Historic Rajasthan

Day 1 Depart UK

Depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Arrive into Delhi where you will stay overnight. Delhi is India's capital and comprises of two distinct halves. Old Delhi was the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries and is home to a number of grand mosques and crumbling monuments, a majestic fort and bustling street markets. In contrast the planned district of New Delhi, with its government buildings, tree-lined avenues and colonial-era bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi to Ajmer – by train / Ajmer to Nagaur – 160kms

This morning travel by train from Delhi to Ajmer. On your arrival you will be met and taken to Pushkar where there will be time to visit this holy town. Pushkar has over 400 temples and many pilgrims come from all over the nation to bathe in the holy waters. The town is also famous for its annual Camel Fair which takes place annually in November. Leaving Pushkar continue to the desert town of Nagaur and stay for two nights at Ranvas which is spectacularly located within the magnificent Ahhichatragarh Fort. (B)
Accommodation in Nagaur: Ranvas (or similar)

Day 4 Nagaur

One of the finest of its kind in the country, the Ahhichatragarh Fort is a wonderful example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. Meticulously restored under the guidance of the Maharaja of Jodhpur and with the support of The Getty Foundation, Ahhichatragarh has subsequently been awarded an UNESCO award for conservation. Inside the fort are a series of painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baori step-wells and Mughal gardens. Today you are at leisure to fully explore the fort and surrounding Nagaur. (B)
Accommodation in Nagaur: Ranvas (or similar)

Day 5 Nagaur to Bikaner – 120kms

Today leave Nagaur and continue to remote Bikaner. A medieval oasis city surrounded by scrub and sand dunes, Bikaner was once a major trading centre on the old caravan routes of Central Asia. Stay in Bikaner at Narendra Bhawan or upgrade to the Gajner Palace Hotel which is located outside of the city. Gajner was the former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Bikaner and has hosted numerous dignitaries including the Prince of Wales and Lord Mountbatten. (B)
Accommodation in Bikaner: Narendra Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Gajner Palace Hotel

Day 6 Bikaner

After breakfast explore Bikaner with your guide starting the day at the 16th century Junagarh Fort. One of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Rajasthan, the fort complex is vast and contains numerous palaces, courtyards and temples as well as a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts. Later explore the bazaars and some fine havelis of the old city before ending with a visit to at 15th century Jain temple. (B)
Accommodation in Bikaner: Narendra Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Gajner Palace Hotel

Day 7 Bikaner to Jaisalmer – 330kms

This morning leave Bikaner and continue west through desert and rural farming communities to the ancient city of Jaisalmer. Founded in 1156, the town developed into an important, and wealthy, stopping point on the western trade routes. Much of this wealth is evident today in the beautiful homes, havelis and temples left behind by the merchant traders. Jaisalmer remains one of India's most beautiful and historic cities. (B)
Accommodation in Jaisalmer: Killa Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Suryagarh
Alternative upgrade option: The Serai

Day 8 Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer's Rajput fortress is home to some of the finest, and best preserved, havelis in Rajasthan and today visit the old walled city and surrounding area with your guide. A warren of medieval streets, the fortress is exceptionally atmospheric with palaces, temples and numerous havelis to explore. (B)
Accommodation in Jaisalmer: Killa Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Suryagarh
Alternative upgrade option: The Serai

Day 9 Jaisalmer to Jodhpur – 290kms

After breakfast leave Jaisalmer and continue through the great Thar Desert to the charming ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur. Rajasthan's second city, Jodhpur is dominated by the extraordinary Meherangarh Fort which sits high above the tangle of atmospheric lanes and tumbledown homes of the old city below. (B)
Accommodation in Jodhpur: Devi Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raas
Alternative upgrade option: Khaas Bagh

Day 10 Jodhpur

Today explore Jodhpur with your guide. Start the day with a morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. Providing the perfect vantage point of the city below, Meherangarh is beautifully maintained and offers a fascinating insight into the ancient life of the city. Walk the ramparts, visit the extensive collection of historic artefacts and explore the complex’s palaces and temples. Upon leaving the fort stop to visit the cenotaphs of the Jodhpur royal family then take a walking tour through the old city’s lanes and alleyways. (B)

Accommodation in Jodhpur: Devi Bhawan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Raas
Alternative upgrade option: Khaas Bagh

Day 11 Jodhpur to Udaipur – 275kms

This morning it is a picturesque drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur. With its grand palaces, deep blue lakes and well-tended gardens, Udaipur is rightly considered to be one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities. (B)
Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Shiv Niwas Palace
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Lake Palace Hotel

Day 12 Udaipur

Start today at the City Palace. Comprising of a series of royal apartments, individual palaces and temples, this monumental complex overlooks Lake Pichola and is still owned by the Maharaja of Udaipur. Places of interest include the Mor Chowk court, Manak Mahal and Chini ki Chitra Mahal, the Queen's Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace with its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From the City Palace explore the old town, visit the Jagdish Mandir temple and end the afternoon with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B)

Accommodation in Udaipur: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Shiv Niwas Palace
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Lake Palace Hotel

Day 13 Udaipur to Narlai – 130kms via Ranakpur

Today leave Udaipur and drive to the Jain temple complex at Ranakpur. The most famous of the temples here was built in 1439 and is particularly beautiful. Later continue to the rural village of Narlai for an overnight stay at the delightful Rawla Narlai which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal family. (B)
Accommodation in Narlai: Rawla Narlai

Day 14 Narlai to Chhatra Sagar – 140kms via Kumbhalgarh

This morning visit Kumbhalgarh Fort. Virtually impregnable, Kumbhalgarh guarded the historic border between the kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur and there are stunning views from the ramparts. Afterwards continue to charming Chhatra Sagar for a two night stay. Comprising of thirteen luxurious tents set on a dam overlooking a lake, Chhatra Sagar is a special hotel and is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful and unique hideaways in Rajasthan. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Chhatra Sagar

Day 15 Chhatra Sagar

Due to its location, surrounded by farmland and small villages, a stay at Chhatra Sagar provides an opportunity to experience rural Rajasthan in a way that few other properties allow. Experience the surrounding area, visit local farms and temples and meet the neighbouring villagers. Alternatively, remain at Chhatra Sagar where there is excellent birding on and around the lake. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Chhatra Sagar

Day 16 Chhatra Sagar to Jaipur – 220kms

Today leave Chhatra Sagar and continue to the colourful ‘pink city’ of Jaipur where you will stay for two nights. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most vibrant cities and is home to a number of bazaars, palaces, havelis and fortified buildings. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Rambagh Palace Hotel

Day 17 Jaipur

Following breakfast, leave the city and visit Amber Fort. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, Amber Fort occupies a spectacular setting and houses a number of courtyard gardens, royal temples and the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur, visit the superb City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, and the Jantar Mantar which is the largest stone observatory in the world. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Rambagh Palace Hotel

Day 18 Jaipur to Agra – 230kms via Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri

Leaving Jaipur, visit Abhaneri and its 8th century Chand Baori – the deepest step-well in the world. Afterwards visit Fatehpur Sikri which was once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and is constructed of beautiful red sandstone. From here continue to Agra in Uttar Pradesh which is home to three of India’s most magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the Taj Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Oberoi Amarvilas

Day 19 Agra to Delhi – 200kms

Agra was once one of the world's majestic cities and this morning visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula – both of which overlook the Yamuna River. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Later leave the Taj Mahal and return by road to Delhi stopping en-route at Sikandra which is the site of Akbar's tomb. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 20 Delhi to the UK

Transfer back to Delhi Airport and fly back to the UK with British Airways. (B)

20 days from £4830 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £4830 per person

Itinerary: Historic Rajasthan

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY