Experience the magic of Heroism and Romance.
Journey in Brief: Even in a country as diverse as India the state of Rajasthan stands out. You will leave behind the Delhi metropolis to explore the desert towns of Jodpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur with their rich temples and palaces and brightly colored architecture set to a back drop of desert and parkland. Rajasthanis are said to be the most romantic people in India, with a deep love of the arts, dance and music so there is plenty to explore.
The Experience:You will be swept along by both Rajasthan as a place and by its people. The pink and blues sand stone buildings, the yellow of the desert and the richly colored clothing of the locals will show you color as you have never seen it before and combined with the people's love of arts and music you will be left with memories to cherish.
Have a look at your detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi - Overnight from the capital city to an ancient desert kingdom.
Catch the evening train and leave the bustling metropolis behind you. Enter a dream world that will whisk you into the waking dream that will be the next 8 days in a magical land.
Day 2: Jodhpur - You've arrived in another world.
You're in Rajasthan's second largest city, with a history dating back to the mid 15th Century. Take a morning for breakfast and settling in then spend the afternoon touring the sights. Visit the formidable hilltop Mehrangarh Fort high above the city and see its rich collection of miniature paintings and elephant howdahs.
The blue-washed buildings of old Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar desert have to be seen to be believed and you will, from the vantage point of the Jaswant Thada memorial. Visit the 347-room pink-yellow stone Umaid Bhawan palace, still the residence of the Maharajah.
Day 3: Pokhran - Now you're deep in the desert.
Stay in the old fort at Pokhran in this sparsely - populated place of sand and scrub. Its gates are studded with lethal iron spikes to guard against elephant attack and you'll dine in one of the most magnificent dining rooms you've ever been in.
Day 4: Jaisalmer - Onwards to the Golden City.
An ancient city built entirely of yellow sandstone that gives Jaisalmer its second name - the Golden city. It's a jewel in the heart of the Thar desert. Marvel at the havelis, the courtyard homes characteristic of the rich merchants of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Visit the fort then take a sunset camel ride into the desert to experience the almost surreal sunset.
Day 5: Jaisalmer - A day of exploration then off to the Pink city.
You have a day to explore and shop bathed in Jaisalmer's golden light, then in the evening you're off into another color - the sandstone pink of Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital city.
Day 6: Jaipur - A city with everything!
You're here, in a city of ancient palaces, observatories and it's a shoppers' paradise for incredible jewellery, leather goods and local handicrafts. You're staying in a haveli and after breakfast you'll take a ride on an elephant you to the Amber Fort. In the afternoon visit the largest of Jaipur's five observatories Jantar Mantar, the City palace and the Hawa Mahal- the palace of the winds.
Day 7: Agra -Leave the desert kingdoms behind.
The morning train from Jaipur gets you to Agra in time for one last treat! There's plenty of time to see Shah Jahan's extravagant testament to his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal, and to explore the Red Fort with its views over the Yamuna River.
Day 8: Delhi - Time to explore before the train to journey's end.
You can wander Agra's city and maybe take in other sites before you catch the late afternoon train back to journey's end in Delhi.
Know your destinations better...
New Delhi, Delhi
Highlights: It's a mega contrast between rich and poor. India's teeming capital city is home to centuries of fine buildings - and unexpected parks. They say over the centuries since the Mughals first invaded seven Delhi's have been built on different hills beside the Yamuna river. It means there's so much to see and to do you can get overwhelmed by the choice - but one thing's for sure, you won't be bored. The building's still going on - a metro is rapidly connecting parts of this sprawling city. But while travelling through the streets in a cycle- or auto-rickshaw can be slightly hair-raising it's still one of the best ways to see the city - bargain and agree the price before you set off.
It's no surprise to find old, older and newest. As befits the country's capital and a rapidly-expanding economy there's no shortage of modern among the ancient. Pizza, Chinese and burger-style fast food are all big in Indian cities but for something a little different how about Murgh Doner (spicy Indian chicken in a kebab-style wrap) from Fusion? - It's near the entrance to Greater Kailash 1 Market, where you can browse the small shops and the market hall.
When to Go: "The best time to visit New Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. Delhi wears a festive look between February and April, the blooming season. Summers in Delhi are very hot and it is not recommended to visit it during May, June or July."
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Highlights: Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
When to Go: The beauty of Agra can be appreciated best in the cooler months, between October and March.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Highlights: Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravallis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan. Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture as it is for its lively people.
When to Go: Winter (October-March) is best. The monsoons too pass muster. Off-season summer, when it is very hot, is when most resorts offer best value packages.
Mandawa, Rajasthan
Highlights: In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era.
When to Go: Mandawa has an extreme climate. The summers can be very hot with the mercury touching 40.5°C, whereas winters can be chilly and the temperature can fall below 10°C. The best season to visit this place is winter i.e. October to March.
Bikaner, Rajasthan
Highlights: Rajasthan is a state where tradition and royal glory meet. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.
When to Go: Preferable to travel during the winter months, as summer is a real scorcher. September to March is the right time.
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Testimonials:
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We started the evening with a Rajasthani desert buffet and a bottle of Kingfisher, and then headed out on camels to watch the sunset in the desert.
George Wigzell
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