Compare Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs Treasures of India by APT Touring

Day 1 Start Delhi; free time

The adventure begins in Delhi. There is a welcome briefing in the evening – the time and location will be posted in the hotel lobby. The rest of the day has been left free, allowing you time to settle into the trip. Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

Day 2 Morning sightseeing in Delhi; afternoon transfer to Ranthambore

Visit the walled city of Old Delhi this morning. It’s crowded, full of activities and still influenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. Navigating the city, we visit the 17th-century Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India; Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; India Gate; and vast colonial buildings. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately six hours) to Ranthambore National Park. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

Day 3 Morning and evening game drives

Today we take two game drives in Ranthambore National Park. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 became part of Project Tiger. After initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population. However, Ranthambore is still considered one of the best places to spot wild tigers and many of our groups over the last few years have seen the elusive predator. Ranthambore is also home to a great variety of other wildlife, including several species of monkey, deer, crocodile and birdlife. During the game drives, each vehicle is joined by a Forest Guard, a requirement by the local authorities. The Forest Guards are part of a national park initiative to generate employment for the nearby villages. They are skilled spotters and trackers so, though their English is sometimes very limited, they greatly improve the experience. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

Day 4 To Bundi within the beautiful Aravalli Hills; visit Bundi Fort

Leave Ranthambore and drive (approximately four hours) to Bundi, a delightful town on the Aravali foothills. It is best known for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwells that were used to collect water during the monsoon centuries ago. Visit Bundi Fort in the afternoon, one of the most beautiful palaces in India and home to outstanding miniature paintings portraying the history of the palace and its royal family. The fort is high on a hill overlooking Bundi and its Krishna blue stonewashed houses. Accommodation: Ishwari Niwas Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 To Udaipur

Set off on our five-hour (145mi/235km) journey to the lakeside city of Udaipur. Known as the Pearl of Rajasthan, the City of Sunrise and Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and visitors as the most romantic city in India. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Full day to explore Udaipur, including visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple

On the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills. The lake has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland. Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the lake waters. Udaipur is surrounded by a massive bastion with five gates and dominating the town is the City Palace of the Maharana. The sumptuous apartments are decorated with multi-coloured mosaics, elaborate mirror work and inlaid tiles; half of these can be visited as the current Maharaja still occupies the rest of the palace. Spend the morning visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, with a huge black-stone image of Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu. If time allows, it may be possible to visit the gardens of Gulab Bag or take a boat trip on the lake. The afternoon is free to enjoy this evocative city. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 To Jodhpur via Ranakpur and a visit to the Jain temple

Taking the scenic road out of Udaipur, we head to Jodhpur. It’s a seven-hour drive, but to break up the journey we visit the 15th-century Jain temple at Ranakpur. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the state of Marwar. The city is surrounded by a wall almost 6mi (10km) in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 To the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar

First thing in the morning, we visit the Meherangarh Fort for a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. The fort itself looks massive from the outside but inside there is an impressive collection of finely carved sandstone screens and lattice windows, and the palaces themselves are very finely decorated. We then head to Pushkar, pilgrimage town and home to the annual Pushkar Fair. Steeped in mysticism and surrounded by the desert, this little town is a holy site on the fringes of a lake and a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Today’s total drive time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar) Pushkar Fair departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 8 and 9) and removing the night in Jodhpur, this is done to maximise time at the fair. Accommodation is provided in Swiss cottage tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom. The facilities are basic and hot water and electricity can be limited occasionally but your tour leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals will be included.

Day 9 Morning sightseeing; afternoon drive to Jaipur

Enjoy sightseeing this morning. In the centre of town is the holy Pushkar Lake surrounded by several temples, including a Bramha temple said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. A dip in the lake waters and worship at the Bramha temple ensure salvation. In the afternoon, we drive (approximately three hours) to Jaipur. Accommodation: LilyPool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) Holi Festival Departure: 14 March 2025 For the 2025 Holi Festival departure, you will be given the opportunity in Pushkar to join the colourful celebrations at your hotel and purchase the traditional white kurta outfit to look the part and avoid getting your own clothes covered in the coloured powders.

Day 10 Sightseeing in and around Jaipur, including the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, the Observatory and City Palace

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in the Pink City of Jaipur, one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh abandoned his nearby fortress and palace at Amber in 1727 and laid out a planned city of broad avenues, built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. In the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We also see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. A few miles from the main city is the splendid Amber Palace, rising above a lake. The imposing hilltop fort contains large courtyards and interiors with fine decorations including inlaid alabaster panels and a Chamber of Mirrors. Additionally, Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. Accommodation: LilyPool – The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri; afternoon visit Agra Fort

Transfer to Agra (approximately 4hr 30min), visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city of Emperor Akbar, on the way. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience, are constructed of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years; Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri in 1584 to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today. This afternoon, we visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Accommodation: Avalon Palms (or similar)

Day 12 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal; train to Delhi

Wake very early start to see the incredible spectacle of the sun rising over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul emperor Shah Jahan built the beautiful white-marble building in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. This experience is often the highlight of the trip. Later, we take the train from Agra to Delhi, arriving early afternoon or early evening, depending on the train schedule. It’s your last night together so the tour leader will help arrange a group for dinner if you would like to attend. Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

Day 13 End Delhi

The adventure ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend a bit more time exploring this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata 

Day 2: Kolkata 

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure then transfer to the RV Ganges Voyager for your Lower Ganges River cruise, exploring the charming waterside villages in style. Dotted with some of most colourful villages in all of India, the Lower Ganges presents a tantalising mix of traditional Indian and French colonial influences. After lunch on board, visit Mother Teresa’s house and tomb, located in the buildings of the Missionaries of Charity. Return to the ship where IN08 passengers join the group as you enjoy a Welcome Reception and cultural performance including colourful dancers.

Stay: Seven Nights: RV Ganges Voyager 

Day 3: Kolkata, Bandel 

This morning, experience the rich culture and lingering colonial influence of Kolkata on an early morning tour. See well-preserved British colonial buildings, St John’s church and the Victoria Memorial Museum. After lunch on board visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara, a famous pilgrimage centre in West Bengal. 

Day 4: Kalna 

After breakfast, disembark in Kalna, known as the City of Temples. On a guided cycle-rickshaw tour, visit some of Bengal’s most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex and see the eye-catching Shiva temples. 

Day 5: Matiari 

This morning, enjoy an excursion to Matiari. Here, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to peruse beautiful cooking instruments crafted from recycled copper and brass. Afterwards, continue cruising upstream passing the site of The Battle of Plassey. Learn how the British East India Company recorded a victory here in 1757, helping establish the company rule in Bengal and much of India. 

Day 6: Khushbagh, Murshidabad, Baranagar 

Disembark in Khushbagh, and pass through local farmers’ fields to the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal. Back on board, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. As you approach Murshidabad, you’ll notice the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. After a tour, of the palace, visit the 18th-century Katra Mosque, and learn about the Mohammedan rulers. Later, cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar. This evening, enjoy dinner on board. 

Day 7: Mayapur 

Enjoy a restful morning at leisure before a visit to the village of Mayapur, a holy site believed to be the
birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as the incarnation of Krishna. Mayapur is the home of the Krishna Consciousness Movement (ISKON) and is visited by over a million Hari Krishna pilgrims every year. Here you’ll learn about the Hari Krishna, faith, community and culture, and view the construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, just slightly smaller in size than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Return to your river ship for dinner. 

Day 8: Chandannagar 

This morning, cruise to the former French colony of Chandannagar. Stroll along the Chandannagar Strand, visit its 200 year-old church, and the house of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising downstream towards Kolkata. 

Day 9: Disembark Lower Ganges River Cruise, Kolkata, New Delhi

- FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining
  This evening, choose from a range of enticing dining options at your hotel.

After breakfast, back in the bustling city of Kolkata be transferred to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. On arrival be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Stay: Two Nights: Delhi, Taj Palace Hotel

Day 10: New Delhi 

After a morning at leisure, visit the home of a local family to enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Later drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, and visit India Gate. After lunch, drive to the iconic Humayun’s Tomb, one of the most experimental and innovative monuments of its time, which sparked an architectural revolution that would culminate in the building of the Taj Mahal. Tonight, dine at Bukhara Restaurant. 

Day 11: New Delhi, Kochi 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi. Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi has been luring wanderers and traders for over 600 years.

Stay: Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Kochi 

Day 12: Kochi

- FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining
  Tonight choose from a range of tantalising dining options.

Explore Fort Kochi on a guided tour seeing the Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewtown, Paradesi Synagogue and St Francis Church before lunch at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel. Later, see a Kathakali dance performance. 

Day 13: Kochi, Kumarakom 

- FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
  Following lunch, you may choose to learn the secrets of preparing a delicious and traditional Keralan meal, alternatively, you may partake in a lecture on the 5,000- year-old Indian health practice of Ayurveda, ‘a balance between body, mind, spirit, and social wellbeing’. 

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Kumarakom.

Stay: Two Nights: Kumarakom Lake Resort 

Day 14: Kumarakom 

This morning, you may choose to participate in a yoga class to balance your chakras. Later, enjoy a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala which offer an unhurried, laidback travel experience along picturesque lagoons and canals. This was once the most important and economical means of transport and trade in Kerala. This string of interconnected waterways stretches along the Malabar Coast. Calmly glide through the beautiful Vembanad Lake, on board a majestic house boat, past a cluster of islands rich with beauty. Enjoy a seafood dinner this evening. 

Day 15: Kumarakom, Kochi To Mumbai 

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival at the airport in Mumbai, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the city that’s considered to be the most modern in India.

Stay: Oberoi Mumbai Hotel 

Day 16: Mumbai, Embark Deccan Odyssey 

Set out on a tour of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Visit the India Gate, a monument overlooking the Arabian Sea that was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Later transfer to the World Heritage-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and board the Deccan Odyssey for Welcome Drinks. Enjoy free time to explore the train and dinner on board before an overnight journey, waking in Vadodara.

Stay: Seven Nights: Deccan Odyssey 

Day 17: Vadodara 

After breakfast alight your train to explore the World- Heritage listed Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, the only Islamic pre-Mughal city in India that remains unchanged. After lunch back aboard the Deccan Odyssey visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum to see a large number of artworks belonging to the Maratha Royal family and enjoy a high tea at the royal Laxmi Vilas Palace. Enjoy a special folk performance before reboarding your train where your odyssey continues tonight. 

Day 18: Udaipur 

Wake up to breakfast overlooking the Aravali Ranges as you roll into Udaipur, India’s ‘City of the Lake’ also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Nowadays Udaipur is known as the centre for performing arts and crafts. Today join a guided tour including the elaborate City Palace, standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake before lunch back aboard your train. This afternoon explore the Old Town by foot, a perfect opportunity to purchase unique handicrafts from the market including puppets, clothe lanterns, jewellery, wooden boxes, among others. 

Day 19: Jodhpur 

This morning you are spoilt for choicein Jodhpur, the Sun City of Rajasthan. The former capital of the Marwar kingdom, is a beautiful city with the Thar Desert as an epic backdrop. Jodhpur houses some amazing temples, forts and palaces which you will be given the opportunity to see. Visit the Bishnoi tribal village to see traditionalpotters and weavers at work. After lunch prepare to explore the mighty Mehrangarh Fort set on a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain. Explore one of India’s largest forts, including the fascinating museum that houses royal palanquins, armoury, paintings, costumes, and personal belongings of the family of Rao Jodha who built this impressive fort in 1459. Your walking tour takes you to the Turban Gallery and past the Old Clock Tower market and striking havelis. Dinner tonight is a royal affair, a Marwar barbecue held in the maharajah courtyard at the fort. 

Day 20: Agra, Taj Mahal 

- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
  Enjoy a private and exclusive lunch at Taj Khema with sublime views of the Taj Mahal.

Wake this morning in Agra, home to some of the most magnificent architectural gems built by the Mughal emperors during their reign. After a relaxed breakfast, get set to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After lunch pay a visit to the local markets of Agra popular for Mughal-style ornaments with marble- inlay.Reboard the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and overnight stay as you roll towards Ranthambore National Park. 

Day 21: Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park

Following breakfast embark on a morning village walking tour. After lunch visit one of India’s best tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park. Later enjoy high tea at a royal wilderness lodge. 

Day 22: Jaipur 

Today explore the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur which holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With its striking blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, this diverse balance of culture is noticeable throughout all structures, including the beautiful Amber Fort. Visit the Amber Fort, as well as City Palace, and the World Heritage-listed 18th-century observatory, Jantar Mantar. After lunch pay a visit the bustling local market to purchase some local handicrafts. 

Day 23: Disembark Deccan Odyssey, Depart New Delhi

After breakfast disembark the Deccan Odyssey at the Delhi Cantt Railway Station and join a tour of Old Delhi beginning at the highly decorative Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Later, explore the labyrinth of tiny lanes of Shahjahanabad in a cycle-rickshaw. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and relax in the luxury of a day room at a local hotel before your evening transfer to the airport for your onward flight.