India: Classic Rajasthan
TOUR IN
$3119
per person
Availability: 12 places
This tour has been designed to give a balanced and varied experience at a comfortable pace. Rajasthan is a colourful and rich state of India, home to the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
From Delhi we will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before exploring the bustling city of Jaipur taking in some of the most famous highlights in this part of India. From Jaipur we head south and off-the-beaten-track to the lesser-known city of Bundi, with its extensive stepwells and fort, before arriving to the rural village of Bijaipur to see a quieter side of Rajasthan. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is in fact Ravla Khempur, an old favourite [exclude_white_label]of Wild Frontiers [/exclude_white_label]and a palace which we will visit.
This is India at its most enticing. Add to that Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and her bustling bazaars, and the stunning lake front city of Udaipur, and you have the makings of perfect ‘first timers’ trip to India.
Day 1
DAY 1: Tour Starts in Delhi
The tour starts around midday in Delhi. After lunch we will take a drive through New Delhi – visiting Rajpath and India Gate as well as Humayun’s tomb, one of the best preserved Mughal monuments, commissioned by Humayun's son Akbar and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiya. This evening we will head to Connaught Place for dinner.
Day 2
DAY 2: Delhi - Agra
Departing early this morning we will drive south to Agra. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we’ll visit the mighty Agra Fort, a vast riverside complex comprised of exquisite palaces and mosques. From here we’ll head to the iconic Taj Mahal for sunset – an extraordinary time of day to visit as the marble takes on gold and pink hues making for a wonderful and atmospheric time to see this stunning mausoleum. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel.
Day 3
DAY 3: Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast we’ll depart Agra and visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the great Mughal Akbar, and abandoned in 1585 due to water shortages, the well-preserved remains make for a fascinating stop. Built by the great Mughal Akbar, and abandoned in 1585 due to water shortages, the well-preserved remains make for a fascinating stop. We then begin our journey towards Jaipur. The ‘Pink City’ is where most of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film was shot and we will arrive for afternoon tea at Castle Kanota, a short distance just outside of the city. This stunning building was used as the Viceroy Club in the film, offering a charming backdrop to relax. Approx 5hrs driving.
Day 4
DAY 4: Jaipur
We will rise early to visit the imposing Amber Fort, the Rajput masterpiece perched on a hillside overlooking the city. This colossal fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century, and is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements with its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths. After exploring the fort and palace, we return to Jaipur and visit Jantar Mantar, the UNESCO listed Royal Observatory. After lunch we’ll stop at the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II, after which the rest of the afternoon will be free to visit the local bazaar or relax at the hotel before dinner.
Day 5
DAY 5: Jaipur - Bundi
This morning we will take a rickshaw ride around Jaipur with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, an initiative that supports local women from low-income communities to earn a living. We will ride with the ladies to some local spots around the city then join them for some chai before leaving the city behind. Later heading to Bundi, known as the 'City of Stepwells' for a late lunch. Bundi comprises many narrow alleys and streets, a colourful vegetable market and a stunning city palace for us to explore and visit. Approx 4hrs driving
Day 6
DAY 6: Bundi - Bijaipur
After breakfast we’ll head out on a tour of the small city of Bundi, seemingly untouched by modernisation. Bundi is famous for its bangle makers and brass pottery but the real attraction is the stunning fort and palace, which we’ll enjoy a guided tour of. There is also the Kipling palace and the royal cenotaph. From here we’ll journey further west, crossing the biggest sandstone mining area in India, and make a stop at the the Menal temple complex of the Maurya Dynasty. Here we can see examples of Khajuraho erotic iconography dating back 1,000 years. Later we continue or drive towards Bijaipur to explore rural Rajasthan. We will meet the Bhil tribe and join them for a jeep ride. Approx 3 hrs driving
Day 7
DAY 7: In Bijaipur
This morning you can relax at at the beautiful grounds at Castle Bijaipur or you may choose to take part in some activities offered such as a cycling, horse riding or a massage etc. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the village of Pangarh. Set on the banks of a beautiful lotus lake and surrounded by hills on all sides, Pangarh is 1,000 years old and to this day the villagers hunt fish using spears in the marshy waters of the lake, famous for its abundance of seasonal lotus flowers. Optional activities at Castle Bijaipur are at your own expense and can be paid for locally.
Day 8
DAY 8: Bijaipur - Chittorgarh - Khempur - Udaipur
This morning we'll drive west to Khempur, stopping off at Chittorgarh. The colossal fort that most represents the doomed idea of Rajput chivalry. Chittorgarh was attacked and taken by Muslim invaders on three separate occasions and always with the same result; Jauhar being declared - and while the men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to certain death - the women consigned themselves to the flames on a huge funeral pyre. This afternoon we stop for a late lunch at the Real Exotic Marigold Hotel AKA Ravla Khempur. Don't worry, although not super luxurious this charming converted palace hotel is a wonderfully quirky property that takes you into the world portrayed in the film. We will then drive a short distance to Udaipur, the Venice of the east. This evening we’ll enjoy a cultural dance performance at Baogore ki haveli before having dinner at a good local restaurant. Approx 4hrs driving
Day 9
DAY 9: In Udaipur
This morning we’ll take a guided tour of some of the key sites in Udaipur such as the City Palace, the Jagdish temple and the beautiful gardens at Saheliyon-ki-Bari. To allow for greater flexibility lunch will be at your own expense today, and this afternoon will be free to wander through the alleys and narrow streets, to take a cooking lesson or a miniature painting class. We’ll meet later in the day to take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant favoured by our clients.
Day 10
DAY 10: Udaipur - Delhi
After a leisurely morning in Udaipur we'll take an afternoon flight to Delhi where we will check into our airport hotel. Tonight, the group will enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 11
DAY 11: Tour ends in Delhi
The tour ends after breakfast and those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.
