= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Northern India | Splendours of Rajasthan
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Click to download PDF itinerary:
14 days / 13 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Delhi | 3 |
| Agra | 1 |
| Jaipur | 3 |
| Chhatra Sagar | 2 |
| Jodhpur | 2 |
| Udaipur | 2 |
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
A warm A&K welcome to India’s northern gateway, and private transfer to the hotel. With a rich Moghul history and vestiges of its colonial past, India’s capital is today a vibrant metropolis.
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 2 Delhi
This morning join a local expert on a stroll through the lively alleyways of Old Delhi dating to the 16th century and formerly known as Shahjahanabad. Start in the magnificent Red Fort, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Construction of the fort begun in 1638 under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it took 10 years to complete and was originally the residence of the royal family. It covers an impressive area with many different structures within its walls (pavilions, colonnades, public chambers and private apartments) and its design an elegant blend of Persian, European and Indian influences. Continue through Chandni Chowk market, past Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India, through the by-lanes of the walled city ending in the colourful spice market – a sensory experience.
In the afternoon, drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by Edwin Lutyens in1920. Lutyens' Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house. The Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and is now the official residence of the President of India. View India Gate, a memorial arch built in honour of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, and finish at the 12th century Qutb Minar complex (B).
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 3 Design Your Day Delhi
See more of what defines this surprising city and choose one of the following activities: a hands-on culinary experience with chef Jyoti. Participate in a cooking class and enjoy the delicious home cooked meal with her, at the same time gaining a glimpse of contemporary India from an urban perspective. Or a shopping tour, sure to unearth many a treasure. Delhi is the epicentre for handicrafts from all over the country with good buys including precious stones, leather, jewellery, carpets, Kashmiri lacquerware and pashminas. Alternatively visit Deepalaya, a local A&K Philanthropy sponsored primary school making a difference to young lives (B).
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 4 Delhi – Agra
Leave Delhi by road and visit the tomb of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route to Agra (approx 4.5 hour drive). This afternoon visit the vast pale pink sandstone complex of the Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar with imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and a moat. The day finishes in splendour at India’s most magnificent monument, the Taj Mahal, just as the sun is setting. The monument is the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630, said to have taken at least 22 years to build. You’ll have your own personal view from your hotel balcony (B).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)
Day 5 Agra – Jaipur
Rise early for one last glimpse of the Taj Mahal as the morning light bathes the marble dome and minarets in a soft glow. Drive to the 16th century sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, a well preserved Moghul palace city, before arriving in the pink city of Jaipur late afternoon (B,L).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 6 Jaipur
Today visit the spectacular 500 year old Amber Fort imperiously positioned on a magnificent hilltop. Afterwards head to the nearby forest reserve of Dera Amer for an elephant safari through the bush. A champagne breakfast or lunch is included afterwards.
This afternoon visit Jaipur’s major sights, the 18th century City Palace, the Palace of the Winds and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Opportunity to take a rickshaw ride through the old streets (B).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 7 Design Your Day Jaipur
There’s much to see in the city so tailor this day to suit. Choose one of the following activities. A private cooking class in the home of a local family, a walking tour of the city including the spice and vegetable market or keen shoppers can avail themselves of a car and driver to check out the traditional crafts, silver, gemstones, textiles, marble and pottery which Jaipur is famous for (B,L).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 8 Jaipur – Chhatra Sagar
Journey by road into the countryside to the Rajasthani tented camp of Chhatra Sagar located on the edge of a hundred year old reservoir (approx 5-6 hours drive). Surrounded by lush fields of wheat, mustard, cotton and chillies, Chhatra Sagar offers luxury accommodation in sumptuous hand stitched tents with painted timber floors (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)
Day 9 Chhatra Sagar
A relaxing change from the hustle and bustle that pervades India, a stay here is a time to recharge the batteries and learn about rural life in Rajasthan. There are tours of the nearby village by open top jeep, seeing local cottage industries in action, the village school and the camp’s organic vegetable farm plus bird watching and nature walks. End the day around an inviting bonfire (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)
Day 10 Chhatra Sagar – Jodhpur
Continue by road to the blue city of Jodhpur (approx 3 hours drive), situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert. This afternoon visit the former traditional seat of the Marwar rulers, the imposing Mehrangarh Fortress which perches in stately grandeur above the city. Close to the fort complex see Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph built to commemorate a 19th century Maharajah (B).
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Palace Room)
Day 11 Jodhpur
Travel into the desert by jeep to visit a Bishnoi village and learn of their interesting philosophy for living – a devotion to eco-friendliness and wild life protection, observe their farming methods and visit a local carpet maker. Finish the excursion with lunch at the Palace Rohet Garh. Your afternoon is at leisure in Jodhpur (B,L).
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Palace Room)
Day 12 Jodhpur – Udaipur
Continue the journey south today to the most romantic Rajasthani city, Udaipur, visiting the important site of the Ranakpur temples en route (B).
Taj Lake Palace (Luxury Room)
Day 13 Udaipur
A city full of palaces, temples and havelis there is much to see. There’s an introduction to the most important sites including the City Palace complex with its exquisite inlaid work, mirrored walls and marble balconies, the Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens and the Crystal Gallery Museum. The afternoon is at leisure with time to enjoy your iconic palace hotel. Alternatively you may choose one of our recommended options, a cooking demonstration in a local home followed by a late lunch or a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (B).
Taj Lake Palace (Luxury Room)
Day 14 Udaipur – Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the return flight* to Delhi for onward connections (B).
*Flight not included
Optional Extension
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'India | Jaisalmer Extension'
View our 'India | Varanasi Extension'
Notes: Itinerary departs daily (Wednesday - Saturday).
Chhatra Sagar closed 01 April - 30 September, guests travelling at this time stay at Mihirgarh and Udaipur instead.
Compulsory Christmas and New Years Eve dinner supplements apply.
Enquire Now
Deepalaya School
Rambagh Palace’s legendary Polo Bar
The glamour of the princely equestrian sport of polo is masterfully captured in every little detail at the Rambagh Palace’s legendary Polo Bar. Adorned with trophies and polo memorabilia, the bar serves up signature cocktails inspired by the royal sport. Take your pick from a fine selection of single malts, wines, liqueurs, and Cuban cigars. The bar has a relaxed charm that invites you to settle in for a leisurely evening.
