16Days Royal Rajasthan
Price from NZD 4582 / AUD 4124 per person on twin sharing basis
Delhi – Gwalior – Dholpur – Karauli – Bundi – Ravla Khempur (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) – Udaipur – Jawai Bandh – Jodhpur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Delhi
Experience the royal heritage of Rajasthan, keenly preserved by the erstwhile Rulers, who converted their private palaces, forts and castles into hotels. Stay in palaces and beautiful Havelis – you might even have a chance to get up close with the ex-Maharajas. Admire the beautiful Taj Mahal and visit the colourful and royal cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur with their magnificent forts and Udaipur.
Tour Highlights: Gwalior Fort, Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Mehrangarh Fort
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi (B)
Morning tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through fabled Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit to New Delhi visiting Humayun’s tomb, drive past Government Buildings, Connaught Place, President’s House and India Gate.
Day 3: Delhi – Gwalior (B)
Early morning transfer to train station to connect train to Gwalior. On arrival, proceed for a half day tour of Gwalior. Visit Gwalior Fort which is also called Gibraltar of India. The tour will cover Mansingh Palace, A Sas- Bahu temple, Teli-Ka-Mandir & Jain sculptures and Jai Vilas Palace Museum.
Day 4: Gwalior – Dholpur (B)
This morning, drive to Dholpur, en route visiting Bateswara Group of Temples in Morena. Later check in at Hotel in Dholpur which is the satellite town near Agra.
Day 5: Dholpur (B)
Early morning, drive to Agra to view majestic Taj Mahal followed by a visit to Agra Fort. In the afternoon, drive back to Dholpur for a relaxing time at the pool.
Day 6: Dholpur – Karauli (B)
Drive to Karauli which is a two-hour drive from Dholpur. On arrival in Karauli, visit the city palace and Timangarh Fort. Rest of the afternoon free.
Day 7: Karauli – Bundi (B)
Today, drive to Bundi which is a small town famous for step wells; visit Bundi Palace and Garh Palace.
Day 8: Bundi – Ravla Khempur (B)
Drive to Ravla Khempur, the home of the superstars of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie. En route you will stop to visit Chittorgarh Fort. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the famous Ravla village. Overnight at Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Day 9: Ravla Khempur - Udaipur (B)
Drive to Udaipur and afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 10: Udaipur (B)
Morning city tour takes you to the City Palace, a fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari – the garden of maidens. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 11: Udaipur - Jawai Bandh (B)
Drive to Jawai, en route visiting Ranakpur Temples. Jawai Bandh is famous for a dam built across the Jawai River and is located in the most rugged and wild part of the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan. This afternoon, proceed for a Jeep safari and if you are lucky, you might spot a Leopard.
Day 12: Jawai Bandh - Jodhpur (B)
Morning Jeep safari to watch the famous crocodiles lazing on the shores of the Jawai Dam. Later drive to Jodhpur and enjoy an afternoon tour visiting Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable in Rajasthan, followed by Jaswant Thada, the Royal Cenotaphs and Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva, an architectural wonder with 84 intricately carved pillars.
Day 13: Jodhpur – Pushkar (B)
Travel to Pushkar en route visiting the Dargah at Ajmer. Pushkar is a holy city for Hindus, boasting ancient temples, and small Pushkar Lake is dotted with bathing ghats and temples. Afternoon tour of Pushkar.
Day 14: Pushkar - Jaipur (B)
Drive to Jaipur and take afternoon free to explore the colourful bazaars
Day 15: Jaipur (B)
Visit the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort and the Sheesh Mahal, its ceiling covered with tiny mirrors resembling a sky filled with brilliant stars. Afternoon city tour visiting Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), the Observatory-Jantar Mantar and City Palace.
Day 16: Jaipur – Delhi
Return to Delhi and transfer to the airport for your onward flight or extend stay in India/Nepal by choosing from various add on tours we offer.
Included: Accommodation for 15 nights, private car/driver for the round-trip, sightseeing as indicated, local guides and entrance fees
Departs: Private tours, departs daily
Notes: This tour showcases the heritage hotels, havelis and fortresses for your accommodation in most places. Optional Hotel upgrades are available.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.