Rajasthan Explorer Journey

Arrive in Delhi, clear airport formalities and meet our local representative who welcomes us to India’s bustling capital. We transfer from the airport to our city hotel, check in and unwind. You can settle in at leisure and prepare for the journey ahead. Later – when you’re ready – we meet our guide for an overview of the itinerary and practical tips about the local area.

We begin at India Gate – the memorial to Indian soldiers of the First World War – exploring its history and role today. We then drive past the President’s House and Parliament for a glimpse of the nation’s political heart, with grand colonial avenues on display. At Humayun’s Tomb – the first Mughal garden tomb and a UNESCO World Heritage site – we see the design that later inspired the Taj Mahal. We visit a major Sikh gurdwara to experience its calm and learn about langar, the community kitchen. Joining locals, we ride the metro from Connaught Place to Old Delhi, then walk through Chandni Chowk – lanes scented with spices and lined with textiles and crafts. We continue to Chawri Bazar, known for brass, copper and paper goods, its energy reflecting Old Delhi’s mercantile past. Along the way we taste classic street–food snacks and uncover the flavours behind Delhi’s famed cuisine. A rickshaw threads us through narrow lanes to Jama Masjid – a lively way to arrive at one of India’s largest mosques – where we admire its vast courtyard, elegant architecture and city views.

We leave Delhi for Agra, driving through rural Uttar Pradesh past small towns and fields towards the city of the Taj Mahal. We pause at Sheroes Hangout Café – run by survivors of acid attacks – for an included lunch that supports this inspiring social enterprise. We then join a guided heritage walk through Kachhpura village and nearby farmland across the Yamuna from the Taj, learning about daily life, traditional homes and cottage industries. We end with a gentle stroll in Mehtab Bagh for sunset views of the Taj Mahal across the river.

At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal – soft light and fewer visitors enhance the experience – and hear the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal while admiring exquisite marble inlay. From Agra we drive into rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth and our heritage palace hotel. With our guide we explore village life, browsing local shops and wandering traditional streets. Before dinner we enjoy a cooking demonstration at Suroth Mahal, discovering how classic dishes are prepared in this historic setting.

We depart Suroth for Jaipur, pausing at Abhaneri to explore Chand Baori – one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells – and to admire the mesmerising geometry of its tiered steps. We continue to Jaipur, where you have free time to relax at the heritage hotel or wander nearby streets and markets at your own pace.

We explore Amber Fort, the hilltop palace overlooking Jaipur, wandering through ornate courtyards and halls of marble and sandstone. We then discover Jantar Mantar – the eighteenth century astronomical park where monumental instruments chart celestial movement and measure time. We continue to the City Palace to learn about the rulers who shaped the city and to browse its museums and courtyards. We stroll the walled city to watch jewellers, silversmiths and textile workshops at work. You can browse the colourful bazaars. We round things off at a block printing workshop, seeing designs pressed by hand onto fabric and trying a simple pattern with carved wooden blocks.

We drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park and explore the reserve on a shared canter in search of Bengal tigers and a variety of other wildlife.

At dawn we return to the park for the best chance of wildlife sightings in the cool morning light. Later we explore Ranthambore Fort – a historic hilltop stronghold with sweeping views – whose temples and ruins add rich context to the landscape. In the afternoon you can relax at the lodge or wander through nearby village areas – a gentle interlude after your wildlife adventures.

We travel from Ranthambore to the sacred town of Pushkar on the edge of the Thar Desert. On arrival we explore Pushkar Lake and its ghats – revered pilgrimage sites – and visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few shrines dedicated to the creator god.

We continue to Jodhpur, the Blue City, travelling through desert scenery and rural communities. This afternoon you can explore the blue–washed lanes or browse local markets at your own pace – the old city is wonderfully photogenic.

We walk through Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s most imposing hill forts, learning about the Rathore rulers and taking in panoramic views over the city. We continue to Jaswant Thada – a serene marble cenotaph with intricate carvings – then delve into the old city to find temples, stepwells and colourful bazaars, sampling local sweets and watching daily market life. In the afternoon you can wander the blue–washed lanes or browse the markets at your own pace.

We travel to Ranakpur, a peaceful valley renowned for its intricate Jain temples, passing scenic countryside along the way. We explore the Chaturmukha Jain Temple – celebrated for white marble pillars and delicate carvings – and learn about Jain traditions. We then continue to Udaipur, the lakeside city of palaces and romantic vistas, and settle into our hotel. You have free time to stroll along the lakeside or relax at the hotel – sunsets here are beautiful.

We explore the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, where ornate balconies, tranquil courtyards and museums reveal the legacy of the Mewar rulers. We visit Jagdish Temple, a major shrine to Lord Vishnu renowned for intricate stone carving. Later we take a boat across Lake Pichola to Jagmandir Island for superb lakeside views. Afterwards you can stroll along the waterfront or relax back at the hotel – Udaipur is famed for its sunsets.

You have free time to wander along the lakeside or unwind at the hotel – the sunsets are especially beautiful. Later we transfer to the railway station and board the overnight sleeper to Delhi, settling into our berths and experiencing Indian rail travel as we journey through the night.

We arrive in Delhi and the tour concludes – if you wish to stay on, you can arrange additional nights or onward travel.