11 DAYS COLOURS OF RAJASTHAN

Arriving into Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, we transfer to hotel. Enjoy afternoon Old Delhi tour visiting India’s largest mosque at Jama Masjid, Dariba Kalan, Paranthewala street, Kinari Bazaar and Asia’s largest spice market at Khari Baoli. Hop on a rickshaw ride passing by the bustling Chandni Chowk to Red Fort. Conclude with a high tea at Haveli Dharampura’s rooftop, an architectural masterpiece restored from a Mughal-era mansion.

If you would like, you can start before sunrise to visit the flower market at Hanuman Temple followed by a morning aarti ceremony. Continue to Bangala Sahib Gurudwara, Lakshminaryan Temple and Agrasen ki Baoli. Otherwise, start slightly later for your New Delhi tour, following the Rajpath (Kings Way) from President’s House to India Gate. Afterwards, we visit the Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO) which is one of the earlies examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, as well as the elegant fluted tower of Qutub Minar (UNESCO).

Take a morning executive class train from Delhi to Agra, where you will visit two UNESCO sites, Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Enjoy sunset walk at Kachhpura Village (1km), passing ancient Mughal monuments of Gyarah Sidi, Humayun Mosque and Mehtab Bagh with a panoramic backyard view of the Taj Mahal.

Today, we drive approximately 5 hours to Jaipur. En route at the deserted erstwhile Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO) where you will see the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti and Panch Mahal. Continue to Abhaneri village to visit Chand Baori’s colossal stepwell and the adjacent Harshat Mata Temple.

We dedicate the entire day to explore the UNESCO-listed Jaipur. Beat the crowd with a morning visit to Amber Fort, known for its romantic Rajasthani palace and time-ravaged walls. On your return, we make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) at the heart of Jaipur’s shopping district.

In the afternoon, tour the City Palace, the former residence of the royal family, including a special access to the private ceremonial rooms and grounds of the Palace with high tea at the royal terraces. Continue to Jantar Mantar (UNESCO), the world’s largest stone and marble-crafted observatory.

This morning, board your flight from Jaipur to Udaipur. Visit the 450-year-old Delwara village comprising of Jhalas (Rajputs), Patels, Gametis (Bhil tribes), Muslims and Jains. Enjoy a 30-minute walk to the hunting tower at Kantya Hill for a view of the village. Thereafter, we transfer to your hotel to rest.

Dubbed the City of Dawn, today’s tour will take you into Udaipur. Beat the crowd with morning visit to the ornately decorated City Palace, followed by a visit to the beautiful Jagdish Temple and Gadiya Devra temple. Enjoy a walk in the Old City sharing space with cows and the locals as you pass by shops selling unexpected folk arts and latticed Haveli windows, followed by a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola visiting the Jagmandir Island.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. We can arrange optional activities at supplement cost such as cooking demonstration & dinner with a Rajput family, visiting a private art gallery hosted by the curator, or admiring the art of drawing on water (Jal Sanjhvi).

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Narlai or Jawai. En route via Ranakpur, India’s most important Jain temple. Gain insight into this ancient religion as you wander around 29 intricately carved halls supported by 1444 pillars. Continue to your rural Rajasthan retreat to see the real Rajasthan and embark on afternoon leopard safari. To make your stay extra special, we have also included a destination dining experience, which will be either stepwell dinner in Narlai or high tea overlooking the Aravali Hills in Jawai.

In the morning, you can enjoy a village walk in Narlai or morning leopard safari in Jawai before driving 3 hours to Jodhpur. In the evening, we can arrange optional Bhopas performance with traditional Rajasthani dinner at extra cost. Bhopas are wandering minstrels who practice the dying traditions of utilizing tapestry of pictures, music and dances to educate the community.

Zip over Mehrangarh Fort (1.5h) with view of the fort, lakes and valleys. The fort is divided into three sections: public areas, Maharajas palaces and Queens’ palaces. A museum is also housed within the fort, showcasing collection of royal palanquins and elephant howdahs. Continue to the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada and a tuk tuk ride to Blue City. Browse the Sadz bazaar for glass bangles, mojri slippers from camel leathers, dye fabrics, mirchi pakora (large chillies fried in batter) or lassi (yoghurt smoothies)?

You will have free time at leisure before we transfer to the airport for your flight to onward destination.