Best of Rajasthan

An exploration of Rajasthan from Delhi to the Thar desert

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1 review

14 Days from

$3160 USD

Trip Code: REX

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Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement (Oct 25 - Mar 26)

$800 USD

Best of Rajasthan Trip highlights

Specially devised itinerary through the cultural heart of Rajasthan

Explore Bikaner and immerse yourself in a camel safari deep in the Thar desert

Stay for two nights in well-appointed camps where local musicians will entertain us beneath as we sit beneath a canopy of stars that illuminate the night sky

Take in the ancient forts and bustling markets of Jaipur and Jodphur with the famous walled city of Jaisalmer

Undertake specially devised walks in Jaipur, Jodphur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner where the street market vendor become true identities

Overview

Our journey through the historic state of Rajasthan reflects our expertise in this magnificent corner of India. From Delhi we board the Shatabdi train to the Pink City of Jaipur and visit the many historic sites as well as undertaking two innovative walking tours. We transfer to Jodhpur and explore the remarkable Mehrangarh fort and colourful markets while at Jaisalmer we explore the walled city that once formed part of the trade link between the Arabian Sea and Central India. Bikaner is the highlight of our journey including time at the Lallgarh Palace and our desert camp from where we undertake camel safaris while at night we are entertained by local musicians and dancers. A memorable conclusion to our remarkable journey before we return to Bikaner for our flight back to Delhi.

Itinerary

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On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your group leader will brief you on arrival Overnight: Lalit hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

An early morning transfer to new Delhi railway station for the Shatabdi express train to Jaipur takes four and half hours. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Alsisar Havelior or similar

Meals: B,D

Jaipur, known as the Pink City is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in the early 18th century when he moved from Amber to the present site. This afternoon we head to the Amber Fort with its intriguing Chamber of Mirrors and fine inlay work while we gain views across the stark Aravalli hills. We will also include an initial walking tour of the city by one of Jaipur’s celebrated guides. As with the next day the focus of the walking tour will be fine-tuned to suit the group’s interests. On our second day we focus on the historic and architectural wonders of the city including the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), the impressive City Palace and the World Heritage listed Jantar Mahal Observatory. The sightseeing can admittedly be a little overwhelming (there is just so much you can take in) and for this reason we include another walking tour of the city to gain a further insights into the vibrant culture of this celebrated city. Overnight: Alsisar Haveli or similar

Meals: B,D

With an early start we will reach Jodphur before lunch with time that afternoon to take a specially devised walking tour to capture the essence of the local markets and culture of this bustling city Overnight: Devi Bhavan or similar

Meals: B,D

We visit the magnificent Meherangarh fort that dominates the city of Jodphur. Situated on a hill with commending views it is the most impressive in Rajasthan. The complex of palaces and museums reflect the rich cultural history of the region. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a milky white marble memorial built in 1899 in honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh located in a serene location a short distance from the fort. The cenotaph houses some remarkable jalais (carved white marble screens) while portraits of Rathore rulers dating to the 13th century add a fitting reminder of the cities rich and abiding historical legacy. Overnight: Devi Bhavan or similar

Meals: B,D

We drive to Jaisalmer by lunch time with the afternoon free to wander the labyrinth of markets in the vicinity of the fort. This evening we drive to Sunset point from where we appreciate the true dimensions of the city and the outlying desert. Overnight: Rangmahal Palace or similar

Meals: B,D

We explore the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer. We visit 12th century Jaisalmer fort. We begin our exploration through the fort’s massive entrance gates before entering the narrow, paved stone lanes that weave through a complex of bazaars while the many vantage points along the outlying wall offer fine views across the city. We also explore the havelis, the mansions of the wealthy merchants who made their fortunes at a time when Jaisalmer was an important outpost on the trade route between the Arabian sea and the markets of Central India. Overnight: Rangmahal Palace or similar

Meals: B,D

It will take 6 to 7 hours to reach the city of Bikaner where we check into one of the finest heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Overnight: Lallgarh Palace or similar

Meals: B,D

Bikaner, like Jaisalmer reflects a history steeped in trade linking the Arabian sea with the markets of central India. Our time will offer a fitting highlight to our time in Rajasthan as we are fortunate to include the company of our long-time friend and associate Vijay Singh Rathore. Vijay will not only introduce you to the city’s historic highlights (Including the famous 17th century Junagarh fort with its impressive Audience halls, Maharaja’s suites and personal memorabilia, as well as the City Museum and the Jain temples), but also offer personalised insights and walking tours to enhance your experience. Overnight: Lallgarh Palace or similar

Meals: B,D

We transfer to our luxury camp located in the heart of the Thar desert. Our comfortable camp comprises roomy double tents with camp beds and washing facilities. Over the next two days we will immerse ourselves in desert culture that includes camel rides to local villages, early morning walks across the dunes. At night there is a promise of a camp fire and local musicians to entertain us while we sit under a canopy of stars that illuminate the night sky. Overnight: Raiser Desert Camp or similar

Meals: B,L,D

We return to Bikaner with an opportunity to complete last minute shopping and sightseeing in preparation for your departure the following day. Overnight: Lallgarh Palace or similar

Meals: B,D

It’s one hour flight to Delhi and your onward arrangements.

Meals: B

What’s included?

Included

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 12 dinners
Airport transfers (on days 1 & 14 only)
Well-appointed accommodation on a twin share basis including 10 nights in heritage hotels
Specially devised walking tours in Jaipur, Jodphur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner
Shatabdi train Delhi to Jaipur
Private transportation
Camel safari listed in itinerary
Sightseeing and sight entry fees as listed in itinerary
Expert bilingual guide
Group medical kit

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Visas
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc
Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
Still/video camera fees at monuments
Flights Bikaner/Delhi

Best of Rajasthan

$3160 USD