Summary
Short description
A luxury holiday through India's Golden Triangle and beyond
Highlights
- Watch the sun rise at the Taj Mahal
- Explore Rajasthan's most impressive palaces, temples and monuments
- Experience rural culture and customs at a Bishnoi village
- Enjoy a programme of immersive tours, from cultural walks to dinner in a family home
- Knit it all together with the services of a private driver
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | History & culture | Independent tour | March holidays | Natural world | November holidays | October holidays | Wildlife
This luxury India holiday is a showcase for the best of Rajasthan, from its warm and welcoming people, to its bustling cities, antiquated villages, and regal heritage. You'll begin in Delhi, a city known for as much for its colourful markets as it is the splendid Mughal-period architecture that hides between new city's leafy avenues and the bustling laneways of its Old Delhi cousin. Then, after guided tours of the capital, you'll head to Agra, home to the gleaming white marble of the beautiful Taj Mahal. In many ways it's the perfect precursor to your journey through Rajasthan. Here, in its cities – Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur – grand forts and majestic palaces look out to peaceful lakes and bazaars fragranced with incense and spice. Take in the region's regal highlights in the company of your expert guide, before contrasting their opulence with the rural traditions of a Bishnoi tribal village, where residents live at one with nature, and avidly protect the local flora and fauna as part of their religion.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
Board your overnight flight to Delhi, beginning your luxury holiday on day two.
Days
2-3
Delhi
Arrive at Delhi's International Airport, where a representative in the arrival area of the airport will meet you. Depart for your hotel, where you will check in for your overnight stay. The next day, you'll begin with a chef-led walk among the bustling markets and food stalls of Old Delhi, gaining a unique insight into the city's food scene. It's also a chance to take in some of the capital's ancient monuments and exquisite architecture, some of which dates back as far as the Mughal Empire. In the afternoon, you'll swap Old Delhi's ancient treasures for the tree-lined avenues of its New-Delhi cousin. Here, amid palatial government buildings, you'll call into the 12th-century minaret of Qutub Minar, the grand mausoleum of Humayun's tomb and the Arc de Triomphe-esque India Gate.
Stay: The Claridges, New Delhi (Superior) or The Imperial Hotel, Delhi (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Delhi – Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra and check in to your hotel. The city of Agra has a rich history, as an epicentre for art, science, commerce and culture in the sixteenth century. In the evening, embark on a sunset visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. One of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his wife, as a monument to love. Construction began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete. Marked by its perfect proportions and distinct femininity, its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, remaining dazzling white during the day.
Stay: ITC Mughal, Agra (Deluxe) or The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (Ultra)
Meals: B
Day
5
Agra
After a memorable sunrise trip to the Taj Mahal, return to your hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, explore the impressive Agra Fort and the chambers of the royal residence. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the most important fort in India. Otherwise known as the Red Fort, it used to contain the largest state treasury and mint, and was frequented by foreign ambassadors and dignitaries. Later in the day, a guided walk will see you explore a local village before, in the evening, heading to a family home for a meal of tea and pokoras on the rooftop, accompanied by views over the Taj Mahal. You'll then continue on foot to Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlit Garden, which has exceptional views of the Taj. The money generated from this tour is used to improve sanitation in the village, educate women and provide initiatives for local children.
Stay: ITC Mughal, Agra (Deluxe) or The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (Ultra)
Meals: B
Day
6
Agra – Jaipur
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Jaipur via the beautiful imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The city is now a well-preserved ruin, in pristine condition – it is architecturally magnificent.
In the afternoon, continue to Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, the capital of the state of Rajasthan is in complete contrast to the peaceful countryside that surrounds it. As you enter the city centre, you'll see it bloom into a kaleidoscope of colour and a cacophony of sound.
Stay: Samode Haveli, Jaipur (Superior) or Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
7
Jaipur
After breakfast, explore Amber Fort, a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Its interior is also magnificent, and is decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complimented by exquisite wall paintings. Then, in the afternoon, enjoy an in-depth tour of the City Palace Complex. A showcase for Rajasthan and Mughal architecture founded by Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh, it remains the official residence of the royal family. Then, view the famous Jantar Mantar, the largest and best-preserved observatory in India before calling into Hawa Mahal – Palace of the Winds, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Sing. This evening, another special experience awaits as you join a local family at their home for a cookery demonstration and a delicious dinner.
Stay: Samode Haveli, Jaipur (Superior) or Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
8
Jaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast, embark on the seven-hour drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. The city of Jodhpur is famous for its red sandstone fort, built five centuries ago, it contains the handsome Maharajah's palace, and Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble.
Stay: Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur (Superior) or Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
9
Jodhpur
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Jodhpur and explore Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the largest forts in India; construction began in 1459, and was completed in 1678. Perched on a cragged hilltop overlooking the centre of the city, it's home to some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan. Pause to view the artefacts in the fort museum before heading to Jaswant Thada, an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery of the rulers in the nineteenth century. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari to a Bishnoi village. The Bishnois are an ecologically minded tribe that have protected the region's nature for more than 500 years, helping to maintain the survival of species such as the Black Buck antelope. On your excursion, you'll have the rare privilege of being welcomed into a family home.
Stay: Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur (Superior) or Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
10
Jodhpur – Udaipur
Today you'll drive to Udaipur, stopping en route at Ranakpur where you'll view the famous Jain temples. The temples are over 500 years old, and very well preserved. They are also unique in style and design; their ceilings carved with fine lace-like foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. Their domes are carved in concentric bands, and the brackets connecting the dome base with the top are covered with figures of deities. After the stop continue your drive to Udaipur.
Stay: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur (Superior) or The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
11
Udaipur
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur, the ‘Lake City'. Udaipur is known for being a beautiful and romantic city. The huge City Palace, which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Continue to the Jagdish temple, which is an excellent example of Indo-Aryan art. The temple is still in use, and is visited by colourfully dressed pilgrims. Also see Sahelion Ki Bari – a garden displaying the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise across Lake Pichola. Experience the fascinating Jagmandir Palace on the lake's island, and spend time in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.
Stay: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur (Superior) or The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
12
Depart India/Arrive UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your day flight back to the UK, before continuing your onward journey home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made holiday
from £3,350 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £3,350 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £4,215 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between London and Delhi
- Domestic flights from Udaipur to Delhi
- 10 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
- Private transfers and touring
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions
A four-day stay in the mountain village of Shimla, state capital of Himachal Pradesh with a colonial heritage
A three-day extension to a luxury India holiday. Experience Varanasi the home of Hinduism and perhaps the most colourful of all cities.
You might also like
This curated journey takes in many of northern India's most iconic sights, from Agra's Taj Mahal to the 'pink city' of Jaipur, followed by a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park.
This distinct tour is tailored to showcase India's rich heritage, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, offering a harmonious blend of world-renowned sights and immersive rural experiences, alongside stays in renowned The Leela Hotels and Palaces.
offer
50% companion discount for train departure on 15 December – Save up to £1,700pp
Book by: 30 November 2024
The Maharajas' Express is the latest word in luxury train travel in India. In a country renowned for its majestic opulence, this palace on wheels is the perfect way to experience the many sights and sounds of India in total comfort and style.
offer
50% companion discount for train departure on 15 December – Save up to £1,735pp
Book by: 30 November 2024
Visit Agra's Taj Mahal, take a tiger safari in Ranthambore and explore the glittering palaces of royal Rajasthan before sweeping south to Mumbai aboard the opulent Maharajas' Express.