Palaces of Rajasthan

Palaces of Rajasthan

Get lost in the mysterious as you explore India’s cultural heart, diving into the culture, history and energy that make Rajasthan so alluring time and time again. This two-week exploration immerses you in this magical state, taking you to both its most celebrated sites, as well as hidden jewels away from the norm. Relish the views in restored palaces perched cliff edges and tantalise your senses as you dine on home-cooked feasts at an owner run homestay, India will get under your skin.

Palaces of Rajasthan

Rajasthan really is the crowning jewel of India: a fabulous realm of maharajas, ornate and richly decorated palaces and luxurious hotels.

Tour Highlights

  1. Visit the incomparable Taj Mahal.
  2. Luxury accommodation throughout.
  3. Meeting with great artisans.
  4. Visiting undisturbed village.
  5. Private guided tour of Mehrangah Fort.

Itinerary

Delhi – Jodhpur – Jawai – Udaipur –  Jaipur – Agra – Delhi

Day 01: Arrive to Delhi
Airport welcome and check in at the hotel in the center of Delhi. Your stary for two nights is at Imperial hotel, ensconced in history but never a relic, The Imperial New Delhi’s a powerhouse of style, a restorative oasis in a city heaving with 22 million people. A luxuriant haven drenched in white hues, punctuated by palm trees: you would have a hard time believing you were in the centre of New Delhi, so refreshingly calm is the scene.
Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. You will divide your time between the contrasting Old and New Delhi quarters. In Old Delhi, you’ll visit fantastic landmarks including the historic Red Fort, the Chandni Chowk bazaar and the resplendent Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India. In New Delhi, take a driving tour around the city taking in sights such as the impressive colonial-era Presidential Palace and visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar.
Day 03: Delhi – Jodhpur (flight)
Early morning breakfast at hotel Transfer to domestic airport and onboard flight to Jodhpur, upon arrival met by driver and transfer to hotel. Your stary for two nights is at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest private residences in the world.
Day 04: Jodhpur
Today you will explore the stunning Mehrangarh Fort with your guide, one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460, with cliff sides chiseled flat to make them unscalable and monumental walls built on top, the vast complex envelops several of Rajasthan’s most beautiful palaces, a series of cool courtyards and an extensive garden. After visiting you will have a Blue city heritage walk among the exquisitely carved havelis and lesser-known bazaars of the Blue City. This area of the city was primarily inhabited by Brahmins, the highest castes of Hinduism who chose to add a bit of Indigo while colouring their houses. Walking through the residential areas you head towards the bustling bazaars of the walled city, exploring its heritage of arts and craft from sword makers to perfume makers.
Day 05 & 06 : Jodhpur - Jawai (150 kms – 03 hrs)
Fall into a different pace as you experience rural life at Jawai. After leaving Jodhpur, you drive to the sleepy village of Jawai Bandh. Explore this remote corner of Rajasthan on a variety of beguiling activities, from game drives out to spot leopards and other wildlife, to bird watching walks (there are 170 species of birds here including flamingos), strolls with the local shepherds or more challenging treks. You can also visit nearby temples and forts, take mountain bikes out to discover the landscape or relax with yoga sessions in wonderfully secluded locations. During your stay at JAWAI, you'll head out on game drives through the incredible landscape in search of leopards. There is also an abundance of birdlife to marvel at.
Day 07: Jawai ( 50 kms ) Ranakpur ( 90 kms – 01½ hrs) Udaipur
Drive south to Udaipur, stopping en route at village of Ranakpur to see its renowned marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular and intricate of the Jain temples. Your stary for two nights is at Taj Lake Palace. It’s hard to imagine such a place even exists. Built over 200 years ago, the Taj Lake Palace rises from the waters of Lake Pichola like the castles in story books… Except...it’s only a short zip across the waters of the Pichola to the streets of Udaipur. Every minute spent here is an opportunity for awe.
Day 08: Udaipur
The City Palace, sat on the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, its detailed art and workmanship a tribute to the skills of local craftspeople. A collection of towers, domes and arches, the Palace illustrates several architectural styles including Moghal and Rajput. Guided walk through Udaipur's old city, enjoy wandering the old city with your guide, winding your way through lanes that teem with cows, elephants and people. You'll pass shops, folk art hung on the walls of houses and pretty latticed haveli windows. Jal Sanjhvi water painting, Jal Sanjhvi is the art of drawing on water, a popular ritual performed at temples dedicated to Krishna where coloured powders are used to draw iconic images onto water. A full canvas takes about five hours to create, and you'll arrive in time to see the picture completed.
Day 09: Udaipur – Jaipur (flight)
Early morning breakfast at hotel Transfer to domestic airport and onboard flight to Jaipur, upon arrival met by driver and transfer to hotel. Your stary for two nights is at Rambagh  Palace. Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royalties. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the Queen’s favourite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a hunting lodge. In 1925 Rambagh was converted into a palace and became the residence of Maharaja of Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Today Jaipur takes you a little more off-the-beaten-track as you enjoy a guided walk to the settlement of the Meena Tribe, before ascending the Aravalli Hills on a historic path. The path offers breath-taking views of Jaipur’s spectacular Amber fort, which you will then visit later in the afternoon. In the afternoon exploring the city with a private specialist guide, visiting the historic City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the bazaars of the old city.
Day 11: Jaipur – Agra (260 kms – 05½ hrs)
Breakfast at hotel and leave for Agra.  Upon arrival you will visit the impressive Agra Fort and to the Mehtab Bagh, a grand park that enjoys spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. Your stary for  is at The Oberoi Amar Vilas. Every year, millions of people travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and sitting just 600 metres from the tomb is The Oberoi Amarvilas, with unobstructed views of the architectural masterpiece from every angle. For this Moorish-Mogul hotel with a facade of arches, sandstone columns and carved fountains, the magic lies in the showcase of the craftsmanship and exotic grandeur that India is known for.
Day 12: Agra - Delhi (210 kms – 04 hrs)
Early morning tea or coffee. This morning you shall visit chef-de-oeuvre of your honeymoon trip to India. Taj Mahal for sunrise, a magical experience and we think the best time of day to take in this magnificent mausoleum in all its glory. Return to hotel for breakfast and transfer by surface to Delhi some free time in capital of India before your flight to back home.
  • Best Season:  From 01 September –  30 April
map of Nawabs of Lucknow

The highlights of this trip

Hotels

A feature of this trip is stays in a variety of heritage hotels, from magnificent Rajput forts and lavish Mughal pleasure palaces, to later elegant colonial and art deco styled hotels. Renovated or refurbished to their former glory, they offer a first hand experience of Rajasthan’s rich history and hospitality.

Safari & Sky

Rise early and set out in one of the camp’s customized jeeps with informed guides track the path and catch a sighting of the leopards in their natural surroundings. Wilderness drives, nature trails perfect for keen birders. 

Experience Rajasthan from an exclusive perspective with a Hot Air Balloon Safari. Marvel at the landscape of the region, spotting landmarks and discovering hidden locations along the way.

 

Private tour of Mehrangarh Fort

Rising formidably from the steep rocks that loom over Jodhpur’s rooftops, the Mehrangarh Fort brims with historic splendor. In the late afternoon, once the fort and museum have been closed to the public, you’ll set out on an exclusive private tour with the head curator. Learn about the fort’s opulent past and gain access to behind-the-scenes areas, then enjoy a private dinner as you watch the sun set over this magnificent landmark.

  • Cultural 80% 80%
  • Monuments 80% 80%
  • Hotels 95% 95%
  • Experiences 95% 95%

Without question, you put together the best trip...

“Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic, and itinerary was just right.”

Jean  Luc, Monnaco

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly..

“I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at same point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.”

Marie DE BOUYER, Bordeaux, France.

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