Luxury Tour Of Rajasthan

You’ll arrive at Delhi airport and a private transfer will take to your hotel, the Colonel’s Retreat. After check in, you are free to spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own leisure.  

Today, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of India’s capital, Delhi. Starting in Old Delhi, you’ll spend the morning discovering the 300-year-old walled city’s key attractions. You’ll get to visit one of India’s most famous mosques, the Jama Masjid Mosque. Its towering minarets and beautiful domes preside over the skyline. Later on, you’ll drive past the impressive 17th century Red Fort, which was once home to the lavish emperors of the Mughal dynasty. It’s also where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on India’s Independence Day.
Leaving Old Delhi, you’ll stop to visit Raj Ghat, an elegant marble shrine dedicated to one of India’s most important leaders, Mahatma Gandhi.

Next stop, New Delhi, the 20th century British capital that was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Driving through the city, you’ll discover New Delhi to be India’s government hub with the President’s House and the Secretariat buildings all being based here. You’ll also be able to mark India’s fallen heroes at India’s great memorial arch, India Gate, as well visiting the exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb.

To end the day on a high, you’ll visit the towering minaret of Qutub Minar. Dating back to the 12th century, this 73m high UNESCO World Heritage Site is a part of the Qutb Complex.
The final stop is Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple. Built by one of India’s premier industrial families, the Birlas, it is New Delhi’s most famous landmark for Hindu heritage.

This morning, you’ll leave Delhi and head south to the village of Samode. After checking in at your hotel, the Samode Palace, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. 

Early morning, you’ll head to the impressive Amber Fort. En route, you’ll stop to see one of India’s most distinctive monuments, the Hawa Mahal (The Palace of Winds) . Its pink five-floor high facade studded with a series of 953 windows has been likened to honeycomb from a beehive. After the photo stop, you’ll continue to Amber Fort.

Arriving at Amber Fort, you’ll be hit with its size and austere presence. Behind its time-ravaged exterior walls, you’ll discover an elaborate ornate palace complex inside, complete with courtyards, rooms, halls, and gardens.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Maharaja’s Palace, a royal residence and museum.
At the centre of the Old City, the palace complex sprawls out covering almost a seventh of the city of Jaipur. You’ll be able to visit the Armory Museum within the palace and learn about the different weapons used by the past royal families. Interestingly, small areas of the palace are still used by the current royal family of Jaipur.

The final stop of the day will be Jantar Mantar. With 17 large instruments including a sundial, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone and marble observatory in the world.

Today, you’ll head south to the town of Bundi, where you will check in at the charming Bundi Vilas Hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the regal town of Bundi. Its name is taken from the word bindo, which means narrow passage between rugged hills. Surrounded by hills, this peaceful medieval town has been untouched by time. You’ll visit the Taragarh (Star Fort), a 14th century battlement that sits atop a 500ft high hill. Enjoy exploring its numerous ruins and a Shiva temple, but the real star of the show is the fort’s panoramic views over the plains of Hadoti. Afterwards, stop to visit the Bundi Palace, one of the purest examples of Rajput architecture. Built into the hillside, this extraordinary palace was described by Rudyard Kiplin as ‘the work of goblins rather than of men’.

Today, continue your journey by driving west to Udaipur. Once checked in at the Amet Haveli Hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of India’s most romantic city, Udaipur. As a city of tranquil lakes and opulent palaces, your first stop will be to discover the ancient treasures within The City Palace complex. The towering walls stretch out along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, and its dramatic exterior dominates the skyline. From the stained-glass windows and mirror-studded ceilings to the indoor swing with its velvet cushion, these interconnected palaces reflect the extravagant tastes of the kings and queens of yesteryear.

The tour will continue stopping to see some of Udaipur’s other noteworthy attractions, including The Jagdish Temple and the beautiful Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains.

Later in the afternoon you’ll take a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake, marvelling at its beautiful blue water and mountainscape backdrop.

To see the city from a different angle, you’ll finish the day on board a boat on Lake Pichola. You’ll hop off to visit the former summer palace, Lake Palace, on the island of Jag Niwas.

Today, you’ll head north to Kumbhalgarh Fort, stopping en route at Ranakpur to visit its breathtaking temples. The Ranakpur Jain Temples are one of the most elaborate Jain temple complexes in India. As you explore the 29 halls with their 80 domes, you’ll notice how the grand white marble structures are coupled with a fastidious attention to detail in its design. Take the main temple’s 1,444 pillars, which are each artistically carved with their own unique pattern. You’ll also get the chance to visit other nearby Jain temples, as well as the Surya Temple.

After admiring the intricate craftsmanship of Ranakpur’s temples, you’ll continue your journey north. Upon arrival, check in at Fateh Safari Lodge, before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the Kumbhalgarh Fort. This 15th century fort is one of Rajasthan’s historical masterpieces. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the second largest continuous wall in the world (after the Great Wall of China) earning it the title the ‘Great Wall of India’.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll drive to Sardargarth, checking in at Sardargarh Fort upon arrival. Nestled in the mountains surrounded by the forest of Chuppan, this magnificent fort was built in 1738. Today it’s one of Rajasthan’s most exquisite heritage hotels with breathtaking views of the lake and the Aravallis. The fort keeps its medieval feel with its underground passage systems, halls, granaries and stores all open to guests to explore.

After discovering the fort, the remainder of the day will be free for you to enjoy at your own leisure.

After breakfast, your journey continues to Rohetgarh. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the Rohet Garh Hotel.

The afternoon will be spent visiting the Bishnoi Villages, discovering the distinctive way of life of the Bishnoi tribes that still live here.

Today, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. As its name would suggest, jodhpurs, the slimline riding trousers, did originate from this city. They were first introduced to England when India’s polo team visited the Queen in 1897. Known as the blue city, due to the majority of Jodhpur’s buildings painted in the same shade of blue, you’ll get to visit its most remarkable attractions, including the formidable Mehrangarh Fort and the royal cenotaphs at Jaswant Thada.

After the tour is complete, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. Foodies may like to book the Jodhpur Food Tour ($48 per person) for the latter part of the day. This private guided food walk along the heritage lanes of the city explores the region’s local dishes and delicacies.

After breakfast, you’ll head north to Khimsar, a two to three hour drive from Rohetgarh. Upon arrival, check in at the Khimsar Ford hotel.

Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert and in the midst of sand dunes, Khimsar Fort dates back to the 15th century. Its battle-scarred walls and turrets are a reminder of its ancient past. Staying at the Khimsar Fort, you’ll get the opportunity to explore its grounds, complete with ruins, stables, guns and cannons. You’ll also get the chance to explore its colourful history and visit the local village by jeep safari.

Today, you’ll leave Khimsar and drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check in at the Nimaj Kothi hotel.

This small sacred Hindu town has gained notoriety in recent years from its annual Camel fair, which takes place in the Hindu month of Kartika (October or November). It’s a fascinating event where thousands of camels come to the tiny desert town, and also a great opportunity to witness an old-style Indian festival and all its traditional activities.

For the remainder of the year, Pushkar is an important Hindu pilgrimage town. A holy lake is at the centre of this mystic place with 400 temples and 52 ghats dotted about its periphery. The main street is a bazaar selling everything from tie-dye scarfs to didgeridoos! Today, you’ll get the opportunity to explore Pushkar, taking in its fascinating sights, including the revered ghats of Varah, Brahma and Gau Ghats.

Today, the morning will be free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. Alternatively, you can book the optional tour - Four Religions In A Mile ($42 per person). This two-hour walking tour of Pushkar accompanied by a local priest gives an insight into the different religions here. Stopping to see the town's important sites, admiring its architecture and learning about the Spirituality of India.

In the afternoon, you will take a 40-minute transfer to Ajmer railway station and then board the train to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the Delhi railway station, and driven to your hotel, the Colonel’s Retreat.

Today, a transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Delhi airport where you’ll board your flight home.