Rajasthan tour
The ancient royal capitals
This individual itinerary takes you to Rajasthan, the "land of kings". Before 1949, it was made up of different princely states. Now a state, it is a host of historical traditions where the names of the ancient capitals resonate with the past grandeur of their maharajas.
All of them have kept their sumptuous palaces and the colour of their walls define them. Through this tour, you get the opportunity to see this rainbow. Perfect for a first glimpse of the sub-continent, it takes you to the main cities of the state and to a time that is not so far back. Among the countless possibilities of tours, here is your tailor-made trip to Rajasthan.
Day 1 • New Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi international airport. We meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2 • New Delhi - Agra
In the morning, depart by road to Agra, the ancient capital of the Mughal emperors. On the way, at Sikandra, visit the majestic tomb of Akbar, the third of the great Mughal emperors. Located on the outskirts of Agra, this mausoleum built in the first half of the 17th century is one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture. After the visit and on arrival in Agra, visit the Red Fort. It is a real city with its palaces, mosques and gardens, displaying various architectural styles and reflecting the different periods of the imperial Mughal style.
Day 3 • Agra - Jaipur
Morning visit to the gem of the empire, the Taj Mahal. Listed as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, one must take the time to admire the main monument and appreciate the genius of the architects and the work of the thousands of craftsmen who were involved in its construction. A walk in the gardens is also recommended, as well as a visit to the two red sandstone buildings, the mosque and its replica. After the visit, continue to Jaipur. On the way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient capital built in the 16th century by Akbar and which was abandoned by him after fifteen years.
Day 4 • Jaipur - Udaipur
You will start the day in the former royal capital of Rajasthan, in front of the Palace of Winds. An iconic monument of the city, Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone facade built in the late 18th century and is said to have more than 950 windows that allowed the ladies of the royal harem to observe life on the street while obeying the strict rules of the "purdah". You will then go to the Amber Fort, perched on a hill and overlooking a lake, it was built in the 16th century and was for a long time the residence of the maharajas of Jaipur. Back in Jaipur, you will board the express train to Udaipur, the white city. On arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel.
Day 5 • Udaipur
Full day sightseeing tour of the white city starting at the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, and followed by a visit to the nearby Jagdish Temple. A boat trip on the lake will allow you to have an excellent view of the city and in particular the palaces and gaths bordering the lake. At the end the day, you will go for a walk in the "Saheliyon-ki-Bari", the garden of the maidens.
Day 6 • Udaipur - Jodhpur
Today, you continue your journey north through the Aravallis hills. At Ranakpur, stop to visit the magnificent Jain temples. The dome of the Adinath temple is supported by some 1440 finely carved pillars, only one of which is tilted! Arrive in Jodhpur in the late afternoon and check into hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the old city at your own pace.
Day 7 • Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Spend the morning visiting the Mehrangarh fort, whose enormous mass overlooks the blue city. The luxurious palace, built by successive maharajas, is now a museum. After the visit, you will return to the city and stop at Jaswant Thada, the marble memorial built for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. From here you will continue to Jaisalmer, the desert city, which you will reach late afternoon after stopping at the Hindu temples of Osian. At the end of the day, after settling in at the hotel, you will watch the sunset from the royal cenotaphs.
Day 8 • Jaisalmer
Full day sightseeing of the citadel, literally set in the middle of the Thar Desert. This is where the caravans used to stop. You will see the finely carved havelis of the old merchants as well as the Gadi Sagar, lined with pavilions and temples, which once supplied the city with water. In the late afternoon, you will go to the sand dunes to watch the sunset.
Day 9 • Jaisalmer - Bikaner
Today, you will take the long desert road towards Bikaner, which was founded in the 15th century on the edge of the Thar Desert.
Day 10 • Bikaner - Delhi
In the morning, you will drive to Deshnoke, south of Bikaner, to visit the Rat Temple, unique in India. Back in the city, you will finish the tour at the Junagarh Fort, which preserves within its walls, richly decorated and very well preserved palaces. After the visits, you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to Delhi, which you will reach at the end of the day to be taken to the hotel.
Day 11 • Delhi
The last day of your Rajasthan tour is dedicated to visiting the capital of the country and in particular New Delhi where the British moved in 1931. You will discover the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and go for a walk near India Gate and the presidential residence. In the evening, you will be transferred to the international terminal for your flight back home.
This tour is only a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as is or used as a starting point to create your own custom-made tour in India. This tour is also available with 5* hotels at every stopover.
IDEAS FOR A CUSTOMISED RAJASTHAN TOUR
- Do the tour in the other way round.
- Add a night in Shekhawati (between Bikaner and Delhi) to discover the villages of the ancient merchants.
- Climb Amber Fort or participate in activities with the elephants.
- Discover the palaces of Udaipur from the lake, the old town and/or the surroundings on foot or by bike.
- Extend your stay in Varanasi the holy city or in Goa for a seaside holiday.
- Best time to go: all year round with a preference for October-November and February-March.
1060 US$ / pers.
(base 2 pax)
805 US$ / pers.
(base 4 pax)
Season: Summer 2024 (April - September). . Price per person including accommodation on double occupancy in 3* hotels (4* in Delhi) with breakfasts, travel in a private chauffeur-driven Toyota Innova Crysta vehicle, domestic flight and train as mentioned in the programme. . The price does not include international flights, entrance fees to monuments, guides, meals, visas and insurance. . Prices are indicative only. May vary according to tax, exchange rate fluctuations and travel dates.
