This tour will allow you to see several of Rajasthan’s most famous forts and palaces while still, very importantly in our view, giving you plenty of time to see local and traditional life up-close and meet local people.Rajasthan has a glorious past, but its present and future are no less fascinating!
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you’ll be met and assisted with the transfer to your accommodation; overnight in Delhi.
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Day 2 : Delhi - Jaipur
Depart Delhi and drive 5 hours or so to Jaipur (if time permits, a day or more for sightseeing in Delhi is recommended). After checking in at your hotel, join a local explorer for a heritage walking tour in the walled city area; overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 3 : Jaipur Sightseeing
Begin your day of sightseeing around Jaipur with time at the City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory (a scientific and architectural marvel) and the Hawa Mahal, a five-storied façade in pink sandstone. Later in the day, once the tour bus crowds have departed, head out to Amber Fort, built under the King Man Singh with red sandstone and marble, this is surely one of the most famous manmade structures in northern India. Overnight stay at Jaipur.
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Day 4 : Jaipur - Jodhpur
Drive across to Jodhpur, breaking up the journey with lunch (or better still an overnight stay) at the stunning Lakshman Sagar, near Raipur. In Jodhpur, we recommend staying in the old city area if possible, which opens up a wealth of self-guided exploration (or just random wandering) in this most atmospheric of places. Overnight in Jodhpur
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Day 5 : Jodhpur
Universally known as the Blue City- the buildings of the old city are reputedly painted light blue to ward off mosquitoes- Jodhpur is a trading hub (the textile and spice markets here are particularly fine) as well as being home to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, another stunning UNESCO Heritage Site. Tour the colossal structure of the fort and visit the nearby Jaswant Thada, a cenotaph finished in white marble. A walking tour in the afternoon is strongly recommended. Overnight in Jodhpur.
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Day 6 : Jodhpur – Kumbhalgarh
Drive via Ranakpur (the Jain temples here are stunning) to Kumbhalgarh, another incredible fort with the 2nd longest wall in the world, and wide enough for 7 fully-armoured horsemen to ride abreast along its length. Overnight at Kumbhalgarh
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Day 7 : Kumbhalgarh- Udaipur
Get up early to see the amazing sight of sunrise over the fort, then make the drive into Udaipur after breakfast. Sightseeing around Udaipur will occupy the rest of the day with visits to the City Palace of Udaipur (admire the jewelled canopies, the granite walls adorned with artistic paintings and multi-coloured mirrors), the intricately carved Jagdish Temple, and the quite lovely garden, Saheliyon Ki Bari. This popular place has sparkling fountains, marble elephants and a lotus pool. Conclude the day with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight in Udaipur.
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Day 8 : Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Udaipur
A full day excursion including a trip out to Chittorgarh, home to one of the largest forts in India spanning over 700 acres. Built on a hilltop, the fort offers some panoramic views of the city below. Also visit Rani Padmini Palace and, on the way back to Udaipur, stops at Nathdwara and Eklingji. Overnight in Udaipur.
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Day 9 : Udaipur – Delhi- Depart
Transfer to Udaipur airport and fly to Delhi with onward flight home later in the day.