Northern India: An Imperial Odyssey

 

 

DAY 1: DEPART USA

DAY 2: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi late this evening and transfer to your hotel.
O/N The Imperial - Heritage Room

 DAY 3: DELHI
The morning is free to relax after the long flight. In the afternoon embark on an exploration of India’s stately capital, driving along the busy avenues to view the India Gate war memorial, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), Parliament and the Diplomatic Enclave, before visiting the landmark 11th century Qutb Minar tower, and Humayun’s Tomb, considered to be the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.
O/N The Imperial - Heritage Room (B)

DAY 4: DELHI/ AGRA
Drive north to Old Delhi, pausing at the memorial to Gandhi at Rajghat and taking in views of the Red Fort. Board a cycle rickshaw that spirits you into the medieval atmosphere of the crowded and animated Chandni Chowk market, veined by narrow lanes and a multitude of shops of every description. Disembark at the 16th century Jami Masjid, India’s largest mosque, before returning to your hotel. Later, head out south along the old imperial way to Agra (120 miles/4 hours), passing small towns and villages.
O/N Oberoi Amarvilas - Deluxe Room with Terrace (B)

DAY 5: AGRA
Note: the Taj Mahal is closed Fridays You have a full day to explore the sights of this erstwhile capital of the Mughal empire, dominated by the ethereal Taj Mahal, to which sunrise and daytime visits are arranged. Also visit the stern Agra Fort, standing along a bend in the Yamuna River, and the often overlooked Tomb of Itimaduddaulah, as alluring as a secret gem.
O/N Oberoi Amarvilas - Deluxe Room with Terrace (B)

DAY 6: FATEHPUR SIKRI/ JAIPUR
This morning, journey west to Fatehpur Sikri (24 miles/1 hour), site of another Mughal capital in the form of a city. Made of red sandstone, it harmonizes Hindu, Mughal and Persian architectural styles and is redolent of the majesty and romance of that era. Drive to Jaipur (116 miles/4.5 hours), including a lunch stop at the nearby village of Peharsar, before arriving Jaipur late afternoon.
O/N Rambagh Palace - Luxury Room (BL)

DAY 7: JAIPUR
Journey the short distance north to Amber and travel up to this hilltop fortress on elephant back. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and its private museums, the amazing Jantar Mantar observatory, and the buzzing streetside markets set amidst the backdrop of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob’s vernacular architecture .
O/N Rambagh Palace - Luxury Room (B)

DAY 8: JODHPUR
Drive southwest to the town of Pushkar (89 miles/2.5 hours), one of the country’s most sacred spots. It is the site of one of a few temples dedicated to Brahma, god of Creation, and the lake is a magnet for innumerable devotees who visit to bathe in its sacred waters. After a visit to these sites, stop for lunch at the Jagat Niwas Palace before driving west to Jodhpur (125 miles/3.5 hours).
Two Nights at Umaid Bhawan Palace - Deluxe Room (BL)

DAY 9: JODHPUR
Set on the southeastern fringes of the great Thar Desert, Jodhpur was a medieval trading outpost, and a strategic military bastion which it remains today. Its evocation is the grand Mehrangarh Fort, whose dramatically sheer ramparts and cannon festooned battlements belie it’s resplendent and magnificently restored interiors. After time here visit the old city’s crafts bazaars and the somewhat unique antique “warehouses”, crammed with interesting bric-a-brac from floor to ceiling.  (B)

DAY 10: RANAKPUR/ DEVIGARH
Depart Jodhpur this morning, driving south where the plains gradually rise into the low, rocky and arid Arvalli Hills that eventually lead to Ranakpur (129 miles/3.5 hours). This is the site of the storied 15th century Adinatha Jain temple, utterly remarkable in that its 1,444 intricately carved pillars are all different from one another. After lunch at Maharani Bagh, continue along a picturesque hill road to Devigarh (66 miles/2.5 hours)
O/N Devigarh Fort-Palace - Palace Suite (BL)

DAY 11: DEVIGARH
A monumental masterpiece of restoration from a 15th century fortress-palace to an atmospheric hotel, Devigarh is a place of seclusion and relaxation. There are opportunities for gentle walks, picnics, and horseback and camel riding. Nearby is the lively temple town of Nathdwara, humming with pilgrim activity, and known for it’s excellent pichwais (paintings on cloth).
O/N Devigarh Fort-Palace - PalaceSuite (B)

DAY 12: UDAIPUR
The last stop on your journey, Udaipur is a short distance ahead (18 miles/0.45 hours). Perhaps one of India’s most beautiful locales, it is a patchwork of lakes rimed by the low Aravalli Hills. Relax at your legendary hotel, one of the world’s most sought after, before the late afternoon motorboat cruise on Lake Pichola, which reveals stunning east side lake shore vistas, enhanced by the sunset.
Two Nights at Lake Palace - Luxury Room (B)

DAY 13: UDAIPUR
This morning visit the cavernous City Palace, the Folk Art Museum, and the Fateh Prakash Palace which reveals a magnificent hall for ceremonial royal gatherings and a superb collection of crystal. In a garage nearby is the Maharana’s extravagant collection of vintage cars. Late this afternoon visit the old city and walk along its busy lanes, ringed by stately old whitewashed mansions and lively produce and merchandise markets. (B)

DAY 14: UDAIPUR/ DELHI
Enjoy a relaxed morning with your vehicle at hand for any additional excursions, before transferring to the airport for the flight to Delhi (Jet Airways 3:15PM/4:40PM). In Delhi you are met and transferred to your hotel where a day room is provided before the late night transfer to the airport.
O/N The Imperial - Heritage Room (B)

DAY 15: DEPART DELHI
After clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, board your onward international flight.

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