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.

Route: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Ramathra – Ranthambore – Shahpura Bagh – Chhatra Sagar – Udaipur – Delhi

Itinerary Highlights

Delhi, India’s capital city, offers impressive, monumental civic buildings in New Delhi, whilst Old Delhi contains the substantial Red Fort and the many colourful markets of Chandni Chowk.

The Jungle Book comes alive within the boundaries of Ranthambore National Park. Abandoned palaces and temples form the backdrop for exotic fauna and flora including tiger.

Udaipur is India’s most romantic city. With its white marble palaces, deep blue lakes and well-tended gardens, the city has a unique charm that has changed little over the centuries.

Itinerary: Rajasthan - Land of Kings

Day 1 Depart the UK

Fly from the UK on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Arrive in to Delhi in the morning where you will be met and taken to your hotel. India’s capital is a city of contrasts. Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, busy markets, authentic eateries and mosques was the epicentre of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. Conversely, the serene tree-lined avenues and spacious colonial bungalows of New Delhi epitomise the British Raj and remain the home of both the Indian president and prime minister. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Claridges Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi

Begin today with a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide. Explore the area's dense network of alleyways, including a visit to the street markets and shops of Chandni Chowk, the beautiful Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s. Today it is the location of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and India Gate. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Claridges Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train

Early this morning travel by express train to Agra. On arrival you will be taken to your hotel and later visit Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the picturesque tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the world-renowned Taj Mahal which was built by Shah Jehan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and is famed for its beauty and craftsmanship. (B)

Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel (or similar)

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

Leaving Agra first visit Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and constructed of beautiful red sandstone. Afterwards continue on to Abhaneri which is home to the 8th century Chand Baori which is the deepest step-well in the world. From Abhaneri it is a short drive to Jaipur where you will stay for the next two nights. Planned during the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, palaces, havelis and forts. (B)

Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)

Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

Alternative upgrade option: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Day 6 Jaipur

This morning head outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort which is set high on a ridge above surrounding rugged terrain. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur and visit the superb City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal and 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: Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel

Day 7 Jaipur to Ramathra – 180kms

After breakfast drive to rural Ramathra. Stay for two nights at 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 meticulously restored to its former glory and a stay here offers a chance to experience ‘village India’ at its best combined with a little fort lifestyle and Rajput hospitality. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Ramathra Fort

Day 8 Ramathra

With a 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)

Accommodation: Ramathra Fort

Day 9 Ramathra to Ranthambore – 85kms

Leaving Ramathra, today 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 of dry deciduous forest that is dotted with small watering holes. The reserve supports an extensive range of animal and birdlife and, whilst tiger is the main predator, leopard, jackal and hyena are also present as well as chital, nilgai, sambar, wild boar, chinkara and crocodile. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ranthambore: Nahargarh (or similar)

Upgrade option: Khem Villas

Alternative upgrade option: Sher Bagh

Day 10 Ranthambore

In the company of an expert naturalist, today visit the reserve twice – at sunrise and at sunset. 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)

Accommodation in Ranthambore: Nahargarh (or similar)

Upgrade option: Khem Villas

Alternative upgrade option: Sher Bagh

Day 11 Ranthambore to Shahpura Bagh – 200kms

This morning, after one 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 to the time of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan who granted the original house and surrounding land to the present family. Accommodation at Shahpura Bagh is elegant combining Rajasthani and colonial furnishings and there is also a beautiful swimming pool located in the grounds. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Shahpura: Shahpura Bagh (or similar)

Day 12 Shahpura Bagh

At leisure to enjoy and explore Shahpura Bagh at your own pace. Activities here include cycling and walking, visits to local temples and nearby towns or the chance to explore a neighbouring 17th century fort. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Shahpura: Shahpura Bagh (or similar)

Day 13 Shahpura Bagh to Chhatra Sagar – 125kms

After breakfast leave Shahpura and continue by road to beautiful Chhatra Sagar for a memorable three night stay. Chhatra Sagar’s thirteen luxurious tents are set on a dam overlooking a lake making this special hotel undoubtedly one of the most peaceful and unique hideaways in Rajasthan. The tents are pitched to ensure complete privacy and all directly face the lake each with a veranda affording exceptional, uninterrupted views. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Chhatra Sagar

Days 14 & 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 enables you to experience rural Rajasthan in a way that few other properties allow. Accompanied by one of your hosts 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 Udaipur – 260kms via Ranakpur

Today leave Chhatra Sagar and drive to the well-maintained Jain temple complex at Ranakpur. The most famous of the temples here was built in 1439 and is particularly beautiful. From here continue through picturesque countryside to Udaipur for a two night stay. With its grandiose palaces, attractive lakes and well-tended gardens Udaipur is one of India’s most captivating cities. (B)

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

Upgrade option: Leela Palace Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Taj Lake Palace Hotel

Day 17 Udaipur

After breakfast visit the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces which overlook Lake Pichola. Places of interest include the Mor Chowk court, Manak Mahal, Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen's Palace. A visit will also be made to the Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From the City Palace explore to the old town and the intricately carved Jagdish Mandir temple before ending the day with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B)

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

Upgrade option: Leela Palace Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Taj Lake Palace Hotel

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. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Claridges Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 19 Delhi to the UK

Transfer back to Delhi Airport in good time to catch the Virgin Atlantic flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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 above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Rajasthan - Land of Kings

19 days from £4980 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Rajasthan - Land of Kings

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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