INDIA. Delhi Agra Jaipur

Transcription

1 INDIA Delhi Agra Jaipur 18 th to 21 st September

2 DAY SEP SUN DELHI AGRA Morning: We drive to Agra (Approx. 3 ½ hours). Agra The city that created the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Agra city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery. It has witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan, all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches to transform the land into one of the greatest centres of art, culture, learning and commerce. Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments and in the majesty of the buildings. Upon arrival in Agra, we check-in to our hotel The Oberoi Amarvilas. The Oberoi Amarvilas on the doorsteps of the Taj Mahal Amarvilas is located only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal. The classical architecture of the hotel is complemented by the elaborate Mughal gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The hotel has been designed to give guests uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from all the s and suites. Afternoon: Visit Taj Mahal and Agra fort. It is said that the world is divided into two parts; those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not. We visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is often described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. It took 22 years to be built and in total people worked on the Taj. Several experts contributed to the designing of the Taj Mahal such as the Frenchman Austin of Bordeaux and the Italian Veroneo of Venice. The Taj Mahal is amazingly graceful from almost any angle. The semi precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful designs are through a process called "pietra dura". 2

3 Designer tip: Do not engage in a visual or verbal contact with touts near the Taj Mahal. Important information: Due to security reasons, there are certain personal articles that are not permitted within the complex of the Taj Mahal such as mobile phones, cigarettes, lighters, match boxes, eatables and any sharp instruments. The Great Red Fort of Agra! The construction of Agra fort was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565 when he was just 23 years of age. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings the Pearl Mosque built of marble, the Hall of Public Audiences, the Hall of Private Audiences where the famous "peacock throne" was kept, the Octagonal Tower, the Jehangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir and the Khas Mahal, a beautiful white marble structure used as a private palace. A truly remarkable feature of the Amarvilas is its outdoors. This evening, we enjoy sumptuous dinner cuisine on the pool overhang of the hotel. The blazing mashaals (fire-torches) in the evening sky and the vibrant blue of the swimming pool combine to create an absolutely magical ambience. Overnight is at The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premier with balcony). DAY SEP MON AGRA JAIPUR Breakfast is at the hotel. Morning: At leisure or Visit Taj Mahal. It is said that the world is divided into two parts; those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not. Morning: We visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is often described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. It took 22 years to be built and in total people worked on the Taj. Several experts contributed to the designing of the Taj Mahal such as the Frenchman Austin of Bordeaux and the Italian Veroneo of Venice. The Taj Mahal is amazingly graceful from almost any angle. The semi precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful designs are through a process called "pietra dura". 3

4 Afternoon: We drive to Jaipur (Approx. 4 ½ hours). Option: Fly by charter flight Agra to Jaipur, about 40 minutes flying time. Welcome to Jaipur! Jaipur was one of the first examples in the world of city planning. The 250 year old city is a startling blend of forts and palaces, of teeming markets, shops and transport of every kind, from cars to camels! The city is a living testament to one of the most remarkable men of his age - Jai Singh II was extremely talented politically as well as on the battle field. Indulging in his passion for science and the arts resulted in the creation of Jaipur. However, much of the pinkness of the city goes to the credit of Maharaja Mansingh who dressed up the city in the symbolic welcoming colour when the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII visited Jaipur in Jaipur today, is the capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 2½ million people. Jaipur is called the Pink City, for by law, all the buildings in the old city must be painted a deep saffronpink. Apart from being an important administrative, commercial and educational centre, Jaipur has a variety of manufacturing industries. It is especially known for its arts and crafts: jewellery, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colourful place. On its streets you see women in their brilliant read and orange head coverings and sweeping skirts, and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned moustaches. Jaipur is also a city of polo which is played on horseback, elephants and at times on bicycles! Upon arrival in Jaipur, we check-in to our hotel The Rambagh Palace / The Oberoi Rajvilas. Rambagh Palace A Palace made by kings. Fit for the Gods. Rajasthan evokes images of erstwhile royalty polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses who captured their hearts. The history of Rajasthan or Rajputana as it was once called is rich with legendary tales of love and valour. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. The original building was first built as a modest four- pavilion in 1835 for the queen s favourite handmaiden. Later, a need was felt by the royalty for a guest-house and hunting lodge.. Picturesque gardens and neatly manicured lawns were rolled out and the mansion was renamed Rambagh after the then reigning Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. In 1925 the Maharaja elevated Rambagh to the status of a palace and made it his royal residence. 4

5 The Jewel of Jaipur as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the jewel in the crown among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India. An experience so far reserved for royalty. OR The Oberoi Rajvilas Luxury Redefined The Oberoi Rajvilas is a unique way to experience Jaipur, one of India s most vibrant and exotic destinations. A luxury resort with its own distinctive character, it revives the gracious lifestyles of India s legendary Rajput princes. It recreates the magnificence of princely Rajasthan, in a beautiful fort setting, with Jaipur as its backdrop. The Oberoi Rajvilas is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan. Rooms, luxury tents and villas with private pools are clustered around private courtyards in a richly embellished fort setting. At The Oberoi Rajvilas superb attention to detail creates a soothing blend of warm, effortless service and harmonious spaces. Overnight is at The Rambagh Palace (Palace ) / The Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier ). DAY SEP TUE IN JAIPUR Breakfast is at the hotel. Morning: We set off for our visit of Amber Fort. Amber The Medieval Rajput Citadel I have seen many royal palaces.. but for varied and picturesque effect, for the richness of carving, for wild beauty of situation and the strangeness of finding such a building in such a place and country, I am able to compare nothing with Amber. Bishop Heber, About 7 miles from Jaipur is Amber, the former capital of Jaipur state stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Ascend the hill on elephant back. Construction of the palace - fortress began in 5

6 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and developed into a pleasure retreat to which Amber s maharajas would return, battle-weary, from their campaigns with the Mughal armies all over India. It was later extended and completed by Jai Singh. An imposing stairway leads to the "Hall of Public Audience" which has a double row of columns and latticed galleries. Next to the hall is the Kali Temple whose entrance doors are made of silver. Walk over to the Hall of Victory" noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. On the opposite side is the "Hall of Pleasure" with an ivory - inlaid sandalwood door. The "Hall of Private Audience" is decorated with delicate murals. But the jewel of the fort is the "Hall of Mirrors" whose interior is encrusted with tiny mirrors. With doors closed and candle lit, it is like being inside a vast twinkling diamond. The oldest part of the palace is the apartments of Raja Man Singh where each of his dozen wives had a separate suite. Later, we visit of City Palace. The City Palace The largest single pieces of silver in the world ; the Guinness Book of World We visit the City Palace. The exquisite and sprawling City Palace and Museum comprises of several courtyards, gardens and buildings and is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It is almost a city within a city. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the Palace. The museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware, old weapons, miniature paintings, an armoury of guns and swords, costumes and dresses of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. On display are 2 huge silver vessels which have found their way into the world record of being he largest single pieces of silver in the world. A former Maharaja used them to carry his drinking water to England as he was a devout Hindu. Afternoon: At leisure Overnight is at The Rambagh Palace (Palace ) / The Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier ). DAY SEP WED JAIPUR DEPART DELHI Breakfast is at the hotel. Morning: We are transferred to Jaipur airport for our Jet airways flight 9W / 1300 hours to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you proceed to international airport for our onward flight. I came to your shore as a stranger, I lived in your house as a guest, I leave the door as a friend Rabindranath Tagore 6

7 RATES All Rates are per person in a single / double share basis in GBP (Sterling Pound) IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates are based on existing Govt. taxes and are subject to change if the Government should revise any taxes. Cost based on The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur Number of guests Cost per person Government Service Tax 3.5% in GBP For 01 guest in 01 Single For 02 guests in 01 Double Total per person GBP 1583 GBP 56 GBP 1639 GBP 855 GBP 30 GBP 885 Cost based on The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur Number of guests Cost per person Government Service Tax 3.5% in GBP For 01 guest in 01 Single For 02 guests in 01 Double Total per person GBP 1410 GBP 50 GBP 1460 GBP 764 GBP 27 GBP 791 Cost includes: 1 03 night s hotel accommodation in 01 Single/ Double with existing taxes and per person. 2 Breakfast throughout on fixed menu basis. 3 Transport in a private Air-Conditioned Car with a chauffeur. 4 Local English speaking guide for visits as per the itinerary. 5 Entrances at monuments as per the itinerary. 6 Cycle Rickshaw ride in Delhi & Jaipur. Elephant ride (subject to availability) to ascend the Amber fort & Jeep ride to descend the Amber Fort in Jaipur. 7 Porterage at airports. Cost does not include: 1 Porterages at the hotels. 2 Any meals other than those indicated above. 3 Items of personal nature. 4 Camera fees. 5 Any visits or excursions other than those mentioned above. 7