Experience the life of a maharajah or maharani,staying in some charming Rajasthani palaces and castles.
Admire the frescoes of Shekhawati Region and see how the rich and famous used to live.
Step back in time as you wander the narrow cobbled lanes of the ancient walled city of Jaiselmer.
Gaze down on the blue houses of Jodhpur from Meherangarh Fort.
Enjoy the views and breezes from atop Kumbhalgarh, a fortress taken only once in its history.
Cool your heels beside the lakes of Udaipur, a striking contrast to the surrounding desert.
Shop till you drop in the heart of Rajasthan’s textile and craft centre, the Pink City of Jaipur.
FACTS
Comfortable tour.
Focuses mainly on Rajasthan.
Utilizes air & coach travel.
Perfect for those who want to explore Rajasthan at a medium pace.
Small Group Tours 10 to 18 passengers FULLY INCLUSIVE
Palaces & Castles - 21 Days From AUD$4880
Day 1-2: Australia/Singapore/New Delhi
Fly with Singapore Airlines to New Delhi, via Singapore. Arrive in New Delhi the following night. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3-4: New Delhi/Shekhawati
New Delhi is India's capital city and has been a centre of power almost since the 13th Century. Today we immerse ourselves into the very heart of Old Delhi by visiting the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). This is followed by a driving tour of the Imperial Delhi, Rastrapati Bhawan, Parliament House & India Gate.
This afternoon we leave for Shekhawati. Evening arrival at Alsisar, a lovely village in Shekhawati Region. Founded in the early 18th Century, it has a charming and romantic palace hotel. Tomorrow we take in the unique architecture and building frescoes of the Shekhawati Region. Overnight at Alsisar Mahal for 2 nights. Day 5-6: Shekhawati/ Bikaner
Today we travel to Bikaner where the 15th century Junagarh Fort with its carved stone grills is now a Fort Museum. On arrival check into hotel for 2 nights. Tomorrow we visit the Fort Museum, a camel breeding farm & local market.
Day 7-8: Bikaner/Jaiselmer
Today after breakfast we drive to Jaiselmer, the ancient capital of Rajasthan. Jaiselmer is known for its havelis (mansions) made from golden yellow sandstone & carved wood, set in the heart of the Thar Desert. Tomorrow we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaiselmer. Overnight at hotel for 2 nights.
Day 9: Jaiselmer/Jodhpur
Today after breakfast we drive to Jodhpur. The focal point here is the Meherangarh Fort from where you can have a wonderful view of the city set amidst the desert landscape. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jodhpur/ Ranakpur
Today we travel to Ranakpur, northwest of Udaipur, to see superb Jain temples that were built in the mid 15th Century. Afternoon visit to the temples followed by lunch at Maharani Bagh. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Ranakpur/Kumbhalgarh
Late start this morning to proceed to Kumbhalgarh. The fort here was built in the 14th Century and is surrounded by 13 mountain peaks that keep watch over distant horizons. This is one of the best-preserved forts of the Mewar Region. Overnight at Kumbhalgarh.
Day 12-13: Kumbhalgarh/Udaipur
Today we drive to Udaipur. Udaipur has it all: palaces, lakes, temples & cenotaphs. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. Tomorrow we visit the City Palace Museum & then travel to Lake Jaisamand, the largest artificial lake in Asia. Overnight at hotel for 2 nights.
Day 14: Udaipur/Pushkar
This morning we drive to Pushkar, a picturesque religious town built around a lake. It is best known for its annual camel & cattle fair that turns the desert into a riot of colours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Pushkar/Kuchaman
After lunch, we drive to Kuchaman, another jewel of the Shekhawati Region. This small village is famous for its impressive fort. Overnight at Kuchaman Fort.
Day 16-17: Kuchaman/Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur (the City of Victory) otherwise known as "The Pink City". Tomorrow we visit the major sights of this beautiful city. Overnight at hotel for 2 nights
Day 18- 19: Jaipur/Agra
Drive to Agra en route visiting the imperial ruins of the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. This well-preserved city was mysteriously abandoned just 14 years after it was built. We continue our journey to the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. On arrival check into hotel for 2 nights. Following day we visit the Red Fort, Itimad-ud-daulah & the Taj Mahal.
Day 20-21: Agra/New Delhi/Australia
This afternoon we drive back to New Delhi. On arrival we enjoy our last dinner together & transfer to the international airport to board flight to Singapore. The following morning, board connecting flight to Australia. Arrive in Australia in the evening filled with happy memories of the charming palaces and castles in romantic Rajasthan.