India: Royal Rajasthan & The Romance of the Taj

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Welcome to a journey through the royal state of Rajasthan, where every moment is a blend of luxury and authenticity. Embark on an 11-day odyssey that promises to redefine your perception of travel, weaving through the storied cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Agra, each destination a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural marvels.

India is wonderful, overwhelming – an amazing destination that will awaken your senses, connect you to local cultures and open your mind to a way of life so very different to your own.

Small group tour, Luxury travel, travel for women, India, Rajasthan, Udaipur

Small group tour, Luxury travel, travel for women, India, Rajasthan

Small group tour, Luxury travel, travel for women, India, Rajasthan, Jodhpur

Small group tour, Luxury travel, travel for women, India, Taj Mahal, Agra

DIVA MOMENTS

Painting on water in a temple

Private guided tours in Udaipur

Boat on the Lake, Udaipur

Visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort

Jeep ride and Sundowners, Dev Shree

Private guided walking tour of the spice market, Jodhpur

The Taj Mahal at Sunrise

Delicious dining

Luxury & Heritage accommodation

and much, much more…

Welcome to the epitome of opulence and cultural immersion – a journey through the royal state of Rajasthan, where every moment is a blend of luxury and authenticity. Embark on an 11-day odyssey that promises to redefine your perception of travel, weaving through the storied cities of Udaipur, Jodhpur, and finally to Agra, each destination a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural elegance.

Your Rajhastani adventure begins in the enchanting city of Udaipur, often hailed as the Venice of the East. Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills, this city exudes romance and grandeur at every turn. Architecturally beautiful, you will wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Old City, where vibrant markets and ancient temples co-exist in perfect harmony. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage with private guided tours of iconic landmarks such as the City Palace, Jagmandir Island, and the romantic Saheliyon ki Bari.

After your exploration of Udaipur, your sanctuary awaits at Dev Shree, a haven of tranquility and refinement. Here, the past seamlessly merges with the present, offering a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of Rajasthan’s erstwhile rulers. From delightfully decorated rooms to impeccable hospitality, every detail is meticulously curated to ensure a seamless fusion of comfort and culture. Explore the local village and get up close on the local train ride where you could witness a wedding or come face-to-face with a farmer and his goats – this is where you will really experience amazing authenticity – not to mention sundowners by the lake, a blissful end to a fabulous day.

Your journey then continues to the majestic city of Jodhpur, where the imposing Mehrangarh Fort towers over the azure skyline like a guardian of centuries-old secrets. Indulge your senses in the beauty of unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscape. Explore the ‘blue city’ over 3 days

No visit to Rajasthan would be complete without paying homage to one of the world’s most iconic monuments – the Taj Mahal. Your adventure culminates in the city of Agra, where you’ll bear witness to this sublime symbol of eternal love, bathed in the soft light of dawn.

Throughout your exploration, savour the culinary delights of Rajasthan, from fragrant curries to delectable sweets, each dish a testament to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. And as you engage with local artisans and communities, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of Rajasthani culture.

Join us on this extraordinary journey where luxury meets authenticity, and every moment is a celebration of the extraordinary. Rajasthan awaits – are you ready to embark on this exquisite journey?

GETTING THERE:

Airlines flying from Australia to Delhi include Air India, Qantas and Singapore Airlines. You may require an overnight stay in Delhi before connecting through to Udaipur, and we can assist with that – just ask us when you book!

Tour Price: $11,995 per person on a twin share basis. $16,295 single per person.

Tour Dates: 04 February – 14 2025

Starts: Udaipur

Finishes: Delhi International Airport

PRICE INCLUDES:

Fully escorted by Donna Hipgrave, from Udaipur

3 nights’ luxury accommodation in a Palace Room, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur

2 nights’ luxury homestay accommodation, Dev Shree, Deogarh

3 nights’ luxury accommodation in an Ajit Suite, Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur

2 nights’ luxury accommodation in an Executive Taj View Room, Tajview, Agra

Breakfast daily

10 Main meals included 5 lunches & 5 dinners

Private airport to hotel transfer Udaipur

Private guided walking tour including painting on water, miniature painting, Lake boat ride

Private guided city tour Udaipur

Visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort

Train ride and local village walk, Dev Shree

Jeep & sundowners experience by the Lake, Dev Shree

Private guided city tour, Jodhpur

Private guided walking tour of the spice market area, Jodhpur

Dawn visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise (truly magical)

Artisans visit, Agra

Luxury 21 Seater coach transport throughout

English speaking local guide throughout

Tips for local guides and coach driver

Government taxes as quoted at the time of publication

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips not covered in the itinerary. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Spa treatments and any items not specified. Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.

FEBRUARY 2025

Day 1 – Tuesday 04: Welcome to White City of Udaipur…

Arrive into the beautiful city of Udaipur, where your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, your home for the next 3 nights.

Check-in, relax and explore your gorgeous hotel and surrounds, and the rest of the group will arrive later this evening.

Overnight Accommodation: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace

Day 2 – Wednesday 05: Exploring Udaipur and your welcome dinner…

After breakfast, it is time to explore Udaipur in detail!

Dubbed “the most romantic spot on the continent of India” by British administrator James Tod, Udaipur is formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, and is situated in the western Indian state of Rajasthan.

Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. The City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics.

Udaipur is also known as the Venice of the East!

The most famous palace of the former king has been turned into a luxury hotel know as the Lake palace which floats in the middle of the Lake Pichola and was a location for one of the James Bond films.

This morning you will visit the City Palace complex and then the Crystal Gallery.

Housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace is the world-famous Crystal Gallery; it’s spread across the upper-gallery of the glittering The Durbar Hall Sabhagaar.

The Crystal Gallery has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. In 1877 Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal collection from the Birmingham-based F&C Osler company. The collection includes a incredible number of objects d’art, dinner sets, perfume bottles, decanters, glasses, washing bowls and even furniture. The Crystal Gallery also houses the only crystal bed in the world!

Visit Saheliyon ki Bari – also known as the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens, this garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the 18th century for his queen and her 48 maidens who accompanied her in her marriage. It was a gift of love and a symbol of royal women’s empowerment and leisure.

This evening get ready for your welcome dinner at the famous Royal Repast restaurant.

Overnight Accommodation: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday 06: Explore more and enjoy some ‘you time’…

After breakfast, explore the back alleys of Udaipur with your private guide. Witness the unique art of painting on water in a temple followed by another art form famous in Udaipur, miniature painting.

Later, enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful lake taking in all the sights of Udaipur from a different perspective, before returning to the hotel.

Then the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy spa time, indulge in some retail therapy or just relax at the hotel.

Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Friday 07: To Dev Shree via Kumbhalgarh Fort…

After breakfast this morning, you will check out and farewell Udaipur for Dev Shree. On the way time to stop at the Kumbhalgarh Fort, an amazing fotress also known as the Great Wall of India.

The fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, a ruler of the Mewar region. He was a patron of art and architecture.The inaccessibility and hostility of the topography lends a semblance of invincibility to the fort. It served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. (Please note that you will require a reasonable level of fitness & stability to get to the fort as it is a steep uphill walk).

Following your visit enjoy lunch and the continue to Dev Shree located in a quaint yet royal locale in the heart of Rajasthan. The stately Dev Shree Deogarh is a place where tradition meets tranquility. The picturesque surroundings echo the rich history, as the towering Deogarh Fort stands guard, narrating tales from the bygone eras.

Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful establishment and its surrounds.

Overnight Accommodation: Dev Shree

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Saturday 08: A train, the village & sundowners…

This morning, time to embark on a whimsical train ride down the Aravalli hill section aboard a small metre gauge train.

Your adventure begins post breakfast, drive to the charming Kamblighat station, where a local train journey awaits you. Mingle with locals, possibly joining a wedding party or pilgrims on their journey, sometimes your co-passengers can even be goats as the local use this train to transport them from one village to another.

Return to the hotel in time for lunch and later this afternoon enjoy a village walk to see how the locals go about their life.

This evening, a jeep ride to enjoy sundowners by the lake before returning for a dinner and time to discuss another magical day.

Overnight Accommodation: Dev Shree

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Sunday 09: To Jodhpur…

Time to leave the serenity of Dev Shree for the vibrant blue city of Jodhpur, a 3.5 hour drive away. On arrival check in to Hotel Ajit Bhawan, your luxury home for the next 3 nights.

Enjoy lunch and then time for your private guided walking tour of the Old city.

Jodhpur is popularly known as the “Blue City” among people of Rajasthan and all over India. The old city circles the Mehrangarh Fort and is surrounded by a wall with several gates, though the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades.

Jodhpur was historically the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar, which is now part of Rajasthan and is a popular cultural destination, featuring many palaces, forts, and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.

Then the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Monday 10: Explore Jodhpur…

After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a private city tour of Jodhpur visiting Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort.

Rao Jodhaji built the city of Jodhpur on a rocky range of sandstone hills in 1458. A wall, 10 kilometers long, 2.7 meters thick, ranging from 4 to 9 meters in height, surrounds the city. The wall has 7 gates, flanked by bastions and fixed with pointed iron spikes. The outstanding feature of Jodhpur is its Fortress Castle (called Mehrangarh Fort), situated on an isolated rocky eminence 122 meters above the city.

Visit Jaswant Thada, a marble pillared memorial (cenotaph), built in 1899. It is a beautiful marble memorial often described as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar” and was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill of Jodhpur by his son. The main hall has been built like a temple where puja (ritual) is also performed. The worship of ancestors is common to the Rajput clans.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the famous Indique restaurant and take in the magnificent view of the Mehrangarh Fort.

Overnight Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Tuesday 11: Explore Jodhpur more…

After breakfast you will enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Clock Tower and the Spice Market area where you will witness, spice sellers, grocery shops, local stalls specialising in milk and Indian cheese, tie and dye textiles, jewellery shops, antiques, leather items, lacquer bangles and much more. A shopping & foodies paradise as you will also sample some of the local food delicacies like Misri Mawa and Lassi.

Then you have the rest of the day at leisure, to explore or shop – just make your own memories of the Blue City. Donna & Jessica are onhand to assist with all your needs whether you want artisanal experiences or just enjoy shopping for some of the beautiful clothing available in India!

Overnight Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan

Included Meals: Breakfast, Food tastings

Day 9 – Wednesday 12: To Agra…

Today is along travel day. After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi -12:30 arriving Delhi at 13:45. On arrival into Delhi, collect your baggage and then transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before driving to Agra (Approx. 4.30 hours).

On arrival, check in at The TajView hotel . Dinner at leisure.

Overnight Accommodation: Tajview Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Thursday 13: The beauty of the Taj…

Leave the hotel at dawn to visit the Taj Mahal at Sunrise – truly one of the most magic sights you will ever see. Witnessing the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over it will literally take your breath away. Make sure you get those insta-worthy moments!

You will arrive back at the hotel in time for breakfast. And then it is time to visit another architectual delight, the Agra Fort, followed by visits to local artisans, to watch them at work and see what daily life is all about.

This evening enjoy your farewell dinner at the hotel’s spectacular sky deck with the iconic Taj Mahal as a backdrop.

Overnight Accommodation: Tajview Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – Friday 14: Time to say goodbye…

Sadly all good things must come to and end. After breakfast and checkout it is time to transfer back to Delhi and the international airport for your onward journey. Please do not book flights until late afternoon as it is a 4.30 hour journey back. A packed lunch will be provided for the journey.

But if you want to linger longer, then we can organise a post tour stay in Delhi or beyond. Just ask us and we will!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Udaipur:

Taj Fateh Prakash Palace:

Taj Fateh Prakash, a palace hotel in Udaipur, is part of the iconic City Palace complex. It was built in the 20th century by Maharana Fateh Singh as a venue for royal events. The original palace décor has been meticulously maintained. From miniature paintings and armoury to royal heirlooms and furniture straight off toshakhanas (royal storerooms), this palace hotel is alive with stories of Rajput valour and adventure. Gastronomy is an all-sensory experience with Indian and world cuisines on offer. Sunset Terrace – consistently rated as one of India’s most scenic restaurants – is the perfect venue for a royal Mewari meal with sweeping views of Pichola, Jagmandir Island, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Palace. Surya Darshan Bar offers a ceremonial English Afternoon Tea to savour with family and friends, later converting to a romantic sunset spot for champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Deogarh:

Dev Shree:

Relax on a picturesque veranda overlooking the expansive lawn that melds into the Ragho Sagar lake’s shore, offering a tranquil retreat. Witness the mesmerising ballet of migratory birds amidst a peaceful backdrop.

The central courtyard, reminiscent of a Moroccan Kasbah, invites sunlight and leisure reading. Our luxurious suites boast spacious layouts and lavish bathrooms, with windows opening to the blooming gardens.

Jodhpur:

Ajit Bhawan:

The Ajit Bhawan is a historical heritage hotel with an enchanting story to tell. It was built in 1927, started out as a royal residence, and was later converted into India’s First Heritage Hotel by the visionary Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji in the 1970s. With humble beginnings of just 12 rooms, Ajit Bhawan has grown right into a grand homestay with 65 rooms, each offering a unique experience. As you enter you can feel the history that fills the air and resonates through every corner, every room, every hallway & every corridor of this property.

The Ajit Bhawan is more than just a hotel – it’s a gateway to a rich cultural experience combined with luxury and privacy.

Agra:

Tajview Hotel:

Experience the famed splendor of The Taj Mahal at Tajview, Agra. Spread over six acres of manicured gardens and equipped with smart rooms, this hotel near the Taj Mahal offers the finest amenities alongside hassle-free service.

With friendly staff that are ready to offer impeccable service and hospitality, this 5 star hotel in Agra is a delight to stay at.

Included taxes are correct at the time of publication however maybe subject to change, should the government increase them. Any increase will be added to the cost of the tour.

Please note that due to the difficulty of some monument visits, it is necessary for you to have a good level of fitness and stability

A minimum of 8 guests is required for this tour to depart. The maximum number of guests is 12. If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure the tour deposit will be refunded.

Once full payment is received the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change. This tour has been converted to Australian Dollars from USD.

A $2000 non-refundable deposit is required once confirmed. Once minimum numbers are met, deposits are converted into USD and forwarded to the suppliers. A statement confirming the outstanding balance will then be provided. Please note we will make no conversions until minimum numbers are met and the tour is a confirmed departure.

Once the tour departure is confirmed a second payment of AUD3,000 twin share or AUD4,000 single will be due, and will be invoiced to you.

Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee depending on the card.

All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.

Please note interim payments will be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.A $100 non-refundable booking management fee applies to this tour and will be added to the final balance invoice.

Final payment is required by 20 October 2024