Explore the soul of Rajasthan on this immersive tour, with unique experiences at every stop. Immerse yourself in history by staying in restored historic monuments that bear witness to the former grandeur of the maharajas. Enjoy a glamping experience in the Thar Desert, travel aboard picturesque local trains and explore Ranthambore National Park. Meet local residents, discover living traditions and share authentic moments.
You'll love:
- Discovering Rajasthan’s rich heritage through its magnificent forts, royal palaces, historic havelis and colourful old towns.
- Experiencing local life and traditions, from meeting rural communities and exploring vibrant bazaars to travelling by camel, jeep, tuk-tuk and rickshaw.
- Enjoying unforgettable experiences, including a sunset camel ride in the Thar Desert, a safari in Ranthambore National Park and traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances.
Day 1: DELHI ARRIVAL
Arrival in Delhi. Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – KHANDELA (240km – 5hrs)
Drive to Khandela and visit Castle Khandela, the former ancestral residence of Rajah Raisal Singh II, now converted into a heritage hotel. Enjoy lunch featuring local specialities at a local restaurant. Check in and explore the village, discovering its old havelis, vegetable and spice market, Hindu temples, small shops and traditional potters. Continue to a local farm, with a stop at the royal cenotaphs of the maharajas. Learn about local agricultural practices and visit the baori, a medieval water reservoir. Enjoy a tasting of Indian rum before returning to the castle by 4x4 jeep.
Overnight in Khandela.
Day 3: KHANDELA – BIKANER (268km – 5hrs)
Cross the Thar Desert to reach Bikaner, a former princely capital dating back to the 15th century. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Junagarh Fort, an impressive 16th-century fortress built from pink sandstone and home to numerous palaces and temples. Continue to your desert camp and enjoy a camel-cart ride to a nearby village. Candlelit dinner accompanied by traditional music.
Please note: From April to September, due to climatic conditions, accommodation will be provided in a hotel in Bikaner and the camel-cart ride will not operate.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 4: BIKANER – JAISALMER (330km – 6hrs)
Travel to Jaisalmer with lunch en route. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit Gadisar Lake, a historic reservoir that once supplied water to the city. Discover its monumental gateway, scenic chhatris and shrines dedicated to Hindu deities.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 5: JAISALMER
Explore the remarkable desert city of Jaisalmer, dominated by its magnificent fort rising above the Thar Desert. Visit the fort and its ramparts, admire the historic havelis and former palace residences, and pass by the Jain temple before strolling through the bustling bazaar. Lunch at the hotel. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride through the sand dunes to witness the sunset. Cocktails and dinner in the desert are accompanied by traditional Rajasthani dances.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: JAISALMER – BHENSWARA (335km – 6hrs)
Drive to Bhenswara with lunch at a local restaurant. After check-in, take a jeep excursion to Shepherd Village, an ideal place to experience rural Rajasthan. Meet local residents and gain insight into their daily lives. Enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner featuring Marwari specialities.
Overnight in Bhenswara.
Day 7: BHENSWARA – UDAIPUR (156km – 3hrs)
Travel to Udaipur with lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Maharana’s Palace, home to fascinating collections of weapons, miniatures and beautifully decorated rooms. Continue to the 17th-century Vishnu Temple before strolling through the old town and bazaar. Visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, a lovely garden featuring lotus ponds and marble elephants. Enjoy free time at the local market. In the late afternoon, subject to water levels, take a cruise on Lake Pichola with a stop at Jag Mandir Island. Dinner.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 8: UDAIPUR – CHITTORGARH – BUNDI (155km – 4hrs)
Transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Chittorgarh. Upon arrival, take a tuk-tuk to Chittorgarh Fort for a guided visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers spectacular views over the surrounding valley. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Bundi, stopping en route at the temples of Menal and Bijolia dedicated to Shiva. Upon arrival, discover Bundi's charming narrow streets and blue-painted houses. Dinner.
Overnight in Bundi.
Day 9: BUNDI
Spend the day exploring Bundi. Visit Taragarh Fort, which offers magnificent views across the Hadaoti Plain, and continue to Bundi Palace, one of Rajasthan's finest examples of Rajput architecture. After lunch, visit the impressive Rani Ji Ki Baori stepwell and the royal tombs. Stroll through the colourful local market, where artisans create miniature paintings and handwoven bracelets.
Overnight in Bundi.
Day 10: BUNDI – RANTHAMBORE (150km – 3hrs)
Drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of northern India’s largest and most renowned wildlife reserves. The park is famous for its tiger population, as well as hyenas, bears, deer, crocodiles and over 250 bird species. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon safari in the national park.
Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 11: RANTHAMBORE – JAIPUR (180km – 4hrs)
After breakfast, enjoy another safari in Ranthambore National Park before continuing to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City. After lunch, visit a jewellery workshop to learn about gemstone cutting and jewellery-making techniques. In the evening, enjoy a Bollywood film screening at the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 12: JAIPUR
Visit Amber Fort, located 10 km from Jaipur and beautifully positioned above a lake. Reach the fort by 4x4 and explore its courtyards, gardens and decorated palace interiors featuring Persian-inspired mosaics and intricate ivory and woodwork. Continue to a carpet workshop to observe textile printing techniques and a sari-draping demonstration. Enjoy a traditional Rajput lunch accompanied by a puppet show. Return to Jaipur to visit the City Palace and admire the famous Hawa Mahal. Conclude the day with a rickshaw ride through the vibrant local market to experience its atmosphere and discover local products.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 13: JAIPUR – AGRA (250km – 5hrs)
Travel to Agra with a stop for lunch en route. On arrival, visit Agra Fort, the former military fortress transformed into an opulent royal palace. Continue to the iconic Taj Mahal, celebrated for its extraordinary beauty and perfect symmetry. Set within magnificent Mughal gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River, it stands as a symbol of eternal love and a legacy of architectural influences combining Mughal, Islamic, Iranian, Ottoman and Indian styles. Later, visit a marble workshop to observe the intricate art of semi-precious stone inlay.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 14: AGRA – DELHI DEPARTURE (TRAIN)
Transfer to the railway station for the train journey to Delhi. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a panoramic tour of New Delhi, including India Gate and a drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Conclude with a stop outside Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple for an introduction to Sikhism. Dinner before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
