Day 1: Delhi – Agra
Pick up from Delhi hotel and transfer to railway station to board train to Agra.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 2: Agra
Sightseeing tour of Agra, including visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Built by 20,000 craftsmen back in 1560, this marble monument to love is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and an absolute must see for anyone on a gap year in India! Your tour also includes a visit to the walled city of Agra Fort.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 3: Agra - Ranthambore
Morning to explore Agra at leisure. Transfer to Bharatpur to board train to Ranthambore. Evening arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 4: Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon jungle safari at Ranthambore National Park. Named after a 1000-year-old fort that stands within its grounds, Ranthambore is home to the rare Bengal Tiger, which can be seen on your gap travel safari, along with leopards, crocodiles and sambar deer.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 5: Ranthambore - Jaipur
Morning visit to National Park then transfer to Jaipur.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Jaipur
Enjoy the colourful celebrations of Holi festival at the famous elephant festival at Chauqan Singh Stadium.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Jaipur - Udaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, afternoon tour of Jaipur and visit to Jantar Mantar observatory before evening transfer to railway station to board overnight train to Udaipur. Amber Fort is a classic Rajasthani Fort Palace and you’ll get the best view of it by riding an elephant up to its entrance. Inside you’ll find the stunning Jag Mandir and the glistening mirror room of Sheesh Mahal.
The afternoon is spent touring the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, starting with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, which houses an impressive museum and armoury. Later visit the amazing Jantar Mantar observatory and see the impressive façade of the Hawa Mahal. If you’re feeling up to it why not try counting all of its 953 sandstone windows…if nothing else it will help you get to sleep on your overnight train to Udaipur!
Overnight: Sleeper train
Day 8: Udaipur
Arrive in Udaipur and transfer to hotel. Morning tour of Udaipur followed by afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola. Your first full day in Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, where you’ll find a breathtaking assortment of lavish buildings, fountains and gardens. A drive to Fatehsagar Lake takes you to an area littered with picturesque hills, palaces and temples. Your day ends with a boat ride on Lake Pichola and a visit to the beautiful island palace of Jag Niwas.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 9: UdaipurDay to explore Udaipur at own leisure (no excursions/transport included)(no excursions/transport included).
Overnight: Hotel
Day 10: Udaipur - Jodhpur
Morning drive to Jodphur visiting Jain Temple in Ranakpur en route. Set in a remote valley of the Aravalli mountain range, the spectacular Ranakpur complex is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India, making it a popular destination for tourists and Jains alike.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 11: Jodhpur - Jaisalmar
Morning sightseeing in Jodphur before afternoon transfer to Jaisalmar. The main attraction is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which sits on a hill high above the ‘Blue City’ and contains some magnificent palaces. Later your gap year travel will take you to the marbled splendour of Jaswant Thada.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 12: Jaisalmar
Morning sightseeing in Jaisalmar and late afternoon excursion to Sam sand dunes. Jaisalmar is a magical city and your sightseeing will take you to its biggest attractions, including the Citadel and Fort built by Rawal Jaisal and beautiful Jain Temples dating back to the 12th century. Your afternoon excursion takes you outside the city to the shifting sands and stunning sunsets of the Sam sand dunes. Here you’ll have the opportunity to ride a camel…if you dare!
Overnight: Hotel
Day 13: Jaisalmar - Delhi
Morning to explore and enjoy Jaisalmar at your own leisure. Afternoon transfer to railway station to board overnight train to Delhi.
Overnight: Sleeper train
Day 14: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi late morning and transfer to airport or hotel. Here your Holi Journey ends!