Colors of Rajasthan

Colors of Rajasthan

Discover the mysteries of Rajasthan as you travel from big cities to desert areas, look upon mountains and admire fantastical palaces. Experience Rajasthan’s cultural colours and how they intertwine with its royal past and awe-inspiring architectural creations. See the best of Rajasthan over 8 unforgettable days.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Delhi: Old and New Delhi, a combination of traditional life and modern life during the discovery of the Chandni Chowk Market and the Presidential Palace.

Mandawa: The incredible Havelis with beautifully painted walls.

Jodhpur: Enjoy the "Blue City", visit Fort Mehrangarh and discover the fascinating stories of the royal family.

Jaipur: The capital of Rajasthan, crafts and the beautiful Amber Fort.

Kalakho: Discover the daily life of a small village, its activities and meet its inhabitants.

Agra: The Taj Mahal: the symbol of love engraved in stone.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Pass By: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Upon your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, your tour representative will meet and greet you before directing you to your transfer to your hotel for check-in. Delhi is a bustling metropolis where the past and the present merge, and where the old and the new cities define the capital’s cultural and architectural heritage. Spend the remainder of the day finding this out for yourself as you enjoy an afternoon at leisure, be that making the most of the services available at the hotel or by going out to explore this colourful city.

Overnight in Delhi

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Tauras Sarovar Portico or similar 3*

Day 2: DELHI – MANDAWA (270kms / 7hrs)

Pass By: Hotel Desert N Dunes, 2nd Milestone, Fatehpur Road, Rajasthan 333704, India
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Mandawa, a city most famously known for its beautiful havelis. Upon arrival, check in at your selected hotel. Mandawa has been referred to as the ‘open art gallery’ of the north of India on account of its havelis, the former mansions of rich Marwari traders. These were profusely frescoed inside and outside, and some of these paintings are still today in good shape, continuing to tell stories of everyday life. After lunch (not included), visit Nawalgarh, which was a very prosperous caravan stop on the Silk Route. The village is dominated by a gigantic mediaeval fort, still inhabited by the Raja’s family. The many havelis decorated with colourful frescoes prove the old wealth of this small village. End the day in the evening with a return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Mandawa

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Desert & Dunes or similar 3*

Day 3: MANDAWA – NAGAUR – JODHPUR (350kms / 7hrs)

Pass By: Amargarh Resort by Neelkanth Alura, Pal Rd, Shubham Farm, Bhadu Market, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342003, India
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed by road to Jodhpur, a city located in the heart of the desert. Along the way, make a stop to visit Fort Nagaur. This stunning construction nestled at the foot of a huge fortress of dark red sandstone saw the forces of many conquerors wear out over the centuries. Later, arrive in Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’. See this gorgeous location appear on the horizon of the barren desert of Thar like a comforting oasis to the weary traveller. In the late afternoon, discover the colours and scents of the local bazaar in a tuk-tuk and on foot. The day ends with a return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Jodhpur

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Amargarh or similar 3*

Day 4: JODHPUR – PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (335kms / 7hrs)

Pass By: Souvenir Peppermint Hotel Jaipur, 6, Subhash Nagar, Near Science Park, Near Petrol Pump, Shastri Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302016, India
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the five-kilometre-long Mehrangarh Fort. This 30-metre-high building stands in splendour on a perpendicular cliff 121 metres above the skyline of Jodhpur. At the top of the ramparts, defended by impressive guns, contemplate a splendid view of the blue city below. In the distance, you can see the Umaid Bhawan palace. After lunch (not included) continue by road towards Pushkar. This town clings to the side of Pushkar Lake, an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. A nice, laid back place most of the year, from October to November it comes alive with the huge Pushkar Cattle fair. Visit Pushkar and its temples then walk on the ghats around the lake. Afterwards, continue your journey towards Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. It’s nicknamed the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink paint that covers the buildings of the entire old city. Built on the bed of a dry lake in an arid landscape, the city is surrounded by barren hills, surmounted by fortresses and crenelated ramparts. Arrive in Jaipur in the evening and check in at your selected hotel.

Overnight in Jaipur

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Sovernir Peppermint or similar 3*

Day 5: JAIPUR

Pass By: Souvenir Peppermint Hotel Jaipur, 6, Subhash Nagar, Near Science Park, Near Petrol Pump, Shastri Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302016, India
Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a morning tour of the Amber Fort. Located on a spur overlooking a lake, the Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside, but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely covered with glittering mirror pieces. Admire the frescoes of the Ganesh Pol gate and the colonnade of the Diwan-i-Aam. If you want to add more discovery to your day, join an optional visit to the City Palace, the Palace of Maharajah, a part of which is still inhabited by the Maharaja Family. This stunning building is also home to a collection of beautiful Mughal miniatures. Late in the afternoon, visit the famous Birla temple and in the evening discover the local bazaar. The day ends with your return to the hotel.

Overnight in Jaipur

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Sovernir Peppermint or similar 3*

Day 6: JAIPUR – ABHANERI – KALAKHO (100kms / 3hrs)

Pass By: Ummaid Lake Palace - An Organic Retreat, Kalakho, Post Office Kalakho Dist. Dausa, Jaipur Agra National Highway, Village Kalakho (Area Kandoli), Rajasthan 303304, India
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Kalakho. On the way, discover Abhaneri and its amazing baoris (big reservoirs) and the beautiful Harshat Mata temple. According to legend, the village is called Abhaneri because of the goddess Harshat Mata, whose cheerful portrait is painted in the city and is supposed to bring light or ‘abha’ to all that surrounds her. The original name of the village was Abha Nagri and its current name is Abhaneri. Continue towards Kalakho and check in upon arrival at the hotel in the afternoon. Then go for a walk to discover the village, explore the organic farm (poultry, fish farming, dairy products ...) and wrap the wander up with a cooking demonstration (lunch not included). There is also a demonstration and participation included for those who wish to play cricket with the children of the village or to fly a kite. In the evening, attend the Aarti at the temple of Krishna, and later learn to wear a turban if you’re a man or a saree if you’re a woman.

Overnight in Kalakho

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Umaid Lake Palace or similar 3*

Day 7: KALAKHO – AGRA (164kms / 4hrs)

Pass By: The Retreat, Shilpgram Rd, Near Pratik Enclave, Taj Nagari Phase 1, Telipara, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India
Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel and drive to Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. Today, it houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. At around lunch time, arrive at Agra and check in at your selected hotel. Spend sunset on a sightseeing tour of the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Built four centuries ago by the heartbroken Shah Jahan following the death in childbirth of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument (closed on Fridays). Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, complete the day with an optional visit to the ‘ghost city’ of Fathepur Sikri. This monumental walled city was built by Akbar the Great, the third emperor, to be his capital, but it was abandoned within a few years of its completion due to a lack of water. Today, it is a remarkably well-preserved collection of red sandstone palaces, pavilions and mosques. The buildings present a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, and include the Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti, which speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughals.

Overnight in Agra

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = The Retreat or similar 3*

Cancellation policy

Day 8: AGRA – DEPART DELHI (204kms / 4hrs)

Pass By: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
After one last breakfast at the hotel, set off to Delhi. On arrival, go on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and discover the 17th-century Jama Masjid (‘Friday Mosque’), the largest mosque in India. Then walk through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk to experience the hustle and bustle of a crowded oriental market. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. Once in New Delhi, visit the India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads to the President House, and Bangla Sahib, a beautiful Sikh temple with a magnificent golden dome, to learn more about the fascinating Sikh religion. In the evening, bid farewell to India and join your transfer to Delhi International Airport.

Breakfast included

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.