Located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, the state of Rajasthan is home to medieval forts, palaces and tigers, highly energetic and lively festivals, and a wealth of colorful architecture that is a visual treat for the senses.
During your time at Rajasthan, you will have the chance to stay in the region’s many grand forts and palaces, enjoy a series of 4×4 safari adventures, treat your tastebuds to authentic Mewari cuisine, and so much more.
Mewari cuisine has a long and rich history, one that dates back to the royal era of the Rajasthan region, with traditional dishes that were once prepared for the kings and queens of the land. These days, the practice of preserving the freshness, spices, and authenticity of Mewari cuisine is very much alive. During your trip to Rajasthan, you will get to experience Mewari cuisine at its absolute best, with your choice of delectable meat and vegetable dishes, plus desserts, that are lovingly prepared by experienced chefs.
Take a memorable journey off the beaten path and explore the many rural areas that exist within the state of Rajasthan. With up to 70 percent of the people of India living in rural parts of the country, there are plenty of fascinating rural towns to explore, giving you the chance to relax and unwind and get a glimpse of what a day in the life of a rural resident is really like. Of course your journey to these rural lands will be accompanied by a comfortable stay at modern heritage palaces, such as the Ajit Bhawan Palace to name a few.
Take a guided tour through the Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, and witness the majestic beauty of the various wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 40 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 320 species of birds. You will be amazed by the sights and sounds of some of India’s most precious creatures, including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, and jungle cats, to name a few.
Also known as the Great Indian Desert, the Thar Desert is composed of hot, dry sand dunes, separated by sandy plains and low hills. The region is home to breathtaking scenery, providing gorgeous panoramic views of your surroundings from any angle. During your stay at Rajasthan, you will have the chance to watch the sun set at the Great Thar Desert. Here, you will see the moment when the sun gradually goes down, creeps behind the sand dunes and sandy plains, and gives way to the majestic nighttime.
Live like the kings and queens of the royal era by staying at the various grand forts and palaces located in Rajasthan. These sites provide spacious and comfortable accommodation, featuring modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, WiFi, private bathrooms, a mini fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities, to name a few.
Explore the Rich History of Rajasthan
Get ready to visit the largest Indian state by area, and the seventh largest by population, with this detailed and easy to read travel itinerary. Learn about the different activities that you will get to take part in, such as the 4×4 safaris at the Ranthambore National Park, the accommodation at the many grand forts and palaces, and your chance to experience traditional Mewari cuisine.
Take a direct flight from London to Mumbai (Bombay). Regional connections are available by request.
(N)
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Triden Nariman Point for 1 night’s stay. In the afternoon, you will get to go sightseeing across Mumbai, journeying through the Gateway of India, the Chor Bazaar, the Dhobi Ghat and the Victoria Terminus.
(N)
Take a flight to Udaipur and stay for 2 nights at the Fateh Niwas Palace. You will then enjoy dinner at the Ambrai restaurant, overlooking the artificial fresh waters of Lake Pichola, created in 1362 AD by Pichhu Banjara, a notable tribesman.
(B, D)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour through Udaipur, the city of lakes and places. Here you will visit the City Palace, the Jagdish temple, and various miniature painting studios. Then, take an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Pichola. In the evening you will enjoy a live performance at Bagore-ki-Haveli, located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola.
(B)
Travel to Deogarh, known as the home of gods, and visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur on your way there. Here, you will spend 2 nights at Deogarh Mahal, a former palace built in the 17th century, now a premium heritage hotel providing superior accommodation. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a village walk, giving you a chance to relax and unwind.
(B)
You can either decide to take a free day and enjoy Deogarh at your own leisure, or you can choose from a range of optional activities. These activities include a 4×4 safari at local villages, an Indian cooking class, or a relaxing walk with a picnic. In the evening, you will get to enjoy an authentic Mewari meal, situated on the picturesque hotel terrace as the sun goes down.
(B, D)
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour rural train ride from Khamil Ghat to Phulad. This majestic train ride will take you through fast tunnels and lush spring waterfalls, and in fact many of the scenic features of this area inspired Rudyard Kipling’s story The Man Who Would Be King. From there, you will travel by road to Jodhpur and stay for 2 nights at the Ajit Bhawan Palace.
(B)
Here you will visit Jaswant Thada, a cenotaph (an empty tomb) located in Jodhpur. You will then continue to the Mehrangarh Fort, and take a heritage walk through the streets of Jodhpur, giving you a chance to explore the bustling city streets, bazaars, and temples.
(B)
Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, you will take a drive to Bikaner and enjoy a 1-night stay at the Narendra Bhawan, a grand residence that honors the memory of Narendra Singhji, the last king of Bikaner, by displaying the various items of his travels to locations near and far. In the late afternoon, you will take a 4×4 safari trip into the desert, where you will witness the one-of-a-kind sunset over the dunes of the Thar Desert, accompanied by a delightful Indian high tea.
(B)
Take a trip to Junagarh Fort, located in the city of Bikaner, and learn about the history behind this lovingly preserved heritage site. Later on, you will take a drive to the royal city of Kaipur. But along the way, you will visit the town of Fatehpur Sikri, which is home to complex monuments and temples, all lovingly decorated in a unique architectural style. You will then transfer to the Trident Hotel Jaipur for a 2-night stay.
(B, D)
At the start of the day, you will visit Amber Fort, which is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm. You will then spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Jaipur, also known as The Pink City, which combines the allure of ancient history with all the excitement and benefits of a thriving metropolitan area.
(B, D)
Here you will travel to Ranthabore for 2 nights at Dev Vilas, a premium hotel with traditional designs, an elegant romantic charm, and many opportunities for peaceful respite. In the afternoon you will enjoy an afternoon safari at the Ranthambore National Park.
(B, D)
In the early morning, you will take a safari trip in search of the beautiful and powerful Bengal Tigers. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the park at your own leisure or visit the Ranthambore Fort and the NGO-supported Dastkar foundation, the latter being an organization, established in 1981, that supports traditional Indian craftspeople by helping them regain their economic independence.
(B, L, D)
Take a morning drive to Agra, a city on the banks of the Yamuna river, while stopping by Fatehpur Sikri along the way. Here you will stop at the Laxmi Vilas Palace for lunch, and then stay overnight at the Trident Hotel Agra.
(B, L)
As the sun rises, you will visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You will then visit Agra Fort, and then depart for Delhi and stay for 1-night at the Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka.
(B)
After morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a direct flight back to London.
(B)