Prince and Palace Tour
17 Days / 16 Nights
Proceeds aid the Lakshya Trust
Highlights of Tour:
- Heritage Walking tour in Old Delhi
- Bicycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk Old Delhi
- Sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal
- Tuktuk ride in Jodhpur
- Visit of two ancient step wells.
- Stay in a couple of heritage mansions of erstwhile royal families
- Meet and interact with tribes of India
- Meet with the Gay Prince of India
- Meet with Eunuchs in Rajasthan
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Deogarh - Udaipur - Poshina - Ahmedabad - Vadodara - Rajpipla - Delhi
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be greeted by our team member with a massive smile and a placard displaying your name. So, you can’t miss us as you strut out from the airport gate into the start of your fabulous adventure.
Note: (If you decide to add on prior or after the tour you will still be greeted on your arrival date and transferred between the hotel and airport will still be included both ways).
Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Good morning, Delhi! Today you will get acquainted with the capital. Seeing the major monuments including Humayun’s tomb. Delve into the antiquated chaos of Chandni Chowk stepping into an ant like maze of organised chaos filled with merchants peddling their wears with finely tuned bartering conquering their egos with the highest bidder. A walking tour through Food Street and the spice markets. An exploration of Paranthe Wali Gali, the aroma of the air will start your stomach rumbling with the delectable snacks on offer. Cauldrons will summons you with stuffed parathas being submerged and transformed into mouth-watering delectable treats you won’t be able to resist. Back to the hotel in the later afternoon for some free time this evening to relax by the pool and amend the tad of jet lag if needed.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3: Delhi – Agra
210 km - 3:45 to 4 hrs maximum
Drive to Agra. Arrive and visit of the UNESCO listed world heritage site Agra Fort built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. Later a visit to Mehtab Bagh also known as the moonlight garden. The width of the gardens is in perfect symmetry with those of the Taj Mahal. It was then famously known as the “moonlit pleasure garden” when Emperor Shah Jahan identified it as the ideal site from which to admire the mausoleum. With the Taj Mahal backdropping the garden it’s a jaw dropping scene.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 4: Agra – Abhaneri – Jaipur
235 km 4:30 to 5 hrs
Before breakfast a visit to the Taj Mahal, as there is no better time to see the Taj than at first light in the morning. Watching the sun cloak her at first light, dressing her for the day is indeed a magical experience. There’s an overwhelming feeling no one can deny of the most romantic burial site in the entire world. The monument stands still today as a symbol of pure love. And of course, don’t forget to grab that “Lady Diana” photo of yourself on the same seat as she once sat. After your visit its back to the hotel for breakfast. Check out. Drive to Jaipur. En route visit of Abhaneri Chand Baori step well. It is one of most photogenic stepwells of India. When you stand next to this 13 story deep step well with symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom, you cannot but be mesmerized. Chand
Baori is the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and probably India. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old. Yes, it is older than the Taj Mahal. In all, there are 35,000 steps on 13 levels at the step-well. The Baori gets narrow as it goes down. Continue drive to Jaipur.
Arrive and check into your hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast it’s off to explore the enchanting Pink City. The harmonious consolidation of old and new propitiously comforted over Jaipur’s shoulders like that old favourite jacket that’s buttons have since been replaced with a modern zipper. It still has the same feel, it’s just more functional. The regal bygone opulent era erged with modernity gently stirred not shaken created this appetizer of a city. Enough to drown the thirst of any traveller with its vast array of offerings. The perfect cocktail of past and present will leave you astonishingly in admiration of the country’s first planned city.
You will visit the famous Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and the City Palace. A stroll through the Old City, giving you an opportunity to maximise you’re understanding about Jaipur and experience the hidden corners of this captivating city. Your guide will take you through the vibrant bazaars and lanes that interweave the Old City in a lattice patchwork of inspiration. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals and try some of the delectable street food delicacies of Rajasthani cuisine.
Those who wish to buy some Indian attire to look the part on your trip (great for photos), Tailor made spectacular fashion made just for you. Or, if you’re feeling courageously vivacious maybe even a saree or two. Pondering the offerings of Jaipur keeping in mind darlings it’s the Jewellery capital of India.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Added Option: High Tea at Rambagh Palace or Jai Mahal Palace.
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast we will visit the Water Palace and Amber Palace. Then after lunch we will go and paint an elephant …. (yes, you did read that right). We will have our own elephants to fabulise! We all like a makeover but this takes it to a whole new level. We can have a cuddle and our paint an elephant (all natural derived non harmful paint). The elephants respond delightfully to what they consider a massage with the brushes. This caring elephant sanctuary strives on the care of these bandoned post circus victims. The sanctuary allows visitors to experience the knowledge of these colossal mammals. The sanctuary is a loving caring environment that houses the mammoth beauties in their own homes with their very own carer and his family on the property.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7: Jaipur - Jodhpur
360 km - 5:45 to 6:15 hrs
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to the breathtaking blue city of Jodhpur. The alure of the blue washed walls backdropped against the massive fort is a fascinating feast to the eyes. After checking into the hotel, perhaps a spa treatment or a massage is whispering your name to the wind beckoning some me time. The choice is entirely yours to betake the offerings of the property or simply rest and relax and have some time out.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Today after breakfast be introduced to Jodhpur starting with a visit to the impressive stature of the mammoth Mehrangarh Fort. Throned overlooking the city standing a phenomenal 100 feet high proud as its protector. One of the most formidable forts in India. Before the mammoth task began a curse had to be lifted with the sacrificial burring alive of a willing participant. Rajaram Meghwal came forward and surrendered his life to the cause before the building could start. The year was 1459. Keep an
eye out for handprint murals in representation of ‘sati’. Legend has that woman of the royal families would burn themselves alive on the pyre of their husbands to escape being married or taken by another man. There’s a midday drama series right there!
On a brighter note the views from the fort overlooking the blue city is an absolute spectacular sight from all angles. Afterwards enjoy a heritage walk in the old city around the clock tower. Then we will jump into tuk tuks and convoy around the old city immersing in local life as we go.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 9: Jodhpur - Deogarh
145 km – 3:30 hrs
After breakfast heading towards Deogarh. Stopping along the way if she’s home with her eunuch sisters we will call in for a cuppa with the Queen of Hijras and her clan. Like any queen she’s temperamental and depends on her mood on the day as to how long we stay. Exclusive to our company we are extremely privileged to have permission to enter her haveli home of Hijras. The interaction with the eunuchs will be a heartfelt genuine welcoming experience never forgotten. They are enthusiastic to answer any questions thrown their way and love to share their fascinating intriguing stories and listen to yours. The spiritual leader of “Hijra” is widely respected in the area and people seek her blessings.
Hijras are officially given status as third gender by Government of India. In April of 2014, the Supreme Court of India formally recognized the existence of a third gender. However, there is no formal definition of the third gender in India. Third gender in India is usually referred to people belonging from LGBTQ community. Hijras have been targeted by law enforcement and government officials under Section 377. This law was used to criminalize any queer sexual acts and has been used to justify discrimination and mistreatment of the LGBTQ community since its enactment in British colonial era India. Thankfully homosexuality is no longer a crime in India. Driving onwards to Deogarh. Arrive and check in to the heritage Palace, Deogarh Mahal. Nestled in the Rajasthan countryside sits this grand Maharaja’s palace, your home for the next couple of days. This makes a refreshing change from the nearby bustling cities. Enjoy the splendour of past eras whilst taking in the grand surroundings of this former Maharaja’s palace. This Palace is 200 years old and each room is individually decorated in colonial style. Arrive and check into Deogarh Mahal. Rest of the day is at leisure, or you can go and explore Deogarh bazar.
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal.
Day 10: Deogarh – Local Train ride – Return to Deogarh
After breakfast you’ll take a local train from the 1930s, and embark on a one hour journey through hilly landscapes, and local villages. This is a good way to meet locals as you take in the passing scenes of Indian village life. Your journey ends in Phulad, where you’ll jump into an open-top jeep – you will ride back to Deogarh. You can spend the afternoon walking through the narrow streets of Deogarh, where you’re likely to encounter sari-clad women, sacred cows and ox carts. Or simply relax by the pool or enjoy Ayurvedic massage at hotel.
Overnight at Deogarh Mahal.
Day 11: Deogarh – Nagda - Udaipur
135 km – 2:15 hrs
After breakfast driving to Udaipur. The gorgeous regality of Udaipur oozes from its veins. Majestically she shines doubling her beauty mirrored in Lake Pichola. Stopping along the way to visit Nagda temple, also called mother in law and daughter in law temple. Nagda is an unusual temple that dates back to the 10th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is made in two structures, one by a mother-in-law and another, by a daughter-in-law. The main entrance to the temples is made through a door that has carved lintels and a multi-lobed arch in its middle. Both the structures are laid out on a same plan having an altar, a mandapa (columned rayer hall) with projections and a porch. The intricately titillatingly carved temple is adorned with carvings of Karma Sutra depicting the normalcy of all sexual desires. The erotic figures embrace orgies, transgenders, bisexuals and eunuchs.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 12: Udaipur
After breakfast a visit to the ostentatious City Palace which is the second largest palace complex in India. The extravagant City Palace stands majestically on the
eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Flanked by the Aravalli mountain range, The City Palace is worth admiring for its natural settings that offer a breath-taking view of
the surroundings. Later enjoy a boat ride on famous Pichola Lake. Then visit of Garden of Maids and miniature art school. You have the choice to relax and unwind this afternoon or if preferred a ponder around the quirky shops in search of that memorable momentum to take home to rekindle your warm hearted memories.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur – Poshina
140 km – 3:15 hrs
Drive to Poshina - A Heritage Home set in the tribal lands of the Aravalli’s. Arrive and check in to heritage hotel Darbargarh Poshina.
Explore the fascinating surroundings of Poshina and all its quondam charm. You will be able to observe craftsmen at work- forging swords, daggers, bows and arrows, potters making terra cotta horses and other figurines. Enjoy a Jeep safari which offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Indian life. The most interesting being the
anthropological sight of the terracotta army of horses. The drive throughout the picturesque countryside will include visits to the remote villages of the Adivasi and Garasia tribals, who will also give you archery demonstrations. Pastoral people like the Rabaris who keep camels, sheep and goats. The evening may be spent delightfully sipping on drinks on the lawn chairs situated for a spectacular view of this property lit up of an evening.
Overnight at the heritage property in Poshina.
Day 14: Poshina – Ahmedabad
180 km – 3:45 hrs
Drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival a visit to the breathtakingly beautiful Adalaj Step Well. Set in the quiet village of Adalaj, this vav [well] has served as a resting place for hundreds of years for many pilgrims and caravans along their trade routes. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela chief, Veersinh, this five-storey monumental stepwell was not just a cultural and utilitarian space, but also a spiritual refuge.
Overnight in Ahmedabad.
Day 15: Ahmedabad – Vadodara
110 km – 2 hrs
After breakfast drive to Vadodara. A visit to Laxmi Vilas Palace it is one of the most eye-catching attractions in Vadodara. It is four times the size of Buckingham Palace in London. The majestic structure is spread in an area of around 700 acres and is still the residing place for Vadodara’s royal family, the Gaekwads. Apart from the outstanding architecture, the lush green surroundings further add on to the beauty of the palace. Keeping an eye out you can spot peacocks and monkeys frolicking in the gardens. There’s also a ten-hole golf ground featured within the palace. The palace was constructed back in the year 1890 it took almost 12 years to be completed. The fusion of Indo-Saracenic style of construction, which is a hybrid of Mughal, Hindu as well as Gothic architecture, which features several arches, domes, and minarets. The huge complex of the palace features various other buildings including the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum Building, the LVP Banquets Conventions, and the Moti Baug Palace. The museum features an extensive collection of artefacts and paintings by renowned artists. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Vadodara.
Day 16: Vadodara – Rajpipla – Vadodara
75 km – 1:45 hrs
This morning drive to Rajpipla to meet his Royal Highness Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil. From a closeted gay royal to now an LGBTQ activist, his journey has been uniquely fascinating. Attend a luncheon with the Jovial Prince at his home on his farmed acreage he lovingly named Queerbagh. The conversation here runs freely as he
instigates the questions on everyone’s lips. He is open humble and amusingly frank and makes all in his path feel at ease and welcomed. His life’s journey is captivating and after meeting him it will be obviously clear as to why he’s sort after worldwide for his lectures.
Returning to Vadodara for the night.
Overnight at Vadodara.
Day 17: Vadodara – Delhi
By flight 1 :40 hrs
Today be transferred to Vadodara or Ahmedabad airport. Fly to Delhi connecting with your flight back home.
An added night in Delhi can be arranged to suit your flight schedule.
Your preferences are possibilities. We are more than happy to customise any of our itineraries to complement your wishes because it is your journey. We can tailor make an itinerary to your preferences. A personalised itinerary will give you the opportunity to make the most of your experience.