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Village Tours |
As you travel
forward in your comfortable car, travel backwards in time to places where
the way of life has not changed and where everything is still built by hand,
made by hand and created by hand. Visit people untouched by western ideals,
computers or modern "necessities".
In the villages of Rajasthan you can enjoy true Indian hospitality, where
the guest is god. The colours of the turbans and the saris of the women are
in stark contrast to the often parched backdrop of the landscape. You will
be amazed by the elegant way these village women carry a myriad of pots on
their heads and their incredible jewellery. The women cover the outside of
their houses with mud and then paint them with intricate designs, using only
their hands and a paste made of lime.
Accommodation is even so, comfortable for the traveller. Many houses
previously owned by the local gentry, are now being run as small hotels.
Even though modern amenities are provided, they have lost nothing of their
originality and charm. In the Shekhawati region you can stay in one of the
restored Havelis, built in 1890 and covered with original frescoes. This
area is dotted with villages, filled with beautifully painted havelis, all
easily visited within a day or two.
Your hosts
will be proud to show you around the village, where you can see many
artisans at work. Stone cutting, carpentry, inlay work, textile block
printing, potters at their wheels; so many crafts which have long been lost
in western society.
Some of Rajasthan's most interesting features can be seen during these
tours. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur, built on 1444 marble pillars in the
middle of deep jungle and probably the finest example of this type of
architecture. The remains of the 15th century Kumbhalgarh Fort, 3000 feet
above sea level which has peripheral walls 20 feet wide that stretch more
than 30 km and encompasses a complex of palaces and temples.
These tours can be combined with visits to Tribal villages and also with
tours to major places of interest. For those having visited India already, a
village tour will show you yet again, a different face of this fascinating
country.
Village Tours
with Amritsar or Varanasi - Khajuraho
DELHI - JODHPUR - ROHET GARH - NARLAI - UDAIPUR - DEOGARH -
PUSHAKR - JAIPUR - BHARATPUR - AGRA - AMRITSAR - DELHI
Important note:
1.
If you wish to end your tour in Delhi on the day 16 and fly back to home you
can do so.
2. If you wish to visit Varanasi & Khajuraho and skip Amritsar you can
do so. Please see below the full programme in details.
Day
1 Delhi
You will be met by your car with chauffeur for the short transfer to the
hotel for overnight stay.
Accommodation
:
The Claridges Hotel:
Totally refurbished, this is now a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of
Colonial Delhi. Beautiful rooms and some really good restaurants make this a
lovely start to your Indian visit.
The
Hans Plaza Hotel
A small and very centrally located hotel with well furnished rooms, a nice
restaurant and a bar on the 21st floor of the building which gives excellent
views over the city.
Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel has been totally refurbished but maintains its lovely
colonial character. The public rooms and corridors are lined with beautiful
paintings and lithos along with many restored sepia photographs of times
gone by including the Delhi Durbar which was held in 1911. There are two
bars, coffee shop with outside dining on the lawns, Indian, South-East Asia
and Italian restaurants and a swimming pool.
Day
2 Night train Delhi - Jodhpur
Full day sightseeing in Delhi. You could include some of the following: Old
Delhi, Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid Mosque, with a rickshaw ride through
the Chandni Chowk visiting the Spice, Wedding and Silver Markets and then
the Birla Temple if you wish before lunch. Then a drive through New Delhi to
see the Parliament Buildings of Sir Edwin Lutyens, India Gate and Humayun's
Tomb.
After sightseeing transfer to the train station in tine to take the over
night train to Jodhpur. Over night in the train.
Day
3 Arrive Jodhpur.
Upon arrival you will be met for the short drive to the Ajit Bhawan
Palace for your overnight stay. The rest of day at leisure but car will
be at your disposal.
The Ajit Bhawan Palace. Accommodation is in
individual cottages and superb tents all built in the extensive gardens.
Here, dinner is served out on the lawn at night accompanied by local dancers
and folk musicians
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Day
4 Jodhpur
Whole day in Jodhpur to enjoy and to visit the magnificent fort palace of
Mehrangarh. Perched more than 300 feet above the city, it not only is a
fascinating place to visit but affords incredible views over the city, which
is painted blue. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day
5 Jodhpur - Rohet
Leave for the short (one hour) morning drive south to the village of Rohet.
Rohet Garh is the desert home of the Champawat clan, built in the 16th
Century. The rooms are still decorated with frescoes but have all modern
amenities and air conditioning. There is a lovely pool in the courtyard, the
gardens are lush and the restaurant is open on the poolside.
Whole day to enjoy in Rohet. The hotel organizes jeep safaris into the
surrounding countryside and horse and camel safaris with a picnic lunch.
Rajasthani Ladies
Day 6 Rohet - Rawla Narlai
At your leisure leaves for the drive south to Narlai. The drive will take
you through one of the most interesting areas of Rajasthan. This area has a
varied landscape especially after a good monsoon. Part of the drive will
take you through some of the highest hills in the Aravali range. On this
part of the drive you will see some of the most fascinating costumes worn by
the Rajasthani ladies and the most colourful turbans worn by the men so have
your camera at the ready! Narlai is a tiny and typically Rajasthani village
where you will experience genuine Rajasthani hospitality. Overnight stay at
the Rawla Narlai Haveli.
Day
7 Narlai
Whole day as per your wishes. The village is filled with temples and across
from your haveli is an enormous rock which encloses a Shiva shrine and an
elephant carving right at the top. One of the local boys will be happy to
show you around. You can also take a walk up to the top if you are feeling
energetic.
You can also ask your chauffeur to take you on the beautiful drive to
nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort. Set 3,000feet above sea level this magnificent 15th
Century fort has walls over 36km long and 20 feet wide. Within the walls are
palaces and temples. There is a climb up to the fort but the views are
magnificent! Overnight at the Rawla Narlai.
Rawla Narlai
Day 8 Narlai -Ranakpur - Udaipur
Leave Narlai after breakfast for the drive south to Udaipur. On this part
of the drive you will see some of the most fascinating costumes worn by the
Rajasthani ladies and the most colourful turbans worn by the men so have
your camera at the ready!
Stop on the way to visit the temples at Ranakpur. These temples were built
in the 15th century in a stunning location and set amidst deep forest. Built
on 1444 marble pillars, the temple is one of the finest examples of Jain
architecture and not to be missed. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Jain Temples Ranakpur
Day 9 Udaipur
Whole day to visit Udaipur, although you may not want to leave the Lake
Palace. We suggest a morning visit to the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple
next door and the bazaars. Udaipur has many local bazaars ranging from
shoes, Indian clothing, and silk saris and is very famous for its art
schools where young boys are taught the art of miniature Moghul painting.
We suggest an afternoon boat ride over the lake to the Jag Mandir Island,
then back for High Tea at the Fateh Prakash Palace with its magnificent
views over the lake. Upstairs is the Crystal Gallery which is worth a visit
after tea. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Lake Palace Udaipur
Day 10 Udaipur - Deogarh
Drive north after breakfast in the general direction of Jaipur, stopping on
the way at Deogarh Mahal. This is a 17th century castle beautifully
converted into a hotel. Built on a hilltop, it has battlements, domed
turrets and balconies and towers over the town below. The family who run the
hotel will organize an afternoon jeep safari into the rugged countryside,
nearby forests and lakes. The hotel has a lovely swimming pool, Jacuzzi and
Ayurvedic massage facilities. Overnight stay at Deogarh Mahal
Deogarh Mahal
Day 11 Deogarh - Pushkar
Today you drive north to the holy site of Pushkar. Built around a holy lake
it is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Here the pilgrims perform their
daily prayers and rituals. The lake is surrounded by more than 100 temples
which all have ghats "staircases" leading down into the lake. Here
you will stay at the Pushkar Palace, the only hotel on the lake itself. .
You can sit in their garden and enjoy the sites from there. Pushkar is best
seen by foot and for the adventurous there is a climb up to the Savitri
Temple or a short camel ride into the sands at sunset
Day
12 Pushkar - Jaipur
Morning stroll around the ghats if you wish to witness the pilgrims doing "puja"
at the lakeside. Then take an early breakfast and leave for the drive to
Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. This is a busy bustling city where the bazaars
spill over on to the streets, to mingle with the handcarts, camels,
elephants, scooters, rickshaws and tuk-tuks. It is lively and colourful and
painted pink! Overnight stay at your hotel
Accommodation
:
Trident- Hilton Hotel.
This Hotel is built opposite the Jal Mahal Lake with its palace in the
middle of the water. Each morning many elephants will pass your bedroom
window on their way to Amber.
Mandawa
Haveli.
This Haveli is over 100 years old and has been recently refurbished as a
small hotel. It has beautiful Indian style rooms with modern bathrooms and
is located in the centre of the walled city. Excellent food and a small
swimming pool and gardens to boot.
Samode Haveli:
The 200 year old Samode Haveli was once the townhouse of the prime minister
of Jaipur. It has inside courtyards and a newly added attractive swimming
pool within the gardens. Although in a busy part of town it is peaceful
inside and very popular with visitors.
Amer Fort Jaipur
Day 13 Jaipur
Whole day to sightsee and shop in Jaipur. Suggest you begin the day to
visit Amber Fort Palace, which is spectacular. Later you can visit the City
Palace in Jaipur city itself, the Hawa Mahal - Palace of the Winds and the
Observatory. Jaipur is famous as a centre for carpet weaving - silk and wool
- and also for Jaipur blue pottery, but probably best known for its
exquisite gems and jewellery.
PLEASE NOTE:
· Due to a fatal accident in Oct 2005 we are no longer recommending
the elephant ride at the Amer Fort in Jaipur to our clients. You are
strongly requested NOT to take an elephant ride even if one is offered.
Anglo Indiago cannot take responsibility for any calamities which occur if
the guest decides to take an elephant ride.
Day
14 Jaipur - Bharatpur
After breakfast drive to Bharatpur in the direction of Agra. Your overnight
stay will be here at the Laxmi villas Palace. Bharatpur us famous for it's
migratory birds, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a must. No less than
400 kinds of birds have been recorded here. More than 100 kinds have
migrated from countries such as China, Siberia and Afghanistan to pass the
more temperate winters in India. The best way to see the park is either by
bicycle or by rickshaw.
Day
15 Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra, stopping on the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri,
the deserted capital city of Emperor Akbar. Your tour should include a visit
to the beautiful Dargah Mosque, the Buland Darwaza, Victory Gate - Akbar's
victory over Gujarat and the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti. Also the palaces
of Akbar's women; Jodh Bal Palace for his Hindu mother, Birbal Bhawan for
his favourite courtier and Golden House for his Christian wife. Also make a
visit to the Karawan Serai which is a courtyard surrounded by hostels used
for visiting merchants, the Panch Mahal, a five storey palace the Treasury
(Ankh Micholi) the Diwn-I-Khas (must see!) and the Diwan-I-Am. Looks a lot
but would not take more than one hour altogether. Upon reaching Agra
transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Trident Hilton Hotel.
Situated in the area of the Taj, this hotel provides good accommodation and
services and has a multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, gardens and pool.
Afternoon sightseeing with a guide to visit the monuments. Monuments to
visit in Agra are the Taj Mahal, the tomb of Mumtaz, beloved wife of the
emperor Shah Jehan, the Red Fort and the exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah, tomb of
the wazir of Emperor Jehangir
Please Note: the Taj Mahal remains closed on each
Friday
Day 16 Agra - Delhi - Amritsar
If you wish to get up very early you can go to see the Taj Mahal at
sunrise. After breakfast leave Agra for the drive back to Delhi in time to
catch Amritsar Shatabdi train to Amritsar. Your train due to leave at 1630
hrs and arrives Amritsar at 2215. Upon arrival you will be met and transfer
to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day
17 Amritsar
Morning visit to the Golden Temple, the seat and most holy shrine of the
Sikh religion. You could possibly be the only foreigners in the whole of
Amritsar but you will not feel threatened in anyway and don't need to feel
uncomfortable - people will be thrilled and proud that you have come to see
their Golden Temple.
Taj Mahal Agra
There is a special Visitor's room on the right of the entrance to the
central courtyard and tank. Here you can leave your shoes and cigarettes if
you should be carrying them, and also get information in English before
entering. Take your time to walk first around the "talab" water
body, which is done clockwise. The Golden Temple is set in the middle of
this and is reached by a walkway over the water. The holy book is read by
one of the "granthi" or priests, from very early morning until
early evening. Upon leaving you will be offered a tiny amount of sweet which
you must accept with two hands.
You must cover your heads and go barefoot so be prepared. We always have
our own scarves but if you don't they will give you something. You have to
first wash your hands and feet before entering.
Jallianwala Bagh:
This garden is just adjacent to the Golden Temple and is the scene of the
massacre which took place on the 13th April, 1919 when General Dyer gave
orders to open fire on the gathering of Sikhs who were there to celebrate
Baisakhi, the Sikh New Year and in peaceful protest. Many jumped in a deep
well to evade the firing but died from the fall.
Afternoon trip to Wagah border. This is the border between India and
Pakistan. A ceremony is held each evening when they close the border gates
at dusk and is always well attended on both sides. It is a 45 minute drive
from Amritsar. The hotel will advise you at what time you should leave. Be
prepared for some queuing and jostling to get seats with a view. Return to
your hotel for overnight stay.
Golden Temple Amritsar
Day 18 Amritsar -Delhi - onward
destinations
Your driver will take you at the railway station in time to take the
morning Shatabdi train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met by
your chauffeur. Rest of the day in Delhi as per your wish. Depending on your
international flight you will be transfer to the airport for your onward
destination.
End of services
We
wish you a safe flight......
Extension
to Varanasi + Khajuraho
Day 16 Agra - Jhansi - Orchha
You will be transfer to the station in time to take the morning Bhopal
Shatabdi train to Jhansi. Upon arrival you will be met by your car with
chauffeur for the short drive to Orchha, once the capital of the Bundelas.
This tiny village houses museums, palaces, monuments, temples and is built
on the River Betwa. Overnight stay at The Bundelkhand Riverside
Accommodation: The Bundelkhand Riverside was
the Hunting Lodge and Guesthouse of the former Maharaja and is built right
on the banks of the River Betwa.
Day
17 Orchha - Khajuraho
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho. In the afternoon you can visit the
temples and if you desire, the Tribal and Folk Art Museum. Once a great
capital of the Chandelas Khajuraho is famous for its erotic temples, divided
into Southern, Eastern and Western Temples. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day
18 Khajuraho - Varanasi
It is a long drive today so please leave very early morning after breakfast
for Varanasi.
Varanasi is one of the most holy places for Hindus. Built on the banks of
the River Ganges, this visit will show you the spiritual side of the Indian
culture. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Varanasi is one of the most holy places for Hindus. Built on the banks of
the River Ganges, this visit will show you the spiritual side of the Indian
culture.
Please note:
As it is a very long drive I would suggest flying from Khajuraho. There is
a daily Jet flight 9W724 leaves at 1330 and arrive at 1410 hrs.
Day
19 Varanasi
Early morning boat ride over the river Ganges to witness the sunrise and
the many pilgrims performing their morning rituals. Along the banks there
are more than 100 hundred temples and ghats. This is definitely a "must
do"!
Suggest an afternoon visit to Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi and the place of
Buddha's first sermon. Later, Emperor Ashoka built magnificent stupas and
monasteries here which were for the main part destroyed by Muslim invaders.
Many of the monuments are set in pleasant gardens, the most important being
the Dhamekh Stupa. Return to Varanasi for your overnight stay.
Day
20 Night train Varansi - Delhi
Whole day in Varanasi at leisure. You will be transfer to the train station
in time to take night train to Delhi. Overnight in the train.
Please note:
1. If you wish you can fly from Varanasi - Delhi
2. If you wish to extend your tour to Nepal there is flight from Varanasi -
Kathmandu. Please consult for this option.
Day
21 Arrival Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met by your chauffeur. Rest of the day in
Delhi as per your wish. Depending on your international flight you will be
transfer to the airport for your onward destination.
End of services
Extension
to Kathmandu
NEPAL
Kingdom of the Gods Mount Everest and the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal
This
tour combines Kathmandu and its Valley with 7 World Heritage Sites,
wildlife, mountains & lakes and a flight over the Himalayas to Mount
Everest.
Day 20 Varanasi - Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport. You will be met and escorted to your Hotel for
your stay of three nights. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day
21 in Kathmandu
Full day sightseeing which will include Kathmandu Durbar Square and the
home of the living goddess, Pashupatinath - an important Hindu temple on the
Bagmati river, Sawayambhunath and Bouddhanath both important Buddhist stupas
and the historical town centres of Patan and Bhaktapur.
Day
22 in Kathmandu
If the weather allows your day begins with a mountain flight over the
Himalayas to Mount Everest and back. This is a once in a lifetime
experience! Return to the hotel for a late breakfast. Rest of the day at
leisure.
Day
23 Kathmandu - Delhi
Your driver will take you to the airport in time to catch the flight to
Delhi. Overnight in Delhi
Day
24 Delhi - Onward destination
Whole day in Delhi. You will be transfer in time to take your flight for
onward destination.
IMPORTANT
NOTE:
Please consult with us before you decide to go to Kathmandu the
following:
1 Current situation in Nepal
2 Flight scheduled from Varanasi - Kathmandu as there are not daily Flights
each month.
| Place |
Tour – A |
Tour - B |
Night |
| Delhi |
Claridges |
Hans Plaza |
01 |
| Jodhpur |
Fortune Ummed |
Ajit Bhawan Palace |
02 |
| Rohet |
Rohet Garh |
Rohet Garh |
01 |
| Narlai |
Rawla Narlai |
Rawla Narlai |
02 |
| Udaipur |
Shiv Niwas Palace |
Udai Kothi |
02 |
| Deogarh |
Deogarh Mahal |
Deogarh Mahal |
01 |
| Pushkar |
Pushkar Palace |
Pushkar Palace |
01 |
| Jaipur |
Trident – Hilton |
Mandawa Haveli |
02 |
| Bharatpur |
Laxmi Vilas Palace |
Birder’s Inn |
01 |
| Agra |
Trident – Hilton |
Howard Park Plaza |
01 |
| Amritsar |
Howard Park Plaza |
Mrs Bhandari Guest House |
02 |
| Orchha |
Bundelkhand Riverside |
Bundelkhand Riverside |
01 |
| Khajuraho |
Radisson |
Radisson |
01 |
| Varanasi |
Radisson / Clarks |
Meradan Grand |
02 |
| Kathmandu |
Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza |
Hotel Royal Singi |
03 |
Prices on request based on level of hotel chosen and number of
passengers.
PLEASE
NOTE:
- All of the above is subject to availability. If the accommodation
requested or offered is not available, we will try to arrange
alternative hotel accommodation at the same / similar level. However
this could sometimes entail extra cost as not all hotels maintain the
same rates.
- The price of the tour is subject to change if the Hotels / Government
of India / Airlines should make increases in their prices / taxes.
- There will be 2% Surcharge on credit card payment.
- Due to a fatal accident in Oct 2005 we are no longer recommending the
elephant ride at the Amer Fort in Jaipur to our clients. You are
strongly requested NOT to take an elephant ride even if one is offered.
Anglo Indiago cannot take responsibility for any calamities which occur
if the guest decides to take an elephant ride.
- For International flights airlines require you to report for check in
3 hrs prior to departure if you are flying economy class.
- Return flights should be reconfirmed at least 72 hrs prior to
departure. Anglo Indiago will do this for you on request; however we are
not responsible if the request is not made to us and seats are released
by the airline.
- Hotel Check - in & Check - out time 1200 NOON
Please
make sure you have following valid documents with you before you leave for
India.
1. Valid passport
2. Visa
3. International air tickets.
4. Overseas medical insurance. (Mandatory)
