Rajasthan Experience

Visiting: India

Rajasthan Experience

Embark on a camel safari in Jaisalmer desert, See the holy rats of Bikaner's Karni Mata temple, Experience warm Rajasthani hospitality, Witness a dramatic sunset over the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur, Hear the touching story behind the Taj Mahal in Agra, Stroll through colourful bazaars in Delhi city, Visit the painted havelis of Shekhawati, Explore the ornate palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur

Colourful and chaotic, mysterious and exotic - welcome to Rajasthan. Explore the fairytale cities of the desert, travel to beautiful palaces filled with treasures of the maharajah and wander through forts with fascinating histories. Marvel at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, travel across the Jaisalmer desert on camelback and witness the romantic 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. Be immersed in this intriguing state of India - stay in traditional towns, meet the locals in markets and bazaars, and taste delicious regional dishes. Add a touch of comfort and some very special hotels for a true Rajasthani travel adventure.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You'll be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transferred to your hotel. Please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city but it's also one of the most interesting in the world with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars!

There are plenty of things to see and do in free time. Visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb. This was the first garden tomb in India, built way back in 1570. Wonder at the tall brick minaret of Qutub Minar, which was started back in the 1100s. Explore the mighty Red Fort of Delhi. Part palace and part fort, it plays an integral part in the history of the city with former residents ranging from royal families to British soldiers.

Join your group leader on an excursion into the sights and sounds of Old Delhi! Set off on the city's modern metro system, then get a taste of India's famed public transport with a cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets, such as the famous Chandni Chowk. Make a visit to the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings, then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

Included Activities

•Complimentary airport arrival transfer

•Delhi - Jama Masjid

•Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour

•Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Optional Activities

•Delhi - Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi - INR250.00

•Delhi - Red Fort, New Delhi - INR250.00

•Qutb Minar, New Delhi - INR250.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

 

!item

We leave Agra early on private vehicles for our journey to Jaipur. Our first stop is the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri (approx 1.5 hrs).

The magnificent deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, but was abandoned after 15 years due to the scarcity of water. A highlight of the settlement is Jama Masjid, a striking mosque featuring elements of both Persian and Hindu design. The main entrance of the mosque is the impressive 54 metre-high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar's military victory in Gujarat.

Stop for a traditional thali lunch en route to Jaipur.

A friendly, busy town crammed with palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, Jaipur is a firm favourite with travellers.

Take a walk to the city's crowded and colourful bazaars, which sell a wide variety of artisan goods. Semi-precious stones are the local speciality - be sure to wander by the stalls at least once.

Travel out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort.

Go to Jaipur's Royal City Palace - one of India's finest - and spend time exploring the various rooms and apartments.

Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Visit one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.

Included Activities

•Amber Fort

•Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema

•Fatehpur Sikri

•Guided tour of Amber Fort

•Photo stop at Hawa Mahal

•Walking tour, Jaipur

Optional Activities

•Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur - INR300.00

•Observatory, Jaipur - INR100.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts)

 

!item

We leave Agra early on private vehicles for our journey to Jaipur. Our first stop is the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri (approx 1.5 hrs).

The magnificent deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, but was abandoned after 15 years due to the scarcity of water. A highlight of the settlement is Jama Masjid, a striking mosque featuring elements of both Persian and Hindu design. The main entrance of the mosque is the impressive 54 metre-high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar's military victory in Gujarat.

Stop for a traditional thali lunch en route to Jaipur.

A friendly, busy town crammed with palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, Jaipur is a firm favourite with travellers.

Take a walk to the city's crowded and colourful bazaars, which sell a wide variety of artisan goods. Semi-precious stones are the local speciality - be sure to wander by the stalls at least once.

Travel out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort.

Go to Jaipur's Royal City Palace - one of India's finest - and spend time exploring the various rooms and apartments.

Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Visit one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.

Included Activities

•Amber Fort

•Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema

•Fatehpur Sikri

•Guided tour of Amber Fort

•Photo stop at Hawa Mahal

•Walking tour, Jaipur

Optional Activities

•Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur - INR300.00

•Observatory, Jaipur - INR100.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts)

 

!item

The drive from Jaipur to Shekhawati takes approx 5 hrs.

A remote town in the centre of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa, built a fort to protect this outpost in 1755.

Explore Mandawa's ornate havelis (private residences), some crumbling in decay and some wonderfully restored and preserved, making the town a fascinating outdoor museum.

Visit one of our Responsible Travel Projects - Asha ka Jharna is a special school for mentally challenged and hearing impaired children. This non-profit organisation provides special education, guidance and counselling to about 150 special children.

Included Activities

•Mandawa Haveli tour

•Visit to Asha Ka Jharna

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts)

 

!item

The drive from Jaipur to Shekhawati takes approx 5 hrs.

A remote town in the centre of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa, built a fort to protect this outpost in 1755.

Explore Mandawa's ornate havelis (private residences), some crumbling in decay and some wonderfully restored and preserved, making the town a fascinating outdoor museum.

Visit one of our Responsible Travel Projects - Asha ka Jharna is a special school for mentally challenged and hearing impaired children. This non-profit organisation provides special education, guidance and counselling to about 150 special children.

Included Activities

•Mandawa Haveli tour

•Visit to Asha Ka Jharna

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts)

 

!item

We travel to Bikaner by private bus (approx 5 hrs) then drive to the 600-year-old Karni Mata temple, full of rats considered to be the reincarnation of followers of the Hindu goddess Durga. Locals believe that it's particularly auspicious if one of these holy rats runs over your bare feet - so if you're squeamish, you might have to stay outside!

Visit Junagarh Fort, which was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner (1571 to 1612 AD).

In the evening, travel to a nearby farm and enjoy an evening of traditional Rajasthani food, music and dance.

Included Activities

•Farmhouse visit with dinner and dancing

•Junagarh Fort

•Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

Accommodation

Heritage Property (1 nt)

 

!item

Our journey to Jaisalmer is along a remote desert road (approx 7 hrs).

Looking like a scene from The Thousand and One Nights as it rises from flat desert surrounds, Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. Located on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden, its wide variety of exhibits offer a great experience for visitors.

Experience one of the main highlights of our adventure on a camel safari (approx. 2.5 hours) out to the pristine sand dunes of the Thar Desert and spend a night camping out under the stars in tents.

Included Activities

•Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

•Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

!item

Our journey to Jaisalmer is along a remote desert road (approx 7 hrs).

Looking like a scene from The Thousand and One Nights as it rises from flat desert surrounds, Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. Located on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden, its wide variety of exhibits offer a great experience for visitors.

Experience one of the main highlights of our adventure on a camel safari (approx. 2.5 hours) out to the pristine sand dunes of the Thar Desert and spend a night camping out under the stars in tents.

Included Activities

•Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

•Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

!item

Our journey to Jaisalmer is along a remote desert road (approx 7 hrs).

Looking like a scene from The Thousand and One Nights as it rises from flat desert surrounds, Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. Located on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden, its wide variety of exhibits offer a great experience for visitors.

Experience one of the main highlights of our adventure on a camel safari (approx. 2.5 hours) out to the pristine sand dunes of the Thar Desert and spend a night camping out under the stars in tents.

Included Activities

•Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

•Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

!item

Our journey to Jodhpur  takes approx 6 hrs.

Jodhpur is known for its antique shops and the best lassi in India. And yes, it is where those famous trousers come from.

Explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort and take in the great views from its ramparts, which dominate the city's skyline.

Visit India's last great palace, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which was constructed between 1929 and 1944. Named after the late Maharaja Umaid Singhji, the palace is still the residence of his successors.

Included Activities

•Meherangarh Fort

Optional Activities

•Palm reading, Jodhpur - INR300.00

•Umaid Bhawan Palace - Museum, Jodhpur - INR50.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (1 nt)

 

!item

We travel viah the beautiful hamlet of Ranakpur (approx 3 hrs), home to a host of intricately carved white marble Jain temples. Then continue on to Udaipur (approx 5 hrs).

Explore the incredible complex of Jain temples - the main reason why Ranakpur is one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Jains in India.

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

Take a walk around town to help gain your bearings and explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and miniature paintings.

Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures within - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils.

Enjoy a half hour boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see marvels like Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island (seasonal depending on the water level in the lake).

Be part of a musical concert combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Join the famous Spice Box cooking school and spend a half day learning the secrets of Indian cuisine. With lessons on preparation and cooking, you'll be able to whip up a full Indian meal in no time.

Included Activities

•City Palace

•Cultural dance show

•Lake boat ride (depending on water levels)

Optional Activities

•Ayurvedic massage, Udaipur - INR1000.00

•Cooking class, Udaipur - INR350.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

!item

We travel viah the beautiful hamlet of Ranakpur (approx 3 hrs), home to a host of intricately carved white marble Jain temples. Then continue on to Udaipur (approx 5 hrs).

Explore the incredible complex of Jain temples - the main reason why Ranakpur is one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Jains in India.

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

Take a walk around town to help gain your bearings and explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and miniature paintings.

Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures within - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils.

Enjoy a half hour boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see marvels like Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island (seasonal depending on the water level in the lake).

Be part of a musical concert combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Join the famous Spice Box cooking school and spend a half day learning the secrets of Indian cuisine. With lessons on preparation and cooking, you'll be able to whip up a full Indian meal in no time.

Included Activities

•City Palace

•Cultural dance show

•Lake boat ride (depending on water levels)

Optional Activities

•Ayurvedic massage, Udaipur - INR1000.00

•Cooking class, Udaipur - INR350.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

!item

We take a flight to Delhi (approx 1.5 hrs) then travel by private vehicle to our comfortable hotel to spend the final night.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

We take a flight to Delhi (approx 1.5 hrs) then travel by private vehicle to our comfortable hotel to spend the final night.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner