Delhi - Udaipur - Narlai - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi 13 days/12 nights
A Christmas in Rajasthan whisks you away from the cold and the wet of western winters to the warmer climes of Rajasthan. Even better, you can live like a Maharaja as you soak up royal India, staying in some of the subcontinent’s most magnificent palace hotels. Begin by discovering the treasures of Delhi, from the souk-like bazaars of Old Delhi to the tree-lined colonial avenues of New Delhi. A stay on sparkling Lake Pichola in the romantic city of Udaipur follows then steer off the beaten track to Narlai, deep in rural Rajasthan. Afterwards, continue to the bejeweled ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur with its splendid architecture, not to mention fantastic shopping. The final stop of your private luxury journey is Agra, home to the breath-taking Taj Mahal and the magnificent Red Fort, before finishing in India’s cosmopolitan capital Delhi. Christmas in Rajasthan will certainly add some spice to your festive season!
Your private luxury journey of India begins on arrival in Delhi, where you will be met by a member of our team at the airport and chauffeured to The Imperial, a beautiful combination of Art Deco, Victorian and colonial architecture. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps going for a stroll through verdant Lodi Gardens or exploring the enticing boutiques of Khan Market, a haven of fashion, beauty and homeware. The Imperial boasts old colonial charm and is a wonderful place to relive the times of the British Raj, and experience the 1930s architecture and lifestyle of Viceroys.
Discover the myriad of sights in Old and New Delhi including the Mughal architectural highlights at 17th- century Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb which is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Finish the day with an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride through the bustling alleyways of Chandni Chowk’s souk-like bazaars, including Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. Other highlights include India Gate and Lutyens Delhi with Connaught Place and President's Palace aka Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Morning transfer to Delhi airport where you’ll take an internal flight to Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’. On arrival, a short boat ride across sparkling Lake Pichola will take you to your hotel, the iconic Taj Lake Palace. Originally built in the 17th century as a summer retreat, this magnificent 250-year-old white marble palace rising out of Lake Pichola with seamingly motionless water. This floating residence is a vision of beauty filled with extravagant embellishments and a destination in itself. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure, to indulge in this shimmering fairytale palace's picturesque pool and spa and soaking up royal hospitality at its very best.
Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic cities. Spend the morning with a local expert, exploring the magnificent City Palace, an impressive complex on the banks of Lake Pichola and the epitome of Mewari architecture. In the afternoon, continue your private luxury tour through the labyrinthine streets of the old city to the ancient bazaar, which buzzes with shops selling colorful clothing, vibrant art, and leather-bound journals. You can also visit the Crystal gallery, Vintage car museum, Saheliyon ki Badi gardens and end your afternoon with a boat ride to Jag Mandir gardens another small palace on the lake Pichola where James Bond's Octopussy was filmed.
After a leisurely breakfast travel by road to Narlai, stopping on route at Ranakpur Temples, a 15th-century milk-white marble Jain temple, which has an incredible series of 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1,444 individually engraved pillars. Known for its unusually intricate carving no trip to Rajasthan can be complete without exploring this site. Arrive in Narlai, the heart of rural Rajasthan. An idyllic little village surrounded by Aravali Hills, to spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel, Rawla Narlai, a meticulously-restored 17th-century royal retreat with 32 rooms that has oodles of charm – and a lovely big pool at the foot of a hill aka as Elephant Hill. This evening we recommend you could dine like a Maharaja, at the step well restaurant which can be pre arranged.
Get under the skin of rural Rajasthan with a local guide: go horse riding, take a walk through the village to see colorfully dressed women and elegant moustached men watching life go by. Visit a cave temple where a miraculous flame is reputed to have burnt for centuries. Wishes made here are said to come true. For those wishing to simply relax, the Narlai Spa is just the ticket. Narlai also offers a range of activities including trekking and wildlife safaris which can be arranged on the day at the hotel.
After a two-hour transfer to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, you’ll check into Umaid Bhawan Palace - one of the most beautiful palace hotels in India. Perched high above Jodhpur, this luxury property is still the residence of the Maharajah of Jodhpur and the largest private home in the world. Meander through the landscaped gardens, visit the photo gallery or simply take a dip in the cool blue retreat of the pools. Umaid Bhawan has been awarded the best hotel in Rajasthan and has gained more fame for being the wedding venue for celebrity weddings of Liz Hurley and Arun Nair and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.
Today you will be exploring the best of Jodhpur. Weave your way with a private guide starting at the Clock tower and through the tangle of winding, colorful, medieval streets. Along the way, pick up some souvenirs from the shops and bazaars which sell everything from Jodhpur breeches and tie-dye textiles to lacquerware and temple decorations before visiting the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, an architectural masterpiece that towers 125 metres over the city. Mehrangarh has a scintilating collection of Rajput miniatures, palanquins and howdahs (elephant seats), the coronation throne and the armoury. Also visit Jaswant Thada cenetophs the resting place of the Maharajas.
This morning you’ll continue your private luxury tour with a private transfer to Rajasthan’s vibrant capital, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, where you’ll check in to Rambagh Palace. An 18th century hunting lodge now one of India’s finest palace hotels, the property features four-poster beds, high ceilings, and antique furniture plus three of the best fine-dining restaurants in Jaipur. An 18th century hunting lodge converted into a palace hotel in. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure, enjoying all the luxury the hotel offers, which includes a gorgeous spa.
Led by a local expert, you’ll begin your city tour of Jaipur early by making your way on elephant back to the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort. After that exploring the City Palace its architecture, textiles and armoury and its extra special private rooms then continue on for a photo-stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and a visit to the Jantar Mantar observatory. After a lunch stop you can indulge in soaking in the bazaars of Jaipur or simply relaxing in the Rambagh lawn watching the peacocks trotting around or having your palm read.
Leave Jaipur in good time this morning to be chauffeured to Agra, where you’ll check in to the Oberoi Amarvilas. One of India’s finest luxury hotels, every room and suite has an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal, which is only a mere 600 meters away. There is also an idyllic swimming pool, manicured gardens and sumptuous spa. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, which was built as a monument to eternal love by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife who dies giving birth to their 14th child. Marvel at the interiors which have several different colored stones crushed and inlaid in the floral details on the marble spandrels on the gateways. At least 60 different semi precious stones were used to carve the pietra dura flower design. The Taj Mahal is known for reflecting pastel colored hues with the play of sunlight on its surfaces throughout the day. the afternoon visit is special as it radiates an orangey pink as the sun goes down.
Please note: you can start this journey on any day however the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Wake up to watch the beauty of the Taj Mahal at dawn. Take some of the best pictures from your balcony. perhaps have breakfast gazing at the Taj Mahal. Thereafter, begin your privately-guided tour of Agra, taking in another Mughal masterpiece Agra Fort, a palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress along the Yamuna River which was constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Then visit Itmad-ud-daulah, nicknamed the ‘baby Taj’, the exquisite white marble tomb of a Persian nobleman Mizra Ghiyas Beg, which features particularly fine carved jalis.
Morning at leisure to enjoy the luxurious offerings of the Oberoi Amarvilas. In the afternoon, you will be privately-chauffeured back to Delhi. Should you wish to explore the capital further, we can offer some exciting ideas or enjoy the remainder of your day with your feet up at the Oberoi New Delhi, where you can feast like a king – we recommend their Indian restaurant Omya, run by Michelin-star chef Alfred Prasad.
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 Luxury Golden Triangle Tour with Udaipur with Oberoi Hotels 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.
The price shown includes hotels on double or twin sharing basis, breakfast, sightseeing, transfers, internal flights or trains, private guides, monument entrances, activities and excursions and chauffeur-driven car. On request, we can include international flights, too. In other words, we take the work off you to allow you to enjoy the most memorable holiday experience. The price is a guide and subject to change based on hotels, dates of travel and number of people travelling. During the low season (April to September), the costs are significantly less yet this season remains a great time to travel with smaller crowds and more affordable rates. During the high season, particularly over Christmas and New Year, prices are higher however there are lots of great festivals and the weather is excellent.