Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture making it the "Golden city of Rajasthan". Jaisalmer is blessed with art, architecture, culture and traditions. Known for its handicrafts and antique markets, Jaisalmer resides of the Great Indian Desert- Thar Desert. No place better evokes exotic camel-train trade routes and desert mystery.
With buildings painted in the city’s iconic shade of blue, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It is one of the three most powerful of the erstwhile kingdoms of Rajasthan. The splendour of its imposing fort, glory of the many palaces and havelis and vibrant attraction of its bazaars make it one of the most popular destinations in Rajasthan.
Udaipur is a small city in the western side of Rajasthan. With a romantic setting that is totally unmatched, Udaipur is inarguably one of the picturesque places in India. It IS the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Founded by Udai Singh II in 1559, its set around a series of artificial lakes and known for its lavish palaces. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city's natural charms.
Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, evokes an image of the royal family that once ruled the region what is now called the Old City or Pink City for its trademark building colour. It is known for its fascinating monuments, colourful markets, gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens; it is not difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land here.
Agra tops the list of "must visit" places in India and attracts tourists like moths to flame. Home to one of the seven wonders in the world, The city is studded with splendid architecture, dating back to the Mughal-era. Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri have been recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Arrival Delhi by flight. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. (Room will be booked from1200 hrs). Afternoon Panoramic tour of New Delhi passing through spacious elegant colonial zone of Shanti path and Raj path with photo stop at India Gate and Vijay Chowk. Later visit of Qutub complex – the first example of Islamic Art and the Creation of First Islamic Mosque of India, built with the sculptured stones of ancient Hindu and Jain Temples. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Mandawa. The city of Mandawa, founded in the mid 18th century, was once a town inhabited by the rich merchant families. The wealthy and dominant merchants constructed massive havelis, adorned with beautiful wall paintings, for the purpose of their residence. However, with time, the merchants moved on and migrated to other areas, leaving the beautiful havelis in the shadows of anonymity. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit of beautiful Havelis in Mandawa. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. On arrival check in at hotel. Afteroon visit Junagarh Fort - The Junagarh fort of Rajasthan is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest day to relax. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast full day visit of Jaisalmer visit Jaisalmer Fort - Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Jain Temples - Jaisalmer has been enriched by its Jain community, which has adorned the city with beautiful temples. Havelis, Lodurva, Gadi Sagar Tank
Afternoon Excursion Sam Sand dunes with Camel Ride - Sam sand dunes are becoming the major attraction in Jaisalmer. This is the closest place from where you can loose yourself in 'the Great Thar Desert'. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit of Mehrangarh Fort - Mehrangarh fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. Later visit of Jaswant Thada - Jaswant Thada - The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute - Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. Meeting and assistance on arrival & check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast excursion Eklingi - Eklingji Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple and Nagda - Nagda in Rajasthan are the remains of the SahastraBahu temples of the early 10th century AD, dedicated to Vishnu. It is popularly referred to as Sas Bahu temples (a local corruption of the original Sahastra-Bahu, meaning "One with thousand arms", a form of Vishnu).
Afternoon visit City Palace - The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and was built on a hill top that gives a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding, including several historic monuments.
Jagdish Temple - Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur.This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls.
Saheliyon ki Bari - Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Courtyard of the Maidens) is a major garden and a popular tourist space in Udaipur in Indian state of Rajasthan. It lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was built by Maharana Bhopal Singh. Saheliyon ki Bari means Garden of the Maidens.
Evening common boat ride on lake pichola. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at hotel. Evening Heritage rickshaw drive through the most spectacular bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast full day visit of Jaipur starting with the photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind) and later excursion to Amer Fort with joyful elephant ride takes you through the scenic beauty of the Amer Palaces, making you feel like Maharaja in the land of Maharajas.
Afternoon visit City Palace – Palaces, beautiful courtyard built by Maharajas for celebrating various fesrivities, museums and art gallery giving and excellent opportunity to see the life style of the royal family. Jantar Mantar and later visit of Astronomical Observatory – This opera is still giving access to the astronomical and astrological calculations and observations with absolute perfections. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Agra, on the way enroute visit of Abhaneri - A step well palace - a hidden treasure of Indian Art & Fathepur Sikri. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, visit of Agra visiting Agra Fort & Taj Mahal – an extraordinary expression of eternal love written on white marble with the precious stones (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday). Afternoon drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Leave Delhi
The Claridges, New Delhi has strived to be the best in business and has been successful in winning accolades of guests and fraternity. The Claridges houses some of the finest restaurants of the city, huge banquet halls, a rejuvenating fitness center, adequately furnished rooms, a pool with cabanas and lush green lawns to make your experience memorable. Comprising of elegantly adorned rooms, The Claridges offers you a plethora of rooms to choose from. Adequately equipped with all the facilities that you could possibly need, these rooms proffer an unconventional blend of the elegant style of architecture and the contemporary modern styles.
Castle Mandawa is a part of Mandawa Group of Hotels, a privately owned hotel company, rich in Rajashtjan’s royal heritage and architecture. Today it stands as a jewel in a King’s crown that offers 70 outstandingly reinstated grand luxury suites and rooms, which were the chambers of the former Maharajas. Perhaps the best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is through the redefined history and luxury of Castle Mandawa, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. It revives the whole idea of luxury in a royal yet contemporary elegance- Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies blend with modern comforts in old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock- a huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the fort every hour.
A grand residence, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner is composed of Narendra Singhji’s memories from his travels to destinations near and far. Unconventionally curated, the Bhawan organically grew into a snapshot of the life of its original resident who upon spreading his wings was subconsciously casting a new modern identity for himself much like that of his mother country. A pulsating Bombay influenced by the burgeoning Art Deco movement, influences drawn from the glamour posts of Broadway; dark inviting caverns, rich velveteen fabrics, chiffons and pearls; utterly stylish – all added to the cornucopia that led to the fashioning of this, his private palace-residence.
Hotel Rang Mahal enjoys a distinct reputation of being one of the few hotels that have retained the art of serving its guests while keeping in tune with the latest trends in the hospitality industry. Hotel Rang Mahal has been designed to give its guests an experience of life in a mediaeval fortress. From the golden yellow stone on the exteriors to the detailed stone carvings used to embellish the traditional Jharokhas and arches, each design element is faithful to the traditional designs of Jaisalmer. Even the furniture and fixtures have been chosen accordingly. Due to the personalized service offered by our team members, we have been able to achieve the status of one of the most preferred hotels in Jaisalmer. A night spent in Hotel Rang Mahal transports one to the days when the caravans still plied along these routes.
Featuring architecture and interiors modeled on the palaces, Indana Palace, Jodhpur offers a fitness center, swimming pool, massage parlor and spa and wellness center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Indana Palace has been created to give travellers a unique fusion of the past and the present. it blends the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan’s royal past with the eco-friendly concerns of today and every convenience modern travellers have come to expect. its architecture echoes the royal marwar heritage with exquisite columns, intricate jaali work, regal arches and domes and wide open courtyards.
sit outs and large open lookout points dot the winding corridors, so that every step you take inside and out leaves you feeling like you are exploring your own private palace. designed to be more than just a temporary abode, it offers an immersive royal rajasthani experience.
The 137 rooms and 4 suites at Trident, Udaipur blend elegance and style with traditional touches and contemporary comforts, including complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices. Our hotel rooms feature authentic Rajasthani 'Jharokas' or elegantly designed window frames and 'Jaipuri Kalam' or artwork in vegetable dyes. Furnished in soothing, earthy tones, you will also find the 'Udaipur Green' marble in the décor, a specialty of the region. A restful night on our posturepedic mattresses and duck down pillows is welcome after a day of sightseeing in the city. Enjoy the views of the hotel garden and the swimming pool from the comfortable chairs in your room. Our extensive in-room dining menu has many regional specialties but we recommend you visit our restaurant for a regal feast complimented by exceptional service.
Experience the finest luxury hotel in Jaipur - ITC Rajputana, where we are proud to offer one of the best accommodation in the city with a host of comforts and services in settings that reflect the spirit of Rajasthan and its royalty. Just 15 kilometres from the airport and half a kilometre from the city centre, our regal-influenced design and gardens echo the city’s history. Retreat to our 218 guest rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. Our restaurants offer tastes from around the globe, designed along the lines of traditional havelis, this leisure hotel in Jaipur has its own definition of space and splendour.
Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. This luxury hotel in Agra comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendor and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
