Classic Rajasthan – 12 days land only

{tab Description}

- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night accommodation in a deluxe permanent tent
- 3 nights Heritage Property accommodation
- Selected meals
- Tour of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Red Fort
- Tour of Jama Masjid, Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), and a walking tour of Old Delhi
- A village Jeep Safari
- A tour of the Amber Fort in Jaipur
- A walking tour in Pushcar
- A City Palace guided tour in Udaipur

{tab Day 1}

New Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have any free time before the meeting, perhaps visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb or the tall brick tower of Qutub Minar.

{tab Day 2}

Delhi

In the morning, navigate the city’s metro system to discover Old Delhi on a guided walking tour. Hitch a ride in a traditional cycle rickshaw through a typical Indian traffic jam in the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque of Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest. Then head to the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

{tab Day 3}

Agra

Travel to Agra by one of India's faster air-conditioned trains (approx 3 hours/230km). Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples & open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal & learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Buzz around Agra in a motorised rickshaw & explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great emperor.

{tab Day 4}

Rural Heritage Stay

Take a local bus to Bassi, a small town in the middle of rural Rajasthan (approx 4 hours/210km). Travel by private transport to your accommodation for the night (approx 45 min/20km). On a walk through the village, see craftspeople at work & meet the locals. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rahasthan’s royal families for centuries.

{tab Day 5}

Jaipur

Travel by private vehicle to Jaipur (approx 90min/50km). On arrival, take an orientation tour around the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods & semi-precious stones. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match.

{tab Day 6}

Jaipur

This morning, take an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon can be a highlight of the trip. Take a cycle rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to experience the glamour of a Bollywood film.

Note: Ballooning can be done over the city on the morning of day six between September & June. For additional information, please see the important notes section of the Essential Trip Information.

{tab Day 7}

Ranthambhore National Park

Travelling by private vehicle, head to Ranthambhore (approximately 5 hours/200km). Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, & was one of the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park’s 10th-century fort, & in the evening take a 4WD safari in search of tigers & other wildlife.

Notes: The safety of our travellers is our highest concern & your tour leader has the authority to cancel or reschedule the jeep safari if they believe the vehicles available do not meet our safety standards.

Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July & 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16km from Ranthambhore & is due to its hilly terrain isnt as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also & spottings are more favorable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore

{tab Day 8}

Bundi

Travel to Bundi by private vehicle (approx 4 hours/150km). Navigate Bundi's narrow streets on a walking tour. Wander through the downtown market & engage with the locals. Visit intricately carved baoris (step wells) & explore the 16th-century Bundi Palace (be sure to check out its famous murals).

{tab Day 9}

Bijaipur Rural Heritage Stay

Take a slow train journey with local villagers to the small town of Bassi (approximately three hours). Head to Castle Bijaipur by jeep, where you’ll spend the night. This fortified mansion is still run by the erstwhile local landlord & his family. Spend the night under the stars camping beside a lake.

Note: During the monsoon period (April to September) we do not camp, but spend both nights in a heritage hotel.

{tab Day 10}

Bijaipur

Take a slow train journey with local villagers (approximately three hours) & then enjoy a drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside to visit pastoral villages. As the area is teeming with wildlife, your guide should be able to point out some native animals. While in the villages, perhaps get a temporary souvenir in the form of a henna tattoo. Enjoy a group meal of local Bassi cuisine in the evening & relax in the castle for the rest of the night.

{tab Day 11}

Udaipur

Our next journey by private vehicle takes us to Udaipur (approximately 4 hours/180km). Take a walk to soak up the city’s hills, lakes & white marble palaces, or delve into its twisting alleys & bazaars filled with silver, leather goods & miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers & musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you in Udaipur.

{tab Day 12}

Udaipur

Visit Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Enjoy an optional boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola (seasonal - depending on the water level in the lake) & marvel at the island palaces off Jag Nivas & Jag Mandir. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional concert that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

{tab Day 13}

Puskar

Take a six-hour air-conditioned train to Ajmer & then a private vehicle to your hotel in Puskar. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats & temples around Puskar Lake, & watch as the devout worship by the holy water. A highlight of the visit to Puskar is a camel ride out into the surrounding desert area. For those who don't want to ride a camel, there’s a camel-cart option.

{tab Day 14}

New Delhi

Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town this morning. There might even be a steaming glass of chai waiting for you at the top if the chai man is there. You’ll have free time to enjoy the rest of the morning in Pushkar. The Shatabdi Express train departs Ajmer around 2 pm for the trip back to Delhi, arriving at around 10:40 pm.

{tab Day 15}

New Delhi

There are no activities planned for the final day & you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.