classic rajasthan

classic rajasthan

Highlights

• Enjoy the fabulous sights of the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and the ‘white city’ of Udaipur
• Experience the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal at Agra
• Embark on a tiger safari in Ranthambhore National Park
• Overnights at a luxurious castle and a royal family residence
• Rub shoulders with the pilgrims and camels at Pushkar

The enchanting northern province of Rajasthan is awash with all the colours of India. On our classic adventure we discover the grisly history of massive forts and the opulence and splendour of Maharajahs' palaces. Stroll bustling markets, search for the elusive Bengal tiger, enjoy a sunset camel safari and soak up the culture of the local people. This is truly the essence of Rajasthan.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city but it's also one of the most interesting in the world with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars!

There are plenty of things to see and do in free time. Visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb. This was the first garden tomb in India, built way back in 1570. Wonder at the tall brick minaret of Qutub Minar, which was started back in the 1100s. Explore the mighty Red Fort of Delhi. Part palace and part fort, it plays an integral part in the history of the city with former residents ranging from royal families to British soldiers.

Join your group leader on an excursion into the sights and sounds of Old Delhi! Set off on the city's modern metro system, then get a taste of India's famed public transport with a cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets, such as the famous Chandni Chowk. Make a visit to the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings, then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

Included Activities

Delhi - Jama Masjid

Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour

Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Optional Activities

Delhi - Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi - INR250.00

Delhi - Red Fort, New Delhi - INR250.00

Qutb Minar, New Delhi - INR250.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city but it's also one of the most interesting in the world with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars!

There are plenty of things to see and do in free time. Visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb. This was the first garden tomb in India, built way back in 1570. Wonder at the tall brick minaret of Qutub Minar, which was started back in the 1100s. Explore the mighty Red Fort of Delhi. Part palace and part fort, it plays an integral part in the history of the city with former residents ranging from royal families to British soldiers.

Join your group leader on an excursion into the sights and sounds of Old Delhi! Set off on the city's modern metro system, then get a taste of India's famed public transport with a cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets, such as the famous Chandni Chowk. Make a visit to the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings, then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

Included Activities

Delhi - Jama Masjid

Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour

Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Optional Activities

Delhi - Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi - INR250.00

Delhi - Red Fort, New Delhi - INR250.00

Qutb Minar, New Delhi - INR250.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

The train to Agra is air-conditioned and is one of India's fastest - it takes approx 3 hours.

Hop on to your cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city - a truly fun way to see the monuments of Agra. Note that during summer and winter months on days when the weather is particularly hot or subject to dense fog, the cycle rickshaw tour will be replaced with battery powered rickshaws.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Our journey takes us first on a local bus to Bassi (4 hours) and then by private jeeps right to the heart of the village where we stay.

Included Activities

Accommodation

We travel in private vehicles to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, via the Amber Palace (approx 4.5 hrs).

 

There are lots of things to do here:

 

• Make a stop at India's most photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'.
• Take a walk to the city's crowded and colourful bazaars, which sell a wide variety of artisan goods. Semi-precious stones are the local speciality - be sure to wander by the stalls at least once.
• Go to Jaipur's Royal City Palace - one of India's finest - and spend time exploring the various rooms and apartments.
• Visit one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
• Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We travel in private vehicles to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, via the Amber Palace (approx 4.5 hrs).

 

There are lots of things to do here:

 

• Make a stop at India's most photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'.
• Take a walk to the city's crowded and colourful bazaars, which sell a wide variety of artisan goods. Semi-precious stones are the local speciality - be sure to wander by the stalls at least once.
• Go to Jaipur's Royal City Palace - one of India's finest - and spend time exploring the various rooms and apartments.
• Visit one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
• Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We first travel by private vehicle north-east to Ranthambhore (approx 5 hrs).

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves, although with its lakes, crags and ruined pavilions, it's well worth a visit in itself. One of the biggest and most renowned national parks in northern India, Ranthambhore was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, today it's a major wildlife tourist attraction.

Take 4WD safari vehicles and go searching for tigers and other wildlife inside the park.

Explore Ranthambhore Fort. Founded in 944, few of the buildings inside have survived the ravages of war and time, but among the remaining ruins, two pavilions - Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court - give an idea of its old grandeur.

Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Mansingh Sanctuary.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We travel by private vehicles and the journey takes approx 4 hrs.

A delightful town teeming with Rajasthani life, Bundi's narrow streets are packed with shops of all kinds and the downtown market is an interesting spot to mingle with the local people.

This is a fantastic place to explore on foot and there's plenty of time to visit the baoris (step-wells) and experience local street life down in the bazaars.

Included Activities

• Bundi Palace

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

First we take a slow but interesting train journey with rural villagers and locals to the small town of Bassi (approx 3 hrs).

Enjoy a drive in open jeeps out into the countryside visiting rural villages - a special and unique experience indeed!

Spend the night camping (in relative luxury!) beside a lake and under the stars. Our tents have attached bathrooms, electricity and hot & cold running water. It gets cool in the months of November & December, but quilts are provided. (no AC or heating)

Please note during the monsoon period (April - September) we do not camp and spend both nights in the heritage stay.

Take jeeps to explore the surrounding villages.

Be treated to a night of luxury in a wonderful heritage stay, a fortified mansion still run by the erstwhile local landlord and his family. It is a perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. The place is warm and people and staff friendly, welcoming all their guests and treating them as part of the family.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

First we take a slow but interesting train journey with rural villagers and locals to the small town of Bassi (approx 3 hrs).

Enjoy a drive in open jeeps out into the countryside visiting rural villages - a special and unique experience indeed!

Spend the night camping (in relative luxury!) beside a lake and under the stars. Our tents have attached bathrooms, electricity and hot & cold running water. It gets cool in the months of November & December, but quilts are provided. (no AC or heating)

Please note during the monsoon period (April - September) we do not camp and spend both nights in the heritage stay.

Take jeeps to explore the surrounding villages.

Be treated to a night of luxury in a wonderful heritage stay, a fortified mansion still run by the erstwhile local landlord and his family. It is a perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. The place is warm and people and staff friendly, welcoming all their guests and treating them as part of the family.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

The journey to Udaipur takes approx 4 hrs.

There is lots for you to do here:

• Take a walk around town to help gain your bearings and explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and miniature paintings.
• Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures within - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils.
• Enjoy a half hour boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see marvels like Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island (seasonal depending on the water level in the lake).
• Be part of a musical concert combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

The journey to Udaipur takes approx 4 hrs.

There is lots for you to do here:

• Take a walk around town to help gain your bearings and explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and miniature paintings.
• Visit City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures within - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils.
• Enjoy a half hour boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see marvels like Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island (seasonal depending on the water level in the lake).
• Be part of a musical concert combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

To get to Pushkar, we depart from Udaipur by air conditioned train to Ajmer (approx 6 hrs) and then take private vehicles from Ajmer to our hotel in Pushkar (approx 45 mins).

Board the overnight train to Delhi (approx 9 hrs). Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender/mixed gender situation.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

To get to Pushkar, we depart from Udaipur by air conditioned train to Ajmer (approx 6 hrs) and then take private vehicles from Ajmer to our hotel in Pushkar (approx 45 mins).

Board the overnight train to Delhi (approx 9 hrs). Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender/mixed gender situation.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Back at the hotel you can use group day rooms until midday.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Please note we will arrive at the Delhi train station early in the morning, however train delays can occur. We recommend you do not book any international flights until after 12pm.

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner