Delhi– Mandawa – Samode
Day 01 : Delhi – Mandawa ( 260 KM & 6 hrs Drive approx)
Morning depart from Delhi. Arrive Mandawa by afternoon.
Mandawa: The heart of Shekhawati! Shekhawati is the colorful land of the Rajputs, taking its name from the powerful Shekhawati Clan; allowing you to glimpse its beauty and glory. The legends of this historic land have been captured in the murals and frescoes of its havelis, forts, temples and cenotaphs. If the desert blooms in myriad colours it is in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, where every home is adorned with gaily painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. Traditionally, this was the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded a dynasty here and gave it his name. Mandawa, a remote feudal principality in the centre of the Shekhawati region, was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. The Rajput ruler of Mandawa, Thakur Nawal Singh, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here.
When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa to build palatial mansions in their hometown. On arrival Check into Hotel Castle Mandawa- The best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is from the comfort of Castle Mandawa,Shekhawati, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. Like many historic homes, Castle Mandawa,Shekhawati is a curious mixture of the old and the new. Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock… a huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the fort every hour!. Lunch at hotel & relax. Evening free to take a walking tour of the painted havelis of some of the leading business families of the country. Some of the better known Havelis of Mandawa are: Chowkhani Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Saraf Haveli & Ladia Haveli. Dinner at Hotel. Overnight Mandawa.
Day 02 : Mandawa – Samode ( 130 Km – 3 hrs approx)
After breakfast drive to Samode.
Samode Royal majesticity Nestled amid the rugged yet beautiful Aravalli hills, this enchanting village makes for ideal relaxed walks and interesting for its ancient art, culture, local handicrafts and the aesthetic beauty of havelis and forts. The magnificent Samode Palace is a major heritage hotel. Only in the early 19th century under Rawal Berisal did the castle begin to take on the grandeur for which it is now renowned and continued to expand under his descendant Rawal Sheo Singh who is credited with the Palace’s most fabulous addition – the extravagantly florid, hand-painted Darbar Hall and the overlooking gallery which forms the incredible hall of mirrors, the magic of which is repeated across the famous palaces of Rajasthan. Photographs of Rawal Sheo Singh and the family hang on the walls of the rooms at the Palace – the images speak of an exotic lineage that is recognizable even today. Samode Palace was meticulously restored and transformed into one the country’s premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughul architecture, underlined by the influence of Nepal from where the Rawal wives often came, and of course, the legacy of the colonial Raj.A splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The 475-year-old palace is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode hotels – a magical hospitality and rare courtesy.
On arrival check itno hotel. Fresh n change. Lunch at hotel. Day free at leisure or in house activities at Samode Bagh. Evening free for Camel / Camel cart safari and Hot air balloon ride( subject to weather condition). Dinner at Palace. Overnight Samode.
Day 03 : Samode – Delhi ( 275 Km & 5 Hrs approx)
Early morning around 5 AM hot air ballooning if ballooning not conducted previous evening due to weather condition. After balloon ride come back to hotel. Fresh & change. Breakfast at hotel. Later check out and drive to Delhi.
END OF SERVICES.
Note: Trip cost depends on your group size, travel period and your specific tour needs. Please contact us or send us an enquiry for availability and most updated price.
Price Includes :
- Accommodation – 01 Night Mandawa + 01 Night Samode Palace.
- All meals – 02 breakfast + 02 Lunches + 02 Dinners
- 01 Camel/ Camel cart safari at Mandawa
- 01 Camel / Camel cart safari at samode
- Samode Palace also includes -Welcome Drink (non-alcoholic) on arrival. One Morning/Afternoon Tea/Coffee with Cookies or cheese Straws & Use of Gym, Swimming pool, etc.
Extra’s
- Transportation
- Camera fee if applicable
- Personal Expenses – like phone calls, laundry or any other service which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
Hot Air Ballooning
Please note : Lump sum cost for Hot air ballooning ( Tethered Flight Only) : Rs. 1.65 Lac + 12.36% tax extra for 3 hrs maximum.
Transportation for balloon & equipment Ex Delhi – Rs. 12000 will be extra.
Note : Hot air ballooning is subject to weather condition. No refund will be applicable if ballooning not conducted due to weather condition. Best time for ballooning is either early morning around 4 AM to 07 AM or Evening around 4 Pm to 10 PM.
