Royal Rajasthan
Journey back to the days of the Maharajas on this tour combining the Mughal splendours of Agra and the romance of royal Rajasthan. Staying in some of India’s finest palaces and havelis, explore this former princely state with its magnificent forts and palaces, its fine cities and stunning desert scenery.
17 days/16 nights
Lodges/Resorts
Departs daily ex Delhi
Highlights:
- Combine the Mughal splendours of Agra with the many sights of regal Rajasthan
- Stay in some of India’s most romantic palaces, havelis and family estates
- Take in magnificent forts, ancient temple complexes and sweeping sand dunes
- See incredible landmarks including the Taj Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
- Discover the region’s epic history and rich tapestry of cultures at a relaxed pace
Royal Rajasthan
Itinerary
17 days/16 nights
Hotels/Resorts
Day 1
Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Delhi
Full day tour of Old & New Delhi. Highlights include Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Raj Ghat. B
Day 3
Mandawa
Depart Delhi and drive to Mandawa (6.5 hrs), famous for its highly decorated havelis. Afternoon free. B
Day 4
Bikaner
Morning visit to the painted havelis of Shekhawati before departing for the royal walled city of Bikaner (6 hrs). B
Days 5/6
Jaisalmer
Enjoy a morning tour of Bikaner and explore Junagarh Fort. Afterwards drive to Jaisalmer (6 hrs), a World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Great Thar Desert. On Day 6 visit Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temple, Patwon-ki-Haveli and savour a stunning sunset over the Sam Sand Dunes. B
Days 7/8
Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur, stopping at Manvar Desert Camp en route for lunch and a jeep safari to nearby villages. On Day 8 visit the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Then take a heritage walk in the old city and bazaar. Evening at leisure. BL/B
Day 9
Narlai
Depart for Narlai. Rest of the day at leisure. B
Days 10/11
Udaipur
Depart for Udaipur via the Jain temple complex in Ranakpur. Udaipur is a picturesque city of white marble palaces, lakes and lush green hills. Afternoon at leisure followed by an evening sound and light show. On Day 11 tour the highlights of Udaipur including the City Palace and the Jagdish Temple. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola (water levels permitting). B
Days 12/13
Shahpura
Morning departure for Shahpura, a wonderful garden estate in the heart of Rajasthan, visiting the impressive Chittogarh Fort en route. Afternoon at leisure. On Day 13 enjoy the range of activities on offer at Shahpura Bagh including cycling, boating, bird watching or visiting local sites. B
Days 14/15
Jaipur
Drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur (3.5 hrs). Overnight at opulent Taj Rambagh Palace. On Day 15 visit the Amber Fort, Palace of Winds and Jantar Mantar observatory. B
Day 16
Agra
After breakfast depart for Agra (7 hrs), visiting the preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. Built in 1570, it was abandoned 15 years later due to lack of water. Afternoon sunset sightseeing tour of the beautiful Taj Mahal (closed Fri). B
Day 17
Tour ends Delhi
Morning tour of the magnificent Agra Fort, a masterpiece of design built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Afterwards drive to Delhi via Sikandra (5 hrs), location of the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Tour ends. B
Rajasthan and North India Overview
Why visit Rajasthan & North India? This is one of the most visited and famous areas of India, renowned for its dramatic history, romantic desert cities, ancient and mysterious temples, massive hilltop forts and colourful desert peoples, as well as the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Majal.
When is the best time to go to Rajasthan & North India? The best time to visit Rajasthan is October to mid April. Clear blue skies and a moderate to slightly chilly temperature (particularly Dec – Jan) make these months the perfect time to visit. From mid April to mid June it becomes very hot followed by the onset of monsoon rain. The monsoon continues until early August. August and September are warm to occasionally hot in the day with cool evenings.
What can I combine Rajasthan with? The vibrant city of Varanasi situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River and the temples of Khajuraho with their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures.
Ho do you get to Rajasthan? Fly into Delhi and then travel by air, road or rail to cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra or Varanasi .