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ROYALTY BECKONS

Guided, drive through
13 Days/12 Nights

Forts and palaces of north and south India
The Taj Mahal
The magnificent Mysore Palace
Live in a palace turned hotel

Spanning from parts of north and south India, the forts and palaces featured on this tour have been included not only for their historical and cultural significance but also for their splendour and beauty.

The Red Fort in Delhi was built by Shah Jahan and was the seat of Mughal power until the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was dethroned and exiled. The Red Fort still remains a powerful symbol of India; it was here the national flag of independent India was hoisted for the first time. The tour next takes you to Agra, the former seat of the Mughal Empire before the shift of power and authority to Delhi. Agra also houses a Red Fort, this 16^th century fort was commissioned by Akbar and additions were made by his descendents. From Agra a few hours drive brings you to the pink city of Jaipur. Visit the beautifully decorated Amber Fort palace and the colourful bazaars in the city. Jaipur is known for its gem stones and is the centre for practicing the oldest form of decorating textiles - tie & dye technique.

A flight from Jaipur brings you to Mumbai, the hub of commercial India. Mumbai gives you a glimpse of the modern and fast paced India. During your stay here take a glimpse into ancient India at the Elephanta caves site, and also the legacy of the British Raj that reflects in some of the buildings of the city. While in Hyderabad, your next destination visit the 13^th century Golconda Fort, considered one of India's most outstanding citadels. Built by the Kakatiya Kings, the fort came in possession of the Bahamani dynasty, then the Qutb Shahi dynasty and was finally besieged by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who gained control over it during the 17^th century. From Hyderabad travel further south to Mysore. The city still preserves its age old glory in its majestic palaces and gardens. Also famous for beautiful silk saris and fabric, sandal wood artifacts and sandalwood oil, Mysore is a shoppers delight.

The tour ends with a visit to Srirangapatnam Fort, enroute to Bangalore from Mysore. This island fortress was once the capital of the warrior king Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.