Ultimate Rajasthan

Indulge in this ultimate trip through Rajasthan, taking in the sensational combination of history, culture and rural India giving you time to experience impressive forts, incredible palaces and the beauty of the countryside. We have handpicked the finest of hotels and heritage properties with the outstanding drivers and knowledgeable guides for a seamless service so that you can enjoy this incredible country at a leisurely pace.

1. Fly to Delhi

2. Days 1-3: Delhi

   You will be met on arrival in Delhi and whisked to the iconic Imperial Hotel with a colonial art deco feel and centrally located in New Delhi within walking distance of India Gate and Connaught Place. Stroll around this heritage property which has 7,000 paintings and 2,500 original photos hanging in the hotel's hallway galleries, and if you are interested in art and history request the concierge for a tour of all the art and artifacts followed by a cooling drink in the 1911 bar. 

   The next day you will be met by your private guide and driver and driven in style to the streets of Old Delhi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s main market area. You will pass through narrow lanes full of bustling shoppers. The smell of spices will prevail as you pass an array of different sights and sounds with the chance to stop at a Spice Market in Khari Baoli street. You will then arrive at the Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India which was constructed in 1658.  It will now be time for lunch, and your guide will suggest some ideas so that you can start enjoying the unbelievable cuisine of this huge city.  Perhaps consider going to eat at Haveli Dharampura where you can sample the Chef’s Tasting menu showcasing 8 of his favorite street foods served on a silver platter.  Then walk up to the roof bar and sit with a cooling drink and gaze upon the views of this magnificent city.  After a delicious lunch you will be driven to New Delhi, the area that the British constructed between 1911 and 1931 as their new Imperial capital. Gaze in awe at India Gate, the memorial to 70,000 soldiers killed in WWI, and the Parliament buildings concluding with a visit to Humayun’s tomb which was built in the 16th century and an excellent example of early Mughal architecture and design. During the day, if you wish, you will also have the chance to visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the Sikhs, where if you wish you can participate in the community service.  As the day ends you will return to the Imperial to relax before dinner.  We can make reservations at any of Delhi’s top restaurants for you and our experts will discuss options prior to travel.
   

   Accommodation: The Imperial (2 nights)

3. Days 3-4: Agra

   From Delhi you will be met by your driver and guide and taken to New Delhi Railway Station.  One of the busiest Train Stations in the world your guide will traverse the myriad of platforms and thronging crowds to take you to your train and assist you boarding and say farewell once you are seated for the journey.  The Shatabdi Express train to Agra, which will take just over two hours is an experience unlike European or American train with breakfast and tea and coffee served in your seat and tea wallahs walking through the carriage offering tea and snacks.  Leaving Delhi behind you will pass through towns and countryside as you meander towards Agra.
   
   Upon arrival in Agra you will be met by your Guide and assisted with luggage and your Private driver will transport you to the Oberoi Amarvilas which is Agra’s most sumptuous hotel with every room enjoying a view of the Taj Mahal.  After a refreshing drink in the stunning gardens or even a quick dip in the pool your driver and guide will transport you to explore Agra Fort and the old city before returning to watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal.  As the sun sets relax with a cocktail and hear the sound of the muezzin in a nearby mosque and watch as dusk hits the city. Talk to your guide about finding somewhere special to dine or chose to dine at the Oberoi so you can eat with the view. Rise early the following morning to witness the incredible sunrise over the Taj Mahal as this spectacular monument gets its best light and gaze in awe as the colors change when the sun rises.
   

   Accommodation: The Oberoi Amarvilas (1 night)

4. Days 4-7: Jaipur

   After a sumptuous breakfast at the Oberoi Amarvilas and your last views of the Taj Mahal you will be met by your driver and start the next leg of your Indian venture to Jaipur. Stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, the lost city which was once the capital of the great Mughal emperor Akhbar, you will have the opportunity to learn about its history with your knowledgeable guide.
   
   The journey time is between 4-5 hours and is an experience in itself as you travel into Rajasthan and pass through rural India. You will travel through small villages and busy towns and on the roads will be passed by brightly decorated buses and lorries, as well as scooters and perhaps the odd camel truck.  Throughout your journey your driver will be happy to talk about Jaipur or if you prefer will just put on some soothing music so you can enjoy the views from the windows.  Arriving in Jaipur you will be staying at the Oberoi Rajvilas which is located just outside Jaipur city and is set amongst stunning gardens with wild peacocks wandering the grounds which surround an ancient Hindu temple.  After the journey we recommend a relaxing spa treatment or simply sit by the pool listening to the sounds of the birds at dusk and relax before a sumptuous dinner. 
   
   The following day you will explore the colorful capital of Rajasthan  with your Private Guide perhaps starting early morning with a visit to the milk market where you can watch rural farmers selling their milk to local people and then walking through the colorful flower market where millions of flowers are sold daily to hotels, private homes or to adorn the temples.  From here you will visit the Amber Fort, built in 1600, and will be able to explore the intricate chambers and hallways, the maze of passages and courtyards and witness the wonderful views of the Jal Mahal water palace below. From Amber Fort you will have the opportunity to explore the City Palace and see the Palace of Winds before winding through the markets with your guide. If you would like to do something a little different, we can organize for you to visit the craftsmen in the old bazaars.  On this fascinating evening walk, mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the region's culinary delights from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewellers, silversmiths as well as meenakari and kundan artists.
   

   Accommodation: The Oberoi Rajvilas (3 nights)

5. Days 7-9: Shahpura, Rajasthan, India

   Leaving the bustling city of Jaipur behind you will travel by road to Shahpura, set between Jaipur and Udaipur, and a haven of tranquillity after bustling cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.  Shahpura Bagh is a charming boutique heritage property which is 120 years old and was once the home of the rulers of Shahpura. Set amid 45-acres of garden and pasture surrounded by lakes making it a very special, peaceful little oasis.  With its idyllic and unspoiled rural setting, it is the perfect location to unwind, relax with a book beside the pool or enjoy any of the activities offered at Shahpura Bagh. With 2 nights here you can walk around the property, cycle, go bird watching or simply walk around local villages and the farm to experience rural life in Rajasthan.

   Accommodation: Shahpura Bagh (2 nights)

6. Days 9-11: Jodhpur

   Leaving the countryside, you will have a four hour journey to the Blue city of Jodhpur and here you will spend the next two nights at RAAS. A stunning hotel uniquely situated in the heart of the walled city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan and at the foot of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort.  Upon arrival you can choose to relax by the pool, enjoy a massage at the spa or explore the Bazaar before dinner. The following morning your private guide will lead you through all the highlights of the city including the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and beautifully vibrant bustling markets and bazaars. This beautiful blue city, made of up a maze of havelis and winding side streets, surrounded by a 16th century city wall is fascinating to explore, and your guide will bring to life its ancient history as you venture through the city. Dine al fresco with views of the Fort overlooking the property.

   Accommodation: Raas (2 nights)

7. Days 11-14: Udaipur

   From Narlai you will be driven on to Udaipur, a journey of approximately two hours, where you spend your final three nights at the iconic Lake Palace,  Probably one of the most romantic hotels in the world, Udaipur’s 250-year old Taj Lake Palace offers a unique blend of serenity and opulence. The exquisite white marble palace, which appears to float on the still waters of Lake Pichola was built in the 18th century on a natural foundation of four acres of rock by Maharana Jagat Singh II. The hotel is reached by boat and offers guest rooms and suites with fabulous views overlooking the lake and the Aravalli mountains. Rooms are adorned with elegant old-world artifacts, furniture and glass mosaics giving a truly luxurious feel.  Upon arrival you can relax with a spa treatment at the Jiva Spa or sit on the terrace with a cooling drink and watch the sunset over the Aravelli Hills.
   
   The following day you will explore the beautiful City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari 'Garden of Maidens' and your private guide will lead you through endless narrow side streets opening onto incredible palaces, temples and bazaars. If you are looking for something really special, we can arrange all of this to be done by vintage car, to really complete the feeling of old-world charm. The highlight of your stay will be a boat ride on Lake Pichola returning to the terraces of the Lake Palace for an evening cocktail and to watch the sunset from this amazing location. Your final day can be spent relaxing at the Lake Palace, undergoing a spa treatments, swimming in the courtyard pool or perhaps venturing out to explore the Monsoon Palace and hike in the Aravelli hills and finally to enjoy some last-minute shopping. As your final day ends enjoy a culinary gastronomic dinner on the rooftop at Bhairo or sample authentic royal recipes from Udaipur at Neeel Kamal
   
   The next day you will say goodbye to the Lake Palace and enjoy a brief ride to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi or Mumbai to connect to your international flight home.

   Accommodation: RAAS Devi Garh (3 nights)

8. Days 14-15: Narlai

   As the drive from Jodphur to Udaipur is lengthy you will break your journey for one night in the beautiful rural countryside of Rajasthan in Narlai. Not only does it allow you a shorter journey in the car, but it is a brilliant way to explore a more rural side of the country. Staying at the heritage property Rawlai Narai, your guide will walk you through the nearby village and perhaps invite you into a villager’s home for tea. This area of the country in the Aravalli Hills is beautiful and scenic and provides plenty of opportunity for walking, exploring local villages and if there is time even a leopard safari. Dine al fresco on the terraces or in the courtyard and take an evening walk through the local village with one of Rawlai Narai’s knowledgeable staff.

   Accommodation: Rawla Narlai (1 night)

9. Fly Home from Delhi

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shahpura, Jodhpur, Narlai & Udaipur