Compare Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs Classic Rajasthan by Breathtakers Tours

Day 1 Start Delhi; free time

The group flight arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and we transfer to our hotel approximately 35 minutes away. You can normally check in around midday. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location on your arrival (the information will also be posted in the hotel lobby). Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

Day 2 Morning sightseeing in Delhi; afternoon transfer to Ranthambore

This morning we visit the walled city of Old Delhi; crowded, full of activities and still influenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. We visit the 17th-century Jama Mosque (the largest mosque in India) and Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We also see India Gate and the vast colonial buildings as we navigate the city. In the afternoon we transfer to Ranthambore National Park (approximately 6 hours drive). 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. Sadly, 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. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

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

Today we leave Ranthambore and drive to Bundi, a delightful town with a rustic setting on the Azavali foothills. It is best known for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwells that were used to collect water during the monsoon centuries ago. In the afternoon, we visit Bundi Fort, 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. (Approximately four hours' drive) Accommodation: Ishwari Niwas Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 To Udaipur

Today we set off on our 145mi (235km) journey to 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 travellers as the most romantic city in India. (Approximately five hours' drive). 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. We 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

Following the scenic road out of the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur, we head towards Jodhpur. On the way, we visit the 15th-century Jain temple at Ranakpur. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It 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 an immense wall almost 6mi (10km) in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. (Approximately seven hours' drive). Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 To the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar

First thing in the morning, we visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, from where you will have 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 Festival. 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. (Approximately six hours' drive). Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar) Pushkar Festival 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 festival. Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in ensuite Swiss Cottage Tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom. The facilities are basic and on occasion hot water and electricity can be limited but your leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals will be included. 

Day 9 Morning sightseeing; afternoon drive to Jaipur

In the morning, we do some sightseeing; 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 Bramha temple ensure salvation. In the afternoon, we drive to Jaipur. (Approximately three hours' drive) Accommodation: Lily Pool - 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 locally 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

A day of sightseeing. The Pink City of Jaipur is 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. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear; it will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything! Accommodation: Lily Pool - The heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Afternoon visit Agra Fort

This morning we transfer to Agra (approximately four and a half hours). On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city of Emperor Akbar. 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 will 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

We have a 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 is often the highlight for many guests and no trip to the region would be complete with out seeing this impressive feat of architecture and history. Later, we will take the train from Agra to Delhi. Depending on the train schedule, we will arrive into Delhi early afternoon or early evening. Your Leader will advise the journey times with you. It's your last night together so your 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. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer. 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 IN DELHI

Flight detail – To Be Advised

Meals Included – None

Welcome to Delhi!

On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met on arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport terminal, our representative will receive you at the visitor’s lounge, with a paging sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight at Delhi.

DAY 2 DELHI

Meals Included – Breakfast

Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more obvious. Seven cities haveexisted here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British during 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens architecture, is a spacious and well-designed metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs. Today start the drive along with Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; lined with ornamental canals the views in both directions are imposing. Drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Standing at the crest of Raisina Hill, Lutyen’s 20th Century architectural masterpiece was built for the viceroy during British rule and is now the President’s residence. Thereafter visit to Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad. Visit by rickshaw ride the chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, where trading continues in the maze of shops as it has done over the Centuries. Stop at the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. Afternoon visit one of the most inspirational monuments of Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb. The earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. Surrounded by well maintained gardens it is a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit. End the day with visit to the majestic Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. A holy place for Sikhs across the world, the holy waters of its pond are believed to have healing properties. The Gurudwara grounds include a community temple, a community kitchen, a school, a library and an art gallery. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DAY 3 DELHI – NAWALGARH

Journey Time: Approx .5 hour drive

Meals Included – Breakfast

Today you will commence your drive to Nawalgarh Fondly known as "the land of Havelis" or "open air art gallery", this miniature town of Nawalgarh is located around 30 kms away from the town of Jhunjhunu and does absolute justice to the name given to it. It is said that the Marwaris who were off to cosmo cities like Bombay and Calcutta in search of work, used to send their hard earned money back to their homes in Nawalgarh. When their businesses started to flourish, they sent back artists to Nawalgarh in order to build plush palaces and show off their wealth. This lead to the rich architecture of this little town in Rajasthan. On arrival check- in at Hotel. Afternoon proceed for the city tour of Havelis and palaces around the place. Overnight stay at hotel in Nawalgarh.

DAY 4

NAWALGARH – BIKANER

Journey Time – Approx. 5.5 hours drive

Meals Included – Breakfast

Today commence your drive to Bikaner and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Located in the midst of Thar Desert, Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveller's haven". The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering its beautiful sand dunes and captivate you with its ancient palaces and forts. Rightly called as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, opulent havelis and depicts a pleasing bygone era of the Rajputs. Best known as the "camel country" for breeding some best-known riding camels, Bikaner also happens to house one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British in World War Afternoon start the sightseeing of Bikaner with visit to Junagarh Fort - An impregnable bastion that holds the distinction of having never been captured. It was constructed in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s most distinguished generals. The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble and visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. Later visit Lallgarh Palace and Museum. Maharaja Ganga Singh commissioned the construction of this majestic palace. This architectural marvel is made entirely of red sandstone and was built in 1902 to commemorate his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The design was conceptualised by Sir Swinton Jacob, who created this oriental fantasy by blending Rajputana, Islamic and European architecture. End the day with a visit to Jain Temple. Overnight stay at hotel in Bikaner.

DAY 5 BIKANER – JAISALMER

Journey Time – Approx. 5 hours drive

Meals Included – Breakfast & Dinner

Today commence your drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples. Evening is at your leisure. Dinner at resort Overnight stay at hotel in Jaisalmer.

DAY 6 JAISALMER

Meals Included – Breakfast

Today start the sightseeing of Jaisalmer with a visit to Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila. It is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer City. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it originates its name. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar Desert. Thereafter visit The Patwon Ji ki Haveli, it is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. Afterwards visit Jain Temples, the marvelous treasures of the desert city. Having archaeological value as well as religious sentiments associated with it. Dating back to the 12th and 15th century, these temples have intricate designs on it. Later afternoon enjoy the Camel ride on Sand dunes. Dinner will be at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaisalmer.

DAY 7 JAISALMER – JODHPUR

Journey Time – 5 hours drive

Included – Breakfast

Today you will be commence your drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Evening at Leisure Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

DAY 8 JODHPUR - UDAIPUR

Journey Time – 5.5 hours drive

Included – Breakfast

Post breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Mehrangarh Fort. Epitomizing the romance and feudal splendor of Rajasthan with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort towering over it, the city of Jodhpur was once a flourishing trade center for opium, silk and copper. Painted a brilliant shade of blue, Jodhpur is the last bastion of fort ramparts, colorful bazaars, animated people with their storytelling traditions before the desert sands and dunes stretch away towards the horizon. After sightseeing commence your drive to Udaipur and en-route stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples (Temple opens at 12 noon). Set in a secluded wooded valley of the Aravali Hills, the 15th century Ranakpur Temple complex is one of the five great holy places of the Jain faith. The grand scale and the sheer architectural complexity of the white marble temple along with its exquisite sculptural ornamentation makes it the single most impressive example of Indian temple architecture - it is a hymn in marble. Each of the temple’s pillars is carved with different patterns of floral motifs and the play of light and shadow on the pillars as the sun moves is one of the glories of this monument. After sightseeing continue drive to Udaipur and on arrival check in at your hotel. Udaipur is an oasis nestled in the lap of the Aravalli Mountain range and has a tranquil serenity that belies its tumultuous past. Udaipur, originally a thriving caravanserai later became a capital of local, royal clans. Udaipur’s serene lakes, beautiful gardens and magnificent palaces lend it a nostalgia that has often earned it the acclaim of being one of the most romantic places in the world. Apart from a place in history, Udaipur has been immortalized in contemporary culture in iconic films from Jewel in the Crown, James Bond’s Octopussy to Gandhi. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

DAY 9 UDAIPUR

Included – Breakfast

Begin your day with visit to the City Palace. City Palace is blend of stern Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art. This is the largest palace in Rajasthan sprawled out over an area of 5 acres, built between the 16th and 20th centuries. From here continue on towards the Jagdish Temple, a three-storied wonder of architecture comprising of an intricately sculpted spire, beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings and painted walls dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer in Hindu mythology. Afternoon visit Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. The Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans. After temple visit return to Udaipur and enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

DAY 10 UDAIPUR – JAIPUR

Drive –Approx. 6 hours

Meals Included – Breakfast & Lunch

Post breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute Lunch at Bijayniwas Palace. On arrival at Jaipur check-in at Hotel. Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well-planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-colored terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

DAY 11 JAIPUR

Meals Included – Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11 km north of the City. Now a deserted complex crowning the crest of a hill with panoramic views, Amber Fort is extremely well preserved and a fascinating place to explore. The forts majestic ramparts follow the natural contours of the ridge and the palace is full of hidden gems – the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors), Jas Mandir with its latticed windows and glass inlay work and Zenana. Thereafter visit the opulent Maharaja's City Palace which occupies the heart of Jai Singh II’s city and has been home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. A superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the interiors of the Palace are lavishly furnished and decorated and the Museum houses a fabulous collection of textiles, art and crafts and arms. Afterwards visit Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer, in 1728. End the day with visit to Hawa Mahal Palace also known as Palace of Winds. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 12 JAIPUR – AGRA

Journey Time – Approx. 5.5 hours drive

Meals Included – Breakfast

Today commence your drive to Agra and en-route stop at Chand Baori (Step well) at Abhaneri village. Chand Baori is the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and probably India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old After sightseeing commence your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at your hotel, Agra, a city whose origins can be traced back to the days of the Mahabharata (the epic poem of Great India). Agra, part of the Delhi Sultanate was captured by a Persian-Turkic emperor, made into a capital and later gained prominence under Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see Taj Mahal from opposite side of Yamuna River. Mehtab Bagh garden – which legend claims was to be site of a Black Taj that the emperor Shah Jahan wished to build for himself, facing the monument he’d built for his love. Instead the Mehtab Bagh is a four garden layout, typical of Mughal constructions worldwide – with beautiful flowering plants, pools and fountains. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

DAY 13 AGRA – DELHI

Journey Time – Approx. 4.5 hours drive

Meals Included – Breakfast

Early morning visit Taj Mahal for during sunrise. Taj Mahal – the magnificent mausoleum, which the emperor Shahjahan had built for his queen, Mumtaz and India’s own jewel in the list of 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Let our storyteller guide weave tales of Agra and the mausoleum, as also the romance between Shahjahan and Mumtaz. Return to hotel for breakfast. Morning start the sightseeing of Agra with a visit to Agra Fort – one of the most important and robustly built stronghold of the Mughals, embellished with a number of richly decorated buildings – the Agra Fort. Let our guide tell you the rich, evocative Mughal history of Agra Fort, where emperors like Babar, Humayun, Akbar, among other historic characters take centrestage. Thereafter visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah - Follow the road less traveled with Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble tomb built for the grandfather of Mumtaz (the queen interred at the Taj Mahal) also known as Baby Taj, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. After sightseeing commence your drive to Delhi and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DAY 14 DELHI - ONWARDS DESTINATION

Flight: To be advised

Meals Included – Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to airport for flight to onwards destination.

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