Deccan Allies and Adversaries - Signature Tour 18. Jan - 02 Feb. 2015
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Deccan
Allies and Adversaries
Signature Tour 18. Jan - 02 Feb. 2015
RIGHTOURS INDIA PVT. LTD.
Kumbalgarh
Udaipur
Dungarpur
Patan
Modhera Indore
ad Dhar
dab
Ahme Champaner Maheshwar
Vadodara Mandu
Bidar
Hyderabad
Bombay
ITINERARY OVER VIEW
……………………....
18.Jan Hyderabad
19.Jan Hyderabad
20.Jan Hyderabad – Bidar - Hyderabad
21.Jan Hyderabad – Champaner – Ahmedabad
22.Jan Ahmedabad
23.Jan Ahmedabad
24.Jan Ahmedabad – Dungapur
25.Jan Dungarpur – Udaipur
26.Jan Udaipur – Kumbalgarh – Udaipur
27.Jan Udaipur – Nagda – Ranakpur – Udaipur
28.Jan Udaipur – Indore – Dhar – Maheshwar
29.Jan Maheshwar – Mandu – Maheshwar
30.Jan Maheshwar
31.Jan Maheshwar – Mumbai
01.Feb Mumbai Heritage walk
02. Feb Check out
………………………………………….........……
Hyderabad – Vadodara 0700 AM-1000 AM
Udaipur – Indore 0700 AM – 1200 PM
Indore – Mumbai 0435 PM – 0600 PM
This is a trip that will explore the architectural achievements of the Sultanate Kingdoms of the
Deccan (15th-17th centuries) and those of their friends the Sultans of Gujarat with their capital in
Ahmedabad as well as those of their rivals the Sultans of Malwa, with their capital in Mandu. The
interactions between these three kingdoms are responsible for a number of architectrual
and decorative innovations that distinguish the 15th and 16th centuries in the Deccan.
Our trip will start in Hyderabad, an Indian megacity and one of India’s most important
technological centres. You will be met at the airport by our escort and accompanied to the
hotel. Rooms will be available from the night of the 18th of January, as most flights arrive in the
early hours of the morning. Our tour begins on the 19th of January.
We will spend a few days at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, one of the most exquisitely romantic
Palace hotels of the world. It is a time capsule that will take us back two centuries when
Hyderabad was the capital of the Asaf Jahi dynasty that ruled eastern Deccan from the 18th century
to 1948.
18.JAN (SUNDAY) HYDERABAD
Hyderabad, on the shores of the Musi river, was however founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli
Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty whose earlier capital was in the Fort of
Golconda 10 miles north west of Hyderabad.
th
Golconda Fort was founded by the Kakatiya dynasty that ruled this area of the Deccan between the 10
and early 14th century.They were succeeded by the Bahmani Sultans in 1360, the first Islamic
dynasty of the Deccan, and responsible for uniting the Deccan ( from the Arab sea to the bay of
Bengal) under their authority.They were succeeded by the Qutb Shahis who ruled till 1687 when
the Deccan was conquered by the Mughals under the emperor Aurangzeb (d.1707).The conquest
of the Deccan was the Mughals Waterloo .Soon after Aurangzebs death the Deccan was divided
into numerous principalities and kingdoms ruled by local Marathas and former members of the
Mughal administrative elite. The most significant was Chin Qilich Khan who in 1713 was
apppointed governor of six Mughal provinces with the titles of Asaf Jah and Nizam al Mulk. In
1769 Hyderabad became the capital of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and remained so till 1948.
19.JAN (MONDAY) HYDERABAD
08:30 am After breakfast Dr. Helen Philon will meet the group for a short Introduction and at 09.15 we will depart for
Golconda Fort ( 12 klms or 40 minutes drive.) Lunch: Taj Krishna, Dinner: Falaknuma
GOLCONDA,originally a Kakatiya Fort dating from the 10th century was conquered by
the Bahmani Sultans in 1360. We will visit the Royal enclosure inside the Fort of
Golconda with its various palace structures and other administrative and religious
edifices followed by the majestic Qutb Shahi tombs that adjoin Golconda Fort.
After lunch at Taj Krishna lawns we will visit the
CHARMINAR built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to mark the intersection of
two major thorough fares at the centre of his new capital Hyderabad, or Bhagnagar.
Chowmahalla Palace was the palace of the Asaf Jahi rulers also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad. It has been recently
beautifully restored and is now a museum.
20.JAN (TUESDAY) HYDERABAD
We will leave the hotel at 07.00 to visit BIDAR 150 kms / 2.30 hrs drive one way. Pic nic lunch in Bidar and Dinner at
the Falaknuma
Bidar was the third capital of the Bahmani dynasty that ruled the Deccan from 1347-c. 1538.
Bidar is composed of two adjoining walled enclosures: the lozenge shaped enclosure of the city and the round enclosure of
the fort where the palaces of the Bahmanis can still be admired.. Upon arrival we will visit the most imposing monument of
the city located along a thoroughfare that joined the Fath Darwaza (Gate) with the Sharza Darwaza that lead to the royal
enclosure insidre the Fort. And this is the madrasa of Mahmud Gawan (1472) built by Mahmud Gawan, an immigrant from
north-east Iran and one of the most important figures of the political and cultural arena of 15th century Deccan. It is
the only example of a Timurid madrasa in India
The palaces in the royal enclosure display various types of buildings at the origin of Deccani courtly architecture. These
majestic edifices are decorated with stucco ornaments, tile work and painted designs the last two inspired by Timurid
examples. Unique to Bidar is the mother of pearl inlay on basalt that dates from the 16th century.
We will complete our visit to Bidar with a tour to the royal necropolis of the Bahmanis 6 kilometers north east of the
Fort at Ashtur.
21.JAN (WEDNESDAY) HYDERABAD - CHAMPANER - AHMEDABAD
Hyderabad – via Mumbai – Vadodara : Jet Airways.
From the Taj Falaknuma Palace to Hyderabad airport : 22 kms / approximately 1 hour. Our flight departs at 06:50 am /
10:05 am . The flight is only Economyn and the permited luggage allowance: 15 kg. However we have included in the price
an extra 10 kilos per guest. Vadodara – Champaner: 43 kms / 1 hr. Champaner – Ahmedabad: 143 kms / 3 hrs.
Lunch:picnic Dinner at Taj Gateway Hotel Ummed.
After a coffee stop at the airport we will drive to
Champaner to visit the royal foundation of Sultan
Mahumd Begada. The impressive mosque with
elegant carvings is a perfect example of the co
existence and marriage of pre Islamic Gujarati
styles with thouse of the Muslim newcomers.
The Sultans of Gujarat were always ready to
Support and help those of the Deccan and in
particular the Bahmanis. The designs on their
textiiles, exported throughout the sub continent
and to all corners of the Indian Ocean could
responsible for the stucco motifs seen on Bahmani
examples.
22.JAN (THURSDAY) AHMEDABAD
For the next two days (22nd and 23rd of January) we will be in and arpound Ahmedabad ,also known asManchester of
the East, is famous for its textile industry. Gandhinagar, a suburb of Ahmedabad is the capital of the Gujarat state. We
will spend the 22 nd of January visiting the many wonderfully unusual Ahmedabad, the city founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah
in 1411 AD.
After a leisurely breakfast we will leave the hotel around 09.00 to visit the
CALICO museum founded in 1949 by Gita Sarabhai whose family is responsible
for welcoming the architects Le Corbusier and Louis Khan. Le Corbusier was
responsible for building the City Museum, the Spinners Association and two
private residences. Louis Khan was responsible for the Indian Institute of
Management built in 1962. We will try and visit the last mentioned examples
either before or after the Calico museum. The Calico Museum is known for its
outstanding collection of Indian fabrics spanning five centuries of creative
endeavours as well as its important collection of local timber architecture which
is one of the glories of Indian art.
Lunch at the House of MG where we will enjoy aGujarati vegetarian thali. After lunch we will visit the Siddi Sayyid
Mosque located opposite the House of MG, followed by the Jami masjid built in
the midst of the booming old city where we can combine sightseeing and
shopping! We will complete our visit with the Rani Ki Sipri masjid
The Sidi Saiyyid mosque (1573), is one of the jewels of Ahmedabad, built by
an Abyssinian immigrant in the service of the Gujarati Sultan. The mosque is
famous for its beautifully carved arched stone latticework windows (jalis).
The Jami Masjid, is the congregational mosque of Ahmedabad, built uring the
reign of Ahmed Shah. It consists of a large courtyard that opens on the west to its
columned prayer hall.
The wall facing Mecca or qibla wall, is decorated with beautifully carved pierced
jalis. The so called 'shaking minarets' were destroyed during the 1819 and 1957
earthquakes. The inscription on the mihrab commemorates the inauguration of
the mosque on January 4, 1424 by Sultan Ahmad Shah I.
Rani Sipri Masjid also known as Masjid-e-Nagina (Jewel of a mosque) is
named after the Hindu queen of Sultan Mahmud Begada . After her death, the
queen was buried in this mosque. The jali screens are, master pieces of local
traditions, include flowering plants and trees.
23.JAN (FRIDAY) AHMEDABAD
A very interesting day. We will visit one of the most impressive examples of “water architecture” in India as well as one of the
few remaining temples dedicated to Surya or Sun God. After breakfast we will depart for Patan, followed by Modhera,
and complete our tour at the Adalaj baoli (Step well).
Ahmedabad – 125 kms - Patan - 36 kms – Modhera – 85 kms – Adalaj – 15
kms - Ahmedabad. Lunch: Picnic & Dinner at Taj Gateway Ummed
Patan:Rani-Ki-Vav – This vav or well, is the queen among the step wells of
India and was built by Queen Udayamati, in 1063 in memory of her husband
King Bhimdev I, of the Solanki dynasty. About 800 elaborate sculptures
depicting mythological stories and the pantheon of Hinduism embellish the
galleries that descend towards the water.
The Sun temple at Modhera, dates form 107 to and is created to Bhimdev I
It was dedicated to the God Surya, the Lord of Light
. and Life.
A large stepped water tank decorated with numerous miniature shrines
precedes this elegant temple. And having enjoyed these exquisite buildings
we will then visit the weavers of the famous Patola textiles.
Patola of Patan, sarees use double ikkats where the warp and weft threads are dyed meticulously for 70 days before weaving,
according to a pre-designed pattern.
These textiles were exported to Indonesia where they were also imitated as evidenced by the double ikkats found in Bali,
Indonesia. The saris take 4-6 months to make, with more than 70 days for the colouring of the silk threads, and about 25 days for
the weaving. They come in four styles: 1) for the Jains and Hindus, with flowers, parrots, elephants, and dancing figures, 2) for
the Muslim Bohras, with geometric and floral design, to be used at weddings, 3) for Maharashtrian Brahmins, in solid dark
colors bordered with designs of women and birds, called Nari Kunj.
24.JAN (SATURDAY) AHMEDABAD-DUNGARPUR
At 08:30 and after breakfast, we will depart for Dungarpur : 17 kms/3,30 hrs, and be there for lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon.
DUNGARPURwas founded in 1358 A.D. by Rawal Veer Singh.The royal family that also lives in the palace have restored
this charming palace that reminds one of Udaipur since it is located by a Lake and with small island in the middle of the
lake.
After lunch we can visit the deserted old palace, Juna
Mahal, with its murals. Amusing are the ones that are
hidden inside a cupboard with scenes from the Kama
Sutra. The former royal hunting lodge, on a nearby
hilltop, has sensational views.
Juna Mahal’s fortifications and extensively decorated
interiors and exteriors are representative of early
Rajput palace –fort and outline the evolution of
architectural planning, and building techniques from
the thirteenth to the nineteenth century.
Juna Mahal was in use until the mid-twentieth century, after which the structure fell into a state of disrepair.
One of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings in the country.
25.JAN (SUNDAY) DUNGARPUR - UDAIPUR
After a leisurely breakfast on the shores of the Dungarpur lake we will drive to Udaipur and our Hotel, Devi Garh Palace in
Dilwara, 20 kilometers from Udaipur. Dungarpur – Udaipur: 110 kms / 2 hrs drive
Lunch: Udaivillas & Dinner: Devi Garh Udaipur.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, located in the fertile circular
valley-"Girwa" to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River. The palaces are on the shores or in the middle of lakes and are
amongst the most impressive examples of courtly architecture in Rajasthan.
After lunch at Udaivillas with wonderful views of the palaces edifices on the shores of the lake and those others that ‘float’ in
the water we will visit the City Palace Museum
with its remarkable array of decorated rooms,
miniature
paintings,stucco and mirror work.
Before we leave for Devi Garh, a beautifully
restored 18th century palace in the village of
Dilwara we could wonder in the bazaar of
Udaipur where tribals come to sell thir
products.
Devi Garh Palace, housed in the 18th-century Devi Garh Fort in the village of Delwara . It was the royal residence
of the rulers of Dilwara principality, situated amidst the Aravalli hills, 28 km northeast of Udaipur.
26.JAN (MONDAY) DEVIGARH - KUMBALGARH
After breakfast we will depart for Kumbalgarh fort at 09.00 (70 kilometers from Dilwara or 90 minutes drive one way)
Lunch at Kumbalgarh: 7
course Rajasthani Meal &
Dinner: Devigarh
Kumbhalgarh (15 thcentury
and later) is the second
most important fort after
Chittorgarh, the former
stronghold of the Maharanas
Mewar. Cradled in the
Aravali Ranges the fort was
built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha. There are over 360 temples some of which date from the Maurya period (2 nd
to 4th BC).
27.JAN (TUESDAY) DEVIGARH - RANAKPUR
We will leave our hotel at 09.00 to drive to Ranakpur, where we will visit the famous Jain temple built in the course of the 15 th
century and the 9th -10th century temples at Nagda. Lunch: Maharani Bagh & Dinner: Devi Garh.Devi Garh – 10 kms -
Nagda – 85 kms / 2 hrs - Ranakpur – 95 kms Devi Garh.
In NAGDA we will visit two. peaceful and beautifully carved temples on the shores of a lake
RANAKPUR Temple (o pens 1200pm for
non Jains) Built in 1437 AD thie temple is
dedicated to Adinatha, one of the twenty
four Trithankaras (those that help to cross
the ocean of worldly life) of Jainism.
28.JAN (WEDNESDAY) DEVIGARH - INDORE - MAHESHWAR
We will leave the hotel for the airport at 06:00 am
Devi Garh to Airport (40 kms / 1.30 hrs) 07:40 AM Fly by Jet airways Udaipur via Mumbai to Indore
Indore – Dhar 97 kms / 2 hrs and Dhar -Maheshwar 70 kms / 1. 30 hrs. Lunch: Indore & Dinner: Ahilya Fort
After a quick lunch at Indore we will drive to DHAR, in western Madhya Pradesh central India. And the slopes of the
Vindhya mountains. Dhar , served as capital to the Paramara Rajputs and an important centre of learning. The northern slopes
of the Vindhya Range. Dhar commands the Narmada River valley. An ancient town, it served (9th–14th century) as the
capital of the Paramara Rajputs and was a centre of learning under the celebrated Raja Bhoja (c. 1010–55). Dhar was
conquered by the Muslims in the 14th century.This is the most glorious period of Dhar ruled by the Khaljis whose
ambition was to conquer the Deccan and in particualr Bidar.
DHAR : The Lā ṭ Masjid or 'Pillar Mosque', was built as the Jami' Mosque by Dilāwar Khān in 1405. It derives
its name from a pillar (lāṭ ) made of iron which is supposed to have been set up in the 11th century. The pillar, which was
nearly 13.2 m high according to the most recent assessment, is now broken following a fall and the three surviving parts are
displayed on a small platform outside the mosque. It carries an inscription recording a visit of the Mughal emperor Akbar in
1598 while on campaign towards the Deccan. The drive from Dhar to |Maheshwar is through dramatic landscapes.
29.JAN (THURSDAY) MAHESHWAR
Maheshwar – Mandu : 40 kms / 1.30 hrs drive Lunch: picnic lunch in Mandu & Dinner : Ahilya Fort
We will leave Ahilya Fort at 08:30 am
for we need time to explore the astounding
architecture of Mandu.
Mandu was founded by Raja Bhoj in
the 10th century. The glorious period of
Mandu was hpwever during the rule of
the Turkish Ghurid and Khalji Sultans
that ruled this area of the Deccan from
the 15th century to the coming of the Mughals.
Mandu is one of the great architectural sites of India. A romantic and inventive architecture that was created to sing the glory
of the rulers of Mandu ( 14th-17th centuries). The Mughals admired the architecture of Mandu which they visited numerous
times as did the British. When Lutyens was asked to build New Delhi he came to Mandu for inspiration.
Akbar added Mandu to the Mughal empire. During the 18th century the Marathas ruled this area and their famous ruler and a
great benefactor was Ahilya Bay in whose fort in Maheshvar we will spend the next three days
30.JAN (FRIDAY) MAHESHWAR
Full day exploring Maheshwar village. Lunch & Dinner: Ahilya fort
Maheshwar (Great God, an epithet of Lord Shiva) is on the banks of the river Narmada (flows west wards) one of the sacred
rivers of India. Originally the capital of the Maratha Holkar dynasty the capital moved to Indore in the early 19 th century.
We will wonder around the village and have tea as we ‘float’ on the river.
About 130 weavers associated with the Rewa society produce over 100,000 metres of a fine fabric that combines fine cotton
and silk. Ahilya Fort where we will stay is now a heritage hotel, founded by Prince Richard Holkar, a descendant of both
Ahilya Bai Holkar and the last Maharajah of Indore, we will wonder.
31.JAN (SAT’DAY) MAHESHWAR - MUMBAI
Ahilya Fort – Indore airport: 3 hrs drive / 98 kms
Lunch: Ahilya Fort and after lunch we will leave for the airport in Indore that departs at 16:35 hrs and arrives at18:10 hrs
Fly Indore – Mumbai Jet airways. Dinner at The Indigo Restaurant. Overnight Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
01.Feb (SUNDAY) MUMBAI
Mumbai Population: 15,830,884 check out time: 1100 hrs (02.Feb.2015) Lunch: Konkan café, Taj President
HERITAGE WALK (08am till 11am) Mumbadevi :
Local goddess, the name Mumbai derived from.
Mumbai is built on what
was once an archipelago of seven islands Heptanesia
Ancient Greek: Bombay Island, Parel, Mazagaon,
Mahim, Colaba Worli, and Old Woman’s Island
(also know as Little Colaba). Mumbai is famous for its
Indo-Islamic and Neo-Gothic architecture mostly built
by English architects and engineers during the Raj.
So we planned a nice hertiage walk around the
city with an expert.
MUMBAI - DEPARTURES 01 Feb / 02 Feb
HOTEL ROOMS AVAILABLE TILL 11.00 AM (02 Feb)
PARTICIPATING HOTELS
Hyderabad : Taj Falaknuma Palace Taj Gateway Ummed, Ahmedabad
Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai Devigarh Fort Palace
Taj
Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar Udai Bilas Palace
Prices Includes:
· Domestic flight within India in economy class.
. Tickets can be upgraded to business class at extra cost.
. 15kg per person per sector extra baggage allowance is included in domestic flights.
· Accommodation in a twin or double room.
· All meals (From Dinner on 18thJanuary to Lunch 01st Feb 2015). Including Picnics.
· Transfers & visits by 4AC Toyota Innovas (3 persons in one car),for a grp of 12 pax.
· Services of an English speaking Indian escort (Hyderabad till Mumbai).
· Dr. Philon’s expertise for the entire tour.
· Services of English speaking local guides at specific sites (Govt approved and obligatory)
· Entrance fees and camera fees to all museums and monuments mentioned
· Charitable donation of Rs.70,000 per person to DHF is included.
· All tips at restaurants, porter’s fees, drivers, guides and representatives.
· Mineral water and soft drinks on board cars
CATEGORY OF ROOMS
. check in at hotels 03pm on 18.Jan.2015. check out: 11am on 02.Feb.2015
. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad – Palace rooms
. Taj Gateway Ummed, Ahmedabad – Dlx rooms
. Devi Garh Palace, Udaipur – Palace Suites
. Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur – Suites
. Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar – Mixed category of rooms
. Upgradation to higher category of rooms can be made on request and availability with
extra cost, depends at the time of reservationPRICES AND NOTES
INDIAN RUPEE Rs. 12 Persons
Twin Sharing per person 477,477
Single occupancy 647,647
**In the event that there are fewer than 12 participents a small supplementary
charge per person may be applicable in order to run the trip.
Price Excludes:
· International flights, Travel insurance, Visa Charges, Discretionary tips
· Items of a personal nature, phone calls, laundry
· Additional meals/drinks & in Room service. ALCOHOL drinks NOT included.
If you would like to extend your stay in India through, Rightours can make further travel
arrangements for you.
Here are some suggestions of ways to enhance and therefore
make your holiday even more special.
· Please let us know if you have any special interests or allergies
· Please let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion while you are away and we
will organise celebration meal or unique activity or excursion
Country Notes: Visas
You require a visa to enter India. This is applied for through VFS
Global. http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk. Without an Indian visa you will not be permitted to enter
India. Please make sure you have one in your passport prior to travel.
Discretionary Tipping:
Although Right Tours has included a tipping amount for porters, drivers, guides, and
representatives within the overall trip price you may wish to give extra tips at your discretion.
A guideline on amounts is provided below: Service Duration Tip Amount in INR
Drivers (Cars) per day within city 300 Intercity 750 – 1000
Daily Guides Half Day 750 Full Day 1000
Porters in Hotels (per person) 50
Please get in touch with Mr. Ranga Reddy for your bookings as soon as
possible, preferably before the end of July at:
RIGHTOURS INDIA PVT LTD, HYDERABAD reddy@9849028399.com
You can forward your advance to:
BENEFICIARY BANK in India HDFC BANK LTD SWIFT CODE HDFCINBBXXX
ACCOUNT NO: 06422320002544
BANK ADDRESS 8-3-214, SRINIVASA NGR COLONY
SR NGR, HYDERABAD- 5000038. India.
ACCOUNT NAME: RIGHTOURS INDIA PVT LTD
ACCOUNT ADDRESS G-10, Surekha Chambers, Greenlands
Ameerpet Rd,Hyderabad - 500 016. India
PURPOSE India Tour Package charges
CONTACT Mr K Ranga Reddy
CONTACT NO 0091 98490 28399
ADVANCE
25% on or before 18th Oct 2014 75% on or before 18th Nov 2014
CANCELLATION POLICY
25% will be forfeited by 2nd August 2014
75% will be forfeited by 2nd October 2014
100% will be forfeited by 2nd November 2014You can also read
