Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1: New Delhi

Today morning drive to Samode covering a distance of 270KM, Samode lies to the northeast of Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the Samode Palace Resort - Set cozily in the scenic rocky hills, Samode Palace with its stately majesty opens a grand journey into the glorious past through its frescoed corridors. The palace is full of architectural delights. The birds, animals and flowers painted on the walls of the Sultan Mahal, the dining room with its stained glass windows and its collection of old family portraits, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved walls and beautiful chandeliers, give this palace its ethnic charm. Each room is done up in traditional Rajasthani style and the antique furniture blends well with the surroundings.
Samode Bagh - Built more than 400 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singhji for the royal members of the Samode family who came here to enjoy rare moments of privacy and relax in the airy pavilions, surrounded by rippling water fountains. Meeting point at the Bagh is the elegantly furnished Durbar tent. Dune colored tents, all luxuriously furnished with every comfort, the lawns, fruit trees, grape vines, and the flowering shrubs make the stay here a memorable one. Evenings come alive with local folk music and dances in the magic of a camp fire. One can swim in the private pool or take camel rides to explore the countryside. Other entertainment activities available here include camel safaris, a visit to the village and the Samode Palace which is just 3 kms away.

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Nawalgarh. On arrival check in at the hotel. After lunch, proceed for a half day sight seeing visiting Nawalgarh fort and the havelis - Aath (Eight) Haveli complex, Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj patodia Haveli and Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Nawalgarh - the realm of frescoes is located around 175 kms from Jaipur. It was founded in 1737 AD, by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior-statesman, whose name is enshrined in history and folklore, Nawalgarh boasts of some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. The town exudes an old world charm and the colorful bazaar has the largest number of painted havelis in Shekhawati. The fort, now a little disfigured, is yet worthy of attention. There are numerous havelis worth seeing.

The havelis still bear witness to the rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. The stone walls, split by four gateways, were erected to encircle the town.
Nawalgarh Fort - The main building in this town is the fort, founded in 1737 AD but today it stands largely disfigured by the modern accretions. Now it houses two banks and a few government offices.
The Bazaar - The bazaar is amazingly colorful, with the largest number of havelis, showcasing the most beautiful frescoes.
Roop Niwas Palace - About one km from the fort is the salubrious Roop Niwas Palace. The palace is enchanting with a well-laid garden and fountains. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli - This haveli, built in the 1920s, houses a school, but has many fine paintings. It is the only haveli in the whole Shekhawati, which has been restored by its owner.
The Aath Haveli Complex - The complex consisting of the eight havelis is worth a visit.
Sheesh Mahal - It is an astounding building with a ceiling mural that includes maps of Nawalgarh and Jaipur. Murarka Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani CHOWKHANI Haveli, Gangamai Temple are also important sites that one cannot afford to miss.

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Mandawa. On arrival, check in at hotel Castle Mandawa. Later proceed for a full day sight seeing visiting the numerous fascinating havelis, prominent being - Chowkhani haveli, Gulab Rai haveli, Laxminarayan haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf haveli, Goenka haveli, Saraf haveli and also visit the Thakurji temple.

Mandawa is famous for its castle - castle Mandawa which is a two hundred and forty year old fortress that has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality. Caparisoned camels and horses saunter in, carrying the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome. In the Castle, step into an arched open-fronted verandah and relax over exotic refreshments, or wander in the under the high ceiling 'Diwan Khana' (Darbar Hall), where the walls adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recall a bygone era that was royal, rich and resplendent.

After early breakfast, check out and proceed to Jaipur, visiting Sikar. On arrival in Japur check in at the hotel. Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel.

Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest and the richest 'thikana' (Feudal State) under Jaipur. The town was modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. The walled city has lofty buildings, a massive fort and an array of splendid havelis and temples ornate with beautiful frescoes. There is one haveli painted only in blue, suggestive of the typical Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Other attractions include Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas-Kothi.
Jubilee Hall & Fort are worth visiting. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are absolutely exemplary. Area close by has Jeen Mata Temple and Harsh Nath Temple.
Lachhmangarh - One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird's eye view of the town modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.
Rambagh - Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars, the Shani Temple has delicately painted frescoes. Marvelous cenotaphs of the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some beautiful havelis add interest to the town.
Fatehpur - Founded in mid-15th century by Fateh Khan - a Kayamkhani Nawab, the town is noted for unmatched frescoes. Its central location attracted many wealthy merchants and has some exquisite havelis, which are a combination of the Indian and the western styles. Of particular note among these are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis.

Today morning we proceed for a full day of Jaipur City. Visit the Amber Fort, City Palace, the observatory and the Palace of winds (Hawa Mahal). Later in the evening visit the village resort - Chokhi Dhani and enjoy a traditional dinner. Overnight at the Jal Mahal or similar hotel.

Jaipur city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). The Old City (Known as the Pink City) is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted in Pink color by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 AD.

Amer fort. Located 9 kms north west of Jaipur, the Amber Fort was once the Capital of the Minas. The image of the Amber Fort is beautifully reflects in the lake below. Within the fort lies the famous Jai Mandir (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of Mirrors. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room.

City Palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Jai Singh built the outer wall but other additions were made much later, some right up to the start of this century. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the palace. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a Pandora's box of wonders; the enchanting Hawa Mahal is a multi-layered palace, with a profusion of windows and stone screens.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for Delhi, covering a distance of 250KM. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to hotel. Evening proceed for a combined sightseeing of Old & New Delhi. Visiting the Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Drive past India Gate & President House. Visit the Humayun Tomb or Qutub Minar. Overnight at hotel.