Rajasthan

Arrive Delhi - 1 night

Namaste and welcome to India!

Upon arrival in Delhi you will be welcomed at the airport by your Tour Director/representative then transferred to your Delhi hotel.

Day 1 - Delhi to Agra

After breakfast we drive from Delhi to Agra (approx 3-4 hours) with a stop at the holy town of Vrindavan, one of most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Lord Krishna. Visit the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Krishna Balaram temple.

Take this evening to rest or join a visit to the Metab Bagh (moonlight) garden, on the opposite side of the Yamuna river with views of the Taj Mahal or an optional evening walk of Agra’s local Bazaar. (B,D).

Day 2 - Agra

We rise early for sunrise at the sublime Taj Mahal, a ‘tear drop on the face of eternity’ (Tagore). It is an icon, a wonder of the world and an incomparable and breathtaking monument of love. It truly is better than in photos, nothing can prepare you for the first time you see it!

Return to the hotel for breakfast and have time to relax then spend the afternoon exploring the incredible Agra Fort (also known as the Red Fort). Rebuilt by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 and completed in 1573, it served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Agra Fort is also where Shah Jahan (who commissioned the Taj Mahal) was imprisoned by his son until his death - after he died he was laid to rest in the Taj Mahal next to his favourite wife, in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built. (B)

Day 3 - Agra to Jaipur

After breakfast, we set off for the Pink City, the incredible Jaipur (approx 5 hours).

Stop en route at the majestic Fatehpur Sikri complex. This ancient city, predominantly made of red sandstone and featuring classically designed Mughal gardens, was founded in 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar and was later abandoned. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and was the capital of his empire for fifteen years. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is a wonderful example of Mughal architecture. On this site is the beautiful and immense Jama Masjid mosque (1571) which exhibits both Indian and Persian design elements.

Also visit the impressive Chand Baori stepwell, one of the largest in India, in the tiny rural village of Abhaneri.

Stop for a delicious and traditional lunch at an organic retreat with views over rural Rajasthan and its own organic farm.

Arrive in the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur early evening. (B)

Day 4 - Jaipur

This morning we will take an early morning walk through the streets to Jaipur’s beautiful flower market and also pop in to a couple of incredible temples along the way.

After breakfast we will visit the iconic Palace of the Winds and Jaipur’s famous Bappu Bazaar for a spot of shopping (saree or textiles anyone?).

This afternoon, we will take part in a Block printing textiles workshop - For India, block prints hold a place of pride—the age-old craft of dyeing and colouring a fabric using wooden blocks has been perfected over generations. Whether it is Rajasthan's popular Dabu print, which uses the mud printing technique, or Gujarat's Ajrakh, featuring geometric motifs, each block print is symbolic of the country's vast heritage and rich culture—India is, after all, one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block printed fabrics. We will create a block print, and also understand the history of the beautiful and labour-intensive art form, its uniqueness and how it's being modernised today.

This evening, relax and unwind at the hotel or join the group for a refreshing drink and dinner at Jaipur’s interior design marvel, the wonderful Bar Palladio (B).

Day 5 - Jaipur

This morning we take a short jeep ride up to the majestic Amber/Amer Fort. The magnificent, formidable, sprawling golden hued fort (pronounced 'amer’) is a perfect example of Rajput architecture and rises from the rocky mountainside about 11km northeast of Jaipur. It is the city’s iconic site. We will tour the fort with it’s intricately carved doorways, ornate marble work, elephants and incredible views.

Pass by the picturesque palace on the water Jal Mahal, situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

After the Fort, we’ll visit the nearby Anokhi museum - one of our favorite spots for buying Jaipur’s special hand-crafted block printed textiles and a great place for a Chai.

This evening, if you’re booked on a tour date for Diwali, we will experience a real Diwali celebration! Diwali is the Festival of Lights, and the biggest and most auspicious festival in India. We will be lucky enough to experience Diwali as a real family would - visiting neighbours and friends, participating in a puja (prayer) ceremony, lighting diya, sharing sweets, and watching fireworks! (B,D)

Day 6 - Jaipur to Pushkar (via train, approx 3 hours)

This morning we visit the Jaipur City palace then we are on the train to bohemian and spiritual Pushkar.

Nestled in the undulating Aravalli Hills and wrapped around the beautiful Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is a significant and sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. It’s a smaller town with a laid back and relaxed vibe which hosts the famous Pushkar camel festival each year.

Evening to relax or take a walk around the sacred Pushkar Lake. Pushkar Lake, surrounded by bathing ghats, is one of Rajasthan’s most revered holy sites. (B)

Day 7 - Pushkar to Jodhpur

This morning we join a yoga class - Pushkar is well known for it’s traditional wellness and spiritual experiences such as yoga, meditation, massage and reiki.

Following breakfast, walk through Pushkar’s bazaar to the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Today we travel further east and into the desert to the Blue City, Jodhpur (approx 3 hours). This evening relax at the hotel or take a walk around Jodhpur’s famous Clocktower Bazaar. (B)

Day 8 - Jodhpur

This morning we will take a walking tour through the charming and atmospheric medieval streets of Jodhpur’s old city - narrow, incense scented and lined with photogenic homes in all shades of indigo and turquoise, and then explore the bustling bazaar, sampling some street food and looking at the local miniature paintings Jodhpur is renowned for.

This afternoon, take a rest, have a massage or a swim and we will come together for dinner (optional) at one of Jodhpur’s best rooftop restaurants with views of the whole city and the Mehrangarh Fort. (B)

Day 9 - Jodhpur to Udaipur

After breakfast we will depart for Udaipur, driving through western Rajasthan and the scenic Aravalli Ranges with interesting village stops along the way (approx 5 hours).

Late afternoon and evening are yours to relax or meet for an evening drink on a lakeside rooftop in Udaipur! (B)

Day 10 - Udaipur

Today we tour Rajathan’s ‘White City’, Udaipur - a beautiful, romantic and aesthetic place of marble palaces, lakes and lush gardens.

This morning we tour Udaipur’s ornate and photogenic City Palace, one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola.

Following this take a boat ride on the lovely Lake Pichola to the picturesque water palace and gardens of Jagmandir Island Palace (Lake Garden Palace). Surrounded by statutes of elephants that appear to rise out of the water, Jagmandir Island Palace is often referred to as a swarg ki vatika or garden of heaven.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the charming local streets of Udaipur looking at the beautiful traditional art, crafts and homewares. (B)

Day 11 - Udaipur

This morning is yours to relax by the pool, go shopping or explore.

Today we will be cooking up some delicious Rajasthani delights in a cooking class! (B,L)

Day 12 - Udaipur to Delhi

Today we fly from Udaipur to the capital of India, New Delhi, and the rest of the day is yours to relax. (B)

Day 13 - Delhi

Intense, colourful, chaotic and unforgettable - welcome to Delhi! Staying at a gorgeous heritage hotel which we will use as our base, we’ll start our first morning in Delhi with a meditation class to prepare us for the hustle!

Today we’ll take a ride on a rickshaw through Old Delhi to the Chandni Chowk Market, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets.

Aside from its myriad bazaar vendors hawking goods, this area is also famous for its street food, from flat bread parantha and incredible dosa to the famous Bikaner Sweet Shop.

After lunch we will visit one of the most prominent Sikh temples in India, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen which feeds thousands of people each day.

Spend the rest of your afternoon having a swim at the hotel or visit the moving and serene gardens, homestead and museum at Gandhi Smriti, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. (B)

Day 14 - Delhi

Time for a spot of shopping at Delhi’s famous Khan Market, a leafy upmarket enclave specialising in unique local handcrafts, homewares, jewellery and more.

Lunch at one of Delhi’s most famous vegetarian Dosa restaurants.

This afternoon and past the India Gate, we will drive through the leafy boulevards of New Delhi to visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site and a fine example of early Mughal architecture, this red sandstone and white marble tomb is the resting place of Humayun, whose father Babur founded the Mughal empire.

This afternoon we will celebrate our last day with a visit to one of Delhi’s most iconic luxe colonial hotels, the Imperial Hotel Delhi, before a goodbye and good luck dinner! (B)

Day 15 - Departure

Transfer to airport after breakfast and goodbyes!

$5695 AUD per person - twin share

If you’re travelling solo we are happy to allocate you a room with a fellow solo traveller (where available) in which case the twin share price would apply. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Or, pay the single supplement and enjoy the luxury of your own room - $1295

Please note that tour prices are subject to change after 23/03/23.

**Please note that tour prices for 2024 are indicative and subject to an increase based on new season supplier prices for 2024 dates.

• All accommodation at hand picked hotels 3-5 star on a twin share basis (single supplement applies for single rooms).

• 1 night pre-tour hotel accommodation.

• Breakfast daily. Other meals where indicated (B/L/D) in itinerary.

• Australian Tour Director and English speaking local guides.

• All private transport in A/C vehicle.

• Group hotel\airport pickup and transfers.

• All entrance fees to forts and monuments as per itinerary.

• Domestic economy flights as per program.

• Yoga class

• Meditation class

• Bottled water daily (1L).

• Cooking class.

• Block printing class.

• Diwali festival celebration (on Diwali specified dates).

• Boat ride in Udaipur.

• Train fare from Jaipur to Pushkar.

Exclusions

The package tour land price of your trip does not include:

• International flights

• Kitty or local payments as specified

• Taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified

• Meals or drinks other than those specified in the itinerary as B/L/D

• Visa and passport fees

• Travel insurance

• Cancellation fees

• Optional activities and all personal expenses

• Any other activities outside of the tour program

• New Delhi - Radisson Blu Plaza

• Agra - Hotels Clarks Shiraz

• Jaipur - Shahpura House

• Pushkar - Inn Seventh Heaven

• Jodhpur - Ratan Vilas

• Udaipur - Udai Kothi

• New Delhi - Maidens

We favour unique havelis and boutique heritage hotels.

Features of these properties can include beautiful gardens, swimming pools and rooftop restaurants with incredible views. Where possible, our properties are centrally located and close to restaurants, temples and bazaars so that you can experience the buzz of India at your doorstep, explore as you wish and then retreat peacefully at the end of each day!

Please note that the hotels listed here are subject to availability. When we are required to seek alternative hotels to the ones listed here, we select hotels of a similar rating and features where possible.

Please note at some locations it may be necessary to include conventional 3/4 star hotels.

India is a big country with a lot to explore - from quiet and tropical Kerala, spiritual and ancient Varanasi, beach side hippy Goa to the cool mountains in the North and the chaos and excitement of Bollywood central Mumbai!

Let us know if you are interested in a tour extension which we can plan and book for you so that you can experience more of what India has to offer!

Please note that extensions are not included in this tour price.