Home > Destinations > Northern India & Rajasthan > Historic Rajasthan
HISTORIC RAJASTHAN
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Mumbai.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the early hours and transfer by car to the Taj
Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel. Later today tour Old
and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s dense
network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni
Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit
Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to
Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President,
Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (N)
Day 3 Delhi to Ajmer – by train
Ajmer to Nagaur – 160kms
Early this morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to catch
the Shatabdi Express to Ajmer. Meet your driver and proceed via Pushkar
to the desert town of Nagaur. Stay for two nights at Ranvas which
is situated within the magnificent Ahhichatragarh Fort.. (B)
Day 4 Nagaur
The Ahhichatragarh Fort, meaning the ‘Fort of the Hooded Cobra’
is one of the finest and most extensive examples of Rajput –
Mughal architecture in the Marwar Region. The Fort features a series
of painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baoris (reservoirs),
water systems, fountains, open terraces and Mughal gardens. Under
the guidance of the Maharaja of Jodhpur and with the support of The
Getty Foundation and the Helen Hamlyn Trust, the fort, over the last
20 years, has been meticulously restored. Ahhichatragarh Fort is also
the recipient of a UNESCO award for conservation. (B)
Day 5 Nagaur to Bikaner – 120kms
This morning leave for Bikaner in north-west Rajasthan taking time
to stop en-route in Nagaur. An oasis town surrounded by scrub and
sand dunes, Bikaner was once a major trading centre on the old caravan
routes of Central Asia. Stay for two nights outside of the city at
the Gajner Lake Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 6 Bikaner
Today visit the 16th Century Junagarh Fort one the finest examples
of medieval military architecture and interior beauty in the whole
of Rajasthan. From the fort explore the Old City by ‘Tonga’
– horse drawn carriage – with its merchant havelis, temples
and bazaars centred on Kote Gate. Complete the tour at the 15th Century
Jain temple. (B)
Day 7 Bikaner to Jaisalmer – 330kms
Leave Bikaner and drive through the desert to the ancient city of
Jaisalmer, stopping at the village of Khichan to see the feeding ground
for the beautiful demoiselle crane. Situated in the great Thar Desert
atop the roughly triangular-shaped Trikuta Hill, Jaisalmer has an
extraordinary medieval feel and a unique atmosphere. Founded in 1156
by Prince Jaisal the town grew to be an important stopping point on
the trade route across the Thar Desert from India to the West and
it was from this trade that Jaisalmer’s wealth grew. Stay for
two nights at Suryagarh outside the city or at the Gorbandh Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Jaisalmer
Start the morning with a visit to Gadi Sagar tank southeast of the
city walls and afterwards return to Jaisalmer Fort to explore the
many narrow streets and exquisitely carved buildings. Visit some of
the palaces built by successive generations of rulers, the Juna Mahal
has beautiful jali screens and is one of the oldest in Rajasthan,
as well as fascinating Jain Temples dating from the 12th Century and
the numerous havelis. (B)
Day 9 Jaisalmer to Jodhpur – 290kms
After breakfast, leave Jaisalmer and drive to Jodhpur, gateway to
the Thar Desert and the one time capital of Marwar. Home to the dominating
Meherangarh Fort, the city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who chose
the site due to its strategic location on the influential Delhi-Gujarat
trading route. Stay for two nights at the Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal Hotel or
upgrade to Raas to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Jodhpur
Today visit the Meherangarh Fort which stands high above the blue
painted houses of the town below. Protected from the desert by a huge
10km wall, guarded by towers and fortified gateways the fort sprawls
along the clifftop and is home to many palaces and temples. In the
afternoon walk through the ancient city to explore the narrow streets,
bustling bazaars, temples and richly carved houses. (B)
Day 11 Jodhpur to Udaipur – 275kms
Drive south to the Jain temples at Ranakpur which are beautifully
preserved and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture.
From here it is a beautiful drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur,
a beautiful city, and one regarded by many as the most romantic in
India. Stay for two nights at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel or upgrade
to Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel or the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 12 Udaipur
This morning visit the City Palace which is an impressive complex
of several palaces and stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola.
Of interest is the attractive Mor Chowk court, the Manak Mahal or
‘Ruby Palace’, the Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen’s
Palace. Continue to the Fateh Prakash Palace to visit the unique Crystal
Gallery overlooking the grand Durbar Hall and walk through the old
town to view the impressively carved Jagdish Mandir temple. In the
afternoon take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the serene
beauty of Udaipur. (B)
Day 13 Udaipur to Deogarh – 160kms
Leave Udaipur and journey north to the small market town of Deogarh
stopping en-route at the impressive 15th Century fort at Kumbalgarh.
Very much family run Deogarh Mahal is a delightful and charming hotel
which has been wonderfully restored by the family into a small and
intimate hotel that is renowned for its character and heritage. Stay
for two nights at Deogarh Mahal. (B)
Day 14 Deogarh
At leisure to enjoy Deogarh Mahal and the surrounding countryside.
You may wish to ride the local train where the line and equipment
date from 1923. (B)
Day 15 Deogarh to Jaipur – 280 kms
Drive to Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan,
where you will stay for two nights at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel or
upgrade to the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai
Singh II, Jaipur is a highly distinctive and colourful planned city
characterised by fine bazaars, intricately carved palaces, havelis
and powerful forts. (B)
Day 16 Jaipur
This morning drive through the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city
to visit Amber Fort a beautiful palace with ornate mosaics, coloured
stone inlays, intricately painted murals, palaces, temples and cooling
courtyard watercourses. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour
through the old city to explore the colourful markets and bazaars
before continuing onto the City Palace complex that occupies the centre
of Jaipur. (B)
Day 17 Jaipur to Agra – 230kms
via Fatehpur Sikri
This morning leave Jaipur for the drive to Agra stopping en-route
at Fatehpur Sikri the one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal
Emperor Akbar. The one time capital of the Mughals, Agra, which stands
on the right bank of the River Yamuna, is a city of contrasts. One
of Uttar Pradesh’s largest cities Agra is dominated by three
magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back to its glorious
past. Stay for two nights at the Gateway Hotel Fatehbad Road or upgrade to the
Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel. (B)
Day 18 Agra to Delhi – 200kms
This morning visit the imposing Agra Fort on the banks of the River
Yamuna which was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565.
Afterwards continue to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument
to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and
a building world renowned for its power and beauty. The craftsmanship
is outstanding with semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble in
beautiful patterns, a process known as pietra dura, whilst the white
marble reflects every change in light allowing the Taj to appear to
change its hue according to the light and time of day. Leave the Taj
and cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel
of Agra, sometimes known as the ‘Baby Taj’ – the
least visited of Agra’s three great monuments and the first
to be covered in white marble and pietra dura.
Later leave with your driver for the drive to Delhi and stop en-route at Sikandra the site chosen by the Moghul Emperor Akbar for his tomb. Akbar died during the construction but his son, Jahangir, completed it in 1613 after considerably altering the original designs. Continue the drive to Delhi and stay for one night at the Taj Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel. (B)
Day 19 Delhi to London Heathrow
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal
Five.
STAYING ON
Experience the great Thar Desert by staying overnight at Manvar Camp on the way from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here, with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – HISTORIC RAJASTHAN
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,850. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.