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Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan – India.
India! there really is no where on the planet quite like it, you cannot help but be astonished. Fabulous wealth, and grinding poverty sit side by side and your emotions will be all over the place. The country is also vast, you could spend a lifetime visiting and never see it all. On this trip we get to explore just a small part, but one rich in "Forts and Palaces" and amazing history. India is so full on that for me its essential to have a nice place to retreat to in the evening, freshen up and enjoy an evening meal and we have chosen some lovely hotels for you to do just that in. Also with our own private air conditioned vehicle, we can cover the distances between cities in relative comfort. On this trip we will have a driver, helper, local guide and Richard all there to make the trip run as smoothly as possible. So take the plunge and dive into the sensory overload which is India. Arrival day in Delhi Meet & Greet upon arrival in Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel. Welcome meal hosted by Richard Delhi Today after a leisurely breakfast we set off for a full day exploring the city of Delhi visiting: - Laxmi Narayan Temple, President House, Parliament House Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple), Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat. (Breakfast & Dinner) Delhi - Agra (Drive 204 Kms - Approx 4 Hrs) We leave Deli after breakfast for Agra - the city of the Taj -Mahal. Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century. We check into our hotel after the drive, relaxing before heading out later in the evening to visit Agra Fort. Later proceeding to the Taj Mahal in time to encounter sunset. (Breakfast & Dinner) Agra - Jaipur (Drive 256 Kms - Approx. 5 Hrs) Early morning at sunrise visit to Taj Mahal :: means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones." . We return to the hotel to have breakfast and pack before heading for Jaipur (Pink City of India). On the way visit to Fatehpur Sikri. (Breakfast & Dinner) Jaipur Full day city tour of Jaipur and visit to: - Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort Palace, Jal Mahal. This evening we have a cultural event planned. (Breakfast & Cultural Dinner evening) Jaipur – Pushkar (Drive 140 Kms, Approx 2.5 Hrs) Wake up early morning and have your breakfast and drive to Pushkar. After check in our local Guide will escort us to the narrow streets of the main bazaar in Pushkar and stroll the city covering popular pilgrimage site Brahma. Temple and Pushkar Lake. (Breakfast & Dinner) Pushkar- Udaipur Via Sardargarh ( Drive 270Kms / 5Hrs) After breakfast we drive towards Udaipur (City of lakes), often known as the most romantic city in Rajasthan. On the way we will be visiting Sardargarh Fort, which is now converted into beautiful grand deluxe hotel. We will be having Lunch and tour of the fort. Later driving onto Udaipur. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) Udaipur for "Diwali Full day exploring the City Palace Museum that is located in Fateh Prakash Palace, Saheliyo Ki Bari, beautiful Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lakes, Monsson Palace and Jag Mandir Island. Udaipur - Jodhpur via Ranakpur. (Drive 290km / 5 hrs) After breakfast we pack up and head for Ranakpur and its beautiful sculptured Jain temples. One of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15 the century. We then proceed to Jodhpur city, and visit Umaid Bhawan Palace. With three hundred and forty seven rooms, Umaid Palace is the last of the great Indian palaces, and is the biggest private residence in the world. (Breakfast & Dinner) Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (Drive 280km / 5hrs) In the morning we have a half-day City tour visiting: -Mehrangarh Fort. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is sprawled across a 125m high hill. We visit Jaswant Thada, Maha Mandir, Mandore Gardens, Clock Tower and the colourful sardar, before driving west towards Jaisalmer. (Breakfast & Dinner) Jaisalmer The Golden City Jaisalmer. The city has some fabulous Rajasthan forts and palaces, Hindu and Jain’s temples and magnificently carved architecture.. We visit the stunning Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Singh ki Haveli, and Patwa Haveli. This evening we head to SAM Sand dunes, sunset. Later we have planned, dinner and cultural dance performance at the dunes. (Breakfast & Cultural Dinner Evening) Jaisalmer – Bikaner (Drive 310Kms/5hrs) This morning we drive towards Bikaner. The city was established 15th century by Rao Bika Ji and even today you can find Rajput civilization in Bikaner. Visit the Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, and the famous rat temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess – Karni Mata Temple. (Breakfast & Dinner) Bikaner – Mandawa ( Drive 190Kma/3hrs) This morning we head to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Mandawa we visit the town and local markets. Some famous Havelis that attracts million of the tourist to see a beautiful painting. There are the Havelis: Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli and Murmuria Haveli. (Breakfast & Dinner) Mandawa – Delhi ( Drive 250Kms/5hrs) Leave after breakfast for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we are free to have leisure time, or hop on Delhi Metro and do your last minute shopping. (Breakfast & Farewell Dinner) Delhi – International Airport Drop. After breakfast leisure time before your transfer back to the International airport for your onward international flight. Solo travellers This trip is a twin share, or pay a single supplement for a room of your own. I will try and match you up with another solo guest of the same sex where posable, but if this cannot be done then a single room rate will be charged. |
20th March - 3rd April 2024.
Starts and finishes in Delhi (DEL) A 15 day adventure. Next trip will be Co-hosted by OTS founder Richard and a Gay friendly local guide. OTS has negotiated a special group rate with a local gay operator for this special tour of India. Register now as its filling up. Min 8 and Max 12 guests, small group trip. Inclusions:
Not Included:
Please express interest ASAP as this is a small group trip and priority will be given to those that register their interest early. Estimated cost USD to being finalized soon. Private room USD $ Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, up to 60 days before the departure or until paid in full. 
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