Chhatra Sagar
A truly magical place, which comprises of 13 delightful tents, pitched on a dam, overlooking a lake, two hours east of Jodhpur. The Nim...
Rajasthan - Land of Kings
19 days from £4980 per person
Covering some of the most significant sites of northern India, this itinerary encompasses the main highlights of this colourful and historic region. Based, where possible, around luxurious heritage hotels, begin your journey in the historic city of Delhi before travelling south to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur - Rajasthan's fabled 'pink city'. From here experience rural Rajasthan visiting Ranthambore National Park then staying in forts, ancestral homes and the wonderful tented camp of Chhatra Sagar. End with two nights in the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur.
Journey Highlights
Delhi, India’s capital city, offers impressive, monumental civic buildings in New Delhi, whilst Old Delhi contains the substantial Red Fort and many teeming markets.
The Jungle Book comes alive within the boundaries of Ranthambore National Park. Overgrown abandoned palaces and temples form the backdrop for exotic fauna and flora.
The magical Lake Palace in Udaipur appears to float on Lake Pichola. Now a luxury hotel, the palace was built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a winter residence.
Day 1 Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi. (N)
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi and stay for two nights at Le Meridien New Delhi. Alternatively upgrade to the Claridges Hotel or the Imperial Hotel. Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi - the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries - is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (B)
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, the Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is today home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train
This morning travel by train from Delhi to Agra and stay overnight at the ITC Mughal Hotel or upgrade to the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel. Agra was once one of the world's majestic cities and later today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. 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. The Taj Mahal is a building world renowned for its beauty and the craftsmanship is outstanding. (B)
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 constructed of beautiful red sandstone. Afterwards visit Abhaneri which is famed for its 8th century Chand Baori – the deepest step-well in the world – then continue to Jaipur for a two night stay at Dera Mandawa. Alternatively upgrade to the Samode Haveli or Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, palaces, fine havelis and spectacular forts. (B)
Day 6 Jaipur
This morning drive outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort set on a ridge above the rugged sounding 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 which is home to the beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’ and the Jantar Mantar—the largest stone observatory in the world. (B)
Day 7 Jaipur to Ramathra – 180kms
After breakfast leave Jaipur and drive to Ramathra and the 350 year old Ramathra Fort which was originally the stronghold of the Jadoan Rajputs. Today this unique fort, which still belongs to their descendants, has been devotedly restored to its former glory and a stay here offers a chance to experience the great outdoors and ‘village India’ at its best combined with a little fort lifestyle and Rajput hospitality. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Ramathra
With its remote location surrounded by farmland, Ramathra has plenty to offer. Places of interest and things to do include a night game drive in the nearby Kailadevi National Park and a visit to the local village, a traditional small hamlet of farmers and herders. The area around Ramathra is also wonderful for walking. Alternatively, should you prefer to stay at the fort, it too makes for fascinating exploration. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Ramathra to Ranthambore – 85kms
This morning leave Ramathra and drive to the Project Tiger Reserve at Ranthambore. Running from the easternmost spur of the Aravallis to the Vindhya Range, Ranthambore is set in a valley or dry deciduous forest dotted with small watering holes. The reserve supports a mixed range of birds and mammals and although the tiger is the main predator, leopards, jackal and hyena are also present as well as sambar, chital, wild boar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodile. Stay for two nights at Nahargarh or upgrade to Khem Villas or Sher Bagh. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Ranthambore
Visit the park at sunrise and sunset in the company of an expert naturalist. As with much of India the blend between nature and history is strong at Ranthambore and the 13th century fort is the focal point of the park. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Ranthambore to Shahpura Bagh – 200kms
This morning, after a final game drive, leave Ranthambore and drive to the small market town of Shahpura where you will stay for two nights at charming Shahpura Bagh. The history of Shahpura dates back over 400 years and the original house was granted to the present family by Shah Jehan. Accommodation is elegant with a mixture of Rajasthani and colonial furnishings and there is also a beautiful swimming pool in the grounds. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Shahpura Bagh
At leisure to enjoy and explore Shahpura Bagh at your own pace. Activities here include bicycle rides, walks by the lake, visits to the local temples and nearby town or the chance to explore a neighbouring 17th century fort. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Shahpura Bagh to Chhatra Sagar – 125kms
After breakfast leave Shahpura and continue by road to the beautiful Chhatra Sagar where you will stay for the next three nights. 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. The tents are pitched to ensure privacy and all directly face the lake each with a veranda affording exceptional, uninterrupted views. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Chhatra Sagar
to
Day 15 Chhatra Sagar
Over the next two days enjoy 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. Accompanied by one of your hosts visit nearby farms, local temples and meet the neighbouring villagers. Alternatively, remain at Chhatra Sagar where there is excellent birding on and around the lake. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Chhatra Sagar to Udaipur – 260kms
via Ranakpur
Today leave Chhatra Sagar 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 the picturesque drive to Udaipur where you will stay for two nights at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel. Alternatively upgrade to the Leela Palace Hotel or the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. With its white marble palaces, languid deep blue lakes, well-tended gardens and a back-drop of endless green hills, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan's most attractive cities. (B)
Day 17 Udaipur
After breakfast visit the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces which overlook Lake Pichola and are still owned by 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 the Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From the City Palace return on foot to the old town and the intricately carved Jagdish Mandir temple ending the day with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B)
Day 18 Udaipur to Delhi – by air
Today transfer to Udaipur Airport in good time to catch the afternoon flight to Delhi where you will stay overnight at Le Meridien New Delhi. Alternatively upgrade to the Claridges Hotel or the Imperial Hotel. (B)
Day 19 Delhi to the UK
Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Virgin Atlantic flight non-stop to the UK. (B)
KEY: N = No meals B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Delhi
Claridges is a grand and iconic hotel in New Dehli. Built in 1952, this elegant hotel is set within delightful landscaped gardens in the business dis...
Jaipur
Dera Mandawa is a charming boutique hotel, ideally situated just outside the city walls of Jaipur. Many of the city’s attractions can be found with...
Delhi
The Imperial Hotel is located on the prestigious Queen's Way, now known as Janpath, and is a stone's throw away from Connaught Place, a fashionable s...
Agra
The ITC Mughal Hotel is a comfortable, modern hotel in the historic city of Agra. There are 35 acres of lush landscaped gardens and the hotel is i...
Udaipur
The Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel has a wonderful location right the heart of Udaipur's old city. A charming 17th century haveli, Jagat Niwas also has a...
Ranthambore National Park
Set just beyond the gates of Ranthambore National Park, Khem Villas is an exclusive safari retreat comprising of luxury tents, cottages and four room...
Agra
Lying in view of the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel reflects the romantic grandeur of this great monum...
Jaipur
The Raj Mahal is a majestic palace dating back to 1727. It was the first palace to be built in the city of Jaipur and originally the home to the Roya...
Ramathra
This 350 year-old fort is situated between Ranthambore and the Keoladeo National Park in a lush and beautiful region of eastern Rajasthan. Dating bac...
Jaipur
A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World this fabulous palace is spread across 47 acres of gardens and is a magnificent example of regal arc...
Jaipur
Lying in the heart of Jaipur, the townhouse of the Samode Family is a sanctuary within the city. With only 39 rooms guests receive constant attentio...
Shahpura
Overview
Originally the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura, the 30-acre estate was granted by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to the ...
Ranthambore National Park
Just a few minutes from Ranthambore National Park lies the jungle camp of Sher Bagh. With 12 tents situated around a central garden and pavilion, the...
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Domestic 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
Guide to Price
The price above is a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season. If you wish to travel alone we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements and will provide a proposal on request
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