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03 528 1550 218 High Street, Motueka 7120

Rajasthan Experience

Tour Description

Day 1: Delhi

Colourful and chaotic, vibrant, and romantic – welcome to Rajasthan. Explore India’s captivating northwest on this 15-day tour, taking in immense desert cities, the treasures of the maharajah, and forts with fascinating histories. Marvel at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, camp under the stars in the Thar Desert and immerse yourself in romantic Jodhpur. This tour doesn’t just cover Rajasthan’s many bucket-list-worthy sites but it also immerses you in the thrum of daily life through village walks, market explorations and plenty of memorable meals. Add a touch of comfort and some very special heritage property accommodation for a true Rajasthani travel adventure.

Itinerary


Day 1: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare, perhaps pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. After meeting your leader and fellow travellers, you may like to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Agra

Today you will travel by air-conditioned train to the Mughal city of Agra. After arriving, meet your local guide who will show you around two Agra icons. First, visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. Take in the beauty of this 17th-century masterpiece of white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens. Next, visit the nearby Agra Fort, a huge complex built originally as a military structure of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565. In your free time, perhaps enjoy a drink or meal at Sheroes Hangout, a social enterprise that employs women affected by acid attacks.

Day 3: Jaipur

Today you will rise early and leave via private vehicle for Jaipur. Your first stop is the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. With a local guide, tour the stunning mosque, Jama Masjid, striking a lovely pose within the settlement, combining Persian and Hindu aesthetics. See its staggering 54-metre-high main entrance called Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory) which commemorates Akbar’s great victory in Gujarat. Arrive this afternoon in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and said to be one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India. Meet your local guide to put that to the test among bustling, brightly-coloured bazaars filled with hand-crafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches will make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks, and bicycles.

Day 4: Jaipur

Start your day with some free time in Jaipur. If you’re up for it, go for an optional hot air balloon experience over the city, which is a highlight for many travellers. Later, join a local guide and travel out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort not far from the city. This 16th-century marvel is a great example of Rajput architecture. Take your time, as you’ll need several hours to explore this massive fortification. Back in Jaipur, continue to indulge in the delights of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood film of action, romance, drama or music (sometimes all rolled into one) at the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema. Then it’s time to do as the locals do and eat your way around the city on a rickshaw tour! The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a non-for-profit organisation that employs more than 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. Your first stop is to pick up some kachoris, a delicious fried snack, followed by sweet lassis. Continue to a shop serving kulfis, a popular frozen dessert, before finishing up at an establishment offering cardamom tea, the perfect way to round off the day. If you’re still peckish for dinner, ask your leader for some recommended dining spots.

Day 5: Mandawa

Today you will drive from Jaipur to the Shekhawati region. Mandawa is a remote town in the centre of the region, an old trading outpost between the Middle East and China known for its forts and havelis that offer a glimpse of the the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be. Our lunch stop today will be in Nawalgarh at a local restaurant that will allow you to explore more of the region’s different dishes. On arrival in Mandawa, check into your resort before joining your leader for a walking tour of the town. If time permits later in the day, kick back at the resort’s pool, spa or bar.

Day 6: Mandawa

Enjoy a day of exploring this amazing town, which is often referred to as an outdoor museum. Mandawa is famous for its ornate havelis (private residences). A local guide will lead you on a haveli tour where you’ll notice that some are faithfully restored while others are crumbling. The havelis of this particular part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. This evening, share a meal of spicy Northern Indian food with your fellow travellers at Castle Mandawa before retiring for the night back at our resort.

Day 7: Bikaner

Travel into the Thar Desert to the fortified town of Bikaner, which was an important staging post along some of history’s great caravan routes, and thus houses a multitude of bazaars along with an impressive fort and palace. We’ll visit the massive 16th century Junagarh Fort with a local guide to learn about its impressive history. Later this afternoon, visit the museum at the National Camel Research Centre, established to understand and protect these hardworking desert animals. Don’t miss the camel milk parlour where you can try out ice creams and beverages. This evening, we’ll venture out for an auto rickshaw ride through the town and its market to enjoy some tea, samosas and Indian treats.

Day 8: Thar Desert

Today forge deeper into the Thar Desert on a desert camp safari. Drive through the dunes to a stunning campsite with spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner as the sun sets and spend the evening around a campfire under a sea of stars before falling asleep to the desert ambiance in your comfortable permanent tent.

Day 9: Jaisalmer

Emerge from the desert this morning and travel along a desert road to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. Watch as this ‘living fort’ rears its head in the arid, flat desert. Our local guide will lead you through the snaking alleyways of Jaisalmer, which are filled with markets and intricately carved houses. This evening perhaps ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat.

Day 10: Jaisalmer

Enjoy further time exploring the immense Jaisalmer fort with the group on a guided walking tour this morning. Within the fort itself is a maze of houses, temples, shops and restaurants, not to mention some 3,000 permanent residents. Track down some dazzling Rajasthani fabrics, marvel at the spectacular facades of the Patwa ki Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. This afternoon is yours to spend as you’d like. You may wish to simply wander the labyrinthine paths and soak up the atmosphere, or visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden. As night falls you will join a local family in their home for a delicious thali-style dinner. Tuck into pakoras, vegetable curries, chapatis and a very sweet treat to round out the meal.

Day 11: Jodhpur

Today you drive across the desert to discover Rajasthan’s second-largest city, the frenetic Jodhpur. Jodhpur abounds in antique shops and, according to many locals, has the best lassi in India. While you are here you will explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. This 15th century fort sits 125 metres above the city. Inside the walls, enjoy the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards, but don’t forget to take a look out over the expansive views from the fort’s ramparts.

Day 12: Udaipur

From Jodhpur, you will travel through the beautiful hamlet of Ranakpur. Ranakpur is the home of a host of beautifully carved white marble Jain temples. These staggering complex temples attract Jain pilgrims from all over India, making Ranakpur one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Jains in India. We enjoy a Jain lunch at a temple today. Jain vegetarian cuisine is noteworthy for not including anything grown underground, to prevent harming small insects and microorganisms and to prevent killing the entire plant, unlike foods harvested from plants that grow above ground. From here you will continue on your journey to gorgeous Udaipur.

Day 13: Udaipur

Enjoy some time exploring the atmospheric laneways of Udaipur with your leader. Watch out for elephants and cows! You will be joined by a local guide to visit the City Palace while you’re here, one of the largest royal palaces in India. This structure took 400 years to build and hosts a range of treasures and antiquities, from vivid murals to royal utensils. Join a local family in their home for a home-cooked lunch, savouring local lentil, potato and paneer dishes. This afternoon, take a boat ride across Pichola Lake, the largest body of water in Udaipur, to get a totally different view of this charming townscape.

Day 14: Delhi

After a free morning, take a flight back to Delhi, arriving late in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you may like to join your fellow travellers for an optional farwell dinner or enjoy an evening of free time.

Day 15: Delhi

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no other activities planned for the day and you can depart the hotel at any point this morning. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability).

Departure Dates


Start Date End Date Price  
Sep 9, 2024 Sep 23, 2024 $3,965.00
Sep 15, 2024 Sep 29, 2024 $3,675.00
Sep 23, 2024 Oct 7, 2024 $3,820.00
Sep 30, 2024 Oct 14, 2024 $4,275.00
Oct 7, 2024 Oct 21, 2024 $4,275.00
Oct 18, 2024 Nov 1, 2024 $4,280.00
Oct 21, 2024 Nov 4, 2024 $3,172.00
Oct 25, 2024 Nov 8, 2024 $4,280.00
Oct 28, 2024 Nov 11, 2024 $4,440.00
Nov 2, 2024 Nov 16, 2024 $3,965.00
Nov 4, 2024 Nov 18, 2024 $4,440.00
Nov 6, 2024 Nov 20, 2024 $4,120.00
Nov 8, 2024 Nov 22, 2024 $4,005.00
Nov 10, 2024 Nov 24, 2024 $4,440.00
Nov 11, 2024 Nov 25, 2024 $3,965.00
Nov 15, 2024 Nov 29, 2024 $4,280.00
Nov 16, 2024 Nov 30, 2024 $4,005.00
Nov 17, 2024 Dec 1, 2024 $4,120.00
Nov 20, 2024 Dec 4, 2024 $3,965.00
Nov 22, 2024 Dec 6, 2024 $4,045.00
Nov 24, 2024 Dec 8, 2024 $3,965.00
Dec 8, 2024 Dec 22, 2024 $4,005.00
Dec 16, 2024 Dec 30, 2024 $3,820.00
Dec 23, 2024 Jan 6, 2025 $3,895.00
Dec 27, 2024 Jan 10, 2025 $3,820.00
Dec 28, 2024 Jan 11, 2025 $4,010.00
Dec 30, 2024 Jan 13, 2025 $3,820.00
Jan 3, 2025 Jan 17, 2025 $4,070.00
Jan 6, 2025 Jan 20, 2025 $4,070.00
Jan 13, 2025 Jan 27, 2025 $4,190.00
Jan 17, 2025 Jan 31, 2025 $4,070.00
Jan 20, 2025 Feb 3, 2025 $4,070.00
Jan 27, 2025 Feb 10, 2025 $4,070.00
Feb 3, 2025 Feb 17, 2025 $4,070.00
Feb 10, 2025 Feb 24, 2025 $4,150.00
Feb 14, 2025 Feb 28, 2025 $4,070.00
Feb 17, 2025 Mar 3, 2025 $4,070.00
Feb 21, 2025 Mar 7, 2025 $4,010.00
Feb 24, 2025 Mar 10, 2025 $4,010.00
Feb 28, 2025 Mar 14, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 7, 2025 Mar 21, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 10, 2025 Mar 24, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 14, 2025 Mar 28, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 17, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 21, 2025 Apr 4, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 28, 2025 Apr 11, 2025 $4,010.00
Mar 31, 2025 Apr 14, 2025 $4,010.00
Apr 7, 2025 Apr 21, 2025 $4,070.00
Apr 14, 2025 Apr 28, 2025 $4,070.00
Aug 25, 2025 Sep 8, 2025 $4,070.00
Sep 1, 2025 Sep 15, 2025 $4,070.00
Sep 8, 2025 Sep 22, 2025 $4,070.00
Sep 12, 2025 Sep 26, 2025 $4,070.00
Sep 15, 2025 Sep 29, 2025 $4,010.00
Sep 22, 2025 Oct 6, 2025 $4,010.00
Sep 29, 2025 Oct 13, 2025 $4,010.00
Oct 3, 2025 Oct 17, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 6, 2025 Oct 20, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 10, 2025 Oct 24, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 13, 2025 Oct 27, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 20, 2025 Nov 3, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 24, 2025 Nov 7, 2025 $4,160.00
Oct 27, 2025 Nov 10, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 3, 2025 Nov 17, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 7, 2025 Nov 21, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 10, 2025 Nov 24, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 17, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 21, 2025 Dec 5, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 24, 2025 Dec 8, 2025 $4,160.00
Nov 28, 2025 Dec 12, 2025 $4,160.00
Dec 5, 2025 Dec 19, 2025 $4,160.00
Dec 15, 2025 Dec 29, 2025 $4,160.00
Dec 22, 2025 Jan 5, 2026 $4,010.00
Dec 26, 2025 Jan 9, 2026 $4,010.00
Dec 29, 2025 Jan 12, 2026 $4,010.00
Jan 2, 2026 Jan 16, 2026 $4,245.00
Jan 5, 2026 Jan 19, 2026 $4,245.00
Jan 12, 2026 Jan 26, 2026 $4,245.00
Jan 16, 2026 Jan 30, 2026 $4,245.00
Jan 19, 2026 Feb 2, 2026 $4,245.00
Jan 26, 2026 Feb 9, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 2, 2026 Feb 16, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 9, 2026 Feb 23, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 13, 2026 Feb 27, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 16, 2026 Mar 2, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 20, 2026 Mar 6, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 23, 2026 Mar 9, 2026 $4,245.00
Feb 27, 2026 Mar 13, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 6, 2026 Mar 20, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 9, 2026 Mar 23, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 13, 2026 Mar 27, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 16, 2026 Mar 30, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 20, 2026 Apr 3, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 27, 2026 Apr 10, 2026 $4,245.00
Mar 30, 2026 Apr 13, 2026 $4,245.00
Apr 6, 2026 Apr 20, 2026 $4,245.00
Apr 13, 2026 Apr 27, 2026 $4,245.00
Aug 24, 2026 Sep 7, 2026 $4,245.00
Aug 31, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 $4,245.00
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 $4,245.00
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 $4,245.00
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 $4,245.00
Sep 21, 2026 Oct 5, 2026 $4,245.00
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 12, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 2, 2026 Oct 16, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 5, 2026 Oct 19, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 9, 2026 Oct 23, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 12, 2026 Oct 26, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 19, 2026 Nov 2, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 23, 2026 Nov 6, 2026 $4,245.00
Oct 26, 2026 Nov 9, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 2, 2026 Nov 16, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 6, 2026 Nov 20, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 9, 2026 Nov 23, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 16, 2026 Nov 30, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 20, 2026 Dec 4, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 23, 2026 Dec 7, 2026 $4,245.00
Nov 27, 2026 Dec 11, 2026 $4,245.00
Dec 4, 2026 Dec 18, 2026 $4,245.00
Dec 14, 2026 Dec 28, 2026 $4,245.00
Dec 21, 2026 Jan 4, 2027 $4,245.00
Dec 25, 2026 Jan 8, 2027 $4,245.00
Dec 28, 2026 Jan 11, 2027 $4,245.00

Tour Details

Travel Dates

Departures year round

Duration

15 days

Price From

$3,172.00

Sale Ends

December 31, 2024
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