Delhi - Agra - Jaipur (via Fatehpur Sikri) - Raipur - Nagaur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Narlai - Udaipur (via Ranakpur) - Delhi 18 days/17 nights
This luxury private tour showcases all the wonders of Rajasthan, India’s most colorful state and home to some of the most impressive sights and finest boutique accommodation. Visiting cities can get tiring and excludes the essence of real India. This trip is designed to provide a wholly immersive experience of culture as well as the slow paced cultural fair of Indian villages while staying as hidden gems. Discover the Mughal and Imperial monuments of Delhi, Marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra, home to the breath-taking Taj Mahal and the magnificent Red Fort. Afterward, continue to the bejeweled ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur with its splendid architecture, not to mention fantastic shopping. Witness a relaxed way of life walking around rustic villages, where friendly elegant turbaned ment and women in colorful Rajasthani attire greet you in a friendly way. Explore further as you delve into rural Rajasthan then emerge in the golden citadel of Jaisalmer and soak up the desert culture. Two nights in the charming ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur will follow, overlooking mighty Mehrangarh Fort, before exploring the romantic city of Udaipur and staying in one of the world’s best hotels on the banks of sparkling Lake pichola. Finish in Delhi, where you can snap up some final souvenirs. This itinerary is a mere starting point to showcase what Rural Rajasthan has to offer. It can be completely fine tuned to suit your interests and we can devise a route that best caters to your holiday 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, an impressive abode built in the 1930s and is surrounded with lush greenery and royal palms showcasing a blend of 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. Or simply discover the North Indian cuisine at one of Delhi's favourite hot spots Bukhara.
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 temple. 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 where the culinary options transport guests from South-east Asia to Italy, each restaurant telling a tale of its origin and inspiration.
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. Fr a better experience upgrade to a Premier room with a balcony or a suite and you can have breakfast or dinner overlooking the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world up close. It 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. 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.
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. Return to relax in the serene and pristine surroundings at the Amarvilas and enjoy the views of the Taj from the Mughal gardens.
Travel to Jaipur by road, stopping on route at the magnificent ancient city, Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal empire, deserted in a hurry when it ran out of the water. In the afternoon, arrive in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. 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. In a beautiful fort setting this hotel is a destination in itself. A romantic hideaway, away from the city with luxury tents and villas clustered around fountains, water bodies and courtyards. Be spoiled by the spa treatments or relax in the luxurious Victorian beds or immerse yourself in the claw foot bath tub filled with rose petals.
Today, you’ll be discovering the best of Jaipur.
Led by an expert guide, make your way on elephant back to the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort. Thereafter, visit 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. After lunch, in the afternoon, explore the vivid boutiques and emporiums in Jaipur or visit the local bar Palladio as featured in the Best Exotic Marigold hotel.
Today you will be steered off the beaten track to Raipur in rural Rajasthan, where you’ll be staying in Lakshman Sagar, two 19th-century former hunting lodges. There are now 12 thatched cottages, which are a luxury take on traditional village homes with soft furnishings in bright sari hues glowing against the sand-colored walls. Delicious meals, made using old Rajput hunting recipes, are served on a terrace overlooking the lake. This is a wonderful spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of cities and to rejuvenate and explore a slow paced rural life a big part of experiencing real India.
Spend today at leisure, getting under the skin of rural Rajasthan. For an authentic local experience, there are plenty of tailor-made excursions: local liquor tasting, goat herding, nature walks, horse riding, and star gazing. Back at Lakshman Sagar, guests can enjoy kite flying or simply kick back and relax beside the rock-cut swimming pool. The spectacular sunset by the dam should not be missed, too. This location will give you a true feel of Rajasthani rural life as well a great chance to rejuvenate away from the hectic city life.
Today, journey deeper into rural Rajasthan as you're driven to Nagaur for a stay in Ranvas, on the edge of the Thar Desert. Sitting within the high walls of the magnificent 12th-century Ahhichatragarh Fort, this heritage hotel is a superb restoration of the former women’s quarters. There are 27 stylish rooms spread across ten 18th-century stone havelis. Meals are taken in the majlis, an open-sided pavilion where the queens would meet the Maharaja.
Start the day with a private tour of Ahhichatragarh Fort which has particularly fine frescoes – the fort is still being painstakingly restored, which gives a fascinating insight into the conservation work. In the afternoon, head to Jaisalmer. This a beautiful drive across the desert landscape filled with Kikar trees and colorful village folk going about life with their herds of sheep and goats. Experience luxury in the desert wilderness with a two-night stay in SUJÁN’s safari property The Serai, which has 21 incredibly spacious tents. The tents are well equipped with modern bathrooms and some have plunge pools too. There’s an excellent spa with Ayurvedic treatments and the pool surrounded by the desert is magnificent in itself. At night, dine under the starry sky on the finest desert cuisine or book a private dinner with the Serai butlers in the desert with candle lights and a camp fire in winters.
Spend the morning exploring spectacular Jaisalmer Fort with a local expert. Carved from golden honey limestone, 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, discover Jaisalmer’s enchanting havelis before visiting Gadi Sagar Lake and the cenetophs. Return to The Serai to watch the burning sunset and perhaps enjoy a camel ride in the desert.
Continue to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, where you’ll check into RAAS, the city’s most sought after boutique hotel. RAAS has an eviable location at the foothill of Mehrangarh fort therefore providing unparalleled views of the forrt and the blue city. One really feels immersed in the true sense being int he heart of the most photogenic city in rajasthan, the Blue City. The 39 rooms and suites balance historic charm with contemporary design, each sporting the most magnificent views of Mehrangarh Fort. All-day Bandari serves an international menu with a poolside terrace while rooftop Dari Khana offers authentic Rajasthani dishes and has a superb drinks menu.
Today you will be exploring the best of Jodhpur. Weave your way with a private guide through the tangle of winding, colorful, medieval streets before visiting the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, an architectural masterpiece that towers 125 metres over the city. Mehrangarh exhibits, the coronation seat, and a variety of unusual Rajput miniature paintings, howdahs (elephant seats and palanquins.Along the way, pick up some souvenirs from the shops and bazaars which sell everything from spices and saris to trumpets and temple decorations. After lunch visist the Umaid Bhawan picture gallery or one of the local weavers villages to watch carpets being made.
Travel by road to Narlai on route visting the Bishnoi villages that protect animals. The sleepy 15th-century village of Narlai, deep in the Aravali hills, where you’ll check into luxury heritage hotel RawlaNarlai, a meticulously-restored 17th-century royal retreat with 32 rooms that has oodles of charm. In the afternoon, relax in the lovely big pool at the foot of the Elephant Hill or explore the local area with a guide with activities including a village walk, horse-riding, countryside safari, leopard sighting, trekking or cave temple visits.
Spend the morning at leisure in Narlai. We recommend an early start with a sunrise walk up Elephant Hill. There are over 700 steps to reach the top, but the mesmerizing views are worth it. Continue to the fairytale city of Udaipur, stopping on route at Ranakpur, a magnificent 15th-century milk-white marble Jain temple. Upon arrival in Udaipur, cross the sparkling Lake Pichola to the unashamedly opulent Oberoi Udaivilas, one of the ‘best hotels in the world’. Relax at the Udai Vilas and take a dip in the pool overlooking the breath-taking Lake Palace.
Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic cities. Spend the morning with a local guide, exploring the magnificent City Palace, an impressive complex on the banks of Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, continue your private luxury tour through the narrow streets of the old city to the ancient bazaar, which buzzes with shops selling colorful clothing, silver jewelry, vibrant art, and leather-bound journals. Visit the Crystal Gallery and Saheliyon ki Badi gardens. Finish your afternoon with a boat ride to Jag Mandir Gardens a small summer palace across the Lake.
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 want one. In the afternoon, take a direct flight to Delhi, where you’ll check into The Trident, Gurgaon, a contemporary take on a Mughal palace in the heart of bustling Gurgaon.
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 Rural Rajasthan with Boutique 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.
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.