Day 01 : 31 Mar-17
1700hrs : Board overnight train from Nizamuddin station, Delhi to Chittorgarh.
- Quality of the services in the is slightly better now,
- Compartments, bed sheets, and blankets are much cleaner
- Food quality is also improved.
Day 02 : 01 Apr-17
0500hrs : Arrival Chittorgarh. Room booked at Pratap Palace for wash & change.
1200 hrs: Joined MD Sir (who arrived Chittorgarh from Udaipur), and after short Tea break inspected hotel Pratap Palace.
Hotel Pratap Palace (3* Budget)
A Budget Class Hotel with 20 Room, located just 05 minutes away from Railway station and 05 Kmsfrom Chittorgarh Fort. Renovated room are Simple ok ok, neat and clean, TV, safe deposit, tea / coffee maker and 24-hour room service, standard amenities in the bathrooms with hot and cold running water. A Multi cuisine Restaurant, with sitting outside in the verandah as well. Small garden which is used for group meal in the winter.
- Renovation is on for rest of Hotel and coming up with Lift and Rooftop Swimming Pool
- The only hotel which can be used for Foreigner Clients who want to stay in main Chittorgarh Town (or) for Transit travelers.
Observation: This is a basic two star hotel and not Recommended for our clients, however this is the only hotel which can be used for clients want to stay near the Fort and are on less budget.
1245 hrs: After inspection of Hotel, proceed to visit Chittorgarh Fort.
Chittorgarh Fort (A must visit site)
Very impressive and one of Largest Fort in India, and atleast 02 hrs required to visit the Fort. Rana Kumbha Palace (Sound & Light Show is happing at this palace) Tower of Victory, Padmini Palace (Closed due to some local issues) Meera Temple (Meera Mandir), Kalika Mata Temple, Fateh Prakash Palace (Now converted into Museum) Jain Temples and Seven Gates of the Fort are the main attractions to visit.
1345 hrs: After visiting Fort, drive to Castle Bijaipur, which is aprox 35 Kms / 45 Mnts from Chittorgarh.
The Road (highway) is good till Bassi, from where have to take diversion to Bijaipur. The drive is scenic and Very beautiful but it is a single road for aprox 16 Kms.
Hotel Castle Bijaipur (3*+ Heritage)
Hotel is 16th Century old Castle converted into Hotel. Run by the royal family (also the owner of Pratap Palace). The hotel has total 28 Room including Suites (Old and New Wing) with attached bathroom. Rooms are neat & Clean, nicely maintained and fitted with all modern facilities.- Rooms in the old wing are comparatively small but with more of a heritage touch.
- Rooms on the 1st floor are with better view and verandah in the front is nicely maintained with Jharokha and seating area.
- Rooms on the Ground Floor have no view, wooden partition in the verandah doesn’t look nice and spoiling the charm of the soundings.
- Roof Top in the Old wing is good place to offer romantic / special Dinners.
- Reception area is also nicely maintained facing small Garden.
- Hotel has a facility of bar (now day having problem with Liquor License), a restaurant serving authentic Indian vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines.
- Hotel offer different activities include fishing, bird watching, trekking, jeep safari, horse safari, boating at Lotus Lake, gala dinner with folk dances and royal dining.
- Regular Yoga / Meditation Classes are happening, and conducted by the owner of the property.
- The Hotel also have a Swimming Pool
Observation: This hotels also belongs to the same owners of Pratab Palace but this is a Decent Heritage property with nice atmosphere. This hotel is recommended for clients in Mid segment and ready to stay little away from the fort. Apart from this actually there is no choice but refrain to suggest this to high end clients or those who are travelling on a healthy budget.
1530 hrs: After inspection of Hotel, proceed to visit Fort Begu, which is aprox 40 Kms / 01 Hour from Chittorgarh. The drive is very scenic and Ok, but some part of the road is not good, it is single road crossing the hills.
Hotel Fort Begu(Heritage)
Hotel is 15th Century old Fort converted into Hotel few years back and Run by the royal family. The hotel has total 05 Room (02 Deluxe Rooms and 03 Suites) with attached bathroom. Deluxe Rooms are very small and not enough place to move freely in the room. Rooms are the top level (3rd floor) of the Fort and have to climb big stairs.- Suites are much better, big and colorful, nice décor. Big bathrooms with all modern facility.
- Nice Reception area on the 1st Floor with collection of historical Picture of Royal Family along with a small Dinning Area.
- Planning to comp-up with few more room at the at side area of the Fort.
- Guest staying for 01 night are served Drinks & Dinner at the Hotel Courtyard. Those Guest staying 02 Night, 1st day Drinks and dinner served at Hotel and 2nd day, special arrangement are made the Lake Rajgarh (special Lake Side location) aprox 07 Kms from Hotel. All at additional cost.
Observation: Not very impressed with the Hotel, though Excellent rating on Trip Advise. Services are personalized but we did not find anything impressive to stay here for a night and owner is also not willing to make any changes in property when we given some advise.
1745 hrs: After inspection of Hotel, proceed for Bhainsrorgarh, which is aprox 60 Kms / 02 Hours.
The road is ok, but the last 20 Kms the road is bad, which took more time.
Hotel Bhainsrorgarh (Heritage)
Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel located at a hilltop (around 200 ft rocky ridge) overlooking the River Chambal. The Guest are mainly received the member of Royal family.- The hotel has total 09 Room (03 Deluxe Rooms and 06 Suites) with attached bathroom.
- Out of 06 Suites 05 of them have River view and 01 has partial view of River. Suite very spacious, with separate sitting area. Room are nicely decorated with Heritage style. Bathrooms big and fitted with all modern facility. Top floor Suites (02 Suites) are with best of views.
- Deluxe Rooms are slight Small with view of Village.
- Nice Reception area on the facing courtyard on the group Floor.
- The atmosphere, and personalize service and meals are their USP.
- The Hotel has different location for Meals (Lunch / Dinner). The Terrace is the best place to have your meals with breathtaking view of the Chambal River and Village.
Observation: We found it Impressive with stunning view and high service standards. Services here also are very personalized and we highly recommend this property for small Group upto 10 pax and Individual clients. The village activities are nice here and surrounded by a lake and for bird watching. Boating at. Chambal river with bird watching and crocodile spotting is a highlight of this place.
2030 hrs: We had nice dinner with owner on the Terrace, and stayed overnight at Bhainsrorgarh Fort.
Day 03 : 02 Apr-17
0730 hrs: Proceed to experience the boat Ride at Chambal River. Once has to walk for around 10 mnts from Fort to Jetty point, the walk is through rocky foot Trails. There is an option of driving back to Fort by road through the nearby bridge.
0945 hrs : Return back to Hotel for breakfast, which served on the Terrace with nice view in the Day light. One can wake-up early in the morning to see the Sunrise from Terrace.
1145 hrs: After a short break, we left for Kota, which is aprox 60 Kms / 02 hrs.
The Road upto highway not so good but after that good road till Kota. On arrival we inspected Umaid Bhawan Palace (A WelcomHeritage Hotel)
Umed Bhawan Palace (Heritage)
Umed Bhawan Palace is a 19th Century large palace and a heritage hotel, having a large and impressive interiors, large rooms, common areas with high ceilings and offering a comprehensive heritage character Lush Green lawns and courtyards, marble corridors, hunting trophies of all around the Palace. Their Billiard Room is full of hunting trophies of different wild animal and Royal family pictures. Total 32 room (including 14 Deluxe, 17 Royal Suites and 01 Presidential Suite) with attached bathroom fitted with all modern amenities.Observation: UBP is a nice property with rich Heritage along with big Courtyard and Garden. Big rooms and bathrooms with high ceiling roof and décor and amenities are nicely done. Highly recommended for Middle Class Groups & FIT’s. Should offer atleast 01 Night at Kota , instead 02 Nights at Bundi.There is enough to show to clients during one night stay at KOTA.
1430 hrs: After a nice Lunch at UBP, we met with our Guide (Mr. Neeraj Bhatnagar ) and proceed to visit the Rao Madho Singh Museum.
The Museum located in the Old Palace, consists of numerous collections which includes attractive ancient sculptures, mural paintings, miniature paintings, royal armory and frescos. All the interiors, as well as furniture are in the palace are kept in their original as used to be. The Kota school of painting showcased here are really worth visiting, which show the life style of the rulers and also their Faith towards God (Krishna). Silver utensils, figurines of statue, manuscript of Rajasthan throughout the ages are some of the most important things kept in the museum. The armoury of the Rajputs hero is reminiscent of the many battles fought in Rajasthan Museum remains closed on Fridays and all state holidays. Seven Wonders Park - A newly opened park and now a premier attraction of Kota, this park has replicas of the Seven Wonders of The World including Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Egypt, Eiffel Tower, Brazil's Christ the Redeemer, Statue of Liberty and Rome's Colosseum. This park is located on the side of Kishore Sagar and the monuments look quite beautiful in the evenings with good lightings and lake in the background.Main Bazaar is also worth visit in Kota, which has wide collection of traditional Rajasthani goods and products. One of the most popular buys of the Main Bazaar is the Kota sarees that include Kota silk and is very popular.
1645 hrs: After the visit, we left for Bundi , which is aprox 40 Kms / 01 hrs. Checked-in at Hotel Hadoti Palace and after a short break ready for Hotel inspections.
Hadoti Palace (3*+)
A modern hotel with 28 rooms including suites with all necessary amenities like TV, Tea/Coffee maker, attached bathroom with bath tub and 24 hour hot and cold water, and safe deposit box- Hotel have few Deluxe Rooms / Suite with very nice Fort View.
- They also have a Swimming Pool and nice Garden.
- A multi cuisine restaurant, serving Rajasthani, Indian and continental food.
- A small business centre and Conference / Banquet hall for local conferences and events, and weddings.
- They also have a nice small 6 vintage and classic car museum, next to Lobby.
- Not friendly staff and unprofessional.
Observation: Good neat and clean Hotel, having maximum capacity of room in Town. Recommended for middle class Groups and for those FITs looking for Hotel with Swimming pool. Don’t expect much when it is a matter of Service standards but acceptable.Professionalism is missing as of now.
Kothi Ishwari Niwas (Heritage)
- A nice Heritage 100-year-old Haveli with a boutique touch. Nice Lush Green Courtyard.
- This is a family-run hotel.
- 24 individually designed rooms around a courtyard well equipped with modern amenities
- Avoid to use Rooms on the Ground floor in the old wing, as the window cannot be open but some rooms windows are opening into the courtyard.
- Rooms in the new Wing are big and tastefully decorated.
- A small multi cuisine restaurant, and a Bar. Outdoor dining at Verandah facing courtyard is also possible.
Observation: A Small Haveli with lot of Character. Good option for Small groups and FITs in Mid Segment. Try to use rooms in the New Wing only,.Clients will like this hotel due to the character and service part.
Bundi Haveli (Heritage)
- A heritage property in the old city, facing Garh Palace and the Taragarh Fort, and Lake.
- 12 rooms from (02 Standard, 08Deluxe & 02 Suites)
- All rooms have attached bathrooms with modern facilities including hot & Cold Running water. Tea/ coffee maker in all rooms.
- Most of the Rooms are with Jharokhas, with views of the old town, palace, fort and lake.
- A courtyard garden restaurant serving traditional Indian and Continental cuisine. The restaurant beautifully carved stone pillars and jali windows.
Observation: A Small Heritage Hotel in The Old City and the best option for Budget Clients and for those who are looking to stay near the main attractions.
Haveli Brij Bhushan ji (Heritage)
A 200 year old heritage Haveli with authentic and cosy atmosphere, once used to be the residence of Royal family of Bohara Braj Bhushanjee. It gives you a feeling that the Haveli is part of the palace, one can have a nice view of the Palace from their courtyard and from different corners. The traditional colors painted on the wall, along with authentic ornaments and frescoes & furnishings. The Hotel have total 24 nicely decorated and spacious rooms fitted with all modern amenities i.e/ like Air Conditioned, Attached bathroom (separate shower space), running hot and cold water, hair dryer, tea / coffee maker. The new wing , are quite big with a view of the Fort. traditionally decorated and few rooms have some of the finest Bundi School Painting.Observation: A Hotel with full of Character and stunning view of Palace, but overpriced and the owner seem to be arrogant. No problem for using on specific demand or when there is no other option.
2100 hrs: After the inspection of Hotel, return to Hotel Hadoti Palace for Dinner and overnight .
Day 04 : 03 Apr-17
0800 hrs: Proceed to visit the Bundi Palace and Bazaar Walk with local Guide (Ashwani) .
The Garh Palace Bundi
This massive palace was built between 1607 A.D. to 1631 A.D. The palace is built over a side of the hill on the top of which is the Taragarh Fort. If you see the palace from the top, it looks like a hanging structure. The Palace is famous for its artistic Rajput style architecture, like its Jharokhas and pillars.
Chitrashala is the place of an authentic The Bundi school of painting. The best wall paintings are still available in the Chitrashala, Badal Mahal, Phool Mahal and Chandra Mahal. These paintings are in excellent conditions, well preserved and fascinating.
Ummed Palace which has murals, wall paintings and artworks at the wall make it a must visit place. These paintings are mainly related to Hindu Mythological Stories (Especially related to Lord Krishna), court proceedings, love stories, musical melodies and general scenes of recreational fights as well as wars. These paintings are also influenced by Mughal and Mewar style of Art.
The approach upto the palace is steep and bit slippery, and one has to be very careful while going up and coming down, and to have good footwear. It can be a problem for old people and therefore it should be mentioned in our itineraries of Bundi.
Rani-ki-Baori:
We did not visit these Stepwell as closed for Renovation.
The Bazaar Walk
After visit the Fort / Palace go for an interesting walk through the main and the busy bazaar and witness the street life of local shop-kippers and the people. At the end of the walk one can also visit the Fruit and vegetable market.
1015 hrs: Return back to Hotel for Breakfast.
1225 hrs: After short rest Driver to Sapotra via Kota highway, which is aprox 230 Kms / 06-07 hrs.
- We were suggested to carry packed Lunch as there is not good midway or restaurant till Sawai Madhopur.
1800 hrs: Reached Ramathra Fort (Sapotra), a beautiful place and our tiredness gone as soon as we enter the Fort.
A warmed welcome by the manger of the Resort, who took immediately to Sunset point (at Fort Corner), to witness the Sunset, as we were lucky to be there on time. After witnessing the beautiful sunset and stunning view of Country side and Lake. We were served with Tea and cookies and the main Terrace. Later we were taken for inspection of hotel.
Ramathra Fort (Heritage)
- The Royal Fort was given as a fiefdom to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father Maharaja of Karauli in the year 1645. Now it has been converted into a Hotel to facilitate the tourists. The historical Shiva Mandir and Ganesh Mandir are still lying inside this heritage hotel in Karauli. The idol of Lord Shiva made from marble in this temple is a fine example of the spectacular craftsmanship of early 18th century.
- Located between two wildlife reserves, Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary/ Bharatpur and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.
- The Room interiors are inspired with Mihirgarh in Rohet and with view of Countryside.
- Luxury tents have a private sit-out area, with attached baths.
- The Hotel has their own Farm land to grow vegetables, which used in their kitchen.
- A very nice Garden sounded with 06 Tents, where once spend the evening having dinks and dinner.
- Activities offered include : Walking tour of the Ramathra village (02-03 hrs), Boat Ride in the Lake for Bird watching and Crocodile sighting, and also offer Jeep Safari Tour to visit surrounding areas / villages.
Observation: Very Boutique and nicely done property where lot of attention given to each and every thing. The owners are thorough professionals and property is highly recommended for mid segment clients and also for the high end clients who want to stay away from hustle and bustle. The village activities are the best here and not very commercial. Clients can visit the houses and see the village life and can interact with the locals. Surroundings are beautiful and green.It can be used for middle and upmarket clients also. Their village walk is the highlight. The walk and boat is included in their tariff.
2000 hrs: Dinks & Dinner were served at the Garden Area. The owner Mr. Ravi Raj Pal also joined for a short while during drinks.
Overnight at Ramathra Fort
0550 hrs: I left for Railway station , as the road condition was not good, so advised to took the other road via Kurgaon. (Which is much better as new road construction is already on). Reached Railway station at 0715 hrs (Train was delayed by 10 Mnts from Schedule time of 0750 hrs).
1245 hrs: Arrived Delhi
Suggested ToursUndiscovered Rajasthan – Visit Churu, Khichan, Manvar & Sapotra - 21 Nights / 22 Days
Places:Delhi-Churu-Bikaner-Phalodi(Khichan)-Jaisalmer-Manwar-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Chittaurgarh-Kota-Bundi-Sapotra-Jaipur-Agra
https://www.tsiholidays.com/tour/undiscovered-rajasthan/
