Compare Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs 17 Days Discover North and South India Tour by HolidaysAt
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 1,800 | $ 1,780 |
| Price Per Day | $ 138 | $ 105 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included on this trip. Where meals are not supplied, our tour leaders always encourage people to try local restaurants and street-food vendors − allow at least 1,400-2,400 Indian rupees (approximately US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. In Jaipur, Udaipur and Delhi, you can even see how food and drink, such as samosa (mashed potato snacks), jalebe (Indian doughnuts) and lassi (yoghurt drink), are made. In most towns, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western-style food. If you are vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 300-400 rupees (approximately US$4-US$5). Mineral water is available in the bus in large containers. Please bring a water bottle with you to refill. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. |
16 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner |
| Description |
Immerse yourself in Rajasthan, known as the Land of Kings for its countless palaces, forts and monuments to warriors past. On this culture-packed adventure, we visit the imposing forts of Jodhpur and Jaipur, which bear testament to the battles that once raged here, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and search Ranthambore National Park for another regal resident: the elusive Bengal tiger. The departures starting in Delhi on 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 include a visit to the Pushkar Fair. See the itinerary here. Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur, followed with dinner by the lake, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. The selected departures on this trip start in Delhi on 13 October 2024 and 15 December 2024.Discover the domain of the maharajas, exploring regal residences, seeing the Taj Mahal and searching for tigers |
Uncover the delights of most visited north India destinations Delhi, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, holy city Pushkar with Ajmer, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. Visit historic Fort Kochi and the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters. |
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
On the day of arrival at the New Delhi airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at the airport and later transfer to the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: At New Delhi
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to New & Old Delhi, visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple (Bhai’s Temple) and Qutub Minar. After lunch at local city restaurant, later proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing tour visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and Red Fort also take a short rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk spice market and huge market for clothes.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3: New Delhi - Jodhpur (By Flight)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later our Holidays At representative will meet you and transfer to New Delhi airport to board the flight for Jodhpur. Upon arrival at Jodhpur airport, our Holidays At representative will meet you and transfer to the Hotel for night stay. After relax at the Hotel, later proceed for guided tour to Jodhpur, visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace (Now converted into luxury the Hotel), Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Clock Tower, Old City Markets, Mandore Temple and Mandore Gardens, Balsamand Lake and Kailana Lake.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (260 Kms / 5:30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Udaipur via en-route visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples, built in 12 Century. After finish your temples visit at Ranakpur, later continue drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: At Udaipur
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to Udaipur, visit City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Fateh Sagar Lake, Ambrai Ghat, Jagdish Temple, Udaipur Ropeway, Shilpgram, Vintage collection of classic car museum, Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Enjoy boat ride at lake pichola.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Pushkar (325 Kms / 6:30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Pushkar via en-route visit to Chittorgarh Fort, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Victory Tower, Meerabai Temple, Meerabai Temple, Tower of Fame, Padmini's Palace, Chittaurgarh Museum & Jaimal and Patta Palaces. After finish your tour to Chittorgarh, later drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival at Pushkar check in the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7: Pushkar - Ajmer - Jaipur (150 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed half day guided tour to Pushkar, visit Pushkar Lake, Brahma temple, Savitri temple Mahadev Temple, Varah Temple, Ramavaikunth Temple, Rangji Temple and the Apteshwar Temple. Later afternoon check out from the Hotel and drive to Jaipur via en-route visit to Ajmer Dargah Shareef “shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti” and Adhey-Din-Ka Jhonpara - a mosque. Later continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur check in the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8: At Jaipur
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour of Jaipur, visit Amber Fort with elephant ride, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple, Central Museum and Laxmi Narayan Temple. After finish your sightseeing tour to Jaipur later drive back to the Hotel for night stay.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (238 Kms / 5 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Agra “City of Love”. Via en-route visit to Fatehpur sikri, the oldest deserted town built by Mughal Kingdom in 1571 and bulit by red stone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti also visit Diwane e Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After finish your sightseeing tour to Fatehpur Sikri, later proceed for Agra. Upon arrival at Agra Check in the Hotel for night stay. Evening enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj - the saga of love”, in Agra.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Agra - New Delhi (220 Kms / 3:30 Hrs)
Early morning before breakfast Sunrise visit the world’s most popular and beautiful monument Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. After finish your guided tour to Taj Mahal, later back to the Hotel and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and proceed for half day guided tour to Agra, visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Octagonal Tower, Jahangir's Palace, Chini ka Rauza and Sikandra Fort. After finish your sightseeing tour at Agra, later drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi Check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11: New Delhi - Cochin (By Flight)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later our Holidays At representative will meet you at the Hotel and transfer to New Delhi airport to board the flight for Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at airport and later transfer to the Hotel for night stay. After relax at the Hotel, later proceed for half day guided tour at Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, St.Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Pallipuram Fort, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, Indo Portuguese Museum. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12: Cochin - Munnar (130 Kms / 4 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Munnar “Scenic hills of Kerala” and en-route enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls of Kerala, with high mountains and the low flying clouds passing by. Upon arrival at Munnar check in the Hotel for night stay. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13: At Munnar
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Munnar visiting the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Old Munnar Town and the town market. Evening enjoy the walk at Tea Estate or free for own activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 14: Munnar - Periyar (98 Kms / 3.30 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India's which covers 777 Sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) for a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival at Periyar check in the Hotel for night stay. Later proceed for short trip to Periyar visit Bamboo Rafting & Border Hiking.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 15: Periyar - Kumarakom (113 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom check in the Hotel for night stay. Later proceed for Kumarakom sightseeing tour visit Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Island, Juma Masjid and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Relax at the Hotel or day free to leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 16: Kumarakom - Alleppey (32 Kms / 1 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast at the Hotel, later check out from the Hotel and proceed for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey for day and night. Upon arrival at Alleppey check in your houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, later lunch at the houseboat. Enjoy the evening with dinner at the houseboat and rest of the day and night at the houseboat.
Overnight at the Houseboat.
Day 17: Alleppey - Cochin (60 Kms / 1:30 Hrs) and Departure
Today morning after breakfast at the houseboat, later check out from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport to board the flight to your home.
