Northern India | Splendours of Rajasthan
 The ever enchanting Taj Mahal |
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14 days / 13 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Delhi | 3 |
| Agra | 1 |
| Jaipur | 2 |
| Nimaj | 2 |
| Jodhpur | 2 |
| Delwara | 1 |
| Udaipur | 2 |
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
A warm A&K welcome to India’s northern gateway, and private transfer to the hotel.
Delhi (Choice of category)
Day 02 Design Your Day Delhi
Today choose two of the following activities. Join foreign correspondent and author, Satish Jacob, as he introduces you to his Old Delhi on a morning walk; or a half day sightseeing tour of New Delhi; or for a cultural take on life in the city, observe the community kitchen prepare lunch at the Gurudwara Sikh temple (B).
Delhi (Choice of category)
Day 03 Design Your Day Delhi
Another day in India’s capital to explore. Choose two of the following activities. Visit the famous lotus temple on a temple tour of the city; or bargain for a colourful sari as you spend the afternoon shopping for Indian crafts; or visit Deepalaya, a local A&K Philanthropy sponsored primary school just outside of Delhi; or take in an evening Son et Lumiere performance at the Red Fort (B).
Delhi (Choice of category)
Day 04 Delhi – Agra
Leave Delhi and visit the tomb of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route to Agra. This afternoon visit the vast pale pink sandstone complex of the Red Fort before finishing your day at India’s most magnificent monument, the Taj Mahal, just as the sun is setting (B).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Choice of category)
Day 05 Agra – Jaipur
Rise early for one last glimpse of the Taj Mahal as the morning light bathes the marble dome and minarets. 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).
Jaipur (Choice of category)
Day 06 Design Your Day Jaipur
With much to see in this fabled pink city tailor the day to suit. Choose two of the following activities. Visit the major sights, the City Palace, the Palace of the Winds and the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort; or stretch your legs with a walk through the spice and vegetable market of the Old City; 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; or if food is your focus, a private cooking class in the home of a local family can be arranged (B).
Jaipur (Choice of category)
Day 07 Jaipur – Nimaj
Journey by road to the Rajasthani tented camp of Chhatra Sagar located on the edge of a hundred year old reservoir on the Nimaj Estate. Surrounded by lush fields of wheat, mustard, cotton and chillies, Chhatra Sagar offers luxury accommodation in sumptuous hand stitched tents with painted timber floors (seasonal: available October – March) (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)
Day 08 Nimaj
A relaxing change from the hustle and bustle that India is famous for and time to recharge with a unique opportunity to learn about rural life in Rajasthan. There are tours of the nearby village and the camp’s organic vegetable farm on offer plus bird watching and nature walks. End the day around an inviting bonfire (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)
Day 09 Nimaj – Jodhpur
Continue by road to the blue city of Jodhpur, situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert. This afternoon visit the former traditional seat of the Marwar rulers, the imposing Meherangarh Fortress which perches in stately grandeur above the city (B).
Jodhpur (Choice of category)
Day 10 Jodhpur
Travel into the desert to visit a Bishnoi village and learn of their interesting philosophy for living – a devotion to eco-friendliness and wild life protection. Finish the excursion with lunch at the palace Rohet Garh. Your afternoon is at leisure in Jodhpur (B,L).
Jodhpur (Choice of category)
Day 11 Jodhpur – Delwara
Today, drive from the desert to the picturesque Aravali Hills and the impressive 18th century palace retreat of Devi Garh. Visit the intricate Jain Temples of Ranikpur en route. This evening an opportunity to witness the peaceful ritual of the Aarti ceremony at the Eklingji Temple (B).
Devi Garh (Palace Suite)
Day 12 Delwara – Udaipur
Your morning is at leisure at Devi Garh. This afternoon wind your way through the hills to the shores of the most romantic Rajasthani city, Udaipur (B).
Udaipur (Choice of category)
Day 13 Design Your Day – Udaipur
A city full of palaces, temples and havelis there is much to see. Choose two of the following options. An introduction to the city’s 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; or participate in an authentic local cooking demonstration followed by lunch with the family; or a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (B).
Udaipur (Choice of category)
Day 14 Udaipur – Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel where day room use has been included at the stunning Trident Gurgaon, enabling you to refresh before a late evening transfer to the airport for your onward flight (B).
Trident Gurgaon (Choice of category)
Note: Itinerary departs daily (Wednesday - Saturday). Chhatra Sagar closed 01 April - 30 September, an additional night in Jaipur and Delwara is utilised instead. Compulsory Christmas and New Years Eve dinner supplements apply.
Optional Extensions
You can lengthen your tour by combining this itinerary with our Temples & Tigers private journey. Visit Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred cities, for sunset & sunrise private boat rides on the Ganges River, fly to the famous temple complex of Khajuraho before starting an incredible wildlife safari throughout the heart of India, staying at the new and exclusive Taj CC Africa lodges. From Delhi it is also possible to add on one of our short stay Indian Extensions. Fly to Amritsar to visit the famous Golden Temple or Leh for a unique Himalayan experience. Or travel by train to Shimla for a relaxing retreat. Instead of flying back to Delhi at the end of your Splendours of Rajasthan tour you could also fly to Cochin via Mumbai, and enjoy an overnight cruise on a private chartered rice barge on our Backwaters of Kerala private journey.
Jaisalmer Extension
For an incredible desert experience, A&K recommends two nights at the remote fortress city of Jaisalmer. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, the yellow sandstone walls of the imposing Jaisalmer fortress rise 80m above the city. Highlights include a sunset camel ride in the surrounding sand dunes and visit to some of the many beautiful palaces, temples and havelis.
Explore Old Delhi with Foreign Correspondent
An author and foreign correspondent, Satish Jacob has been the face of the BBC in South Asia for over two decades. A resident of Old Delhi for most of his life, Satish introduces you to this vibrant part of the city on a 2-3 hour walking tour. No two walks are the same, as Satish takes you through the narrow streets and lanes of his neighbourhood, recollecting stories, narrating anecdotes and explaining the way people lived in this area.
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.
Choice of Accommodation
| City | Platinum | Gold |
| Delhi | The Imperial (Heritage Room) or Taj Mahal Hotel Delhi (Deluxe Room) | The Claridges New Delhi (The Claridges Room) |
| Jaipur | The Oberoi Rajvilas (Premiere Room) or Taj Rambagh Palace (Luxury Room) | Taj Jai Mahal Palace (Luxury Room with Sit Out) |
| Jodhpur | Umaid Bhawan Palace (Luxury Room) | Taj Hari Mahal (Superior Pool View Room) |
| Udaipur | The Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier Room with Lake View) or Taj Lake Palace (Deluxe Lake View Room) | Trident Hilton (Deluxe Pool View Room) |
| Delhi | Trident Hilton (Heritage Room) or Taj Mahal Hotel Delhi (Deluxe Room) |
