Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi 13 days/12 nights
This luxury private tour of Rajasthan combines some of the world’s most spectacular palace hotels with India’s most colorful state, a quintessential land of maharajas and medieval forts, palaces and tigers, and kaleidoscopic festivals. Begin in India’s cosmopolitan capital Delhi where you will enjoy the contrasts of the city, from the souk-like bazaars of Old Delhi to the tree-lined colonial avenues of New Delhi. You’ll then be chauffeured to Agra, home to the breath-taking Taj Mahal and the magnificent Red Fort. Afterward is the thrilling chance to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore National Park – an experience like no other. You’ll then continue to the bejewelled ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur with its splendid architecture, not to mention fantastic shopping. Next is Jodhpur, a rhapsody in blue, followed by Udaipur with its tranquil Lake Pichola. Finish in Delhi, where you can snap up final souvenirs. This itinerary is just a starting point for one of the many possibilities in Rajasthan. We will be happy to discuss your specific interests and tailor make a journey that best suits your holiday expectations.
Your luxury private tour 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 Leela Palace New Delhi, a truly grand hotel, which will wow even the most jaded jetsetter. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, going for a stroll through verdant Lodi Gardens or exploring the enticing boutiques of Khan Market, a haven of fashion, beauty, and homeware. Alternatively, simply relax to shake off the jetlag.
Start 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. Enjoy a guided walk through Dharampura haveli and bangla sahib the Sikh temle. Discover the myriad of sights in Old and New Delhi including the Mughal monuments from 17th- century Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb which is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Other highlights include Connaught Place, and Gandhi museum. Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or there are several dining options Delhi has to offer especially Bukhara, the finest Tandoori and North indian cuisine. If you like artisanal fusion food Indian Accent is another option.
Leave Delhi 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 metres away. The rooms with the terrace can further enhance the view by bringing you just a little closer to this breathtaking monument. There is also a stunning swimming pool, manicured gardens and a 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 spandrels of the arches and the pietra dura flowers made from at least 60 crushed semi precious stones. 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.
Leave Delhi 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 a stunning swimming pool, manicured gardens and sumptuous spa. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Please note: you can start this journey on any day however the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Travel to Jaipur by road, stopping on route at the magnificent ancient city, Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal empire, abandoned due to the lack of water after just 14 years. In the afternoon, arrive in Ranthambore National Park, where you’ll check into the Oberoi Vanyavilas, a safari-camp meets boutique hotel. Luxurious air conditioned tents to give you a real feel of the jungle, in utmost comfort. This is property is child friendly and has several activities for children. Inspired by shikar or hunting from the times of Maharaja's and with a mix of the british colonial property, Vanyavilas is the ideal place to stay in Sawai madhopur. In the afternoon, let The Jungle Book be brought to life as you explore Ranthambore with a private jeep safari, in search of the park’s most famous resident, the rare Royal Bengal tiger.
Please note: Ranthambore National Park is closed between June and October.
Continue your exploration of Ranthambore today with two private jeep safaris (both morning and afternoon drives are recommended for the best chance to spot the tiger). There’s an array of sambars, panthers, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, and leopard, too, plus fantastic birdlife. Between safaris, climb the crumbling 10th-century Ranthambhore Fort that rests majestically on the edge of the forest. There is a relaxing brunch break in between the safaris. The safaris can be quite bumpy so unwind in the Vanyavilas spa to recover from the forest roads.
This morning, you’ll be chauffeured to the Rajasthan’s vibrant capital, Jaipur where you’ll check into the Oberoi Rajvilas, one of India’s most spectacular luxury hotels with breath-taking landscaped gardens. A member of our team will be waiting to greet you at the Oberoi Rajvilas, one of India’s most spectacular luxury hotels with breath-taking landscaped gardens. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The Rajvilas is tucked away close to the Aravalis and features rooms as well as tents with pastel block printed canvas roofs dotted around intimate courtyards. Entice your tastebuds in mouthwatering cuisine and absolute relaxation in the claw foot bath tubs to recover from the long drive or spend the rest of the day at leisure – the Oberoi Spa is particularly impressive, housed in a restored 18th-century haveli. In the evening, dine at the hotel’s Indian restaurant Raj Mahal, which features live, traditional folk music. Rajvilas is a destination in itself and the perfect opportunity to soak up Rajasthan while living like a Maharaja.
Today, you’ll be discovering the best of Jaipur. Led by a local expert, you’ll begin by exploring the City Palace and its 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. In the afternoon, make your way on elephant back to the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort, before spending the evening with elephants at Dera Amer. If you are revisiting Jaipur there are a range of alternative activities that can be organised. Jaipur is constantly changing with several new venues and shops for repeat visitors.
Continue to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, where you’ll check into Umaid Bhawan Palace ¬– one of India’s most beautiful palace hotels. Perched high above Jodhpur, you can live like a Maharajah at this luxury property, which is still the residence of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Spend the rest of your day soaking up the hotel’s luxurious offerings, including 26 acres of manicured gardens, a fabulous spa, stunning swimming pool, and excellent restaurants. Part of 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 scintillating collection of Rajput miniatures, palanquins and howdahs (elephant seats), the coronation throne and the armoury. Also visit Jaswant Thada cenotaphs the resting place of the Maharajas. Spend the day exploring the best of Jodhpur.
Travel by road to Udaipur, stopping on route at Ranakpur Temples, a 15th-century milk-white marble Jain temple well known for their intricate carvings from the 15th century AD. Upon arrival in Udaipur, you’ll take a short boat ride to the Oberoi Udaivilas. Located on the banks of sparkling Lake Pichola, this luxury hotel is set among 50 acres of former royal hunting grounds with beautiful bedrooms and suites. The restaurants are excellent with the hotel chefs trained in palace cuisine.
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, a summer palace on the lake Pichola where James Bond's Octopussy was filmed.
Spend the morning at leisure – relax at the hotel (there’s a fabulous spa), alternatively head out into Udaipur for some last-minute shopping – we can organize a guide should you wish. In the afternoon, take a direct flight to Delhi, where you’ll check into the Oberoi, Gurgaon, an urban sanctuary with bespoke design features, high ceilings and open spaces filled with natural light.
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 Palace Tour of Rajasthan 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.
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.