Authentic Rajasthan Break 2023 & 2024

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today fly from the UK to Delhi using the services of British Airways. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. Delhi is India's capital and one of the largest cities in Asia. Old Delhi was seat of Muslim India from the 17th to the 19th centuries and is home to a number of significant mosques, forts and monuments. In contrast, New Delhi, with its grand government buildings, pretty tree-lined avenues and historic white-washed bungalows, was built by the British during the 1930s and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Dharampura Haveli (or similar)

Day 3 Delhi

After breakfast commence a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide to explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques, visiting famous Chandni Chowk market, the beautiful Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and India Gate. This evening enjoy a three hour food walk through the heart of historic Shahjahanabad to sample authentic Old Delhi street-food. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Dharampura Haveli (or similar)

Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train

This morning travel by train from Delhi to Agra and stay overnight. Agra was one of the world's most important cities and later today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. In the afternoon make your way to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Agra has a distinct food culture and, in the evening, head to Kinari Bazaar, MG Road, Sadar Bazaar to try the best of the city’s street-food. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Agra to Jaipur – 230kms via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri

Leaving Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and, afterwards, visit Abhaneri which is home to the 8th century Chand Baori – the deepest step-well in the world. From here continue by road to Jaipur for a two night stay at Dera Mandawa. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, palaces, havelis and forts. Accompanied by one of the Dera Mandawa staff, this afternoon head to the local market to buy vegetables and spices. Return to the hotel for a cooking demonstration and lesson then eat the dishes you have prepared later for dinner. (B/D)

Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)

Day 6 Jaipur

This morning drive outside of Jaipur to Amber Fort which occupies a dramatic setting high on a ridge above the rugged hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore here from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur to visit the superb City Palace complex including the beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal. The Hawa Mahal will be the starting point for a two hour food walk through the lanes of the old city where you will have the opportunity to try a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. (B)

Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)

Day 7 Jaipur to Rohet – 340kms

Today drive to Rohet Garh a 16th century fortified home situated on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Just 40kms south of Jodhpur, this lovely property is very much a family concern and is a place of great charm, character and history. In the afternoon enjoy a village jeep safari visiting the local Bishnoi tribal villages and farming communities then return to hotel for a cookery lesson with the chef. (B/D)

Accommodation in Rohet: Rohet Garh

Day 8 Rohet – visit Jodhpur

After breakfast leave Rohet and spend the day in the charming ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur. Start your day at the Meherangarh Fort then head to the old city where you will have an opportunity to visit the local dairy market. Known as ‘chavate’, this is the best place to find milk, cheese, mawa and other dairy products. Meet local shopkeepers and sample some of the popular sweets of Jodhpur including gulab jamun and mave ki kachori. Also visit the vibrant bazaar including the grain market and the fresh vegetable market. Return to Rohet in the afternoon. (B)

Accommodation in Rohet: Rohet Garh

Day 9 Rohet to Ranakpur – 140kms

Today leave Rohet and drive to Ranakpur where you will stay overnight at the Ranakpur Camel Lodge which is located at the LPPS Camel Conservation Centre. This afternoon visit the nearby Jain temples which are beautifully preserved and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. The most prominent temple, built in 1439, is the Adinatha which is symmetrically planned around the central shrine and has numerous spires, gateways and porches. Dedicated to the first Tirthankar, the sanctuary includes 1,144 engraved pillars, each one unique, intricately carved ceilings and arches as well as images of Jain saints and their lives, which is a sight to behold. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ranakpur: Ranakpur Camel Lodge

Day 10 Ranakpur to Udaipur – 100kms

Early this morning visit the LPPS Camel Conservation Centre. See the camels being milked, the milk being delivered to the dairy and learn how it is processed. The camels are not kept on the farm as they are nomadic but a visit will be arranged for you to see them which will include a drink of camel milk or camel milk tea. After a ‘camel herder's lunch’ drive to Udaipur where you will stay for two nights. With its white marble palaces, languid deep blue lakes, well-tended gardens and back-drop of endless green hills, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities. (B)

Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Udaipur

After breakfast visit the City Palace, an impressive complex which overlooks Lake Pichola and is still the home of the Maharaja of Udaipur. Places of interest here include the Mor Chowk court, Manak Mahal, Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen's Palace. Also visit neighbouring Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall. From the City Palace, return on foot to the old town, visit Jagdish Mandir temple and end the day with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B)

Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Udaipur to Mumbai – by air

This morning transfer to Udaipur Airport in good time to catch your flight to Mumbai. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for a two night stay. One of the world’s great cities, Mumbai has grown from a small group of islands to India’s economic powerhouse and gateway to the world. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore the city under your own arrangements. (B)

Accommodation in Mumbai: Abode Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Mumbai

Today explore the city with your guide. Close by is the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911 and the excellent Prince of Wales Museum. From here stroll through the historic Colaba district to admire the impressive Gothic Victorian architecture then head to Church Gate Railway Station where, on a weekday, 5,000 dabbawalas deliver a staggering 175,000 to 200,000 tiffin lunches to Mumbai's office workers. In the afternoon continue to Malabar Hill for far-reaching views over the city then end the day at the colourful Dhobi ghats where traditional laundryman collect, wash and return the city's linen. (B)

Accommodation in Mumbai: Abode Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Mumbai to the UK

Transfer back to Mumbai Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Experience Authentic Rajasthan and its Cuisine and Culture

14 days from £3975 per person

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Itinerary: Experience Authentic Rajasthan and its Cuisine and Culture

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