every traveller visiting Rajasthan.

Don't Miss
Jodhpur is a storehouse of culture and history. It abounds in history and you will see numerous forts, palaces and beautiful lakes dot the city. The Government Museum, Umeid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Balsamand Lake and some ancient temples like Chamundaji temple, Rajranchodji temple are some of the places you must see while there.

Jodhpur Baithak at Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur City Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Mohatta Palace Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace

UDAIPUR

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Appropriately called the ‘City of Lakes’ due to the numerous lakes dotting its precincts, Udaipur has another sobriquet to its credit, the ‘Venice of the East’. One of the much sought-after destinations in India, Udaipur has an ambience of romanticism. Udaipur is also associated with the chivalrous spirit of the legendary Maharana Pratap who is revered by the people as an epitome of sacrifice, bravery and self-respect.

Don't Miss
Take a boat ride to one of the islands on Lake Pichola that houses the erstwhile Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel, which was built by Raja Jagat Singh in Mughal-Rajput style. The Jag Mandir still preserves detailed stone inlay work on its roof and carved chhatris.

Udaipur City Palace Udaipur Ghat Udaipur Jagniwas Palace Udaipur Lake Palace Udaipur Lal Ghat

PUSHKAR

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Pushkar, one of the oldest cities of India, also boasts of the only Brahma Temple in the country. It is famous for the extravagant and flamboyant Pushkar Fair, which brings alive the glorious traditions of Rajasthan and the roaring enthusiasm of fair participants as well as visitors, making it a lifetime experience.

Pushkar in Winter Pushkar in Winter Pushkar in Winter Pushkar in Winter Pushkar in Winter

Price: USD 772 per person on twin sharing basis
Validity: Till April 30, 2009