Home » Rajasthan Tour Package » Rajasthan Travel Trip

Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Samode - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - (Ranakpur) - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Agra

Introduction:
This tour invites both the first time visitors and those wanting to explore this beautiful state more. Covering almost all the important sites of Rajasthan the tour is rich in cultural and historical experience.

The hotels used are a mix of deluxe, first class and character properties and are selected to enhance your total experience of the land and to provide comfort. All have en suite facilities and many have swimming pools.

The road travel is in a mini coach or car with air-conditioning during the warmer season from mid-March to mid-October. The international flights are on direct scheduled non-stop services of British Airways from Heathrow. The flying time to Delhi is around 9 hours.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi
We arrive into Delhi at midday and transfer for the night to the Claridges, an elegant five-star hotel. After a relaxed afternoon we enjoy a cultural programme in the evening and a welcome dinner. An optional sightseeing tour of Delhi can be arranged.

Day 3: Samode
We drive to the heart of Rajasthan today for overnight stay at the Samode Palace/Samode Bagh. Richly decorated walls and ceilings, personalised service from the staff of the "maharaja" and the beautiful location of the palace on a hillock, and the "bagh" in the midst of acres of greenery, offer an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Mandawa
A short drive brings us to Mandawa where we stay at the interesting Desert Resort amidst sand dunes. In the afternoon a visit to local mansions with their colourful murals and wall paintings is arranged.

Day 5: Bikaner
Today we proceed to the fortified city of Bikaner and check into the Bhanwar Niwas Palace, a beautiful royal mansion. We visit the local sights including Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar's army.

Day 6: Jaisalmer
This morning we leave for the medieval town of Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert, for 2 nights at the Gorbandh Palace, a well run modern hotel with a pool. We enjoy local folk dances over dinner.

Day 7: Jaisalmer
The morning sightseeing of the town, known for its exquisite "havelis" or mansions, includes the 12th century fort on Trikuta hill, the Jain temples and Gadisar tank. In the evening we enjoy a camel ride across the dunes to see the sunset in the Thar Desert.

Day 8: Jodhpur
We drive to Jodhpur for overnight stay at the stately Umaid Bhavan Palace, perhaps the grandest palace hotel of India where the Maharaja of Jodhpur is still resident. The hotel has sprawling gardens and an indoor swimming pool. The afternoon city sightseeing includes the Jaswant Thada and the imposing Meherangarh Fort.

Day 9: Udaipur
A scenic drive this morning brings us to Ranakpur, where we visit the beautiful Jain Temple complex built in 1439. This marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 ornately carved pillars, no two of which are alike. After lunch in pleasant surroundings of the Maharani Bagh orchards we drive to the romantic city of Udaipur. Our 2 nights' stay here is at the Shikarbadi, the former royal hunting lodge of the Maharana of Udaipur. The hotel has its own stables, a small swimming pool and a private game reserve where we can usually see deer, nilgai, langur and peacocks. It is possible to stay at the famous Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola or in an opulent suite at the Shiv Niwas Palace, overlooking the lake. These are on offer for a supplementary charge.

Day 10: Udaipur
The morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari, a garden built for the Maids of Honour. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 11: Deogarh (or Pushkar)
A short drive brings us to Deogarh Mahal, a fortified palace in the heart of Deogarh village. The afternoon is free to explore the colourful village and visit Gokal Vilas, the residence of the local "rawat" or ruler. Set amidst elegant gardens, the residence overlooks a private lake, rich in birdlife.

Day 12: Jaipur
Today we drive to Jaipur for two nights at the charming Samode Haveli, the city residence of the Samode royal family.

Day 13: Jaipur
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the hilltop Fort at Amber, ascended on elephant back with a visit to a small block-printing factory. The afternoon city sightseeing includes the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the museum. We are invited to a local family home for a traditional meal this evening.

Day 14: Agra (Jaipur)
We drive to the renowned Bharatpur sanctuary for bird watching. In the afternoon we proceed to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Our stay for the next 2 nights has been arranged at the Mughal Sheraton, a modern luxury hotel.

Day 15: Agra
Our morning city sightseeing will include the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itamud-ud-daula and the dreamlike Taj Mahal. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 16: To Delhi
The morning is again at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Agra bazaars. In the afternoon we drive to Delhi airport to board our return flight for London, departing just after midnight.

Day 17: Departure
We fly back to Heathrow arriving the same morning.