+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Experience India's colourful Holi Festival and see some of Rajasthan s finest sights on this wonderful introduction to Rajasthan. Holi Festival in India's larger cities can be chaotic and overwhelming, but the local village of Chanoud is famous in the region for having lively yet friendly Holi celebrations. Paints, flower petals and water are thrown in an amazingly colourful display, and special delicacies are prepared at home. During Holi you will spend two nights in a 300-year old palace in Chanoud. As well as Holi, take in some of India's most iconic sights, including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and its sumptuous City Palace and Pushkar, a town famed across India for its annual camel fair. The end of this wonderful journey sees you staying at a lovely old haveli overlooking the shores of Udaipur s, Lake Pichola. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore Old Delhi and the bustling markets of Chandi Chowk In Agra, visit the riverside fort and the breathtaking setting of the Taj Mahal Visit Jaipur and Pushkar Experience Holi in Chanoud A stay at the Jagat Niwas on the shores of Udaipur s Lake Pichola TOUR INCLUDES: 9 nights four/five star hotels 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Private driver and vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports Driver s and guide s expenses Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room Holika burning celebration at Chanoud Garh is on 20th Mar 19 *Holi Celebration at Chanoud Garh is on 21st Mar 19
ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. After you're settled your guide will take you on a tour of India's capital, first visiting the New Town before continuing to the bustling Old Town. Here you can take a wander from the Red Fort down Chandi Chowk, through the narrow alleyways of Shahjehanabad, to emerge at the beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque. DAY 2: DELHI - AGRA After breakfast your driver will collect you and drive you southeast to Agra (approx. 4 hours). After checking into your hotel and freshening up, you will head to the mighty riverside Agra Fort comprising of exquisite palaces and mosques, and then visit the iconic Taj Mahal. (B) DAY 3: AGRA - JAIPUR This morning you will have some free time, in case you wish to visit the Taj Mahal again, before departing Agra and travelling to the magnificent fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a truly amazing abandoned palace complex built by the Emperor Akbar, only to be deserted 10 years later. After spending time at the site you will then be transferred to Jaipur, the 'Pink City' where most of The Best and Exotic Marigold Hotel was filmed, and taken to your hotel. (B) DAY 4: JAIPUR This morning enjoy a visit to the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II. Also, visit the Marigold flower market and the Kanota Fort, which was used as the Viceroy Club in the film. After lunch drive to the great palace at Amber, the Rajput masterpiece perched on a hillside, overlooking the city. (B) DAY 5: JAIPUR - CHANOUD This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Jaipur and transferred to Chanoud, a journey of about 5-6 hours, where you will check into the Chanoud Garh. This is a home stay - only the home is a 300 year old palace. In the evening you can observe the holika burning in preparation for tomorrow's Holi festivities. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: CHANOUD Enjoy Holi festivities in the local village, this colourful festival is played in many different ways, by throwing dry holi colours, flower petals and water at each other. People play Holi in the streets, parks and all open spaces. Special delicacies are prepared at home, restaurants and sweet shops. The festivities go on for about half a day. The evening is generally spent with family and friends, in this case it would be with the hosts. (B,L,D) DAY 7: CHANOUD - UDAIPUR Morning transfer to Udaipur. Staying at the lovely Karohi Haveli offers the perfect location, overlooking Lake Pichola and the famous Lake Palace Hotel. Just wandering this beautiful town's narrow streets or sitting on a rooftop enjoying a quiet G&T is fun enough! This morning you'll be able to enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur starting at the City Palace, located on the banks of Lake Pichola. This massive series of palaces were built at different times commencing from 1559 A.D; the balconies of which provide a panoramic view of "Jag Niwas", the famous Lake Palace. Later on, you will be taken on a shared boat trip on Lake Pichola. (B) DAY 8: UDAIPUR Day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful lakeside town at your own pace. (B) DAY 9: UDAIPUR Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai and your onward journey home. Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai and on to London. End of our services. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AGRA TRIDENT A reliable contemporary option in Agra, this four star hotel is built from red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era, it has a stylish lobby with a great intimate bar and restaurant, a large outdoor pool in the courtyard and hammocks dotted around the garden to laze upon when you are not sightseeing. It is well placed for visits to the Taj Mahal and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The wood fire beckons at the al fresco Italian dining experience, using fresh ingredients from the hotel s own garden. Discover the dishes of the Moghul emperors, including mouth-watering curries and kebabs, at the restaurant. Escape the bustle of the city and relax at the wellness centre, using Western, Ayurvedic and Oriental techniques. The fitness centre and swimming pool are ideal for blowing off some steam before sipping on a cocktail contemporary bar. The hotel has a fantastic kids club with a variety of games and activities such as nature walks, pottery and, of course, crickect. CHANOUD CHANOUD GARH Chanoud Garh is a 200,000 square foot palace located in Chanoud built by Thakur Annop Singh Jr. The hotel has remained in the same family for 13 generations and still houses his present-day descendants around one of the two main courtyards found within the property. Chanoud Garh is made up of seven meticulously renovated deluxe suites, each uniquely decorated and fully furnished with modern amenities in order to ensure a comfortable stay. The spacious suites feature airconditioning systems, minibars, wardrobes, ensuite bathroom facilities with complimentary slippers and toiletries and balconies which overlook the gardens. The hotel has its own in-house restaurant, Moti Mahal, which offers a wide selection of Chinese, continental, Indian and regional dishes and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in communal areas. DELHI THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your hearts content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages, the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine, Sevilla, for all your tapas needs, Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open, Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is must try, and the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. JAIPUR
SHAHPURA HOUSE Shahpura House, once residence of the erstwhile rulers of Shahpura and scion of the Shekhawat clan of Rajput, is now a hotel. Set in the elite Bani Park area of Jaipur, the hotel Shahpura House offers a green environment with lovely lawns. The house is the very fine example of Shekhawati frescos and architecture. The family portraits add to the charm of this family hotel where tradition still runs strong. Like many historic houses, Shahpura house is curious mixture of the old and the new. Choose to stay in a room or a suite, all embellished with marble and semiprecious stones, accompanied by a marble bathroom and private verandah. The dining option are delightful with the Indian al fresco restaurant, complete with views of Nahargarh Fort, and the terrace restaurant, where soft music and starlight create a romantic atmosphere. The spa will lull you into a sense of tranquillity and calm through the swimming pool and luxurious body and massage treatments. UDAIPUR UDAI KOTHI On Hunaman ghat, one of the quietest ghats in Udaipur, Udai Kothi is still only a 15 minute walk to all the main attractions of the Old City. The Udai Kothi has all the character and charm of a small, traditional hotel while boasting spacious rooms and modern luxuries. Guests staying at this boutique option can enjoy a fabulous rooftop terrace complete with Udaipur's only rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and an open-air restaurant alit with candles and live, slow Rajasthani music at night. Each guestroom has its own character and style with views across Pichola Lake, Udaipur's elegant buildings and temples and beyond to the Aravali Hills. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com