Rajasthan
This is where cities with splendid palaces and royal mansions evoke their princely past, where forts dominate the barren surrounds, where temples with exquisite carvings unexpectedly appear, where folk music emanates from the lute of a wandering bard that haunts the darkening evenings.... this is Rajasthan, the Land of Kings. We present a two-week tour, aimed at a first time visitor to India.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 Flight
Fly to Delhi
Days 2 & 3 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to a well-run guest house for two nights (or stay at Haveli Dharampura, in the heart of the Old City). Visit the World Heritage sites of Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal and Qutub Minar, a tall minaret with carvings built in the 13th century by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of India; take a rickshaw ride in the bazaars of Chandni Chowk and see the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid. If you are up to it you could do a food walk in the evening, tasting local savouries.
Days 4 & 5 Agra
A free morning in Delhi with a car at your disposal; you could see the Modern Art Museum; walk through Lodhi Gardens; visit Hauz Khas Village or Delhi Haat to pick up an artefact, or see the Railways Museum.
Later take a short drive to Agra; stay at a well-appointed homestay within walking distance of the Taj. You visit Mehtaab Bagh this evening, to see the Taj in fading light as the sun sets.
The next morning visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the tomb of Itamud-ud-daula. This evening we have arranged a walk in the village of Kacchpura, visiting some lesser-known monuments of the Mughal Era.
Days 6 & 7 Ranthambore
Visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, before driving to Bharatpur and visiting the World Heritage Bird Sanctuary on cycle-rickshaws, with a trained naturalist.
Later sample a local train ride up to Ranthambore where you stay two nights in comfortable jungle lodge; the next day visit the jungle in jeeps to seek the elusive tiger and see life in the forest.
Days 8, 9 & 10 Jaipur
You have the option of another game drive in the morning. Then drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City” recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site, stay in a royal haveli for the next three nights (there is a choice of havelis; there is also one of the most luxurious palace hotels in the world, the Ram Bagh Palace). Visit the sights; climb Amber Fort (on elephant back or by jeep), see Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace.
Take a heritage walk one evening also enjoying local delicacies, and one another evening join a local family for a cooking demo followed by a meal with them.
There is the option of an early morning climb to the Jaigarh Fort or a cycling tour of the walled city. An excursion to a nearby village, known for its batik prints, can be arranged, where you can create your own print. If you have the time we recommend an elephant safari in the wilderness, ending with dinner in the open around a campfire.
Day 11 Village stay
Drive today to a hamlet for an overnight halt in a restored fort; you are free to walk and explore the village; you could even do so in a bullock cart.
Days 12 & 13 Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur today for a couple of nights in an elegant family run hotel with its own pool and gardens. Visit Mehrangarh, an imposing fort on a hillock; you will also have time to wander through the Old Town market.
We could arrange a jeep safari to a Bishnoi Village; Bishnois are animal worshippers and the region has a healthy population of blackbucks. There is also the choice of a short camel safari in the surrounding dunes followed by sundowners.
Days 14 & 15 Udaipur
Drive this morning to the romantic city of Udaipur, built around a lake. Most of the drive is through the scenic Aravali Range; we halt on the way to see the beautifully carved Jain Temple at Ranakpur, which is also a good break for a possible lunch in the royal mango orchards of Maharani Bagh.
Stay at a heritage hotel, overlooking the lake, for two nights (the famous Lake Palace Hotel in the middle of the lake is an option). Visit the sights next morning including the City Palace; Jagdish Temple; and the garden of the maidens - Saheliyon Ki Bari. There will be time to explore the markets. A boat ride on Lake Pichola is recommended at sunset.
Day 16 Delhi
You have a morning at leisure; fly back to Delhi in the afternoon for overnight stay at an airport hotel.
Day 17 Flight back
Take the flight back home.
Extensions
Jaisalmer
Amristar Golden Temple
Shimla
Kerala
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Testimonials
“The holiday was unforgettable. I have travelled extensively and this was there with the best. Planning to be back again early 2021….”