Total Holiday Options - Specialist in the travel of Art

Delhi has a hallowed past attached to it, it is home to the Mughal era constructions and structures dispersed all across the landscape of the old and historic city, that Delhi, is. The city, rebuilt by every new ruler, now has a multitude of architectural styles evident in the various monuments that dot the city. From the imposing Red Fort and narrow lanes of the Mughal Old Delhi to the Colonial buildings and wide boulevards of Lutyens’ central Delhi, and the Slave Dynasty’s Qutub Minar – Delhi has it all! The ruins and ramparts still stand tall in dignity - and amidst them rise modern buildings and giant skyscrapers. It's a breathtaking synthesis of yesterday and tomorrow, the holding on to the past and surging ahead to the future. With such a harmonious blend of old and new, Delhi gives an opportunity to have a peek into its impressive history, culture, heritage and architecture. Enjoy rickshaw ride in the silver street before returning to the hotel. Stay overnight at Delhi. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Around 7.00 am arrive at the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes. Udaipur, once known as Mewar, is the land that produced a galaxy of patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the name of Rajasthan in every corner of the world. Its history has been a continuous struggle for freedom of religion, thought and land against other Rajput groups as well as the overbearing Mughals and Muslims of bygone eras. Its act of patriotism, heroism, magnanimous behavior and love for independence can never find any match in the annals of any country. Here, adorning the banks of Lake Pichola is the historic City Palace, which captures all the romance and splendour of the royal era. Day is kept free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or take a walk at the bank of Lake Pichola and numerous shops that dot the narrow windings streets of Udaipur. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. Stay overnight at Udaipur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Proceed for sightseeing of the famous “white” city of Udaipur which stands on the banks of the Lake Pichhola. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble. Proceed for guided sightseeing tour and visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari. Later take an excursion to Eklingji, famous for its intricately carved Jain temples. Eklingji (Shiva) whose temple is located here is said to be the guardian deity of Mewar. This awe-inspiring exquisite temple precinct is dotted with 108 shrines, concomitant with the number of beads in the rudraksh necklace used for meditation in Hinduism. The walls of the temple also act as an information bank on the history of Mewar. They have an inscription of a hundred couplets, engraved by Rana Raimal that gives an insight into the history of the region as well as of the temple in Udaipur. Stay overnight at Udaipur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Travel to Dungarpur, en-route visit the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful stretch of virgin forest, having untouched areas of countryside around it. The Sanctuary houses diverse fauna, a vast variety of flora and provides rich pastures for a variety of deer including the four-horned antelope (Chousingha). It also acts as home to other animals like the wild boar, leopard, pangolin, fox, jackal, hyena, porcupine, jungle cat and nilgai. But the most conspicuous animal here is the flying squirrel, which can be seen gliding from one tree to another after sunset. Spread over the Aravalli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, it is the only forest region where teak trees of building value are found; with over 50% trees are of teak. As per mythology it is believed that Goddess Sita (wife of Lord Rama) stayed in this sanctuary during the period of her exile; that’s why it is called Sita Mata Sanctuary. Visit the rock carvings of the Mesolithic era, old temples and overwhelming tribal population before continuing tour travel. Stay overnight at Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Dungarpur is a district with a stronghold of the Bheel tribe, one of the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world, whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli ranges dates back to 4000 BC. The unspoiled Bheels hamlets in and around the town follow age old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. The beautiful palaces and noble residence dotting the town are exemplary specimens of ancient architecture. These royal residences are adorned by “Jharokhas”: built in stone in a unique style typical of the areas developed during the region and the local silversmiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing. Enjoy guided tour of the Juna Mahal a seven storey palace built in stages between the 13th and 18th centuries, resembles a fortress with crenulated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and the splendid interiors embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings and glass and mirror work, making it an impressive creation, the Gaib Sagar Lake famous for its shrine of Shri Nathji lying along the lake and the Vijay Raj Rajeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Stay overnight at Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Travel to Chittorgarh, the well established citadel and the capital of Mewar rulers. The town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can be singled out for its glorious past, which has a chequered history witnessing some of the bloodiest battles, ravaged thrice and some of the most heroic deeds of valour, which are still sung by local musicians. The pride of Rajasthan, it is here where the ideals of chivalry, sacrifice and honour were always worshipped. Enjoy guided sightseeing tour of the Chittorgarh Fort, which stands 180 metres high with each stone narrating its own story. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maurya rules in 7th century AD. During the third attack on Chittorgarh by Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort was razed to the ground and was never inhabited after that. The chhatris within are impressive reminders of Rajput heroism and a treasure trove of history, the fort offers and insight into the life of the Great Rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission under them. Stay overnight at Chittorgarh. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

After breakfast travel to Kota, situated at the bank of the Chambal River and was established by Maharao Madho Singh around 1264. Kota is an amazing merge of the rich majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation. Its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory, with the present day edifices and heavy industries making it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan. The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi but became a separate princely state in the 17th century when during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, the ruler of Bundi – Rao Ratan Singh gave a smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh and since then, the city become a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture. Enjoy remaining day at leisure. Stay overnight at Kota. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

After leisurely breakfast proceed for guided city sightseeing tour and visit City Fort Palace; is the fort and city palace complex which houses the Maharao Madho Singh Museum, which has an excellent collection of Rajput miniature paintings of Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury and also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers and Jagmandir Palace; Amid the picturesque lake of Kishore Sagar, stands this enchanting little palace, which was constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhance its beauty. Kota is a city with a rich historical past, steeped in Rajasthani culture and traditions and is home to many admirable structures that beautifully mirror the heights scaled in the field of art and architecture by Indian craftsmen. Evening take a stroll in the local bazaar where you can buy the famous Kota Doria saris, finely weaved the traditional way till today with cotton and silk threads, beautiful potteries and Kota stone crafts which serve as perfect souvenirs and gift items. Stay overnight at Kota. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Post breakfast travel to Jaipur, en-rout stop at Bundi, an undiscovered splendour set in a narrow inclining gorge, where palaces and forts have a fairy tale quality about them. Bundi once a part of Kota came under the Chauhan rulers in the 12th century and was an important state at the peak of Rajput glory in medieval times but its association with the Mughals led to its decline. Termed as the 'Queen of Hadoti', the solitary and independent township of Bundi is like an enchanting fresco, frozen in stone through the ages. The seat of Rajput legacy this pristine town has an irresistible charm embodied in intricate carvings, and murals, amazing Raslila frescoes and centuries old baoris (step-wells). Enjoy guided tour of Taragarh Fort, Raniji-ki-Baoli, (Queen's step well) and Nagar Sagar Kund. All through Bundi runs a sense of past romance and braveness. Remaining of the day at leisure with overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Enjoy guided excursion to the majestic Amber Fort, the old erstwhile capital of the Kachwahas Rajputs. This is the only fort where one can still climb from the foothill of the fortress till the top riding on the back of a painted elephant passing through the ancient main gate where Maharaja’s of Jaipur have entered for over four hundred years. Enthral yourself in the architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles find its ultimate expression. Amber Fort is the classic and romantic fort palace with a magnificent aura. Afternoon is kept free to enjoying the real charm of this royal city strolling in the local bazaars to see some handicrafts and artisans. Jaipur is famous for blue pottery and Kundan jewellery and the traditional art of dying offers attractive dyed textiles. The people are known for their colourful attires and for their love for heritage and tradition. The streets and market places still witness scenes of turban Rajasthani men with their women who are dressed in swirling skirts and Meenakari (enamel) jewellery that bring to life all the colours of the desert. Stay overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state of Rajasthan and the city very exemplifies the character of the state and its people; surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort, and dazzling palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. In 1863, it dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert the consort of Queen Victoria and since then the city earned the epitaph “Pink City”. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset. Proceed for guided sightseeing tour of the Pink City and visit City Palace which still is the residence of royal family, possessing amazing antiques telling story of the era long gone by. Visit Royal Observatory and enjoy photo stop at Hawa Mahal before spending your day at leisure. Stay overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Travel to Agra, the most visited city in India for its Taj Mahal. En-rout stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Legend has it that Akbar who had no son, went to the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti to seek his blessings and soon enough, prince Jehangir was born. As an expression of gratitude, Akbar built this new city between 1569 and 1585 and shifted his capital here. The city sits on a rocky ridge, with the village Sikri at its foot. However, 15 years after it was established, the city had to be abandoned due to an acute water shortage. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height and culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Enjoy guided tour of the beautiful Mughal structures. Remaining day at leisure with overnight at Agra. (B,D)
Included Meals Indication: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, E=Evening Tea, D=Dinner

Pay a sunrise visit to the most endearing monument of love The Taj Mahal built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, the Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in beauty alone that shines forth but in deep planning and design that went into its making and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate cravings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura, lapiz, lazuli, carnation, mother of pearl, agate and emerald are inlayed in flora and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. Later visit, Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar, the fort is built in red sandstone with a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb when he took over the Mughal throne. The Emperor is said to have spent the last years of his life here, looking from the balcony of the Mussaman Burj, a tower at the Fort, towards the Taj Mahal, where his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal was buried. Afternoon travel back to Delhi airport to board your onwards flight. (B)