Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This isn’t the well-trodden Rajasthan circuit that most travellers follow.
Instead, this trip takes you beyond the obvious and into the rural heart of the state, where palace walls whisper stories, village lanes reveal everyday life, and the essence of Rajasthan feels unmistakably real.
You’ll still savour the colour and bustle of Jaipur, the energy of Delhi and the architectural brilliance of the Taj Mahal. But you’ll also experience something deeper by staying in characterful heritage homes, often hosted by families who bring centuries of history to life. It’s the best of both worlds: the icons you’ve heard of, and the secrets you’d never find alone.
A Different Side of Rajasthan
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Delhi
On arrival, your driver will transfer you 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 typical ‘box-ticking’ sights of Delhi, this morning you will explore the three main religions prevalent in the city – Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity. You’ll have a private guide to explain 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.
Days 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.
Days 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 17th 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.
Days 10 - 11
Shahpura
This morning we journey 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 or relax and read a book around the phenomenal pool.
Days 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.
Days 15 - 17
Udaipur
Today you’ll travel with your driver to one of the most romantic cities in a state full of them: Udaipur, beautifully set on Lake Pichola. Your hotel is located just outside the city in the Aravali Hills, offering peace and seclusion while remaining within easy reach of the centre. If you’d prefer a more central stay, this can easily be arranged.
During your time here, you’ll experience one of the city’s most vibrant attractions beyond the main sights: Udaipur Market. This authentic bazaar is a maze of colour and activity, and with the help of our guide you’ll be able to navigate it with ease.
You’ll also have one final full day here to spend entirely as you wish.
Day 18
Fly home
Wave goodbye to your chauffeur today and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“This trip reveals Rajasthan’s quieter corners while keeping the classics. A brilliant way to see a richer, more authentic side of India.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
