Rajasthan evokes enduring images of vibrant and colourful past, with gigantic forts and magnificent palaces gracing every horizon. A thriving folk culture expresses itself in an abundance of pageantry and colour, with exuberant festivals, dances and music. This unusual tour captures the unique spirit of the beautiful desert and also includes an exciting 2 day trek in the Aravalli hills, venturing off the beaten track to remote rural areas and through Kumbal Garh Sanctuary where local traditions and costumes have been untained by the passing of time (You will not have to carry more then a daypack). The trip also includes a two day camel safari in Thar desert, visiting remote desert villages. Explore the majestic architecture and ornate Hindhu Temples. Mighty forts and marble palaces, teaming cities and peaceful villages. The journey concludes at romantic lake city of Udaipur, a perfect place to relax and unwind, before returning to Delhi.
Itinerary at Glance: Delhi-Agra-Ranthambore-Jaipur-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Kundra-Khuri-Jodhpur (Luni)- Narlai- Kumbalgarh- Thandiberi- Ghanerao- Udaipur- Delhi.
High lights:
| Best Time: | Mid October to Mid March. |
| Physical Challenge: | Moderate overall, some long drives and Camel safari can be exhausting at times. |
Day 1: ON Board to Delhi.
Leave your country.
Day 2: Delhi.
Arrive Delhi around mid night and transfer with assistance to your Pre-booked hotel. Morning at leisure. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Old Delhi Tour (half day) : Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire and it boasts the Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Private Audience. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque & Humayuns tomb. Breakfast & Overnight in Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi/ Agra.
We leave early morning by the Shatabdi Express to Agra (2 hours), on arrival we transfer to hotel. Later we visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 laborers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. RED Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan (Kind of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna, and consists of Deewani – Aam(hall of public ordnances) and Deewan- Khass (the hall of Private ordnances), it also has a nice grape garden, beautiful fountain ways. Evening free, to relax by the pool. Breakfast on board & overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Agra/ Ranthambore (6 hours drive).
Morning after breakfast a beautiful drive through colourful Rajasthan to Ranthambore National Park. Rnathambore Tiger Reserve is situated in Rajasthan at the eastern end of Aravalli range. The rolling hills; dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes, decorated with the crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, epitomize all the princely splendor of this famous Rajput state. The reserve also offers one of the best opportunities for seeing Tiger during the day, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Nilgai, Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Wild Boar, Jackal, Spotted and Barking Deer, Samber and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. The bird life here is also superb, particularly around the lakes. Breakfast and overnight in Deluxe tents.
Day 5: Ranthambore – Game viewing
Morning and evening game viewing by jeep with knowledgeable guide. Day is spent free to visit local bazaar, wonder around or just relax!! Our overnight stop will be just outside the park at Ranthambore Bagh – a perfect, modern camp, set a midst acres of natural landscape. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & over night in Deluxe tents.
Day 6: Ranthambore/ Jaipur. (3 hours drive).
Morning explore sanctuary and after lunch drive to Jaipur (pink city). Arrive Jaipur, built in 1727, was the dream of the brilliant ruler Jai Singh. It has retained its reputation as one of the foremost cities in India planned and executed in a manner that draws accolades from modern town planners. Jaipur is known as the pink city, because many buildings are still washed pink, the traditional colour of welcome, which was originally introduced to honor the visit of the Prince Albert in 1856. Overnight in hotel. Evening free. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.
Day 7: Jaipur.
This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated apartments. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, this fort palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. You will visit the palace and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal (Water palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace, still inhabited by Jai Singh’s descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Maharaja’s museum with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jeweler. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone façade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Breakfast & Overnight in Hotel.
Day 8: Jaipur/ Bikaner (7 hours drive).
After breakfast drive to Bikaner in the Shekhavati region, known for the beautiful frescoes which adorn many of the buildings. Afternoon sightseeing of imposing 16th century pink - sandstone Junagarh fort. Breakfast & Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Bikaner/ Jaisalmer. (6 hours drive).
Today leave early, for a longish drive but rewarding Enroute stop at local tea shops for cold drinks or a hot cup of sweet milky Chai (Indian tea)!! The approach to Jaisalmer across the barren Thar Desert is magical, as the city shimmers like a mirage. With the crenulated golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, it has an extraordinary medieval fee. Breakfast & Overnight in hotel.
Day 10: Jaisalmer.
Sightseeing in Jasilmer, a medieval city of elaborately carved mansions (havelis) in yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants at a time when the city was a key stopping place on the caravan routes from the Middle East. Visit to Jaislamer Fort, often referred as the golden fort because of the colour of the sandstone, Jaisalmer’s Fort seems to emerge from the desert sands. The fort is still home to many of the town’s people who live in tiny but beautifully decorated houses or havelis. Inside the fortified town is the Palace and the Juna Mahal, part of one of the oldest palaces in Rajasthan. The city also boasts some fascinating Jain temples and exquisite havelis such as the Badal Mahal, a five storied tower with fine carvings. Jaisalmer has been described as an open air museum, and to enter its narrow cobbled lanes is to step into a bygone age. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.
Day 11: Jaisalmer ( Camel Safari)
After breakfast we drive about 35 kms to Barna to the starting point of our Camel safari, we camel only for two hours to the beautiful desert village of Kundra. Arrive and cam for overnight. Late evening visit to the village, meet local people. Breakfast, Luncg, Dinner & Overnight in tents.
Day 12: Thar Desert ( Camel Safari )
After breakfast camel/ walk through the desert to Khuri about 5hrs., a small picturesque desert village of decorated mud thatched buildings and shifting sand dunes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight in tents at Khuri.
Day 13: Khuri/ Jodhpur (6 hours).
Today we drive south to the historic Jodhpur, second city of Rajasthan. We stay 2 nights at the nearby Luni in delightful Chenwa Fort hotel. At the entrance of the Thar Desert in the region called Marwas stands the blue city of Jodhpur. The massive Mehrangarh Fort looms over the city and the Red sandstone Palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Its museum contains sections which house armory, palanquins, howdahs and headgear from all the communities of Rajasthan. Life in the city revolves around the Clock Tower area, a haven for shoppers, selling everything from the leather mojris (shoes) to ornamental swords fashioned after designs seen in the fort museum. Breakfast & Overnight in hotel.
Day 14: Jodhpur / Narlai (4hrs.)
This morning we depart Jodhpur via Ranakpur to Narlai. We pass through typical Rajasthani villages and towns on our journey. We visit Ranakpur Jain temples. The largest Jain temple complex in India, building is supported by 1444 ornately carved marble pillars through which sunlight pours, creating complex patterns of light and shadow, from here we drive another 30min to our overnight at Narlai, in delightful Rawala Narlai. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.
Day 15: Narlai / Kumbalgarh ( 2hrs).
After leisurely breakfast we drive to Kumbalgarh, visit the stunning fort, and stay overnight in hotel.
Day 16: Kumbalgarh/ ThandiBeri ( 11kms trek/ about 4 hrs).
After breakfast transfer to the trekking point about 30 min drive, and begin our trek through Kumbalgarh Sanctuary nature is surprisingly different in this part of Rajasthan, with rocky hills and plentiful greenery. We trek almost down hill through dense forests, with abundance of birds and we may also sport some spotted Deer’s, we reach Thandiberi our overnight stay will be in simple forest rest house, which commands beautiful views of the surrounding hills, and a small lake full of birds and Crocdials. Overnight in Rest house.
Day 18: Thandi Beri / Ghanerao (about 12kms, 4/5hrs walking)
Our 4 hours walk through the dry dhok forest, bushes and isolated Tribal villages follows mostly a well worn trail with gradual ascents and descents. There is a variety of birdlife here, and we may see a Nilgay, or even Indian Gazal. We reach Ghanerao, a small charming town, away from the touristy paths. Here there are cenotaphs and an old stepwell, and wondering around in the narrow streets will give us the feeling that time has stopped. We spend the night in the Royal Castle, private property of the Maharaja himself, an authentic Maharaja’s family-home. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight in hotel
Day 19: Ghanerao - Udaipur (2hrs drive)
We start our day with a short drive (80kms) through the beautiful Aravali hills to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar state it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating, in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refugee of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal. We arrive at our delightful heritage hotel, and have plenty of time to relax in the garden and / or swimming pool. Our afternoon is free to visit the local bazaar or go boating on Lake Pichola. Breakfast and overnight in hotel
Day 20: Udaipur/ Delhi
After breakfast full day visit to City Palace – the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, comprising many buildings added at different time by various maharajas. Perhaps the most beautiful are the Moti Mahal with its mirror inlay and the Chini ka Chitra Mahal’s iridescent tile work. At the nearby, Jagdish Temple, there is an impressively carved image of Lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. A boat ride around Lake Pichola offers spectacular views of the city. The City Palace towers over the lake and you will also see the merchant’s havelis, temples, the royal hunting lodge and the exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion on Jag Mandir Island. Having disembarked, you continue to the ornamental gardens of the Maids of Honor or Sahelion ki Bari. Evening transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the airport hotel for few hours for dinner / wash and change and departure transfer to the International airport. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.
Day 21: Delhi/ Europe fly.
Just past midnight fly back to your home country.
Visit Sri Lanka and you would come across a world of wonders waiting to surprise you. Be it religion, wildlife, beaches or other amazing attractions, Sri Lanka is replete with all with great abundance. Your Sri Lanka travel consists of various amazing spots including the cities such as Colombo ...
Bhutan Travel is well admired and appreciated by loads of tourists. Referred as the 'land of thunder dragon', Bhutan lies in the vicinity of Himalayas. It offers you some of the most splendid views of the mountains. You can opt for Bhutan travel packages bring you closer to the rich cultural ...
Nepal description can be made by listing the various attractions that Nepal is home to. Nepal travel is extremely fascinating for tourists and there is a lot to be explored and to get acquainted with. In the vicinity, you have the snow draped mountain ranges of the Himalayas ...
Tibet Travel reveals some of the best attractions and sights of Tibet that add to its overall beauty. Tibet's capital named as Lhasa is replete with spiritual as well as cultural attractions that are much admired and visited by tourists from across the globe, making your Tibet tour ...
