Compare Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs Royal Rajasthan Tour by GeTS Holidays

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: Arrival at New Delhi

Our representative will welcome you on arrival at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi - Udaipur (by flight)

Post breakfast check out from hotel for half day sightseeing tour and visit two of Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Firstly, you will visit the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory. Its construction was commenced in 1193 under the supervision of Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top. Proceed towards the Humayun’s Tomb - an early example of Mughal architecture in India that was built in the year 1565. Humayun's Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Then, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Udaipur.

Upon arrival in Udaipur get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and enjoy a day of leisure.

Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 3: Udaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast, get ready for sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Visit City Palace built in 1559, a small palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan; with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose, and visit Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution with a museum, which exhibits collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening in an adjacent open air theater. Next stop will be at Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening is free to relax, optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Ghats at lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola.

Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 4: Udaipur - Jodhpur (268 kms; 6hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 5: Jodhpur

After enjoying breakfast at hotel, leave for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Start with visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. The walls of the fort surround the old city of Jodhpur, and the fort stands 100 feet on a perpendicular cliff and 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur. Fabricated with red sandstone, the fort is a sight to behold. Located close to the fort is Jaswant Thada - a serene white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone that is sculpted by genius artisans. Afterwards, visit the iconic landmark of the town - Clock Tower (otherwise called Ghanta Ghar); close to it is the vibrant and quaint Sadar Market selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 6: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (285 kms; 6-7hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast you will drive to Jaisalmer; en-route visit famous Osiya Mata Temple. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer you will check into your pre-booked hotel and relax.

Overnight at hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 7: Jaisalmer

After breakfast this morning, proceed for Jaisalmer sightseeing with first visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Named after Rao Jaisal who built this hill fort in 1156 AD, this fort attracts visitors from across the world to witness how beautifully it wears different hues of gold as the sun sets. This is why, it is also called the Golden Fort. The iconic yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort is perched high above the desert city of Jaisalmer.

Next, visit the Salim Singh ki Haveli. Built in 1805, it took almost 55 years to be completed. It consists of around 38 balconies differently designed from each other. Now head to Patwon Ki Haveli to witness the beautiful gateways, archways and architecture of this haveli.

Evening, proceed to enjoy a camel ride in the famous Sam Sand Dunes. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 8: Jaisalmer - Jaipur (by flight)

Post breakfast checkout for airport to board your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur. Check-into hotel and relax. Spend rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 9: Jaipur

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravali Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red and pink sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles with fortified walls built for protection from the invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (235 kms; 5hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast drive to Agra; en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its center, the Panch Mahal palace and other important buildings and structures. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Agra.

Day 11: Agra - Delhi (205 kms; 4hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, get ready for Agra sightseeing tour. The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Pay a visit to this beautiful edifice, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife. It is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Then, visit the massive Agra Fort, a historical red sandstone fort and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, that reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers.

Proceed towards Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check into hotel and relax. Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12: Delhi departure

Post breakfast check out for airport to catch your flight for onward destination.