Rajasthan Adventure

Rajasthan Adventure

Admire the marble carvings of a Jain temple in Ranakpur, Sip chai at a royal retreat in Bhenswara, Fall in love with romantic Udaipur, Take a rickshaw to the Red Fort, Whistle with the birds at the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Admire the havelis of Shekhawati, Explore Old Delhi, Meet the holy rats of Karni Mata, Shop in a Jodhpur bazaar, Bask in the warm glow of Jaisalmer's city walls

Travel to India and discover the country at its most colourful amid the deserts, bazaars and forts of Rajasthan. This is a land where massive hilltop fortresses loom over cities and where markets are awhirl with locals dressed in the brightest shades of scarlet, gold and rose. Visit lakeside holy towns, sip chai at a royal retreat and take time to experience the local traditions of remote villages. From the whirlwind of heady Delhi, to a night under the stars on a desert camel safari, to the beauty of sunrise at the Taj Mahal - this journey through Rajasthan promises to be a true adventure.

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.

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

Optional Activities

Accommodation

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.

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

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We take one of India's faster air-conditioned trains to Agra (approx. 3 hours)

Visit the Taj Mahal - a masterpiece of shimmering white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity' (as it was described by Rabindranath Tagore) lives up to all expectations.

See Akbar's Mausoleum - a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors.

Included Activities

Agra - Cycle rickshaw tour

Agra - Red Fort

Agra - Taj Mahal

Optional Activities

Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum, Agra - INR110.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

We first take a local bus to Fatehpur Sikri (approx 2hrs)

The magnificent deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, but was abandoned after 15 years due to the scarcity of water. A highlight of the settlement is Jama Masjid, a striking mosque featuring elements of both Persian and Hindu design. The main entrance of the mosque is the impressive 54 metre-high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar's military victory in Gujarat.

Once the domain of royal duck shooters, the World Heritage-listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park is now regarded as one of the world's most important bird sanctuaries with over 400 different species identified. Even for non-bird fanciers, the forests and wetlands in the area are a welcome respite from the noise and chaos of Indian cities.

Take cycle rickshaws pedalled by local amateur bird-spotters to explore the sanctuary.

From mid-May until mid-August the Keoladeo Bird Park will be closed. During this period our trip will visit the town of Deeg - a small rural town rarely visited by tourists.

Included Activities

Fatehpur Sikri

Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

We travel out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort.

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

Jaipur - Amber Fort

Photo stop at Hawa Mahal

Optional Activities

Jaipur - Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur - INR150.00

Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur - INR300.00

Observatory, Jaipur - INR100.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

We travel out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort.

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

Jaipur - Amber Fort

Photo stop at Hawa Mahal

Optional Activities

Jaipur - Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur - INR150.00

Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur - INR300.00

Observatory, Jaipur - INR100.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Explore Mandawa's ornate havelis (private residences), some crumbling in decay and some wonderfully restored and preserved, making the town a fascinating outdoor museum.

Staying in a beautifully restored haveli, there's plenty of time to explore this thriving market town and its surroundings.

Accommodation

Heritage Property (1 nt)

We travel by local bus to Bikaner (approx 3.5 hrs).

Once an important staging post on the great caravan routes, Bikaner still contains many bazaars within its impressive walls, as well as a superb fort and palace.

Visit Junagarh Fort, which was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner (1571 to 1612 AD).

In the evening, travel to a nearby farm and enjoy an evening of traditional Rajasthani food, music and dance.

Included Activities

Junagarh Fort

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

To get a taste of nomadic life, ride camels out into the desert (approx 2.5 hours) to watch the sun set behind the rippling sand dunes. Sleep under the open sky on cots with mattress and blankets, our camel drivers cook up a typical Rajasthani meal as we relax and maybe sing songs with the camel boys around the camp fire. This is a taste of life as a desert nomad and definitely a memorable experience.

Discover Jaisalmer's narrow twisted alleys, which are full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Included Activities

Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

To get a taste of nomadic life, ride camels out into the desert (approx 2.5 hours) to watch the sun set behind the rippling sand dunes. Sleep under the open sky on cots with mattress and blankets, our camel drivers cook up a typical Rajasthani meal as we relax and maybe sing songs with the camel boys around the camp fire. This is a taste of life as a desert nomad and definitely a memorable experience.

Discover Jaisalmer's narrow twisted alleys, which are full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Included Activities

Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Jaisalmer is a centre for nomadic tribespeople who come to trade in the narrow twisting alleys full of markets and ornately carved houses.

To get a taste of nomadic life, ride camels out into the desert (approx 2.5 hours) to watch the sun set behind the rippling sand dunes. Sleep under the open sky on cots with mattress and blankets, our camel drivers cook up a typical Rajasthani meal as we relax and maybe sing songs with the camel boys around the camp fire. This is a taste of life as a desert nomad and definitely a memorable experience.

Discover Jaisalmer's narrow twisted alleys, which are full of markets and ornately carved houses.

Included Activities

Overnight camel safari and desert camp

Optional Activities

Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer - INR10.00

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

We take an orientation walk of Osiyan.

Tonight we stay in a camp not far from Osiyan Town

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Jodhpur is known for its antique shops and the best lassi in India. And yes, it is where those famous trousers come from.

Visit Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India. Built around a clock tower amid spice and vegetable markets, juice sellers and sari materials, Sadar Bazaar also has numerous vendors with carts selling everything from Bollywood soundtracks to armfuls of sparkling bangles.

Explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort and take in the great views from its ramparts, which dominate the city's skyline.

Take a tour of the nearby Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi are a peaceful nature-loving community and no trip to this region is complete without experiencing the fascinating traditions of the tribespeople of rural Rajasthan.

Board the overnight train to Delhi (approx 11 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

Meherangarh Fort

Optional Activities

Trip to Bishnoi villages (approx. price depending on number of passengers), Jodhpur - INR220.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Jodhpur is known for its antique shops and the best lassi in India. And yes, it is where those famous trousers come from.

Visit Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India. Built around a clock tower amid spice and vegetable markets, juice sellers and sari materials, Sadar Bazaar also has numerous vendors with carts selling everything from Bollywood soundtracks to armfuls of sparkling bangles.

Explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort and take in the great views from its ramparts, which dominate the city's skyline.

Take a tour of the nearby Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi are a peaceful nature-loving community and no trip to this region is complete without experiencing the fascinating traditions of the tribespeople of rural Rajasthan.

Board the overnight train to Delhi (approx 11 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

Meherangarh Fort

Optional Activities

Trip to Bishnoi villages (approx. price depending on number of passengers), Jodhpur - INR220.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

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