Langdale Walking & Adventure Holidays

INTRODUCTION
Rajasthan claims to be India's most beautiful state. One of its best secrets is its unusual hotels converted from castles, palaces, forts and ornate havelis, many of which are still the home to India's oldest monarchies.

India's second largest state, Rajasthan was once remarkably prosperous with traders from as far afield as Persia and China crossing its dry plains to reach India's southern ports.

You will be introduced to its history and culture as we travel in comfort through this fascinating country on a tour that includes a touch of adventure and designed for the discerning traveller.

The holiday offers a combination of culture, sightseeing and guided walks that include rural communities, temples, villages and nature reserves. We travel along a route that takes us from Delhi to Agra, the remote villages of Samode and Deogarh, Kumbalgarh, Jaipur and Udaipur. Whilst the tour includes well-known destinations such as the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Udaipur, we visit fascinating areas including that were formerly forts and palaces, now converted to hotels, and located in remote rural villages and surrounded by tribal lands well off the beaten track, where the architecture is stunning and the sights spectacular.

We fly from the UK to Delhi. Most of our journey in Rajasthan will be in our own private coach with a driver and local guide, with one domestic flight from Udaipur to Delhi.

Day 1 - Monday 1^st November 2010 - In flight
Depart from London Heathrow/ Manchester with Emirates via Dubai for the flight to Delhi:

Depart Heathrow 2200    Arrive Dubai 0845 (2 Nov)
Or
Depart Manchester 2010    Arrive Dubai 0705 (2 Nov)

Day 2 - Tuesday 2^nd November 2010 - Delhi
Depart Dubai 1010 Arrive Delhi 1445

Met on arrival by our agents and transferred by private coach to the 5-star Crown Plaza Hotel, Delhi. Free time. Welcome reception followed by dinner and overnight at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Delhi. D

Day 3 - Wednesday 3^rd November 2010 - Delhi / Agra
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Delhi and our coach takes us to Agra (205km / 4h30). At the time of the Moghuls in the 16th & 17th Centuries, Agra was the capital of India and its superb monuments date from that era.

On arrival in Agra we transfer to the Oberoi Trident Hotel where we can relax beside their outdoor swimming pool and enjoy optional afternoon tea.
Dinner and overnight at the Oberoi Trident Hilton Hotel, Agra. BD

Day 4 - Thursday 4^th November 2010 - Taj Mahal / Samode
Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, the greatest monument to love and devotion. The Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle but it is the beautiful patterns of semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble which are most astounding.

The Taj Mahal is all that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Our next visit is to Fort Agra, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This original red sandstone fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Later Emperor Shahjahan added the Marble Palaces within. It is a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions The fort is also known as Lal Quila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.  Quite a long, but fascinating journey (285km / 8hours approx) as we travel through rural Rajasthan to Samode. Along the way, we stop for photographic opportunities as requested by the group, along with an optional lunch.
Check-in to Samode Bagh for three nights.

Samode Bagh is a garden paradise situated 4km from Samode Palace, nestled on 20 acres of beautiful grounds combines warmth and luxury, an atmosphere that is quiet, relaxed & elegant. It is a romantic hideaway where you can be as active or contemplative as you wish. Samode Bagh offers a unique experience of an air-conditioned tented camp where the dune coloured tents are luxuriously furnished with every comfort. The garden is about three blocks long and is enclosed by a 15ft high stone wall. A 200ft long row of fountains fed from natural springs and wells are displayed all along the garden. Victorian and traditional Rajasthani décor echo life in a 16th century luxury camp.
Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Samode Bagh. BD

Day 5 - Friday 5^th November 2010 - Samode
After a leisurely breakfast we trek about 8km through rural countryside and villages to the Samode Bagh's sister hotel, the Samode Palace, one of India's most charming and romantic hotels, where we are given a conducted tour and learn of it's history. Return to Samode Bagh by jeep.

Free time in the afternoon to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy optional afternoon tea in the gardens or swim in the pool.
Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Samode Bagh. BD

Day 6 - Saturday 6^th November 2010 - Samode
Along with our guide, this morning we explore local villages and the farming communities (optional Camel Safari, Jeep Safari or a bicycle ride through the lanes of the village) returning to Samode Bagh for an optional lunch. Free time in the afternoon. BD

Day 7 - Sunday 7^th November 2010 - Jaipur / Deogargh
Early start to head for Jaipur, the City of Victory and founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a well-planned city, built from rose-coloured terracotta, which has given it the name 'Pink City'. Its bazaars teem with people, camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles.

This morning, proceed on a excursion to Amber fort commencing with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds: an elaborate façade behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life going on in the streets below. Visit Amber, the ancient capital of the region, now a deserted complex, it still recalls its heydays in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides. Ride by elephant to the stately splendor of the main Palace, where our guide explains the history of this beautiful complex, which has been extremely well preserved.

Drive to Deogarh (280km / 6½ hours). A long but interesting drive, stopping for an optional lunch or snack. Deogarh is a small village where we stay for three nights at the spectacular hilltop fort of Deogarh Mahal, which dominates the delightful small town nestling in the Aravalli Hills. These rugged, rocky hills are dotted with a number of old, majestic forts and more than 100 lakes. When we arrive at Deogarh, we make our way to the hotel by open jeep, with our luggage taken by cart, as the streets of the town are too narrow for large vehicles.

Check in to the Deogarh Bagh - Deluxe Suites.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner Rawat Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his family who personally supervise and monitor the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Every guest here is special and is treated with the customary Mewari hospitality.

All restorations and alterations on the Mahal were carried out, bearing in mind the old architectural style of the building. The idea was to offer the weary traveller, all modern day comforts while retaining an ambience of the past. Every room reflects a different era, Gokul Ajara, Moti Mahal and Ranjit Prakash room dates back to 1670AD, and the decor reflects the Rajput era. With its domed ceiling, the Jog Maya Mahal or temple room enshrines the family deity.
The hotel features a swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi and a team from Kerala is available to provide relaxing and therapeutic Ayurvedic massage.

Dinner in the hotel's open-air restaurant in the ramparts overlooking the town. BD

Day 8 - Monday 8^th November 2010 - Deogarh
Today we set off for a full day's trekking in the nearby hills including Gokal Garh Fort and the Shiva cave temple at Anjana Mahadeoji.

Anjana Mahadoeji temple is a Shiva shrine ensconced in a huge rock cavern. It has two "lingams"; one is natural (swayambhu) and the other has been placed there. This is what makes it different from other temples. Also entering the dark cave with only the shrine lit up by lamps, is a wonderful experience. It is a revered shrine of the area and you find a lot of people thronging to it, specially on Mondays and on Shivratri.

The step well at the entrance is also beautiful for its well laid out geometrical pattern. And the Fort on the opposite hill, Anjana Garh is also attached to the temple and Deogarh Mahal has recently carried out renovations to prevent it from falling to ruin. The temple priests who took "live samadhi" are buried in the cenotaph which was erected for the purpose. The Garh which stands on a hill offers commanding views of the surrounding rocky countryside and the neighboring Aravalli Hills. There is a kitchen there and is an ideal venue for picnic lunches for individuals and groups or special evenings for a group.

Picnic lunch. Returned to the hotel by jeep.
Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Deogarh Mahal. BLD

Day 9 - Tuesday 9^th November 2010 - Deogarh
A walk through the colorful and bustling merchandising village with fabrics, old silver and spice shops where villagers buying and selling their wares; walking further along the lake, past the family cenotaphs to the ruins of the old city is a morning well spent. Walk through the streets of the village to take in the sights and sounds of rural India transports you to another era. Return to the hotel.

Free time in the afternoon.
Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Deogarh Mahal BD

Day 10 - Wednesday 10^th November 2010 - Kumbalgarh
Drive to Kumbalgarh (40km / 1hour) and trek (approx 5hours) mostly downhill through the nature reserve to Ghanero where our coach will be waiting to take us back to Kumbalgarh. Today you have the option of taking part in the walk or relaxing at our hotel, Aodhi Kumbalgarh.

Nature is surprisingly different in this part of Rajasthan with rocky hills and lots of greenery. Starting at the Fort we follow a well-defined footpath through wilderness area. From the hilltop there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and, as we continue mainly downhill, we enter a narrow fertile valley where cultivation by local hill tribes includes sugarcane and other staple food being cultivated with old Persian water wheels driven by oxen.

Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Aodhi Kumbalgarh. BLD

Day 11 - Thursday 11^th November 2010 - Kumbalgarh / Udaipur
Early morning visit to Kumbalgarh Fort, strategically located atop a 1100m high hill and impressive for its location with splendid views. During the walk we explore huge ramparts and a wealth of temples, palaces and gardens. After about 2 hours exploring the fort we set off on a stunning drive through the Arravali Hills to Ranakpur, where we stop for lunch and visit the Jain Temples.

Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country and are famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. It is one of the holiest Jain sites of India. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and surrounded by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy.

The drive from Kumbalgarh is about two hours. Check-in at Fategarh Palace Hotel in Udaipur.
Udaipur - "City of Dreams" is often referred to as the most romantic city in India. In contrast to some of its desert neighbours it presents an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills, and is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region.

Dinner in the hotel. Overnight Fatehgarh Palace Hotel, Udaipur. BD

Day 12 - Friday 12^th November 2010 - Udaipur
Morning sightseeing of this wonderfully romantic city set on Lake Pichola, including the City Palace with its superb museum, paintings and glasswork. On completion of the visit, time has been allowed to browse the local art and craft shops or to have a leisurely mid-morning coffee. Return to the hotel for lunch followed in the afternoon with boat ride on Lake Pichola. Farewell dinner party at the Shiv Niwas Palace.

Dinner in the hotel. Overnight: Fatehgarh Palace, Udaipur. BLD

Day 13 - Saturday 13^th November 2010 - Udaipur / Delhi
Transfer to the airport at Udaipur for the domestic flight to Delhi:
Depart Udaipur 0745
Arrive Delhi 0850

Met on arrival by our agents and transfer to the Crowne Palace Hotel.
Afternoon guided tour of New Delhi. This is to include the modern city of New Delhi and the Qutab Minar, a superb example of early Afghan architecture going back to 1199, Emperor Humayun's Tomb, the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Houses of Parliament and Presidental Palace, both grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj.

Dinner and overnight at the Crowne Palace Hotel. B

Day 14 - Saturday 14^th November 2010
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Delhi International Airport for the return flight to the UK via Dubai.

Alternatively, join the optional extension to Amritsar. Travel in reserved seats on the Shatadabi Express train to Amritsar.
Depart: Delhi at 0720 hours. Arrive: Amritsar at 1325 hours. Packed breakfast provided by the hotel. Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Amritsar is home to Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra and is the number one destination for non-resident Indians in the whole of India. After checking in at the hotel we visit the Wagah Border to watch the Flag Ceremony. The ritual comprises a handshake between the captains of the two countries, followed by a battle of angry looks and vigorous stomping to show military strength. The blowing of trumpets and a march past add to the colourful ceremony. It is a unique and thrilling event much enjoyed by people who come from long distances to view it.

Day 15 - Sunday 15^th November 2010
After breakfast at the hotel, we are taken for a guided excursion tour of Amritsar. We visit the Golden Temple and Darbar Sahib, informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God. It is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. Next, we are taken to Jalianwala Bagh, a national place of pilgrimage. The Bagh is known historically for the Jalliavala Bagh Massacre, which took place on 13 April 1919 in the heart of Amritsar, the holiest city of the Sikhs.
We return to the hotel before transferring to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi, where we have reserved seats.

Depart: Amritsar at 1700 hours. Arrive: Delhi at 2300 hours.
We are met on arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Crowne Palace Hotel - Deluxe Rooms.

Day 15 - Sunday 15^th November 2010
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Delhi International Airport for the return flight to the UK via Dubai.

B = breakfast    L = lunch    D = dinner

We stay in the best hotels available in the areas we visit, including 5-star hotels, and can look forward to exceptional hospitality. Some are privately-owned palaces and castles that have been converted into exquisite hotels, offering opulence and luxury that no modern imitation could ever hope to match.

Tented camps have played an intrinsic role in Indian life for centuries, from royal hunting parties to nomadic journeys. Designed to recreate the fabulous nostalgia of this bygone age, in Samode we have included three nights in luxuriously furnished, air-conditioned bungalow/tents. They form part of the exquisite former Palace, the Samode Bagh Garden Resort, located in 20 acres and modelled in the style of a Mohall garden where members of the Samode Royal family used to enjoy moments of peace and privacy. Rooms are spacious and delightful, with carpeted floors, bathrooms with shower, hot and cold water, an attached dressing room and private porch. Each provides an ambience of gracious living.

Please note that the following flight times, flight numbers and routings are the latest known and are subject to change and confirmation by the airlines. All times are local.

UK passport holders require visas for India and we will send you the necessary documents.

For reasons of safety, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes to the programme without advance notice. Every effort will be made to avoid this if at all possible.