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Days 1-2 | Delhi

This 15 day India Rajasthan Trip begins in the hectic and historical capital city of Delhi.

It's a busy place but has some great sites in terms of architecture, museums, bazaars and shops.  Arrive a bit earlier and take some time to see some of the cities highlights:

• Qutb Minar and Purana Qila Ruins
• Birla House where Gandi was assassinated
• Many of the museums including the Indira Gandi and Craft Museum

Arrival on day 1 is flexible with a welcome meeting scheduled for 6pm.
(Check with reception for more details when you check in and have your local payment ready for the meeting).

Day 2 begins with a visit to Old Delhi, the walled city of Shahjahanabad, which was the creation of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In the morning, we also visit one of its most impressive buildings and Delhi's oldest mosque, the Jama Masjid. We join the crowds to walk in the bazaars of the old city, immersing in the noise and smells of the crowded narrow streets and alleys, where different areas specialise in different things, including festival paraphernalia, silk, copper, brass and spices. The afternoon is free for further exploration on your own.

Our comfortable and clean hotel in Delhi is in centrally located with a multi cuisine restaurant. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities like hot and cold running water in private bathrooms and air-conditioning.

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Day 3 | Agra

It's an early start as we travel with Indian Railways, the world's biggest employer, (with 1.6 million employees), to the Mughal city of Agra (approx. 2.5 hours). During our time here, we visit one of the world's most instantly recognisable monuments - the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity', as it was described by Rabindranath Tagore, lives up to all expectations. We also visit Agra's Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Afterwards, there is also an opportunity to see how handmade carpets are produced.

Please note that only one entry to the Taj Mahal is included in your trip. Additional visits are at your own expense - allow INR750 (US$17) per visit.

In Agra our accommodation is at a basic property run by a local family, in a great location only 800 meters from the Eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. Rooms are basic with attached private bathrooms.

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Day 4 | Rural Rajasthan Heritage Stay

We travel by local bus to the middle of rural Rajasthan (approx 1.5 hours) where we stay in a former fort, now converted into a beautiful heritage hotel. On an exploratory walk through the village, you will see local craftspeople at work, and have plenty of opportunity to meet with the villagers.

We are privileged here to stay in a heritage property of the Royal Family of Rajasthan. Rooms are basic, with attached bathrooms.

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Days 5-6 | Jaipur

We travel by jeep to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur via Amber Palace (approx 4.5 hours). Crowning the crest of a hill, the fort palace at Amber was the former seat of the head of the Rajasthan state, and we spend time here with a local guide discovering the hidden magic of this place.

Jaipur, a friendly and busy town, with palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, is a firm favourite with travellers. While here, we'll walk to India's most-photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds' to take a few photos of our own. There's also time to discover your own, and make sure that sometime during our stay in Jaipur, make sure you take the opportunity to discover the extravagance of a Hindi blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one!) at the Raj Mandir Cinema.

Our heritage hotel in Jaipur has attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water and a multi cuisine restaurant.

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Day 7 | Ranthambhore National Park

Travelling in private vehicles (approx. 5 hours) we head south to Sawai Madhopur, home of the Ranthambhore National Park, one of the original Project Tiger Reserves. We take a safari into the park, a beautiful place studded with lakes, scrublands and ruined palaces, and keep eyes peeled for wildlife including deer, birds and monkeys. With luck, you may even spot a Bengal tiger.

We stay in a neat and clean property with all the modern amenities like attached bathrooms, running hot and cold water, tv, air-conditioning, multi cuisine restaurant and a swimming pool.

Please note that between 1 July and 30 September each year the National Park is closed. As an alternative, trips operating during this time will spend an additional night in Bundi.

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Day 8 | Bundi

We journey through villages and farmlands as we cross the more remote areas of eastern Rajasthan to Bundi (approx. 4 hours). We'll visit an ancient palace that sprawls across the hillside above this captivating town, which time seems to have forgotten. Use your free time here to explore the palace and its famous murals, visit the stepwells and experience local street life down in the bazaars.

Our heritage resort in Bundi is the perfect location for those who want to have a close encounter with the typical Rajasthani lifestyle. All rooms have attached bathrooms and the hotel also has a multi cuisine restaurant.

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Days 9-10 | Bijaipur

It's a slow but interesting journey as we join rural villagers and locals for a train ride (approx. 3 hours) to the small town of Bassi. Our first night in this area will be spent camping (in relative luxury!) beside a lake and under the stars, after visiting nearby rural villages by jeep - a special and unique experience indeed!

The following day, we are treated to a night of luxury in the wonderful Castle Bijaipur, a fortified mansion still run by the Rao, the local landlord and his family. Partake in the many optional activities available here or just relax by the pool!

Our heritage accommodation is a perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. The friendly aristocratic family give this place a homely touch, welcoming all their guests and treating them as part of the family. Comfortable rooms have air conditioning and attached bathroom and the property has a swimming pool.

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Days 11-12 | Udaipur

A short journey of approximately 5 hours takes us to Udaipur.

Udaipur undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together appealingly here, and it's a centre for artists, dancers and musicians. The shopping is also superb, with miniature paintings being the specialty.

On the evening of day 11 your leader will take you on an orientation walk of Udaipur to help us gain our bearings before taking us out for an optional dinner.

On day 12 we visit the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils - within. There's plenty of time afterwards for shopping and more sightseeing on your own.

Our hotel in Udaipur has air-conditioned rooms and attached bathrooms.

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Days 13-14 | Pushkar

Departing from Udaipur on a morning train we should arrive in Ajmer by midday, before transferring to a train headed for Pushkar (approx. 5 hours), descending into the Pushkar Valley over the "Snake Mountain". With India's only Brahma temple and a holy lake, Pushkar is a major destination for pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) from all over India. The atmosphere is friendly and mellow, there is hardly any traffic and the town is small enough to walk around with ease.

Our leader will take us on an orientation walk of the town before we take a camel ride out into the surrounding desert to view sunset over the golden dunes is pure magic. For those who don't want to ride a camel, there is a camel cart option.

In your free time in Pushkar, are many things to do. Spend time exploring the main bazaar and many side streets - some great bargains can be had, as some of the cheapest clothes and jewellery in northern India can be found here. Hang out in one of the many garden or rooftop restaurants or walk around the lake for a look at the ghats and temples, as well as to watch the devout as they worship at the holy waters. There is an optional early morning walk to a hilltop temple for magical views over the town and a wonderful steaming glass of chai waiting for you if the chai man is there - its well worth the trek!

In Pushkar we stay in a comfort class property with all the modern amenities like attached bathrooms, hot and cold running water, air-conditioning, multi cuisine restaurant and a swimming pool.

Late in the evening of day 14 we transfer to the town of Ajmer (approx. 40 minutes) where we board our overnight train back to Delhi (approx. 8 hours). Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths, sheets, pillow and blanket are provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender / mixed gender situation. Most trains have a dining carriage where food/snacks/meals are available.

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Day 15 | Delhi

After arriving in Delhi early in the morning, we transfer to our starting point hotel where the trip finishes. We have use of group day rooms on our return to the hotel until midday. If you are departing India today it's best to book your flight for later in the afternoon as train delays can and do occur.

Please note that luggage storage and additional accomodation can be arranged.

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Itinerary Disclaimer

Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.

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