India
Rajasthan Encompassed Tour

Arrive in Delhi, the capital of India, and transfer to the hotel. No guided arrangements or meals are included today. Overnight at Udaman Hotel or similar.

Note: For those that arrive early or are having pre tour accommodation we can provide numerous sightseeing options in Delhi on request. A heritage walk around Old Delhi is particularly recommended.

Today take the early morning express train to Agra, home to one of the world’s most celebrated and beautiful buildings the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by the emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Farther along the river Yamuna lies the impressive Red Fort built during the 16^th and 17^th century golden age of the Moghul Empire and from where there are more classic views of the Taj Mahal. Later as sunset approaches, we visit the Taj Mahal itself. Overnight at The Retreat or similar. (B)

(Overall approximate driving time: four hours)

Today after an early breakfast, drive to Karauli enroute we will visit Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur. View some of the extraordinary array of colorful and rare birds at this former maharaja’s hunting lake sanctuary at Bharatpur. Later we continue our drive to Karauli, midway between Agra and Ranthambore. The town’s magnificent Old City Palace, built in 1635, is a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, intricate jali fretwork and classic paintings. Karauli also has a lively bazaar full of handicrafts and jewellery. Just outside town is the former residence of the maharaja, now a beautiful heritage hotel where we check-in for the night. Overnight at Bhanwar Vilas Palace or similar. (B)

(Overall approximate driving time: 2 hours)

Continue to Sawai Madhopur, your base for visiting the beautiful Ranthambore National Park, one of the best opportunities in India in which to see a tiger in the wild. You take an afternoon safari by share jeep to explore the expanses of the famous park. The varied landscapes, flora and fauna within the park are compelling and the wildlife safari is an intriguing experience even if tigers prove elusive. Overnight at Ranthambore Heritage Haveli or similar. (BLD)

(Overall approximate driving time: 3.5 hours)

For those that wish a further safari is included this morning again by shared vehicle to try and observe more of the magnificent wildlife and take in the fine scenery in the early light. After breakfast continue to Jaipur where on arrival you will have some leisure time in the afternoon before we head out late afternoon wandering through the atmospheric bazaars. Overnight at Dera Rawatsar or similar. (B)

This morning after early breakfast we set out for an excursion to Amber Fort passing by Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark ‘Hawa Mahal commonly known as (Palace of Winds). Next, we visit City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.  Followed by our visit to Jantar Mantar, which is an astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II. It is one of the largest and the best-preserved observatories in the country. Overnight at Dera Rawatsar or similar. (B)

(Approximate overall driving time: 3 hours)

This morning, drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the lakeside with its compelling holy men, pilgrims and temples. Hundreds of small temples are built on the periphery of the lake with wide stone steps or `ghats’ leading down to the lake. A magical quality of light hovers over the lake, bouncing off the surrounding white-washed temples and bathing ghats. At sunset Pushkar turns into one of the most exotic places on earth. Overnight at Pushkar Palace or similar. (B)

(Overall approximate driving time: 3 hours)

After breakfast drive to the small and tranquil heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Here, with virtually no other tourists around, one can interact with the community and learn about the rich art, culture and heritage of Rajasthan. On an afternoon village tour by jeep, observe local craftsmen at work, and visit a Bishnoi tribal family in their traditional home. Observe local women in colourful traditional attire fetching water from the wells, and gain a fascinating and authentic insight into traditional Indian village life. Overnight at Chandelao Garh or similar. (BD)

(Overall approximate driving time is 1.5 hours)

Continue to the `Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Standing at the edge of the vast, arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort, which we visit in the afternoon. The fort houses an excellent museum and affords captivating views of the blue Brahmin houses of the old city. The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. After visiting the fort, wander down hill through atmospheric narrow alleys land through bazaars for textiles, silver and handicrafts. It’s a fascinating jumble of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Overnight at Pal Haveli Hotel or similar. (B)

(Approximate overall driving time: 5 hours)

An early start to cross the desert en route to the `Golden City’ of Jaisalmer, looming magically out of the horizon. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with stunning palaces, beautiful mansions, and Jain temples that were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore. Overnight at Nachana Haveli Hotel or similar. (B)

The best way to experience the Thar Desert, which surrounds Jaisalmer, is on an overnight camel safari. Leaving Jaisalmer in the mid-afternoon, its half-an-hour by road near Sam to meet our camels. When you arrive, you will be escorted to start point of your camel safari. Traversing an unspoilt area of the desert, passing through a mix of scrub and sand dunes as the light turns from gold to dusky pink. The desert camp itself is pitched in a peaceful location close to sand dunes When you have finished with your camel safari, you will be escorted to the parking area from where you will drive back to the camps in your vehicle. The camp’s attentive staff will serve dinner before an evening spent under a blanket of stars, and there may also be some live music at the camp. Overnight at Winds Desert Camp or similar: (BD)

Note: Sam Sand Dunes is one of Jailsamer’s most popular attractions for both domestic and international visitors and it has become increasingly popular and busy over time. However, it still retains its essence, particularly for viewing sunsets and sunrises.

This morning, wake up to the magical light of the desert. For those that wish, a second camel ride awaits on a different route for around an hour before re-joining the jeep for the drive back to Jaisalmer, arriving by mid-morning. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old City. Jaisalmer, with its narrow-cobbled lanes, is a wonderful place to wander around on foot. The fort itself is not simply a monument, but is home to a community of several thousand people. Within it one can observe some attractive Jain temples, fascinating architecture, and enjoy superb views over the city and the desert beyond from the many vantage points on its walls. Hidden amongst the narrow lanes leading off the main market street are several elaborate and opulent havelis. Overnight Nachana Haveli or similar. (B)

(Approximate overall driving time: 7 hours)

An early start today for a long drive out of the desert and into a little visited area of rural Rajasthan. The region around Bhenswara is interesting as it is home to some of the more pastoral tribes of India. The rock-strewn region of Bhenswara is also the natural habitat for leopards and your host at Bhenswara is a keen tracker. You have the option to join a thrilling, eerie evening safari to try and get a glimpse of this elusive animal but please kindly be realistic with your expectations as sightings are quite rare but the anticipation of a glimpse of this wonderful creature is exciting in the darkness and the scenery is a joy as the sunsets. Overnight at Ravla Bhenswara Hotel or similar. (BD)

(Approximate overall driving time: 4 hours)

The last stop on the itinerary is the beautiful `White City’ of Udaipur. Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan’s most picturesque city. High, whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys lend it an almost medieval charm. The huge City Palace, still the residence of the Maharana, is intricately carved out of yellow sandstone and stands on the banks of Lake Pichola, from where you have fabulous views over the balmy waters and the famous Lake Palace Hotel. On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure for you to wander in the atmospheric streets or relax and marvel at the views out over the lake.  Overnight at Kotra Haveli or similar. (B)

(domestic flight)

Enjoy a guided morning tour of the elaborate palaces and temples, followed by a boat trip on Lake Pichola to experience an entirely different angle on the elegance of the city. Later this afternoon we take a flight back to Delhi and you can either depart on a late evening flight or stay overnight at an airport hotel and fly anytime on Day 16. Overnight at Hotel Atreo or similar. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. (B)