Highlights of Rajasthan
Our Insider Experience
Visit the Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love. The gleaming white marble of this magnificent monument preserves the profound love of a man for his wife. Embark on an exhilarating game drive in one of India’s finest forests, Ranthambore National Park, in search of the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. Immerse yourself in local traditions as you share a memorable dinner with a welcoming Jaipur family. Experience the authentic desert of Rajasthan with a captivating camel ride in Manvar. Prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, where a serene boat ride awaits you.
Tour Details
Specification: Highlights of Rajasthan
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Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather in the reception area of your hotel to meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Please note that international flights often arrive in Delhi late at night, so your tour briefing may be scheduled for the following day.
This fascinating city has many faces, from ancient alleyways and monuments of Old Delhi to regal New Delhi. We begin our exploration of this historic city, of over 15 million people, with a drive to the Red Fort. View this monumental 400-year old landmark from outside – a great opportunity for a photo. Then embark on a bicycle rickshaw ride through colourful Chandni Chowk – one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi – and then to Delhi’s famous spice market, Khari Baoli. Afterwards, take a fascinating walk through the food street of Parathey wali gali, perhaps stopping to sample some local food or masala chai. Walk to the great mosque of Delhi, the Jama Masjid, said to be the largest mosque in India, dating back to the mid 17th century before continuing to the stunning Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to get a glimpse of Sikh worship. After lunch we visit the 16th century tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun, with graceful architecture and recently restored ornamental gardens. This World Heritage-listed site provides an introduction to Mughal architectural style which reached its peak in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. Drive past Rajpath – home to India’s government buildings and the President’s residence, all featuring graceful Lutyen’s architecture which characterises New Delhi, and India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers who gave their lives during World War One. Finally, end this memorable day with a look at Lodhi art district.
Insider Experience – Taste: take a walk along one of Delhi’s most famous food streets where traditional methods are used to prepare delicacies such as fresh-baked paratha breads, samosas, chai and kebabs. Many families here have passed these traditions down through generations after serving as cooks to Mughal rulers of India, and some of the least impressive of shopfronts may hide the most celebrated cooks of particular recipes.
After breakfast, we drive to Agra, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Check-in and after lunch visit Agra’s imposing fort. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, it was also home to Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal and was later imprisoned here by his son. Enjoy your first tantalizing glimpses of the great domes of the Taj from the Fort’s ramparts, on the banks of the holy Yamuna River. Also visit a marble-inlay workshop, to see the intricate work and unique skill which goes into each finely detailed piece of marble inlay, using a variety of beautiful semi-precious stones. Retire early tonight in preparation for your early start tomorrow.
One of India’s most famous national parks and an early Project Tiger reserve, Ranthambore covers an area of more than 1300 square kilometres and is home to a host of wildlife such as Sambar, Chital and Barking Deer, Jackal, Hyaena, Sloth Bear, Leopard, and of course its much-celebrated Tigers, estimated to be over 35 in number. The park’s picturesque lakes are home to huge Marsh Mugger crocodiles and a host of colourful water birds, especially in winter months when Ducks, Storks, Waders and Eagles migrate from as far as Siberia and Mongolia. Rise early for a dawn game drive, as this is one of the best times to see wildlife. Seeing a Tiger is to some extent a matter of luck, with peak sightings from February to April, but in recent years our groups have enjoyed a high sighting rate. In addition to wildlife, the park’s terrain is ruggedly beautiful, with Ranthambores fortress on the plateau above recently receiving World Heritage status, and lakes fringed with ruined Rajput pavilions. The game drive will take around 4 hours after which you will return to your hotel for a late breakfast. There will also be an opportunity to stop at a unique local women’s cooperative where you can see beautiful local handicrafts and have a cup of chai with the women. Depart again for a late afternoon game drive of around 3 hours in duration.
Depart by road for Jaipur, a journey which lasts around 4-5 hours. Jaipur is Rajasthan’s capital and one of Rajasthan’s most iconic and colourful cities. Jaipur’s façades were painted a pinkish-ochre, a colour traditionally associated with hospitality, to celebrate the arrival of England’s Prince of Wales in 1876. The colourful tradition has been maintained ever since and gives Jaipur a unique style of its own. After lunch, enjoy a visit to Jantar before taking a pink rickshaw ride to your hotel to check-in. Finish the day with some free time to explore – a chance to shop for Rajasthani handicrafts in Jaipur’s popular bazaar streets, where jewellery, fabrics, lamps, bangles, bags and shoes sit alongside spices, oils and everyday items. This evening you might like to have a henna tattoo or palm reading (at your own expense) or join your tour leader for the experience of seeing a Bollywood movie in one of India’s finest art deco cinema halls.
Begin today with a visit to the milk market and gain an insight to a farmer’s daily life. Continue on to admire the striking façade of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, designed for the royal ladies to watch the processions and daily life of the city without being seen themselves – a result of the strict “purdah” which was observed until the 20th century. The impressive Amber Fort, around 20 minutes’ drive outside Jaipur itself, is our main site for the morning. This imposing fort is situated atop a mountain in the midst of stark and dramatic landscape and dates back to 1592. We will drive up to the fort by jeep and explore the various buildings. Marvel at the beautifully painted traditional Mughal doorways and the remarkable Sheesh Mahal with its thousands of mirrored tiles. Walk down from the fort and return to downtown Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to continue your exploration of Jaipur.
Insider Experience – Unique: see a local milk market come to life, with turbaned farmers cycling their fresh milk in and haggling over prices and the day’s produce in ways little changed over the past century or more.
Insider Experience – Taste: This evening venture into the old walled city and enjoy dinner with a local family in their historic haveli home. Learn about local life in Jaipur and also see how some typical Rajasthani dishes are prepared.
After breakfast start your journey to Kherjarla, deep in the Rajasthan countryside. Arriving early afternoon, you can settle into your remarkable accommodation for the night – the stunning 400-year old Fort Kherjarla. This property is steeped in history and a section of the Fort remains the residence of the royal family and is considered one of the best heritage hotels in India. Enjoy some free time to explore this wonderful property or take a short market and village walk with your tour leader. Later in the day take a jeep safari to surrounding local villages where you can witness local craftsmen at work and visit a historic 6th century Durga Mata temple. This is a great opportunity to experience small town Rajasthan and the many traditional scenes such as cobblers, tailors, metal workers and vendors in the town’s colourful streets.
Insider Experience – Taste: Tonight enjoy a cooking demonstration in the forts grounds, with local musicians providing entertainment.
Depart Kherjarla by road and head towards Rajasthan’s famous Thar Desert, which stretches all the way to the border with Pakistan. The desert is inhabited by several unique communities with rich traditions alive to this day, and the camel continues to play an important working part in desert lives. Here we will reach our accommodation and desert home for the evening. Enjoy a dinner in the desert. Tonight your home is in spacious and comfortable Rajasthani tents (all ensuite equipped), with musicians bringing the evening desert night to life.
What´s included
- 12 nights in described Hotel or similar
- 1 night luxury tented camp
- Daily Breakfast for 2 Persons
- 2 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
- All flights as specified in the itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- 4 Jeep Safaris
- 1 Boat Ride
- Small group touring
- All Entrance fees
- English speaking tour leader
- All Tipping
- Arrival and departure transfers
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Visa fees
- Porters
- Insurance and personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar, telephone and drinks
Departure Dates and Rates
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Additional Information
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