Delhi - Jodhpur - Khandi - Jaisalmer - Jaipur - Delhi 12 days/11 nights
Highlighting the extraordinary diversity of north India, this private luxury tour features both fascinating historical sights and natural wonders, from the splendour of Rajasthan’s cities to the vast golden sands of the Thar Desert. 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 bright blue Jodhpur, home to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort and bustling bazaars, laden with local arts and crafts. Then, delve deep into rural Rajasthan to experience desert life in a luxury tented camp in Khandi. Emerge in the golden citadel of Jaisalmer with its ancient battlements and enchanting havelis. Next, head 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 Imperial, where classicism meets art deco with high ceilings, flowing curtains, French linen and marble baths. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The verdant Lodi Gardens make for a lovely stroll or your driver can take you to Khan Market, lined with fabulous fashion boutiques and lovely 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, fly to the walledblue city of Jodhpur, where you’ll be staying at RAAS Haveli. A contemporary conversion of an 18th-century haveli, this luxury hotel overlooks Mehrangarh Fort and is the best possible base for exploring the old city on foot. The rest of the day is spent relaxing, taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a soothing treatment in the spa before savouring a candlelit dinner of Rajasthani cuisine on the rooftop.
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.
A short drive away is Mihir Garh, your home for the next two nights. With nine luxurious suites (each with their own plunge pool), this boutique hotel rises like a formidable fortress from the sands of the Thar Desert, in the heart of Rajasthan. Spend the rest of the day relaxing: look out over the endless desert, pamper yourself in the spa or simply lounge beside the pool before watching an incredible sunset.
Today, enjoy Mihir Garh’s plethora of experiences: horse-riding across the vast, virgin wilderness, birdwatching with the surrounding lakes a haven for up to 200 species of birds or partake in a cooking lesson learning how to make traditional Rajasthani food. The village safaris are fascinating, too, meeting local villagers and learning about rural life. Finish the day, dining under the stars, to the soft tunes of Rajasthani folk musicians.
This morning, you will be chauffeured to your luxury camp, The Serai, just outside the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer. An oasis in the desert, The Serai sprawls across 100 acres of private estate on the edge of the TharDesert with 21 luxury tented suites which boast their own terrace, a sitting room with writing desk and en-suite bathroom. An infinity pool and excellent spa awaits, too. The rest of the day is spent in this lap of luxury – G&T in hand.
Spend this morning with a local expertdiscovering Jaisalmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rises from the sandy plains like a mirage from a bygone era. Explore the golden fort and weave your way through the narrow medieval streets lined withbeautifully sculpted Jain temples and colourful havelis. In the afternoon, return to the camp for a private Jeep safari through the desert scrub before settling down to watch the fiery sunset.
Today, fly to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s bustling capital. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to SUJÁNRajmahal Palace. Still owned by Jaipur’s royal family, relax in the vibrant surroundings of this Art Deco palace, acontemporary take on palatial Indian style with jewel-bright velvets, playful chintzes and the most colourful wallpaper you’ve ever seen. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – there’s a fabulous pool.
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 the morning enjoying the last of Jaipur. Relax at the hotel, alternatively head out into Jaipur for some last-minute shopping with your driver on hand to take you anywhere you might like to go. In the afternoon, you will be chauffeured to the airport in time for your flight back to Delhi. Should you wish to explore the capital further, we can offer ideas or enjoy being in the lap of luxury at your luxury hotel, The Imperial.
This morning, your private luxury rajasthan 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 Ultimate 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.