Rural gems of Rajasthan

You'll be met on arrival at IGI airport. Transfer to your hotel in central Delhi.
Rest of the morning is at leisure, giving you the chance to take in the sights and sounds of bustling Delhi.

Later in the afternoon, we will take a short tuk tuk ride to Sunder Nursery, a 16th century Mughal garden, now restored by Agha Khan trust. This Heritage park consists of 90 acres of beautiful garden, Mughal monuments & diverse Flora & Fauna. We’ll have a walk inside the park that would end at a local café.
Overnight in the hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Jama Masjid, an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, is one of the largest mosques, used as house of worship for Muslims in India.
Take a bicycle rickshaw ride through narrow lanes of Chandni chowk, built 400 years ago by a Mughal princess. It consists of narrow, tangled streets where travellers can hop aboard a rickshaw for an authentic glimpse into this bright dynamic place.
Later we go to a tucked-away Haveli built in 1887, for an authentic Mughlai Lunch.
Return back to hotel in the evening.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

This morning you will drive to Agra, where on arrival you will have lunch at the empowering Sheroes Hangout Café, an establishment which supports women who have been victims of acid attacks and are fighting to stop acid attacks in India.
We’ll visit the mighty Agra Fort, a vast riverside complex comprised of exquisite palaces and mosques. From here we’ll take a Mughal heritage walk through the farming community of Kachhpura, led by a trained specialist guide. The walk ends with some refreshments on the rooftop of a local home where you can enjoy watching the sunset and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Taj Mahal across the river in the far distance.

ACCOMMODATION: Homestay
DRIVE DISTANCE: 240 km

Early this morning you will visit the iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise. This is an extraordinary time of day to visit, as the soft sunlight hits the exquisite marble and semi-precious stones, resulting in a stunning blend of light and colour.
After some breakfast, set off to Bharatpur, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri on the way. On arrival at Bharatpur, board a local train for an exciting journey through the countryside, ending in Ranthambore in the evening.

ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Resort
DRIVE DISTANCE: 240 km
TRAIN DURATION: 2.5 hrs

Today you will explore the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park in search of the Bengal Tigers.
We’ll be taken on a morning and afternoon game drive, accompanied by a naturalist for fantastic wildlife viewing. Ranthambore National Park is centered around the 10th century Ranthambore Fort, and is the only dry deciduous Anogeissus pendula forest that now exists in India. It's India's most picturesque parks, home to the elusive tiger, as well as many other species of wild animals including sloth bears, chital deer, wild boar, caracal, leopards, crocodiles and numerous species of birds.

ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Resort

After breakfast we’ll visit an NGO Dastkar - It is an initiative to resettle communities who had been displaced and lost access to wood, water and farming due to the creation of National park to save the endangered Tigers. The organization had begun work with 2 villages. Today about 360 women from 4 villages are involved with it in the revival of local crafts that include patchwork, block printing, tie-dye, pottery etc.

Later drive to Bundi, known as the 'City of Stepwells'.

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage hotel
DRIVE DISTANCE: 160 km

After breakfast. we’ll head out on a tour of small town of Bundi, which comprises of narrow alleys & streats, colorful vegetable market & stunning Fort.
On the tour we’ll visit Taragarh fort, step well reservoirs & walk through the town.
Bundi is famous for its bangle makers and brass pottery and we’ll visit the craftswomen.

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Hotel

From here we’ll journey further west, crossing the biggest sandstone mining area in India, and make a stop at the the Menal temple complex of the Maurya Dynasty. Here we can see examples of Khajuraho erotic iconography dating back 1,000 years. Later we continue or drive towards Bijaipur to explore rural Rajasthan. We will meet the Bhil tribe and join them for a jeep ride.

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage hotel
DRIVE DISTANCE: 145 km

Drive west towards Udaipur, stopping enroute at Chittorgarh.
The colossal fort built by Rajputs, represents the doomed idea of Rajput chivalry – Jauhar (where widowed women burnt themselves alive along their husbands pyer).
This afternoon we stop for a late lunch at the Real Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s a quirky property that takes you into the world portrayed in the film.
We will then drive a short distance to Udaipur, the Venice of the east. This evening we’ll enjoy a cultural dance performance before having dinner at a local restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel (by the lake)
DRIVE DISTANCE: 151 km

Embark on a morning city tour of Udaipur, the Lake City, as your local guide takes you to visit the highlights of this beautiful city including the City Palace, which was built in 1559 A.D and sits on the edge of Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari gardens, before retiring to your hotel.

The rest of the afternoon is free to either relax at the hotel or explore the fascinating old city full of colourful markets, street food stalls, tradesmen and artisans, shops and cafes.

Later this afternoon you will be taken on a sunset boat cruise on the Lake Pichola, passing by Jag Niwas Island, which is home to the famous Lake Palace Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel (by the lake)

We will stay at Ravla Bhenswara, a charming, friendly and slightly quirky heritage property. Surrounded by arid hills and farmland the region here is populated by the Rabari people, a semi-nomadic shepherd tribe.
In the afternoon we’ll climb into our 4x4s and drive through the region to visit the semi-nomadic Rabari people and learn a little about their way of life, before continuing on a night time drive where we will spot wildlife in the surrounding hills and enjoy a sundowner together.

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage homestay
DRIVE DISTANCE: 220 km

Today you will drive towards the Thar desert where the night will be spent under the stars in a luxury desert camp.

You drive through the sand dunes while visiting the nearby villages to experience real rural life.
In the evening, take a short camel ride and catch the sun setting over the sand dunes, followed by traditional cultural program and dinner along the camp fire.

ACCOMMODATION: Luxury Camping
DRIVE DISTANCE: 215 km

This morning we drive to Jodhpur, where the impregnable fortress commands a superb panorama of the surrounding countryside (approximately 5 hours). The city itself has a unique atmosphere, with many fine old buildings and temples. Jodhpurs, those trousers-cum- riding breeches, are named after the horsemen of this city.

Enroute we visit Bishnoi villages, renowned for their protection of wild animals and non-felling of trees. We’ll have a tradition welcome ceremony at a house.

Reach Jodhpur by late afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
DRIVE DISTANCE: 100 km

Visit the majestic Meherangarh Fort today, stopping at the royal cenotaph Jaswhat Thada en route. The Meherangarh Fort sprawls across a 125m high-hill, just one kilometre from Jaswhat Thada, and is entered through a series of seven gates built by the reigning Jodhpur Maharajas who each extended to the fort over the centuries.

You will then take a heritage walk down to the famous ‘blue’ old city to visit the central bazaar which sprawls from the clock tower.
This evening you’ll visit a local family for a cooking class, followed by dinner.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

After a relaxed breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Delhi.

Afternoon is free to explore Delhi markets on your own. Tour leader will organize a farewell dinner, where you cherish your tour memories.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
FLIGHT DURATION: 1 hr 20 mnts

Transfer to international airport to board your flight for onward destination.