Delhi - Udaipur - Jawai Bandh - Narlai - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Delhi 14 days/13 nights
This exceptional private luxury tour takes you slowly around the state, exploring some of the smaller forts and palaces scattered around rural Rajasthan, along with visits to the several of the subcontinent’s most colourful cities. Begin in Delhi, India’s cosmopolitan capital, where relics of lost empires contrast with the grand imperial architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi. Continue to the magical city of Udaipur and experience the romance of shimmering Lake Pichola. Then, delve deep into rural Rajasthan as you search for leopards in Jawai Bandh and exploreNarlai, an idyllic little village surrounded by Aravali Hills. Emerge in Jodhpur, home to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort,before heading to Jaipur, where colour jumps out from all directions, from the ladies’ vibrant saris to the city’s buildings. Finish in Delhi, for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
Your private luxury tour of Rajasthan begins on arrival in Delhi, where you will be met at the airport and chauffeured to your luxury hotel, The Claridges, an elegant property with rolling lawns.Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The nearby Lodi Gardens make for a lovely stroll or your driver can take you to Khan Market, which is lined with fabulous fashion boutiques, lovely homeware stores and fantastic restaurants.
Today, you’ll explore both Old and New Delhi including Humayun’s Tomb (thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal), the 17th-century Jama Masjid and the Afghan-styleQutbMinar. Other highlights include: India Gate, Connaught Place and the Lotus Temple.Complete your privately-guided city tour with an exhilarating cycle-rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s tinybazaars, glittering with jewellery, decorations, spices, street food and much more.
This morning, you’ll board a direct flight to Udaipur, where you’ll be staying in Fateh Garh. Built on a hilltopwith stunning views, this 48-room luxury hotel isknown for its Vedic architecture – and its swimming pool (voted one of the best in the world by Conde Nast Traveller). In the afternoon, travel across sparkling Lake Pichola to Jagmandir Island, which features a beautiful palace, where the royal family once heldsummer parties.
One of Rajasthan’s most romantic cities, begin your privately-guided tour of Udaipur at the City Palace, an impressive complex on the banks of Lake Pichola that elegantly combines Rajasthani, European and Chinese design. Continue through the narrow streets of the old city, soaking up the buzz of the ancient bazaar, which teems with miniature paintings, wood carvings, silver jewellery, bangles, spices, camel-bone boxes and a plethora of textiles.
Leave in good time this morning for your first stop of the day: the exquisitely-carved Jain temples of Ranakpur. Then continue to Jawai Bandh, where leopards roam wild and free. At the heart of this untrammelled wilderness is SUJÁN’s Jawai Leopard Camp, a collection of 10 luxurious tents. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the camp – there’s a great spa – before tucking into a delicious dinner, created using homegrown produce from the kitchen garden.
Led by the camp’s own naturalists, go for morning and afternoon jeep safaris through the surrounding wilderness, in search of leopards. If you’re feeling active, take a walk by the lake where you can spot over 170 species of migratory birds as well as get an insight into the local fishing community. Alternatively, jump on one of the camp’s bicycles for a guided expedition through the beautiful landscapes.
Continue your off-the-beaten-track adventure with a two-hour scenic drive to Narlai, an idyllic little village surrounded by Aravali Hills and arguably one of the most beautiful rural locations in Rajasthan. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel, RawlaNarlai, a 17th-century royal retreat which has been lovingly restored with 32 charming rooms, decorated in traditional furnishings plus a wonderful swimming pool.
Today, experience rural Rajasthan with a local guide, including a visit to a cave temple where a miraculous flame is reputed to have burnt for centuries. Wishes made here are said to come true. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari to a nearby lake where you can relax, look out for migratory birds, enjoy a cup of tea and watch the sun set over the Aravalli Hills. Finish the day with a romantic private dinner at the local stepwell.
After a two-hour transfer to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, Ajit Bhawan awaits. Known as India’s first heritage hotel, the property was originally home to the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s younger brother and is still managed by descendants of the royal family.Spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the 39 charming cottage rooms set in luscious gardens and decorated with colourful Rajput fabrics.
Spend the day discovering the best of the “Blue City” which is at the heart of regal Rajasthan and home to the prosperous Marwari community of India. Start with mighty MehrangarhFort, that towers over Jodhpur. Then wind your way past bright blue painted houses, through the labyrinth of twisting streets, full of colour and atmosphere. Along the way, bargain at the bustling bazaarsfor some lovely local handicraft to take home.
Head to another of Rajasthan’s great cities today as you’re driven to Rajasthan’s vibrant capital Jaipur. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in your hotel, Samode Haveli, a 200-year-old townhouse of the royal family of Samode. Set in verdant gardens around a series of courtyards, the property is packed full of charm and character plus there’s a large pool, which is perfect for cooling down in the hot weather.
Today, led by a local expert, you’ll be discovering Jaipur’s many wonders. Start with the superb City Palace and a tour around its private rooms. Continue with a photo-stop at the extraordinary pink-painted Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)before visiting the Jantar Mantar observatory. Later, make your way to the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort on elephant back, before dining at luxury camp DeraAmerwhere you can feed the resident elephants.
Spend your morning at leisure, soaking up the hotel’s luxurious offerings or head out into Jaipur to snap up some final souvenirs – your chauffeur is always available to take you anywhere you might like to go. In the afternoon, you’ll board a direct flight back to Delhi, where you can either relax at your luxury hotel, The Claridges, or head out into the capital for some last-minute exploring.
Today your luxury private tour ends. Transfer to Delhi airport in time for your onward flight.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary for what your trip to India could include. Treat our Discover Rajasthan with Heritage Hotels tour as inspiration. Each trip designed by Rajasthan Tours is created uniquely for you, working to your budget and interests with an absolute commitment to quality.