Wake up before dawn to reach the
Taj Mahal in time to enjoy the sight of the sun rising over the dome of this magnificent monument. After seeing the Taj with an expert local guide, return to the hotel for breakfast, before heading out again with our guide to see
Agra Fort and optional visit to see the Taj Mahal from the other side of the River Yamuna. After lunch, begin the 4 hour drive to Delhi; transfer to restaurant for farewell dinner, before transfer to airport to connect with a flight home or to onward Indian city for further travel.
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by our tour escort, transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in. Delhi, India’s capital and a city of more than 12 million people – half of whom appear to have come to the airport for your arrival – is a colourful, busy, chaotic city packed with
museums, art galleries, historic sites, shops and bazaars. It would take weeks to discover all that is Delhi.
During the 5 hour drive to Mandawa we see the scenery gradually change to the desert landscape typical of Rajasthan. On reaching Mandawa, transfer to hotel. A small town in the
Shekhawati region,
Mandawa is well known for its
havelis (stone-work homes). In the afternoon we take a walking tour of the painted havelis with a local guide. Though many of the havelis are no longer inhabited, the local caretakers are happy to show visitors around. Evening optional dinner with a local family (included in the price).
After breakfast we have the opportunity (time permitting) to visit a nearby village and meet the village headman. We then continue on 4 hours to
Bikaner. Lying in the north of
Rajasthan, the area around Bikaner is dotted with many sand dunes, while Bikaner itself, having once been heavily fortified, has a medieval feel. In the afternoon we take a short tour, including a visit to a camel-breeding farm, the only one in Asia.
Breakfast at the hotel before proceeding 6 hours to
Jaisalmer. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert is the city of Jaisalmer. Constructed with luminous yellow sandstone, the fort stands with awesome splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. On reaching Jaisalmer transfer to hotel and remainder of the day free.
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of the city. Visit
Jaisalmer fort, where people live and commerce takes place within the fort walls. Later in the afternoon drive 1 hour to
Khuri, where you have the option (included in the price) of a short camel trek to reach the huge sand dunes, a beautiful spot from which to watch the sunset over the dunes. Later in the evening enjoy a dance performance, along with dinner at Khuri Village.
This morning we continue our journey through the
Thar Desert with a 5 hour drive to Jodhpur. The massive 15th century
Mehrangarh Fort looms over Jodhpur, soaring 125 metres above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 kilometres long, with eight gates and innumerable bastions. Later in the afternoon we visit the fort with an expert local guide.
After a leisurely breakfast drive 1 hour to the small village of Rohet. Our accommodation in Rohet is in a heritage homestead. After check-in, we head out on a
‘Village Safari’, giving you the opportunity to see how life unfolds in a traditional Rajasthani village. Afternoon free by the pool.
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart Rohet for a 5 hour drive to Udaipur, with a stop en route to visit the Ranakpur temple. Dating back to the 15th century, the temple’s 1444 marble pillars, no two of which are alike, support 29 meticulously constructed halls. Continue on to Udaipur, a lovely city, situated on an azure lake, and hemmed in by the lush Aravalli hills. Afternoon free in Udaipur, a pleasant place for an evening sunset stroll and dinner at a restaurant by the lake.
After breakfast, start a sightseeing tour of Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace – endless rooms of mirrored walls and ivory doors, coloured glass windows and inlaid marble balconies. On the tour we will also visit the lovely
Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens,
the Jagdish Temple and
the local folk museum. Later in the day, enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
In the morning we begin the 5 hour drive to
Pushkar. The main temple – one amongst 500 here – is the only
Brahma temple in the world. On reaching Pushkar transfer to hotel and then head out with a local guide for a short walking tour of the town (optional activity included in the price). Rest of the evening at leisure or spend the time along the
ghats (steps) of sacred Lake Pushkar.
After a 3 hour drive to
Jaipur, arrive and check into a peaceful heritage
hotel. Jaipur, the capital and
‘pink’ city of Rajasthan, is a friendly, busy town, with its palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts and
handicrafts. Afternoon free for a walk in the bazaars or relax at the hotel. In the early evening drive to
Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village camp, complete with
folk dancers, musicians, shops and a traditional Rajashtani meal.
A busy day exploring Jaipur lies ahead, with a visit to
Amber Fort, the photogenic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), still inhabited City Palace and
Museum and Maharaja Jai Singh’s astronomy park. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit the famous
Raj Mandir cinema to catch a
Bollywood film, or to go shopping in the local bazaars where bargaining is as much a part of the fun as the purchase.
Early departure for 5 hour drive to
Fatehpur Sikri. This red sandstone city was abandoned promptly after completion, meaning it has survived in pristine condition. After a short tour, continue on for 1 hour to Agra and transfer to hotel. Four hundred years ago, two great Mughal monarchs transformed the village of Agra into a city befitting the glory of the mighty
Mughal Empire, one of them building a monument unrivalled for beauty -
the Taj Mahal.
After breakfast we head to Old Delhi with an expert guide. The former centre of Mughal Power, Old Delhi is a mix of ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. We visit Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India, take a cycle-rickshaw ride through the crowded bazaars and visit Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon we continue on to New Delhi, including the stately government buildings and Presidential Palace, ending the tour at the towering minaret of Qutb Minar.