Royal Rajasthan

  • When to go: October – April
  • Duration: 12 nights

Follow in the footsteps of Rajput kings and queens on this palatial journey through India’s most colourful state. Beginning in Delhi – at the city’s most prestigious hotel, no less – before travelling to Rajasthan via Agra and the Taj Mahal, you’ll discover the state’s grand hilltop forts, ornately decorated temples and romantically ethereal lakes, before culminating the trip at mesmerising Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace – one of the world’s most iconic accommodations.

Highlights

  1. Relaxing in some of India’s most iconic hotels
  2. Savouring sunrise at the Taj Mahal
  3. Exploring the pink and blue cities of Rajasthan
  4. Taking a boat ride on Udaipur’s ethereal Lake Pichola
  5. Experiencing Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to India’s mesmerising capital, where grand Mughal forts complement sweeping colonialera boulevards. Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of the city’s classiest hotels. Overnight at The Imperial.

Day 2: Delhi

Explore Old Delhi’s labyrinth-like streets on foot before arriving at the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. After visiting the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, the day culminates at Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar. Overnight at The Imperial.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

Discover Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb – better known as the Baby Taj – on arrival in Agra. Later, with the glorious Taj Mahal as your backdrop, become immersed in the surroundings of Agra’s finest hotel. Overnight at Oberoi Amervilas.

Day 4: Agra

Witness the unrivalled beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise before proceeding to Agra Fort’s fairy-tale palaces. In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Akbar the Great, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Overnight at Oberoi Amervilas.

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur

After ending yesterday with a sunset visit to Mehtab Bagh, the gardens opposite the Taj, today you’ll proceed to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri’s Chand Baori – an 11-storey step well. Overnight at Oberjoi Rajvilas.

Day 6: Jaipur

Visit the hilltop Amber Fort after breakfast – climbing to its summit on foot or the back of an elephant – before heading to the City Palace and the Rajput-era Jantar Mantar observatory. Overnight at Oberjoi Rajvilas.

Day 7: Jaipur to Jodhpur

Journey west to the ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur, whose Brahmin-blue townhouses are among Rajasthan’s most striking sights. Afternoon at leisure at the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Day 8: Jodhpur

Experience Rajasthani village life on a guided tour before seeing the jewel in Jodhpur’s crown: the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Later, visit the marble memorial of Jaswant Thada. Overnight at Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Day 9: Jodhpur to Udaipur

Ranakpur’s 15th century Jain temple – one of the faith’s main pilgrimage sites – makes the perfect stop off en route to Udaipur, arguably India’s most romantic city. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Taj Lake Palace.

Day 10: Udaipur

Take in Udaipur’s City Palace – perched beautifully on Lake Pichola’s eastern shore – on a morning tour. After visiting the Garden of Maids and Jagdish Temple, the day ends perfectly with an evening boat ride. Overnight at Taj Lake Palace.

Day 11: Udaipur to Mumbai

Fly to Mumbai, India’s fashion, entertainment and business capital. Take a tour of Marine Drive, the Hanging Gardens and the Gateway of India before relaxing at the world-famous Taj Mahal Palace, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 12: Mumbai

Board a private boat to the cave temples of Elephanta Island, located a few kilometres from Mumbai Harbour, and see some of India’s finest stone carvings. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 13: Mumbai

Transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for your return flight home.

Activities to consider

  • Walking tour of Delhi led by street children, courtesy of the Salaam Baalak Trust
  • Traditional Punjabi family meal and cooking lesson at Mrs Kidwai’s Kitchen
  • Philanthropic visit to an Agra orphanage
  • Walking tour of Kachhpura village as part of a community development programme
  • Dinner with an Indian family in Jaipur
  • Sunset drinks in Jodhpur overlooking Mehrangarh Fort

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