16 DAYS ~ FROM £1,885
This is a journey of exploration: delve into the life and culture of the people of fascinating Rajasthan. Forts, Palaces, awe–inspiring monuments, simple villages all make Rajasthan a vivid and evocative destination. This tour gives a truly comprehensive insight into Rajasthan.
Delhi • Agra • Jaipur • Mandawa • Bikaner • Jaisalmer Manvar
Rohetgrah • Rawla Narlai • Udaipur • Mumbai
 Day 1. To Delhi
Fly direct from Heathrow to Delhi on Jet Airways.
Day 2. Delhi
Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi includes: an exhilarating rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling Chandni Chowk market and back streets – once the centre of the Mughal city – Shah Jehanabad. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat – Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Maidens.
Day 3. To Agra
After breakfast sightseeing in New Delhi includes Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and India Gate. Afternoon drive to Agra. Two nights stay at Trident hotel.
Day 4. Agra
Enchanting dawn visit to the Taj Mahal, an eternal symbol of love. After breakfast visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, imprisoned by his son, spent his last days gazing at his wife’s Tomb. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad–ud–Daula.
Day 5. To Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Morning drive to Jaipur en–route visiting the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. This World Heritage Site still retains its magnificence and grandeur. Two nights stay at the Samode Haveli.
Day 6. Jaipur
Like Royalty, seated in a howdah, upon the back of a stately elephant climb the winding hill to the magnificent Amber Fort. Built by the warrior Rajputs, the Fort is filled with memories of an ancient and heroic age. Afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, the Jantar Mantar Observatory dedicated to the celestial heavens and the Palace of Winds.
Day 7. To Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa. Afternoon sightseeing of the village with its delightful fresco festooned Havelis once owned by rich Merchants. Overnight at Castle Mandawa.
Day 8. To Bikaner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. Afternoon sightseeing includes the magnificent Junagarh Fort – a mighty bastion protecting the land from both invader and the encroaching Great Thar Desert. Overnight at the Laxmi Niwas Palace.
Day 9. To Jaisalmer
Morning drive deep into the heart of the desert to Jaisalmer. Two nights at The Gateway Hotel Rawalkot. Morning visit the inhabited hilltop Fortress and roam the streets finding hidden corners where delightful frescoes adorn the beautiful Merchant houses. Jaisalmer was a strategic town on the ancient caravan routes and is awash with history and intrigue. Afternoon excursion to take a camel ride in the Sam sand dunes and view the beautiful sunset.
Day 11. To Manvar
Morning drive to Manvar. Afternoon visit a local village to see their unique way of life. Overnight at Manvar Desert Camp.
Day 12. To Rohetgarh via Jodhpur
After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Visit the 15th c. Meherangarh Fort soaring above the city, with its delightful insight into the life and times of the ruling family. Also visit the quiet Jaswant Thada – a marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Continue driving to Rohet. Overnight at Rohetgarh.
Day 13. To Rawla Narlai
Morning drive to the delightful oasis of Rawla Narlai. In the afternoon wander the streets of the local village. Overnight at Rawla Narlai.
Day 14. To Udaipur via Ranakpur
Morning drive to Udaipur en–route visiting the beautifully carved marble 15th c. Jain temples of Ranakpur. The sensitivity of the carving on the 200 hundred pillars is astonishing. Two nights stay at the Trident hotel.
Day 15. Udaipur
Morning sightseeing of Udaipur includes the City Palace Complex, the Jagdish Temple and the leafy Gardens of the Maids of Honour – once only open to Royal ladies. Afternoon at leisure to explore this delightful city.
Day 16. To Mumbai
Morning fly to Mumbai to connect with Jet Airways direct flight to Heathrow.
With love from India....Agra
Agra is famed for its marble work – particularly the delicate and complex inlay creating floral and geometric designs decorated with precious and semi –precious stones. During the golden years of the Mughal Empire, crowning glory of the craftsman’s work was the Taj with its exquisite translucent filigree carving.
Suggested extensions: Devigarh, Goa, Ajanta & Ellora caves and Mumbai
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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