Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and stay for two nights at one of the most centrally located Claridges Hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and the city of diversity. Old Delhi – the heart of Muslim India between the 17^th and 19^th centuries – is a historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts, dilapidated monuments, and world-famous bazaars.

In contrast, New Delhi has malls, restaurants, branded shops along with large government buildings. It has wide tree-lined avenues and pretty whitewashed bungalows, which were purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital, and remains the epicenter of Indian political power.

Delhi to Ajmer By Train

Ajmer to Nagaur – We cover approximately – 160kms

We board a morning train from Delhi to Ajmer. On your arrival, you will be further driven comfortably to the holy town of Pushkar.  Pushkar has over 400 temples and over a million religious stories. Pilgrims often come to take a dip in the holy waters.

The town is also famous for its annual Camel Fair, which takes place in November each year. After this one of a kind experience, we continue onto the desert town of Nagaur and stay for two nights at Ranvas, located within the magnificent Ahhichatragarh Fort.

Nagaur

One of the finest in the country, the Ahhichatragarh Fort is a wonderful example of Rajput-Mughal architectural glory. Meticulously restored with the guidance of the Maharaja of Jodhpur and with the support of The Getty Foundation, Ahhichatragarh has subsequently been awarded a UNESCO award for conservation. Inside the fort are a series of painted palaces; mosques, temples, intricate baoris, and Mughal gardens, and today we are at leisure to fully explore the fort and the surrounding Nagaur.

Nagaur to Bikaner We cover approximately - 120kms

We leave Nagaur and continue to Bikaner. Bikaner is known as a medieval oasis that is surrounded by scrubs and sand dunes. Bikaner was once a major trading center on the old caravan routes of Central Asia.

On your arrival in Bikaner continue outside of the city to the Gajner Palace Hotel where you will stay for two nights. Gajner was the former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Bikaner and has hosted numerous dignitaries including the Prince of Wales and Lord Mountbatten.

Bikaner

After a fulfilling breakfast, we visit Bikaner. First stop the 16^th century Junagarh Fort – one of the supreme examples of medieval military architecture in Rajasthan. The fort complex is vast and contains numerous palaces, courtyards, and temples as well as a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts. Later explore the eventful bazaars and dramatic Havelis of the old city before concluding the day with a visit to a 15th-century Jain temple.

Bikaner to Jaisalmer We cover approximately - 330kms

Vastness, serenity, clean air, sand, loud local shops, colorful trucks – yes we are very much on our way to Jaisalmer. Founded in 1156, the town developed into an important, and wealthy, stopping point on the western trade routes. Much of this wealth is evident today in the beautiful homes, Havelis and temples left behind by the merchant traders and it remains one of India’s most beautiful and historic cities. We stay for two nights at Suryagarh or upgrade to The Serai luxury tented camp, both of which are located outside of the city.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer’s Rajput fortress is home to exceptionally beautiful and well-preserved, Havelis in Rajasthan. We visit the old walled city and surrounding area with the guide. A warren of medieval streets, the fortress is majestic and worth exploring.

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur We cover approximately - 290kms

After breakfast, we leave Jaisalmer and continue through the great Thar Desert to the charismatic ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur. Rajasthan’s second city, Jodhpur is an evocative, colorful and vibrant city defined by the monumental Meherangarh Fort – one of the finest in India – and the charming old city of winding lanes and tumbledown buildings. Stay for two nights at Raas, a modern haveli in the heart of the old city, or upgrade to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel.

Jodhpur

Explore Jodhpur with your guide and start the day with a morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. Well maintained, the fort offers a fascinating insight into the historic life of the city and contains many palaces and temples whilst the views from the ramparts are spectacular. Leaving the fort, visit cenotaphs of members of the royal family before taking a walking tour through the lanes of the old city.

Jodhpur to Udaipur We cover approximately - 275kms

Today we take you through a picturesque drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur where you will stay for two nights at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Leela Palace Hotel or Taj Lake Palace Hotel. With its white marble palaces, dreamy deep blue lakes, well-tended gardens, and a backdrop of endless green hills, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most attractive cities.

Udaipur

As we fill ourselves on the breakfast, get ready to visit the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces, which overlook the Lake Pichola and are still owned by the Maharaja of Udaipur.

We recommend you visit Mor Chowk court, Manak Mahal, Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen’s Palace. Also, visit the Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From the City, Palace returns on foot to the old town and the convolutedly carved Jagdish Mandir temple winding up the day with a sunset cruise on the Lake Pichola.

Udaipur to Narlai We cover approximately - 130kms Via Ranakpur

Today leave Udaipur and drive to the Jain temple complex at Ranakpur. The most famous of the temples here was built in 1439 and is particularly beautiful. Later continue to the bustling rural village of Narlai to stay overnight at the delightful Rawla Narlai, which was once a favorite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal family.

Narlai to Chhatra Sagar We cover approximately - 140kms via Kumbhalgarh

This morning visit the nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort. Virtually impregnable, Kumbhalgarh guarded the historic border between the kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur and there are stunning views from the ramparts. We continue to charming Chhatra Sagar for a two-night stay.

Comprising of thirteen luxurious tents set on a dam overlooking a lake, Chhatra Sagar is a unique hotel and is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful and unique hideaways in Rajasthan.

Chhatra Sagar

Surrounded by farmland and small villages, a stay at Chhatra Sagar provides an opportunity to experience rural and rustic Rajasthan in a very special way.

Accompanied by one of the hosts visit nearby farms, local temples and meet the neighboring villagers to experience local life. Alternatively, remain at Chhatra Sagar where there is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of bird species.

Chhatra Sagar to Jaipur We cover approximately - 220kms

Today leave Chhatra Sagar and continue to the colorful ‘pink city’ of Jaipur where you will stay for two nights at the Samode Haveli or upgrade to the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, beautiful palaces, fine Havelis and spectacular forts.

Jaipur

This morning we drive outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort set on a ridge above the rugged sounding hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore here from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur to visit the superb City Palace complex which is home to the beautiful Peacock Gate and the famous Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’ and the Jantar Mantar – the largest stone observatory in the world. No visit is complete without bargaining at the Jawahri Bazar.

Jaipur to Agra We approximately cover - 230kms Via Fatehpur Sikri

We leave Jaipur and drive to Agra stopping en-route at Fatehpur Sikri. Built of distinctive red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later continue on to Agra, one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest cities and home to home to three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, and the Taj Mahal. Stay overnight at the ITC Mughal Hotel.

Agra to Delhi We cover approximately - 200kms

Agra was once one of the world’s majestic cities and this morning we visit the grand Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula.

No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the greatest monument, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a building world-renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship. Later leave the Taj Mahal and return by road to Delhi stopping en-route at Sikandra, site of Akbar’s tomb. Once back in Delhi, stay overnight at the Claridges Hotel.

Depart Delhi

Transfer back to the Delhi Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK.