Compare Classic Rajasthan by Intrepid Travel vs The Glory of Rajasthan by Memorable India
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 15 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 1,249 | $ 475 |
Price Per Day | $ 83 | $ 53 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided 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 | N/A | N/A |
Description |
The enchanting northern state of Rajasthan is awash with all the colours of India. On our classic adventure, we discover the fierce history of massive forts and the opulence and splendour of Maharajahs' palaces. Stroll markets, search for the elusive Bengal tiger, enjoy a shared meal with a family in Pushkar, and soak up the culture of the local people. This is truly the essence of Rajasthan. |
In the calm waters of the Kerala with the lush greenery of tall coconut palms for the backdrop, and the faint tropical breeze that caresses your face as you cruse through backwaters of god’s own country. What better way to explore this exotic land of Keralathan in the traditional houseboat or the Kettuvalam in local tongue. With an expanse of water that covers nearly 1500 kms, encompassing 5 lakes and 38rivers, the beauty of this region is truly worth witnessing on water than on land. |
Day 1 Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early and have the day free, consider joining one of our Urban Adventures for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, maybe head out for your first optional dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Day 2 Delhi
This morning, you'll navigate the city’s metro system and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest, and escape the city streets by ducking into a Sikh temple, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all, and there's a chance to have a simple meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.
Day 3 Agra
Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great emperor. For a meal that makes a difference, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout, a remarkable social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks.
Day 4 Madhogarh
Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local craftspeople at work making resin bangles. These families are from the Lakhera community and in Hindu mythology, Lakheras are considered to be created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.
Day 5 Jaipur
Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur. When you arrive, take a walk around the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After the tour, you'll have further free time to spend as you wish.
Day 6 Jaipur
Today is a full free day that you can jam-pack with experiences of your choice. This morning, you could take an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to experience a Bollywood film.
Day 7 Ranthambhore National Park
Continuing on from Jaipur by private vehicle, head to Ranthambhore this morning. Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and was one of the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park’s 10th-century fort, and in the evening take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area and spottings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.
Day 8 Bundi
Today, you'll travel to Bundi by private vehicle. When you arrive, navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an insightful walking tour, including wandering through the downtown market and meeting jewellery merchants, street dentists, and fabric dealers. Learn the secret of chai making from a local chai master and try a fresh brew. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and intricate step wells (baori), an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the 16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.
Day 9 Paangarh Lake
Take off from Bundi and take a local train to Bassi. cross the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. Enjoy the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore - a truly relaxing experience away from the chaos of India's cities.
Day 10 Bijaipur
This morning we drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past tranquil villages. You might be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife as we drive through the region. Meet some villagers and maybe even get a henna tattoo - a temporary but very traditional souvenir. Arrive at our next heritage stay and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties.
Day 11 Udaipur
Depart the heritage stay and begin your next journey by private vehicle takes us to Udaipur. Take in the city’s hills, lakes, and white marble palaces, or delve into its twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods, and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you here. After a city walk with your leader, the rest of your day is free.
Day 12 Udaipur
Visit Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Some suggestions for your free time after the tour include an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to marvel at the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir and seeing a cultural performance that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances in the evening.
Day 13 Pushkar
Today, take an air-conditioned train to Ajmer and then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar, a place synonymous with Rajasthan. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, share a meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore further.
Day 14 Pushkar - Delhi
Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town this morning. Board the Shatabdi Express train, departing Ajmer around 2 pm for the trip back to Delhi, arriving at around 10:40 pm. Transfer to the hotel on arrival for your final night of the trip.
Day 15 Delhi
There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Day 1: Delhi
On your arrival to our incredible country, our representative will arrange for the transfer to you hotel and assist you with the check-in process. The day is free to rest and rejuvenate before we begin of tour.
Day 2: Delhi - Jaipur
For our first leg of this tour, we travel to Jaipur in the morning. After completing check-in procedures at the hotel, we shall tour the attractions in the city such as the City Palace that is adorned with beautiful courtyards, its museum that is home to rare collections of the royal family of Jaipur and the astronomical observatory called the Jantar Mantar. A drive-through visit to the Hawa Mahal, before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 3: Jaipur
Amber Fort, once the capital of the princely state of Jaipur is a few km away from the city. Today, we travel to this fort, and attempt a journey back in time when the fort actually looked into the affairs of the state and protected the people living within its walls. Experience the royalty at the fort, by taking an elephant tour of the fort, just like the kings did once upon a time. The remainder of the day is free and we recommend the markets of Jaipur city for a visit. The night will also be spent in Jaipur at the hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur - Bikaner
Our next leg of our journey, we travel to the city of Bikaner. After checking in to the hotel, we visit the Junagarh Fort. The fort is unique for it is built directly on the desert itself. And a trip to the desert is not complete, if you do not see a camel. So, we take you to the Camel Breeding Farm in the city where you can see the camels graze and spot a herd of camels returning to their resting places while the Sun quietly sets in the background.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
After a night’s rest and a delicious breakfast at Bikaner, we travel to Jaisalmer. The sandstone walls, beautiful havelis and lack of modernisation in terms of architecture make this city picturesque. The tour of the city includes a visit to the Fort Palace Museum, temples, Gadisar Lake and Patwaonki Haveli. We retire at the hotel for the night fully aware that there is more to see in this city.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
After breakfast we head to Jaisalmer Fort and then tour the many beautiful havelis the city is known for. Gorgeous frescoes on the walls of these havelis make them stunning showpieces for every visitor. As the evening comes near, we take a camel ride to the sand dunes and visit the Sun Set point. After seeing the desert sand glitter and then dark, we return to the hotel and prepare for an early start.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Early breakfast and then, with the rising Sun, we travel to the Sun City of Jodhpur. We have reserved some time for rest at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort and then visit the royal cenotaphs at Jaswant Thada. These white marble structures over 120 years old commemorate the then ruler of Jodhpur, Maharaja Jaswant Singh.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Udaipur
We travel to Udaipur today, the last leg of our tour. On our way, we will visit the Jain temple of Ranakpur. After reaching Udaipur and completing the hotel formalities, you can enjoy some peace and quiet at Lake Pichola. Called the City of Lakes, Udaipur is set with a backdrop of Aravali hills and the scenery of the place itself brings tranquillity to one and all.
Day 9: Udaipur
Our guided tour will take you the City Palace and its museum and the Jagdish temple. One final glimpse of royalty, when you visit the Sahelionki Bari, the garden which was maintained as a meeting place for the women folk.
We say goodbyes here as you travel ahead to further explore our incredible country, our customs, our traditions and our glory.