Rajasthan Discovery - Rural Heritage and Royal Palaces

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel, ready to begin this Rajasthan tour. A welcome meeting with complimentary tea, coffee and cookies will give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

The Leela Ambience, Delhi (5-star)

Day 3 - Delhi

A full-day tour reveals the highlights of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat and the grand Jama Masjid, with a drive past the imposing Red Fort. Continue into New Delhi, passing India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan. After lunch (own expense), visit the elegant Humayun’s Tomb and the beautiful Birla Mandir.

The Leela Ambience, Delhi (5-star)

Day 4 - Alsisar

Head west from Delhi to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and the village of Alsisar. This part of Rajasthan is known for its historic havelis (mansions) and abundance of frescoes. An afternoon walking tour showcases Alsisar’s heritage, from historic sites and havelis to temples and cenotaphs. A stroll through the street market will be the perfect time to pick up a souvenir or two.

Alsisar Mahal (4-star)

Day 5 - Alsisar - Bikaner

After a leisurely morning, continue to the Thar Desert and the historic Gajner Palace. Sprawling over 6,000 acres beside a serene lake, the property was first built by a maharaja as a summer palace and became a hunting lodge during the days of the British Raj, hosting royalty, governors and viceroys. The Christmas-time sandgrouse shoots here were some of the most sought-after invitations in the Indian social calendar! You’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings.

Gajner Palace (4-star)

Day 6 - Bikaner

Spend the day exploring the city of Bikaner where there are some opulent red sandstone forts and palaces. Visit Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century, it displays beautiful latticed screens, ornate balconies, sandalwood carvings and colourful murals. Outside, it’s all pink-hued sandstone, while inside you’ll find gleaming marble, gold leaf and stained glass. RIde to the local market in a traditional tuk-tuk and this evening dine by the lake and enjoy a traditional performance by local dancers.

Gajner Palace (4-star)

Day 7 - Bikaner - Jodhpur

The drive to Jodhpur includes a visit en route to Karni Mata Temple, known as the ‘Temple of Rats’. It’s an important Hindu pilgrimage site that’s home to a large number of rats - considered holy, they’re treated with the utmost care and respect by devotees. You’ll have the chance to go inside to see the rats if you like, or simply soak up the atmosphere outside. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore a little of Jodhpur, nicknamed the ‘Blue City’ for its azure-painted houses. Wander through its mazy medieval streets and browse the numerous bazaars for trinkets and treasures to take home. This evening, enjoy a talk on the history of Rajasthan’s Rajput warriors.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jodhpur (5-star)

Day 8 - Jodhpur

Sitting proudly atop a 125-metre-high hill, the sandstone citadel of Mehrangarh Fort is one of Rajasthan’s most impressive sights. Its walls hide a number of palaces, which is included on a visit today. Look out for the exquisite painted ceilings in the Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal) and Flower Palace (Phool Mahal) in particular. Later, stop by Jaswant Thada, a gleaming cenotaph crafted from local Makrana marble. An afternoon Jeep excursion travels to the outside of the city to the Bishnoi villages. Bishnoi translates as ‘29’ - residents of these villages strictly adhere to 29 principles.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jodhpur (5-star)

Day 9 - Jodhpur - Deogarh

Drive south past the Bullet Baba Temple, dedicated to the folk deity Om Singh Rathod. After learning the story behind the creation of the shrine - and the miraculous motorbike worshipped here, continue on to Deogarh.

Deogarh Mahal (4-star)

Day 10 - Deogarh - Udaipur

This morning, enjoy a journey on a rural train - a great way to meet with the locals. Originally built by the British in the 1930s, to connect the regions of Marwar and Mewar, the metre-gauge train travels through tunnels and bridges and past quaint railway stations where Kipling’s ‘The Man Who Would be King’ unfolds. Later, set off for Udaipur, calling at Ranakpur en route. Set in a remote valley, the Jain temple here is one of India’s largest and most important. This evening, a cooking demonstration at the home of a local family in Udaipur will introduce you to some of the secrets of Indian cuisine.

Chunda Haveli, Udaipur (4-star)

Day 11 - Udaipur

Soak up the sights and sounds of Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’, today. First up is the 450-year-old City Palace, followed by the 17th-century Jagdish Temple and the gardens of Sahelion-Ki-Bari, with their fountains, pools and marble elephants. Lunch is traditional Mewari vegetarian dishes, served at a restaurant subsidised by the royal family of Udaipur (please note that no alcohol will be available here). There’ll be a chance to pop into the Vintage and Classic Car Museum, home to the royals’ motor collection, before you enjoy a leisurely cruise on the waters of Lake Pichola.

Chunda Haveli, Udaipur (4-star)

Day 12 - Udaipur - Pushkar

From Udaipur, continue to the ancient city of Pushkar. It’s set next to a sacred lake, and along the waterline you’ll find bathing ghats, where Hindus will dip into the waters and perform rituals. There's a chance to stroll alongside these ghats, before visiting Pushkar’s colourful Brahma Temple (India’s only temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation), to watch a traditional aarti ceremony.

Hotel Pushkar Palace (4-star)

Day 13 - Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the ‘Pink City’, Rajasthan’s capital. Visit the former royal residence of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, home to the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Drive past the impressive façade of the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds’, a five-storied example of Rajput architecture with nearly a thousand sandstone windows. To explore the old part of the city, swap vehicles for an electric-powered rickshaw.

Alsisar Haveli (4-star)

Day 14 - Jaipur

This morning, take a Jeep to the hilltop Amber Fort this morning. This World Heritage Site was built over two centuries by Rajput kings, using pinky-red sandstone and cool, smooth marble. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps relax by the pool or join us for an optional walking tour around Jaipur.

Alsisar Haveli (4-star)

Day 15 - Jaipur - Delhi

After a relaxed start in Jaipur, head back to Delhi late morning, the final stop of our Rajasthan holiday. Check in to the hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Dwarka, New Delhi (4-star)`

Day 16 - Delhi - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.