Luxury Rajasthan Tour of Land of Kings (13 Days Tour)

The Royal Welcome

Welcome to the gateway of grandeur. Delhi is a city that is filled with a spellbinding energy that emanates from its over one thousand years of history. The modern suburbs and cityscape shows you the contemporary power and wealth of the nation’s capital. Tucked away in hidden corners, or standing tall in lush parks, you will find ruins and temples, remnants of the Mughal Empire and ancient walls that encompass a continuously thriving market. You are met at the airport by a private transfer and escorted to the Imperial Hotel in the heart of the city. The marble floors in the gallery sparkle and the high ceilings provide spacious comfort.

The combination of savory and sweet spices is captivating. The India Gate stands proud as a memorial to past soldiers of the British Indian Army that fought in World War I. It was unveiled in 1931 and stands over 137 feet tall. In the fading daylight the stone edifice glitters like gold and welcomes you to India.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation

Past Mystique

Breakfast is filled with the tart and sweet flavors of fresh fruit, from mango to bananas. Sip on your sweet and spiced tea before meeting your private transfer. In the afternoon you will arrive in Agra home to the legendary Taj Mahal, an iconic landmark of India.

The complex was constructed in the 17th century in homage to Shah Jahan’s third wife. It was the first Moghul structure to be constructed entirely of white marble. When you enter the gardens you understand the words of the poet Rabindranath Tagore when he said the Taj Mahal was “a teardrop on the face of eternity.”

The gardens are manicured and pure. The scent of pine and budding flowers is prevalent. The reflective pool almost points the way to the mausoleum. The marble captures the light and changes colors throughout the day. The sun casts a pink shadow over the site when sunset nears. The four minarets are 130 feet tall and add to the overall symmetry of the mausoleum’s design. The dome has remarkably rounded angles and stands 115 feet tall at its peak. The design is both elegant and staggering.

Semi-precious stones decorate the interior gallery and catch the light that beams through the window. The stones inlaid into the walls create designs of flower petals and vines, which add to the captivating lavishness. In the evening you will arrive at the fabulous Oberoi Amarvilas and find a panorama of the Taj Mahal shimmering beneath the starlight.

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer, tour, accommodation.

The Power of the Past

The Amer Fort continues to rise over the Maota Lake with a watchful gaze on the nearby Pink City. You will have a private transfer to the foothills where the fort resides. You will climb aboard an elephant and traverse the nearby Aravali Forest located outside of Jaipur. There are 500 miles of ancient trees and protected wildlife.

You feel safe and comfortable in the howdah, the compartment that sits atop the elephant. You notice the ease with which the pachyderm moves. Each step is a gentle and calculated sway. Tree branches brush past you and the scent of evergreen and bark is crisp. After a picnic breakfast you will proceed to the Amer Fort.

The pathway leading to the entrance gate is long and winding. The fort was constructed in the 16th century and the impressive edifice is filled with exuberant décor. Four separate sections offer distinct gateways, courtyards, and residences. The Ganesh Pol glistens in the morning light. You can see the elegant artistry that decorates the façade.

Each fresco has a golden fringe and the latticed windows give a touch of modesty to the opulent geometric embellishment. The windows were originally meant for the women of the palace from which they would watch the daily processions from behind the woven window in order to preserve their modesty.

What’s Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation.

Stately Estates

The camels once again trot down the main boulevard. The bazaars fill with people searching for fresh produce and textiles. After breakfast, your private guide takes you to the rural walled town of Shahpura.

You settle into your gorgeous estate hotel of Shahpura Bagh that encompasses nearly 45 acres of land. It was once used as a summer palace. The gardens are bright with blossoming flowers. The pasture is verdant and comforting. Peepal trees produce figs and large dangling leaves. The scent of fresh mango is intoxicating. A couple sits on the serene lake. Towering palms and precious quiet surround them.

Enjoy a cooking course on the terrace that overlooks the landscape. Your private chef  shows you each ingredient and its historical value to Shahpura. The spices are aromatic. Indulge in the traditional flavors of lapsi, where the coconut and cardamom add unique vivaciousness to the wheat-based dish. 

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, transfer, tour, accommodation.

The Noble Countryside

In the morning light you can see the outline of Dhikhola Fort sitting atop the hillside. After breakfast you depart from the village and make your way deeper into the countryside. The reservoir was completed in the 19th century and the resulting collection of water turned the arid landscape fertile and verdant.

When you come over the horizon you can see the oasis shining like an inviting beacon. Your accommodation of Chhatra Sagar is a gathering of private luxury tents that are fit for kings with floors that are individually painted with elaborate henna designs.

The beds are plush and comfortable. You have your own private veranda that looks out over the gentle rippling water. A flock of geese meanders on the reservoir’s surface. Chilies and wheat are aromatic along the surrounding landscape. Goats bleat and are herded by a local shepherd. He wears a tightly wound red turban and sports a fantastic twirling mustache.

The remains of the 9th century temple of Magar Mandi Mata are close by. The temple was destroyed by the Mughals and eventually covered by the sands of time.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, transfer, accommodation.

An Imperial Blue

The desert is gold and stretches along the horizon like an endless treasure. Breakfast comes and goes in the comforts of the elegant campsite. The evening was quiet and perfect beneath the unencumbered starlight. After your meal you have a private transfer to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City. The buildings in the old quarter are awash with indigo and color the city like an ocean beneath the shadow of the impenetrable Mehrangarh Fort.

The complex is over 400 feet above the city and is known for its imposing thick walls. The foundation was laid in the 15th century and now offers exceptional views of the valley in the distance. Kilkila cannon is wonderfully preserved and sits on the ramparts in its ancient position, on watch over the fort. The Pearl Palace is a fabulous display of regal splendor and preservation. The stained glass windows bring a gathering of colors that spread across the soft red carpet. The archways are rigged and refined. The ceiling is gilded and symmetrical.

From the color of the city to the decorating hues of the various palaces set inside the fortress walls, you will quickly find historic stature and grace. Enjoy your night in the luxuries of the Umaid Bhawan Palace.  

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, transfer, tour, accommodation.

A Finishing Touch

The streets are active and the colors of the city wind through the ancient and contemporary neighborhoods but the morning feels calm and cool. At breakfast you sip your chai and savor the flavor. Saris wave as women walk down the street.

You have witnessed paradises and palaces, forts and gardens during your time in India. You not only saw royal luxuries but also experienced them, from your accommodation to your meals. After breakfast you will have a private transfer to the airport where you will step aboard your flight home.

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer.