First Trip to Rajasthan, India

A special trip for first time travelers to Rajasthan or on A 2nd trip, This 14 night 15-day classic Rajasthan tour package is ideal for visitors who want to see unique cultures, splendid history, wild life, arid desert landscapes, and a traditional way of life that has changed very little over the last few decades.

Itinerary

Day 1-2 DELHI

Delhi is your first port of call. At the airport, you’ll be met and taken to hotel, a homely hotel in the heart of the city. You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax after your flight.

The following day you’ll set off with your guide and driver to explore what India’s capital city has to offer. In Old Delhi, you’ll discover iconic attractions like the Red Fort – the epitome of Moghul power – the huge Jama Masjid and the beautiful park of Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremate.
If time allows, you’ll also stop by the bustling Chandi Chowk which was once India’s most opulent perfume market.

You’ll then begin your tour of New Delhi, a vision of broad avenues, stately homes and landscaped gardens designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s. Enjoy visits to some of the city’s most important monuments including Humayun’s Tomb and the imposing Qutab Minar with its 234-foot-high fluted minaret. A drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s residence complete your Delhi experience.
Stay: Two nights in a Deluxe Room at The Lutyens Bungalow – bed and breakfast

Late afternoon a tour of visiting Kumbhalgarh fort by jeep. Then come back and get a chance to understand the horses and stay overnight at the hotel to get prepared for the next day.

Day 3 AGRA

After breakfast, you’ll board a high-speed train to Agra where you’ll be met by your private guide. India’s capital during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is home to an outstanding collection of Mughal architecture. Tour the mighty Agra Fort, wander through the white apartments of Emperor Shah Jahan and visit the Tomb of Itimadud-Daulah, otherwise known as the ‘Baby Taj’ with its white marble coating and inlaid stones.

Your tour of Agra ends with a sunset visit to the greatest Indian monument of all – the Taj Mahal. A long-standing symbol of love and devotion, the craftsmanship of the Taj is sublime. The structure is even more impressive up close when you can admire in close detail the semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble in intricate patterns.
Stay: One night in a Deluxe Pool View Room at The Trident – bed and breakfast.

Day 4-5 JAIPUR

Today your journey continues to Jaipur, with a stop along the way at the deserted 16 century city of Fatehpur Sikri. The most important artistic centre in South Asia in its heyday, the city was abandoned soon after completion but its former wealth can still be seen in the exquisitely preserved remains.

You’ll then continue your drive to Jaipur where you’ll be staying at the beautiful Samode Haveli. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the city’s well-planned streets are lined with magnificent palaces, ancient mansions and marketplaces teeming with people, camels, horses and vehicles. It’s the abundance of rose-coloured terra cotta that has earned Jaipur its ‘Pink City’ nickname.

Take a drive past the beautiful Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), behind which the ladies of the court used to observe life down in the streets below. Continue to Amber Fort with its towering gateways, majestic ramparts and splendid views over the city. Whilst here don’t miss out on the glittering Hall of Victory, the Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. In the afternoon, you can visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, the Observatory, Albert Hall Museum and the tranquil Ram Niwas Gardens.
Stay: Two nights in a Deluxe Suite at 28Kothi– bed and breakfast.

Day 6-7 Laxman Sagar/Chhatra Sagar

This morning, following breakfast, you’ll drive deep into Rajasthan’s countryside to reach Laxaman Sagaror Chhatra Sagar which overlooks a 100-year-old reservoir. Immersed in verdant fields of mustard, wheat and cotton, Chhatra Sagar was originally a hunting lodge on the Nimaj Estate but is today an idyllic retreat from the bustle of India’s cities. You’ll spend two nights in a luxury, private tent and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Nimaj family. Surrounded by farmland and small villages, it’s a wonderful place to experience the charms of rural Rajasthan. Enjoy a jeep safari through the surrounding countryside followed by a late afternoon hike to watch the sunset from the top of a small hill.
Stay: Two nights in a Luxury Tent-Cottage at Laxman Sagar -Chhatra Sagar with all meals.

Day 8-9 JODHPUR

From Laxman Sagar-Chhatra Sagar your Rajasthan adventure continues to the famed blue city of Jodhpur, seemingly rising from the sands of the Great Thar Desert. Founded in 1459 AD as the showpiece of the wealthy Kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur’s staggering collection of fine palaces, forts and temples serve as a strong reminder of its illustrious past.

Dominating the city’s skyline is the imposing hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, a red sandstone masterpiece beautifully adorned with intricately carved panels and latticed windows. The museum is worth a visit where you can browse an impressive collection of palanquins, royal cradles, miniature paintings, instruments and armoury. Later you’ll stop by Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial built in 1899 as a royal cenotaph by Maharaja Sardar Singh, in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II who was the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur.
Stay: Two nights in a Luxury Fort View Room at Raas – bed and breakfast

Day 10-11 Narlai/Jawai

A drive through the picturesque Aravalli Hills brings you to the traditional rural village of Narlai-Jawai Dam area, a beautiful area of Rajasthan that few visitors get to see. You’ll be staying at the 17th century fortress and former royal hunting lodge of Rawa Narlai, giving you a wonderful insight into the Rajasthan of old..

During your stay, you’ll explore the large granite rock behind the Rawla which is dotted with caves and temples, ride the marwari horse through the scenic countryside and take jeep safaris out to nearby farms and villages to see the locals’ traditional way of life. Alternatively, spend some time relaxing by the pool and say Namaste!(Hello) to monkeys that occasionally come down the hill.
Stay: Two nights in a Heritage Room at Rawla Narlai – Boutique Farm Stay Jawai bed and breakfast

Day 12-14 UDAIPUR

On the morning of day 13 you’ll drive to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur in the Aravalli Valley. Stop a while to soak up the magnitude of the 15th century Chaumukha Temple, dedicated to Adinath and comprising 29 halls supported by 1,444 marble pillars, each one individually carved. Another hours’ drive brings you to the massive 15th-century fort at Kumbhalgarh. One of the most impressive in the ancient Kingdom of Mewar, this vast building has temples and palaces within its thick walls and a wildlife sanctuary home to wolves, leopards and flying squirrels.

After Kumbhalgarh, you finally come to Udaipur, otherwise known as India’s most romantic city. A symphony of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills, Udaipur’s is a magical contrast to its desert neighbours.

Based in the Aravali Hills on the west side of Lake Pichola, you’ll be able to visit the Jagdish Temple – noted for its elephant motif carvings – and the 16th century City Palace. Housed within its crenulated walls and triple-arched gate are four major palaces and several smaller royal residences strung together by a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. A must-see is the Crystal Gallery at the Fateh Prakash with its rare collection of Osler’s crystal – ordered from England by Maharana Sir Sajjan Singh in 1877. Finish off your Rajasthan experience in style with an afternoon boat ride across shimmering Lake Pichola and A cooking class experience.
Stay: Three nights in a Standard Room at Jagat Niwas Palace – bed and breakfast.

Day 15 DEPARTURE

This Morning/afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi/ Mumbai.

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This enthralling 2-week journey through Delhi-Agra Rajasthan will introduce you to dynamic cities, charming rural villages and time-honoured traditions.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arriving at the international airport of Delhi in the morning/afternoon, you well be greeted with a traditional welcome. Then, you will be taken to your pre-booked hotel for the night. Check in, take your first day off, and relax.

Accommodation: Stay at Colonel’s Retreat or Lutyens bungalow or similar.

Day 2: Delhi full day sightseeing

In the morning, our sightseeing begins. We will visit the walled city of Old Delhi, Chandni chowk where every street is buzzing with activity. The influence of the Mughals, who once ruled from the ramparts of the Red Fort, can be seen extensively.

First, we will visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. Later, we will drive past the New Delhi Area to visit Raj Ghat, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the Parliament House, and other colonial buildings. The early 20th-century work of Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, prominently features in the colonial districts. Finally, visit the famous Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, a marvellous example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at Colonel’s Retreat or Lutyens bungalow or similar.

Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur via Abhaneri

Today, we leave for Jaipur – the colourful capital of Rajasthan known as the “Pink City”. En-route, we will visit the Abhaneri Chand Bavdi, the impressive yet one of the largest stepwells in India.

Chand Bavdi (stepwell) in the Abhaneri village is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in Rajasthan. It was built by King Chanda in 9th century AD. Chand Bavdi was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat. It was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals. The depth of the stepwell is 30 meters deep or this stepwell is equal to the depth of 13-story. Chand Bavdi is an architectural wonder with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps. it has a double step on all three sides. Remain on one side there is a multi-story palace based on pillars, these stairs are made of symmetrical, which gives a different feeling to stepwell view.
But the stepwell is not easy to find, making it one of India’s hidden wonders.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at 28th Kothi or Pearl palace or similar.

Day 4: Jaipur full day sightseeing

After breakfast, we drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Famous for its grand Amber Fort, Amer was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty more than half a millennium. We then proceed to City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 18th century. Its solar devices can measure the day’s progression with an error of just 2-5 seconds, making it an astronomical treasure that can still accurately make predictions today. We will also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade made of pink sandstone. Built in the year 1799, Hawa Mahal and its discreet windows (Jharokhas) allowed royal ladies to watch street processions and festivities. (Other places to visit Gatore Ki Chatris, Birla Mandir, early morning Govind dev ji ki Arti, morning flower and vegetable market).

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at 28th Kothi or Pearl palace or similar.

Day 5: Jaipur to Jodhpur- HACRA Dhani

Today the early morning wake-up to catch a train to Jodhpur this day train (5hours trip) gives you an experience of Indian rail journey as well as window view of desert countryside landscape. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be picked up by your private driver to take you for breakfast/early lunch and then drive 85km north-west of Jodhpur to reach HACRA Dhani for your two nights traditional desert living experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Stay at HACRA Dhani huts home or similar.

Day 6: HACRA Dhani

If you’re seeking “the real India,” look no further than the tiny hamlet of HACRA Dhani and Gemar Singh. Nestled in the scrubby fringes of the Thar “Living” Desert of Rajasthan, true experience of desert life. Gemar’s home provides a window to rural Indian life usually inaccessible to Westerners. Traditional “Jhumpa” huts for his guests, wonderful vegetarian meals prepared by his family, contacts with locals, guided activity (local community & desert nature walk) — all without compromising the essence of the culture as so often happens when tourism distorts a local experience. Gemar cares about his guests and his community.

I should make it clear that HACRA Dhani is not a luxurious place to stay. The huts and beds are very comfortable, and there is a bathroom block for guests, but HACRA Dhani does not have 24hrs running water and electricity. Like many villages in rural Rajasthan access to water and electricity are still a challenge. Water is pumped from deep underground. The pumps have to reach deeper every single year due to years of poor monsoon and water poverty in many parts of India. This is particularly the case in Rajasthan's desert areas.

Desert nature & wildlife at your doorstep: blue bull (Nilgai). They’re Asia’s largest antelope that appear to be half cow half horse. The females are a fawn brown colour while the males have a distinctive navy-blue hue. Extremely skittish, it’s best to admire from a distance. There’s also Chinkaras—the beautiful Indian Gazelles—who wandered gracefully in small groups. Those interested in birds will also find themselves with plenty of choice, including the colourful parakeets, green bee-eater, purple sunbird, bul-bul, great grey shrike and peacocks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Stay at HACRA Dhani huts home or similar.

Day 7: HACRA Dhani to Jaisalmer via Kheechan

This today’s road journey will take you to Kheechan (70km from HACRA Dhani) a place of migratory cranes birds (numbers of thousands of birds can be seen near the water body) and drive further to Jaisalmer reaching early afternoon. Jaisalmer probably tops the list for traveller’s as one of the most visited cities in Rajasthan! Also known as the golden city where everything looks like it’s been dipped in honey!.

You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to an ancient kingdom and wander around a real-life giant golden sandcastle. All the sights, colours, culture and the mystery of the desert will make you fall head over heels in love with it.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at The Gulaal or 1st Gate or similar.

Day 8: Jaisalmer sightseeing and desert camp

First up head on over to the Jaisalmer fort and have a look around the markets and beautiful viewpoints and cafés that look over the whole city.
Visit the Fort palace museum to see some of the apartments of kings and queens and Jain temples.
Then head on down to the Patwa Havelis to see some beautiful stone carving work and end the afternoon at Gadisar Lake.

Visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without visiting a sand dune for sunset and take a camel ride with overnight camp – it’s an experience that cannot be missed!
Other places to visit including Bada Bagh, this is a viewpoint with golden cenotaphs of royal family to remember Rajasthan’s royalty! And Kuldhara an abandoned village in desert some even call the ghost village!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Stay at Desert Tents (Glamping like tent).

Day 9: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

In the morning we depart by road for Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Known as ‘The Blue City’, Jodhpur is remarkable for its blue houses, which deflects heat and deters mosquitoes. After check-in and a break/rest, afternoon walk through clock tower bazar and old city streets to explore the real Indian city life and traditional markets/business, sweets, lassi, bangle making and silver market.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at Pal haveli or Haveli Inn Pal or KP heritage or similar.

Day 10: Jodhpur full day sightseeing

In the morning, visit Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), an architectural marvel spanning 5km that includes a splendid palace with intricately carved latticed windows. An imposing structure perching on a hill that overlooks Jodhpur, the fort is over 500 years old and serves as a reminder of past royal splendour.
Afterward, we will also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at Pal haveli or Haveli Inn Pal or KP heritage or similar.

Day 11: Jodhpur to Narlai/Jawai

Your Jodhpur to Narlai/Jawai drive takes 3 hours’ time, along the way, we stop to visit a small country workshop of traditional artisans’ pottery making, durry weaving and block printing. Continuing our drive to have quick stop at special local shrine of Om Bana, we finally arrive in the beautiful rocky countryside of Jawai for a scenic stay. Afternoon take a game drive (leopard safari) in the open jeep for leopards and country life specially the Rabari community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Stay at Jawai Tent camp or boutique farm stay or similar.

Day 12: Jawai to Udaipur via Ranakpur

Today, our journey to Udaipur via Ranakpur Jain temple. Visit Ranakpur Jain temple a small town situated in the hills of Pali district home to one of the most important Jain temple complexes. Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple) built on 1,4,44 marble stone pillars dedicated to the first Tirthankara Adinatha Ji, is the main temple of the complex. The temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, a 15th-century Rajput monarch. Until this very day, Ranakpur remains one of the five essential pilgrimage sites for Jains.
Continuing our drive, we finally arrive in the beautiful city Udaipur surrounded by hills, palaces, and lakes.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at The Neem tree or Jagat Niwas palace or similar hotel.

Day 13: Udaipur full day sightseeing

We start the day off by visiting the City Palace – a fascinating complex of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai Singh, completed in the year 1725. We enter through the entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate into the central courtyard, the perfect spot to view filigreed balconies and ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit Jagdish temple, built in the year 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. It is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour), an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen’s court. Stroll through the several foundations, pools, and chiselled pavilions. At sunset, you have the option of going on a boat ride at tranquil Lake Pichola.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Stay at The Neem tree or Jagat Niwas palace or similar hotel.

Day 14: Udaipur

A relaxing day with cooking class or take your time for sort guided hike through suburb of Udaipur and its Monsoon palace, hidden lake this hike will give you an overview of local flora and fauna in Aravalli hills, tribal living and small farms OR Take a day trip to Chittorgarh fort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Stay at The Neem tree or Jagat Niwas palace or similar hotel.

Day 15: Departure from Udaipur to Delhi/Mumbai

After breakfast, transfer to airport to fly back to Delhi/Mumbai.

Having discovered Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and more Rajasthan’s cities in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Meals: Breakfast.

Other Plans

If you prefer to choose your own travel destinations in India, with your own holiday duration and your preferred activities. Contact Us to organise a Tailor Made Trip of Rajasthan for your family and friends!!.

Contact Us Now