Rajasthan: Land of the Kings

Home Tours Rajasthan: Land of the Kings

This is a group tour however it can also be taken on a private basis or tailored to your needs and requirements, please ask for details.

Rajasthan is renowned, the world over, for its royal history and cultural heritage as well as its legendary desert and bright colours. Our specially designed itinerary, of this land of kings, starts off with a full day’s sightseeing in Delhi followed by an express train ride to Agra to experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the impressive Agra Fort before moving on to the bustling markets of Jaipur and the medieval fort cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.

Spend an unforgettable night under the stars in Manvar as you take camel carts to a desert feast, accompanied by local musicians. The tour ends in the regal splendour of the lake city of Udaipur.

Day 1 – Delhi

Greeted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to the Suryaa Hotel or similar for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 – Delhi

Explore Delhi on a full day sightseeing tour. Start with a tour of Old Delhi in the morning: enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk followed by a visit to see Jama Masjid , the largest mosque in India, and the Raj Ghat, a memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in India’s struggle for freedom. Drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi in the afternoon. Visit the tomb of Humayun and the lofty Qutb Minar, an early Mughal structure made of red sandstone and white marble.

Optional excursion: Salaam Baalak Walk.

Day 3 – Delhi, Agra

Drive to Agra (4-5 hours) for an overnight stay at the ITC Mughal hotel or similar for an overnight stay. In the afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort whose buildings, made of red sandstone and marble, are a mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Followed by a visit to the ornate tomb of Itamud-ud-Daula. Enjoy a visit to theTaj Mahal at sunset to marvel at one of the World’s great monuments in a glow of pink and yellow hues.

A full day drive to Jaipur (6-7 hours) with an en route stop at Fatehpur Sikri , the red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar that was abandoned after just 14 years. Closer to Jaipur, stop to see the impressive 9th Century Chand Baori step well at Abhaneri. Stay at the Shahpura House, the palatial house of the Shekhawat clan, or similar, for two nights.

Day 5 – Jaipur

Visit the 17th century hilltop Amber Fort and the sparkling Mirror Palace. In the afternoon visit the City Palace complex including its museum and the 18th century Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Drive through the busy bazaars for a photo stop at the recently restored Hawa Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in Jaipur.

Day 6 – Jaipur, Khimsar

Leave the Pink City in the morning and head towards rural Khimsar (5-6 hours). Arrive and check-in to traditionally decorated rooms at the Khimsar Fort hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the pool or explore this 16th century fort and village. Bikes are available to rent or a camel cart ride can be arranged.

Day 7 – Khimsar, Jaisalmer

A long drive West, towards the lone city of Jaisalmer (5 hours). The old part of the city was built almost entirely of yellow sandstone, lending to the settlement being affectionately termed “The Golden City”. Stay at the Brys Fort Hotel or similar for two nights.

Day 8 – Jaisalmer

In the morning, visit Jaisalmer Fort, which dominates the local landscape. This impressive structure comprises a maze of alleyways and narrow lanes that lead to various Havelis or merchant homes and Jain temples, all enclosed within the fort. Also visit the Gadisar Tank, once the sole water supply of the city and now a repository of small temples and shrines.

Day 9 – Jaisalmer, Dechu

Drive towards Dechu (5 hours) for a royal experience complete with dining under the stars and unwinding as local folk musicians play out the night at the Samsara Tented Camp.

Day 10 – Dechu, Jodhpur, Narlai

Turning eastwards, the morning’s drive (2 hours) brings us to ‘The Blue City’ of Jodhpur . Stop here for a visit to the imposing Meherangarh Fort. Drive on to the village of Narlai (2 hours) for a two night stay at the Rawla Narlai.

Day 11 – Narlai

Today is free to explore this authentic Rajasthani village which is dotted with curious temples. There is also the option of a jeep safari or an atmospheric dinner on the edge of the 1100 year old step-well.

Day 12 – Narlai, Udaipur

Heading south, we traverse the Aravalli Hills to Ranakpur (1 ½ hours), home of an intricately and painstakingly carved Jain Temple complex. Continue on to Udaipur (1 ½ hours) where we stay for two nights at The Lalit – Laxmi Vilas Palace or similar.

Day 13 – Udaipur

A morning city tour takes in the City Palace, a complex of 11 palaces, all with intricate stone work and interiors featuring glass mirror and ornamental tile. Also visit the gardens of Sahelion Ki Bari, the old city and the Jagdish Temple. The afternoon is at leisure to browse through the markets. Enjoy a sunset high tea cruise on the lake in the evening.

Day 14 – Udaipur

Transfer to the aiport for your onward flight.

Private tours / tailor made option
We can offer this tour on a private basis where we can upgrade hotels and adjust the itinerary according to your requirements, please ask for details.

Single supplements
Ask about single supplements. Other departure dates may be available – ask for details.

Accommodation
Upgraded accommodation may also be an option so please ask for details.

Flights
We can add international flights to this tour so it is protected under the ATOL scheme. We have access to all major airlines from regional airports and can arrange upgrades to Premium, Business Class and First Class where available, as for details.

Contact us for dates and prices