A Different Side of Rajasthan

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart on your flight to Delhi.

DAY 2 DELHI

On arrival, your driver will transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. In the afternoon you will take a walk around Lodhi Gardens and Khan Market, with some great restaurant choices for dinner.

DAY 3 DELHI

To experience more than just the ‘box ticking’ sights of Delhi this morning you will take a look at the three main religions prevalent in Delhi; Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity. You’ll have a private guide to give you a crash course in the idiosyncrasies of each one. In the evening, take a street food tour of Old Delhi by the local’s favourite, the cycle rickshaw. It’s a wonderful chance to sample the cuisine and meet some of the chefs and bakers who have been around for years.

DAY 4-5 Bharatpur

Today you’ll board the famous Shatabdi Express for a 2.5-hour train journey south to Bharatpur. On arrival, you’ll be picked up by your guide and taken to your lovely heritage hotel for some old world charm and your first foray into a different side of Rajasthan.

The next morning you’ll explore the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary by boat, home to approximately 366 bird species. 

DAY 6-8 Bishangarh

Today you’ll journey to the small village of Bishangarh, taking around four hours. You are now just an hour away from Jaipur; ‘the Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan, staying in a beautifully converted fort on top of a granite hill with lovely views of the rustic terrain.

Jaipur is a riot of colour and, as the capital of Rajasthan, it's a busy place with buzzing spice markets and streets filled with multi-coloured saris and rampaging rickshaw drivers. Today you’ll spend the day with a local guide exploring the city's Hindu and Mughal heritage and the many palaces and forts, home to intricate and exquisite Indian art and architecture, including the extraordinary Palace of the Winds.

Rise early on day eight to experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over rural villages and the Amber Fort.

DAY 9 JAIPUR TO BUNDI

A four-hour drive today will take you to Bundi, an often overlooked fort town in central Rajasthan. In comparison to bustling Jaipur or Jodhpur, Bundi is a breath of fresh air – here you can admire the beauty and charisma of the Rajasthan region without the crowds. The town of just over 100,000 inhabitants is admired for its magnificent temples, lovely lakes, obligatory impressive fort and a spectacular 17^th Century palace.

You’ll stay at a wonderful heritage property, which is impossibly romantic and was built 300 years ago in the heart of the city walls. What it lacks in modern luxuries, it more than makes up for in character. 

Bundi is a great place to explore on your own and, as you’ll be staying in the heart of the town, everything is within easy walking distance. Just ambling around here really pays off. If you’d like a guide, we can provide one of course.

DAY 10-11 Shahpura

Another longish drive this morning, deep into the Rajasthani countryside to the former princely state of Shahpura - home to a gorgeous boutique hotel. It’s well off the tourist trail and in a lovely natural setting. During your time here you might like to take a walk around the nearby villages, visit a stunning temple and stepwell or relax and read a book around the phenomenal pool.

DAY 12-14 Deogarh

A drive of around 3.5 hours at your leisure brings you to a lovely home-away-from-home in peaceful Deogarh. This once stately home has been converted to a luxury hotel but has the vibe of a homestay without compromising on comfort. You’ll have two full days to explore the surrounding area where there is a considerable amount to do, including a train ride through the ghats, taking walks around Deogarh, learning about home-cooked cuisine and observing huge arrays of migrant birds.

DAY 15-17 UDAIPUR

Today you'll travel with your driver to the most romantic of cities in a state full of them: Udaipur, set on Lake Pichola. Your hotel sits just on the outskirts in the Aravali hills and avoids the hustle and bustle, but if you fancy something more central, this can easily be arranged.

On one of your days here you’ll experience one of the more exciting aspects of the city outside of the main sights – Udaipur market. An authentic bazaar, it’s easy to get lost without the help of our guide.

You’ll also have one final full day here to spend as you choose.

DAY 18 FLY HOME

Wave goodbye to your chauffeur today and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.