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Feb 13-27, 2024 with Ankita and Sarah (for a few days)
Royal Rajasthan – A Classic India Tour
Rajasthan is the India that you have seen in movies and dreamt of visiting – with mountaintop fortresses and the trappings of the Maharajas. Literally “the land of the kings”, Rajasthan is home to numerous flamboyant palaces and colorful cities filled with typical Indian street life.
You’ll experience the palaces of Jaipur, the food of Jodhpur, the sunset of Udaipur, the dunes of Thar Desert, and the magnificent Taj Mahal – the jewel of India’s crown. We’ve created an itinerary where you will not only see palaces, you will stay in them. You’ll also be treated to unique Indian cultural delights such as henna painting, Bollywood dancing, yoga, and street food. Pack your bags – you’re in for two weeks of intense color and vibrant life, unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Day One
Overnight: Delhi
Welcome to India! At the hotel in the afternoon, begin the tour with a welcome meeting and orientation. After the meeting, you will get a chance to spend time with your fellow travelers over dinner.
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Day Two
Overnight: Delhi
After breakfast, explore the narrow lanes through the vintage vibes of Old Delhi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to the oldest mosque, Jama Masjid, and then to a spiritual Sikh temple. Relax for the later part of the day or enjoy an optional Street Food Tour to try a taste of the delectable local cuisine.
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Day Three
Overnight: Agra
Early this morning you will take the local train to Agra, which is home to one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. After arrival in Agra, you explore the elaborate Agra fort, followed by lunch together. Rest time and dinner on your own, then it’s time to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal in the evening.
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Day Four
Overnight: Jaipur
Today you hop on your private bus to the Pink City of India, Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan. A city known for its gems & gemstones, you will get the opportunity to visit a local emporium specializing in textiles & jewelry. Then witness the beauty of Amber Fort in the evening, after the crowds leave and the fort is lit up. You will be welcomed as a royal for an exclusive moonlight dinner.
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Day Five
Overnight: Jaipur
This morning, head into town for a memorable rickshaw ride with The Pink City Rickshaw Company, a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. We will visit Jantar Mantar, an UNESCO World heritage site, which features the largest stone Sundial in the world.
Free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool, learn about the significance of Henna Tattoos, or visit the picturesque Hawa Mahal.
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Day Six
Overnight: Mandawa
Today, watch the countryside fly by as your bus travels to Mandawa. On the way, the group will stop for lunch at the 17th Century boutique hotel, Roop Niwas Kothi. Next stop is your hotel, an 18th Century castle transformed into a heritage property by the Regal Family. With antique collections, delicate mirror work, and Palanquin-roofed balconies, it offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and old world charm.
Relax in your room this afternoon to rest up for our evening Bollywood dance class by the pool!
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Day Seven
Overnight: Mandawa
Today we will explore Mandawa, which is popularly referred to as an outdoor museum. Experience the heart of the Shekhawati region and the palaces and impressive mansions (havelis) it offers. A local guide will lead you on a haveli tour where you’ll notice that some are faithfully restored while others are crumbling.
This evening, share a meal of spicy Northern Indian food with your fellow travelers before retiring for the night.
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Day Eight
Overnight: Bikaner
This morning is travel time to Bikaner, considered to be the exotic beauty of Rajasthan. We will visit Junagarh Fort and get a peek into the royal lives and times of the Maharajas of Bikaner. The palaces, gardens, and balconies inside the fort depict various architectural styles influenced by the different rulers’ cultural differences and foreign inspirations.
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Day Nine
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp
Pack up your excitement for a glamping experience in the dunes of Thar Desert. Today you drive to Manvar, which offers stunning sunrises, mesmerizing sunsets, and dazzling night skies. Settle into your tent, each of which offers an impressive view over the desert wilderness. Tonight we will enjoy a dance show in the moonlight.
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Day Ten
Overnight: Jodhpur
This morning after breakfast, head to the Blue city of India, Jodhpur where you will check in for a stay at one of the local heritage palaces. Next, explore Mehrangarh Fort, a former palace that’s now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborate royal palanquins. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Jodhpur, including one of the oldest markets in India, the Saddar Bazaar.
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Day Eleven
Overnight: Jodhpur
Begin your day with a relaxing yoga session. Later today you tour a nearby Bishnoi village, which offers a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and the chance to learn about the rich cultural traditions of the people who live there, such as worshipping nature. Back at your hotel, enjoy a peaceful high tea while watching the sunset over the 13th Century lake.
Day Twelve
Overnight: Udaipur
Today, enjoy a morning drive to Udaipur. This romantic city is set amid the Aravalli Hills and curls around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, take a guided walk to the old city. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars, and learn about the old art of Miniature art painting, the specialty of this town. In the evening, you get to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the island palace Jag Mandir which is set in the lake.
Day Thirteen
Overnight: Udaipur
Start the day with a tour of the elegant City Palace with a local guide. This marvelous building overlooks Lake Pichola and is Rajasthan’s largest palace. You have a free afternoon to discover more of Udaipur. In the evening, visit Jagdish Temple, the largest temple of Udaipur. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Day Fourteen
Overnight: Delhi
After breakfast, take a flight back to Delhi. Enjoy the final day of the trip, exploring the city as you choose. In the evening, bid your goodbyes over the farewell dinner with your group.
Day Fifteen
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your guide will help you with transportation arrangements or use the hotel shuttle to the airport for your departure.
Price: $4750 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $1200. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 9 dinners, and 14 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Tour begins and ends in Delhi (DEL).
If you have additional questions please email us at: info@adventureswithsarah.net