Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Delhi 18 days/17 nights
Replete with marvellous forts, palaces, markets and monuments redolent with history, this luxury private tour offers a remarkable insight into India’s most colourful state. 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. Afterwards 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 Udaipur with its tranquil Lake Pichola followed by Jodhpur, a rhapsody in blue. Your final stop is the golden citadel of Jaisalmer before you return to Delhi, where you can snap up some final souvenirs. This itinerary is just a starting point. We can further tailor it to suit your requirements.
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 Imperial, a beautiful combination of Art Deco, Victorian and colonial architecture. The Imperial is reminicent of life in the 1930's colonial times when it was built for Viceroys and other dignatories during the British Raj and is definitely the right choice for those wanting to relive history. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps going for a stroll through verdant Lodi Gardens or just relaxing in your luxurious hotel to unwind from the long flight.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 Imperial, a beautiful combination of Art Deco, Victorian and colonial architecture. 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.
Start the day with a guided walking tour through the bustling alleyways of Chandni Chowk’s souk-like bazaars, including Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market and Kinari bazaar famous for wedding outfits. Spend the day discovering the myriad of sights in Old and New Delhi including the 17th- century Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb which is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Other highlights include India Gate, Connaught Place and the Lotus Temple. Evening to relax or dine at Bukhara, one of Delhi's finest restaurants for tandoori specialities and North Indian cuisine.
Wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj Mahal and its pastel hues at dawn. The best part about being at the Oberoi is the ability to see the Taj Mahal away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists any time of the day with its constantly changing shades. After a delicious breakfast, 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 (lattice windows). Return to the Oberoi and relax on the lawns or indulge in a bath full of rose petals.
Please note: you can start this journey on any day however the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj Mahal and its pastel hues at dawn. The best part about being at the Oberoi is the ability to see the Taj Mahal away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists any time of the day with its constantly changing shades. After a delicious breakfast, 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 (lattice windows). Return to the Oberoi and relax on the lawns or indulge in a bath full of rose petals.
Today, you’ll be privately-chauffeured to Ranthambore National Park before checking into Oberoi Vanyavilas, a safari-camp meets boutique hotel, with stunning luxury tents draped in traditional Rajasthani block-printed fabric. Nestled in a lush green area close to the home of the tiger, this hotel grows most of its own herbs and vegetables and is extremely child friendly with several activities for the little ones. 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. The jeep safaris can be a little tiring so relax and reminisce your tiger sightings in the hotel as you prepare for the next day for your game drive.
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, 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. After your morning safari you can relax and enjoy a light brunch before commencing your second game drive. The forest is divided into various different zones and each game drive takes you on a different route to maximise the chance of spotting the magnificent tiger.
After your morning game drive, you’ll be chauffeured to Jaipur. On arrival, check into 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 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.
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 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.
The day is free in Jaipur to relax and enjoy the resort, or further explore at your own pace. Your chauffeur is always on hand to take you anywhere you may like to go. We recommend discovering the vibrant bazaars and emporiums today with the streets awash with unique local handicrafts, colourful textiles and interesting nick-nacks. Jaipur is also well known for its beautiful jewellery – the Old City alone houses nearly 700 jewellery stores.
On arrival, you’ll take a short boat ride across sparkling Lake Pichola to reach your hotel, the renowned Taj Lake Palace. Originally built in the 17th century as a summer retreat, this magnificent 250-year-old white marble palace floats like a mirage in the centre of the serene and glassy lake. The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure to enjoy one of India’s most romantic hotels. We recommend staying in a Lake facing room for the best experience. The suites are delicately appointed with antique furniture and blissful frescos on the walls.
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 exhibiting palanquins and miniature paintings the building itself is a living example of traditional Rajasthani architecture. Thereafter, walk through the narrow streets of the old city to the ancient bazaar, which buzzes with shops selling colourful clothing, silver jewellery, a plethora of marble homeware, fountains and antiques as well as vibrant art and leather-bound journals. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the Vintage car museum, Jag Mandir temple and the Saheliyon ki Badi gardens to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxing stroll.
Continue to the charming ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, stopping on route at the 15th-century milk-white marble Jain temples of Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check into RAAS, the city’s first boutique hotel, which sports magnificent views of Mehrangarh Fort being ideally situated at the foothill. Alternatively, live like a Maharajah at Umaid Bhawan Palace, the most impressive royal residence in India. Spend the rest of your day at leisure – both luxury hotels have fabulous swimming pools and spas and sprawling lawns. Umaid Bhawan is still the residence of the Maharaja o fJodhpur and also the largest royal residence complex not to mention its populatity for celebrity weddings like 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.
This morning is spent at leisure – relax at the hotel, alternatively head out into Jodhpur for some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Jaisalmer for a two-night stay in SUJÁN’s safari property The Serai which has 21 incredibly spacious tents. There’s an excellent spa with Ayurvedic treatments, too. At night, dine under the starry sky on the finest desert cuisine. Spend today at leisure in Jaisalmer to relax and enjoy your surroundings at the camp. We recommend one of The Serai’s activities, in particular, the traditional Rajasthani-style camel safari. Alternatively, guests can do a fascinating ‘village voyage’ into the local village and watch life go by or spot a plethora of unique birdlife on the ‘Twitchers Trail’. In the evening, enjoy a concert by The Manganiars, the traditional bards of the western desert.
Begin your day with a private guided tour of the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort. Carved from golden honey sandstone, this is one of the very few ‘living forts’ in the world with several thousand inhabitants inside. Ninety-nine colossal bastions encircle the still-inhabited narrow streets. After the fort, you will discover Jaisalmer’s enchanting havelis to explore the intricate carvings before visiting Gadi Sagar Lake and the Desert Museum. Return to The Serai to watch the burning sunset.
Relax with a day of leisure at The Serai today. There’s an idyllic pool or visit the excellent spa. There’s a wide selection of lovely treatments here, from reflexology to cleansing scrubs and relaxing massages, using organic products blended with an array of healing herbs. In the evening, go for a gentle camel ride into the dunes, where your private butler awaits with a picnic and champagne to savour as you watch the sun setting over the Thar.
This morning you’ll be chauffeured to Jaisalmer airport to board a short domestic flight back to Delhi. For your last night, you’ll check into the Oberoi Gurgaon, an urban sanctuary with bespoke design features, high ceilings and open spaces filled with natural light. The afternoon is yours at leisure ¬– if you would like to explore a bit more of Delhi later today, your chauffeur is always on hand.
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 Romance of Rajasthan tours 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.