Exploring the diversity and heritage of India's most iconic state, this itinerary is a comprehensive journey covering Rajasthan’s most important historic cities.
A land of immense forts and breathtaking palaces, begin in Delhi before heading to see the painted havelis of Mandawa and the remote desert cities of Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Spend time exploring Jaisalmer’s atmospheric fort before continuing to the 'blue city' of Jodhpur – home of the spectacular citadel and charming old town. From Jodhpur, travel to Udaipur via the Jain temples at Ranakpur before returning to Delhi where your travels end.
Delhi – Jaipur – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi
Trip Highlights
- Mandawa is renowned for its historic havelis, exquisitely decorated by colourful murals
- Jaisalmer rises majestically out of the surrounding desert and contains many temples
- Jodhpur is famous for the blue-washed buildings of an old town best explored on foot
- Travel from the pink city of Jaipur to Amber Fort, a Rajput capital for over 700 years
- Explore the 16th century Junagarh Fort in the medieval trading centre of Bikaner
Map
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on the flight to Delhi.
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.
Maidens Hotel, Delhi
Haveli Dharampura
The Claridges New Delhi
The Imperial
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Day 3
Delhi
Today, with your driver and local guide, head to Old Delhi where you will spend the morning exploring the dense network of atmospheric alleyways and the homes, markets, mosques and temples that make up this historic district. Highlights include famous Chandni Chowk market, the beautiful Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon travel across the city to New Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and the setting for Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India and iconic India Gate.
- Breakfast
Maidens Hotel, Delhi
Haveli Dharampura
The Claridges New Delhi
The Imperial
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Day 4
Delhi to Jaipur – 320kms
Today leave Delhi and travel by road 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.
- Breakfast
Dera Mandawa
Alsisar Haveli
Samode Haveli
Rambagh Palace
The Leela Palace Jaipur
Day 5
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.
- Breakfast
Dera Mandawa
Alsisar Haveli
Samode Haveli
Rambagh Palace
The Leela Palace Jaipur
Day 6
Jaipur to Mandawa – 175kms
This morning continue by road to Mandawa. A small 18th century market town located in northwest Rajasthan, Mandawa is best known for its collection of historic havelis and the painted murals that adorn them. This afternoon explore the town on foot to see the finest of these highly decorated havelis.
- Breakfast
Hotel Mandawa Haveli
The Legacy Mandawa by the Machan
Deeppura Garh
Day 7
Mandawa to Bikaner – 200kms
Today leave Mandawa and continue to the desert city of 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 and many parts of the old city still retain a medieval character.
- Breakfast
Narendra Bhawan
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Day 8
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.
- Breakfast
Narendra Bhawan
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Day 9
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.
- Breakfast
The Gulaal
Killa Bhawan
Sujan: The Serai
Day 10
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.
- Breakfast
The Gulaal
Killa Bhawan
Sujan: The Serai
Day 11
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.
- Breakfast
Ratan Vilas
Rohet House
The Stepwell Hotel
Raas, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 12
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.
- Breakfast
Ratan Vilas
Rohet House
The Stepwell Hotel
Raas, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 13
Jodhpur to Udaipur – 275kms
This morning it is a picturesque drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur stopping on the way to visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur. With its grand palaces, deep blue lakes and well-tended gardens, Udaipur is rightly considered to be one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities.
- Breakfast
Amet Haveli
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Taj Lake Palace
The Leela Palace Udaipur
Day 14
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.
- Breakfast
Amet Haveli
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Taj Lake Palace
The Leela Palace Udaipur
Day 15
Udaipur to Delhi – by air
Today transfer by road to Udaipur Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and taken to an airport hotel where you will stay overnight.
- Breakfast
Andaz Delhi
JW Marriott Aerocity
Day 16
Delhi to the UK
Transfer back to Delhi Airport and fly back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Discover the desert town of Nagaur best known for its spectacular 12th century Ahhichatragarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this vast fort and stay overnight in the fort at Ranvas. Nagaur is located between Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Delightful Dev Shree, a charming family-run homestay, is a morning’s driver from Jodhpur. Set on the outskirts of Deogarh, a stay here showcases rural Rajasthan at its very best. Explore the town, ride a local train, birdwatch by the lake or take a cookery lesson.
Goa can easily be reached by air from Udaipur via Mumbai. Base yourself at Ahilya by the Sea, a serene escape overlooking Dolphin Bay or, alternatively, stay at Siolim House, a 350-year-old Portuguese house and now a small hotel in rural northern Goa.
Mumbai, one of the world’s great cities, is an excellent place to end your holiday in India. Explore the historic old district of Colaba with a local guide and enjoy a memorable stay at the celebrated Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which overlooks the iconic Gateway of India.
Guide to Price
16 days from £4830 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Train travel as specified
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £4830
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime
CM - India - March 2024
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime thanks to the exceptional guides and drivers we met along our trip in Northern India. The itinerary had the perfect balance of tours, travel days and rest days for us and was meticulously planned and executed. We'd love to use Pettitts Travel again in the future and will absolutely be returning to India.
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Helping you to design your trip
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