Royal Rajasthan (Escorted Small Group Tour)

DAY 1 Delhi
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel in vibrant Delhi.
Stay at Vivanta By Taj Dwarka New Deli (5 star) or similar

DAY 2 Delhi
Today you will explore the old and new of India. Start with the imposing Red Fort known for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. Embark on a captivating journey on a Rickshaw passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Visit Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a visit to Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. This evening, join your fellow tour members at a welcome dinner.
Stay at Vivanta By Taj Dwarka New Deli (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 3 Delhi – Agra
This morning explore New Delhi with a visit to Birla House, the former residence of Mahatma Gandi. Afterwards drive along the Rajpath past the famous India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and visit Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb of India. Continue to the 75m high Qutub Minar, an incredible red sandstone tower. Afterwards continue on to Agra.
Stay at Trident Agra, Tajview Agra, Crystal Sarovar Premiere or TITC Mughal (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 4 Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore
Begin the day with a sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, the famous monument of love. The architectural wonder was built by the emperor in loving memory of his beloved queen. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Red Fort of Agra, a powerful fortress of red sandstone. This afternoon travel to nearby Fatehpur Sikri to explore the grounds of this one time capital of the Mughal Empire and now fascinating ghost city. See the stunning remains include the three palaces built by Emperor Akbar, one for each of his favourite wives. From here, drive to Ranthambore.
Stay at: The Pugmark Jungle Resort, Ranthambore Regency or Jungle Vilas (Jungle Resort) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 5 Ranthambore
Ranthambore is the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River with several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the morning we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen.
In the afternoon we take another safari into the park. We try and spot nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and black-faced langur. Ranthambhore was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and spotting the big cat in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Stay at: The Pugmark Jungle Resort, Ranthambore Regency or Jungle Vilas (Jungle Resort) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 6 Ranthambore – Jaipur
Today drive to Jaipur the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan.
Stay at Trident Jaipur, Shiv Vilas or ITC Raiputana (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 7 Jaipur
This morning visit the Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani Fort-Palace, which stands tall overlooking the Pink City. Choose to ascend by Jeep to reach the inner citadel, where you will find an extensive palace complex, including the magnificent Chamber of a Thousand Mirrors.
Stay at Trident Jaipur, Shiv Vilas or ITC Raiputana (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 8 Jaipur – Pushkar
Today drive to the fascinating Pushkar, the desert city is home to interesting bathing Ghats, onion domes and temples around its holy lake. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, Hindu holy men and then visit the famous temple of Lord Brahma Temple.
Stay at The Green House Resort (Tented Resort) or Pushkara Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 9 Pushkar – Udaipur
Continue your exploration of Rajasthan as you drive to Udaipur, a city of lakes set against the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Hills.
Stay at Trident Udaipur (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 10 Udaipur
Today you will visit the impressive City Palace, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari gardens and Fateh Sagar Lake. Continue on to visit Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple famous for its intricate rock carvings. Later in the evening enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola.
Stay at Trident Udaipur (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 11 Udaipur – Jodhpur
Proceed to the stunning city of Jodhpur. This afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Inside its boundaries are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. Then visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial with an array of whimsical domes.
Stay at Radisson Jodhpur (5 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 12 Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer across the desert, witnessing its magic as the city shimmers like a mirage in the distance. The golden sandstone walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trudge leisurely, has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere.
Stay at Hotel Rawal Kot (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 13 Jaisalmer
Today, visit Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Fort) one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. This afternoon explore the Jain temple dating to the 11th century BC and Patwon-ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant. This five-storey complex is the most elaborate of Jaisalmer’s havelis. We also visit Gadisar Tank, a scenic lake with numerous beautiful shrines. This afternoon drive to Sam village to ride camels to the nearby sand dunes to enjoy the beautiful desert sunset.
Stay at Hotel Rawal Kot (4 star) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 14 Jaisalmer – Bikaner
Afterwards drive to Bikaner and check in at the heritage hotel, Lalgarh Palace which was commissioned by a former Maharaja. This afternoon visit the impressive Junagarh Fort and admire its beautifully decorated interiors.
Stay at Llagarh Palace (Heritage) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 15 Bikaner – Mandawa
This morning drive to Deshnoke to visit the famous Rat Temple dedicated to the Goddess Karni Mata. The interiors are decorated with intricate marble panels, silver and gold. It is also home to approximately 20,000 rats. Afterwards drive to Mandawa, "The Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan". Admire the havelis, where the walls have been decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting different aspects of the life in Rajasthan.
Stay at Castle Mandawa (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 16 Mandawa – Delhi
Your tour concludes with a transfer Delhi (approx. 6 hours), check in at hotel where you have day use of your room til 20.00hrs. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group before departing on your onward journey.
Stay at Holiday Inn Express (Transit hotel) or similar - Day use
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

* Red Fort is closed between 21Jan - 31Jan 24 due to security on Republic Day.