India
Tour the splendours of Rajasthan
Maharaja Tour - 15 Night Itinerary
Explore the land of the kings, from the Taj Mahal to the Pink City of Jaipur and go on safari in Ranthambore National Park
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Delhi - 2 Nights
- Agra & the Taj Mahal - 1 Night
- Fathepur Sikri & Gadoli Village - 1 Night
- Ranthambore National Park - 2 Nights
- Jaipur - 2 Nights
- Udaipur - 2 Nights
- Jodhpur - 2 Nights
- Jamba - 2 Nights
- Return to Delhi - 1 Night
Travel Highlights
- Explore Delhi including the Red Fort, colourful bazaars and India gate.
- Travel by train to Agra and enjoy an evening visit to the Taj Mahal.
- Stay in rural Rajasthan in Gadoli Village and Jamba meeting local villagers.
- Enjoy 4 x 4 safaris in Ranthambore National Park searching for Bengal Tigers and wildlife
- Visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur including the imposing Amber Fort.
- Stay and explore the romantic and scenic city of lakes - Udaipur.
- Discover the sights and markets of historic Jodhpur.
- Upgrade to luxury, heritage hotels and amazing converted forts and palaces.
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Delhi - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Depart from the UK on overnight flight to Delhi
Day 2 - Delhi
Day 3 - Exploring Delhi in-depth
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 14 February 2025
Fly to Delhi
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.
Saturday, 15 February 2025
Delhi
When you arrive in Delhi you will be met by your local Veloso Tours guide who will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay on a room and breakfast basis. Your guide will give you a short orientation of the area surrounding your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and rest after your flight ready for your adventures the next day.
Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago and Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 when they made it the capital of India in 1911 and commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with grand colonial architecture.
Sunday, 16 February 2025
Exploring Delhi in-depth
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a full day tour of “Old Delhi,” where you will explore the exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colourful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).
We drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.
We then visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, colour or class.
We conclude the day visiting Delhi's most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
The Golden Triangle - First Hotel
Located in the centre of New Delhi, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms and an excellent choice of restaurants.
There are 220 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each with private bathroom, hair dyer, minibar, bottled water, coffee and tea maker, safe and sitting area. Rooms have panoramic views of the city.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, gym and an Indian and Chinese restaurant. There is also a wide choice of Indian and International restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. as well as a major shopping mall.
The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Maidens Hotel, New Delhi
The Golden Triangle - Luxury Hotel
The Maidens Hotel was established in 1903 and remains a stately survivor of the golden age - the sweeping driveway and the grand façade give an inkling of its star-studded past. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. A stay at Maidens Hotel is a historically and culturally enriching experience! Every corner in the hotel has a story to tell, whether it's unraveling the majestic royals of the princely states, the Delhi Durbar with its pre-independence coronation, or the ruling times of The British Raj.
The hotel is located in North Delhi within close proximity to the major attractions and has 54 rooms and suites all with high ceilings, air-conditioning, mini bar, tea-coffee maker, LCD TV, satellite channels, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi and telephone.
Public areas include lush gardens, a gym and classic wining and dining in the Cavalry Bar, the elegant Curzon Room restaurant serving Indian dishes and the Garden Terrace restaurant.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
The Oberoi, New Delhi
The Golden Triangle - Deluxe Hotel
The Oberoi, New Delhi is located in the centre of New Delhi, close to the major attractions including India Gate.
The hotel has 220 air-conditioned and spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, teak floors and oak desks. Each room has a safe, FREE Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, 24 hour butler service, goose pillows (with choice), Nespresso coffee machine, tea making facilities and hair dryer.
Public facilities include all day dining at 360 degrees signature restaurant serving international dishes, Omya serving contemporary Indian cuisine, Baoshuan serving chinese fayre and the magical Cirrus 9, a famous rooftop bar with panoramic views of Delhi. There is also a club bar and cigar lounge, patisserie and delicatessen. The hotel also has a luxury spa, gardens and outdoor swimming pool.
The rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Agra & the Taj Mahal - 1 Night
Day 4 - Train to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
- Full Description
Monday, 17 February 2025
Train to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
We depart for Agra. Though Agra's history is largely recognised with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharata, the Mythological history. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the centre of art, culture, commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed including the Taj Mahal.
On arrival, we visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.
We then check-in to your chosen hotel.
In the evening, your local guide will take you on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolising their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.
Fathepur Sikri & Gadoli Village - 1 Night
Day 5 - Fathepur Sikri & Gadoli Village
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Fathepur Sikri & Gadoli Village
Drive to Gadoli. En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and is built entirely of red sandstone. The tomb of the revered saint Salim Chisti is built in pristine white marble and stands in stunning contrast to the red sandstone. This deserted sandstone city was the glorious but ephemeral capital during Akbar’s reign. Lying on a rocky ridge, this fortress is today a haunting complex with empty palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles. You often wonder how these ancient fortresses must have come alive with music, laughter, beautiful courtesans and the colour and pomp of royalty!
Continue to Gadoli for an unforgettable village experience and a welcome break from the regular tourist visits to monuments, museums and market places and the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities and move towards the pristine and untouched lives of the real people of the land. The villages visited are tucked away within a valley inside the Aravalli Hills, including a community of the Meena Tribe. The joy and spirit of rustic life is palpable in the lively faces of the villagers. Here, in many ways, time has stood still.
Enjoy the camel cart safari to visit a charming village and meet its friendly people who are eager to share their life with you.
Dera Village Retreat
Rajasthan - First Lodge
The Dera Village Retreat was established in 2002 as a place for travellers to experience the authentic, rural Rajasthan. Located 2 hours drive from Jaipur, the retreat offers a welcome break from the busy tourist attractions in the major cities of Rajasthan.
The retreat has 18 cottages complete with air-conditioning, heating, fully equipped bathrooms, study table, wardrobe and a dressing area.
Public areas include a large and peaceful garden, where you can relax in the sunshine, try yoga or enjoy the regular evening entertainment of local dancers. The cosy dining room offer contemporary Indian cuisine or you can eat al fresco.
There is much to do in the area, including camel rides, trekking and visiting local villages that have not changes for years.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis, but other packages including excursions are also available.
Ranthambore National Park - 2 Nights
Day 6 - Ranthambore National Park
Day 7 - Two Game Drives in Ranthambore National Park
- Full Description
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Ranthambore National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Ranthambore National Park. Bordering the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and the former hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur, Ranthambore is now a 512-square-mile nature preserve (one of India’s largest) that is home to diverse plant life; historic ruins; and hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, Bengal tigers.
On arrival, check-in to your chosen hotel. This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Ranthambore National Park.
Thursday, 20 February 2025
4 x 4 Game drives in Ranthambore National Park
Today enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, where we are sure to see more game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed). One of India’s best known national parks, Ranthambore belongs to India’s groundbreaking Project Tiger, dedicated to preserving and protecting the once plentiful Royal Bengal tigers that roamed the land here. Now threatened by poachers, illegal logging, and encroaching civilisation, India’s tiger population has decreased precipitously; it is believed that just 58 tigers currently live in Ranthambore (which actually represents a net gain in the past decade or so). Nationally, Project Tiger has seen the Bengal population rise to about 2,500 at latest count in 2016 from the 1,800 counted when the project launched in 1973.
The park’s varied landscape of beautiful lakes, lush grasslands, deep ravines, wooded valleys, and open scrub also features picturesque ruins of old fortifications and the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jaipur - 2 Nights
Day 8 - Travel to Jaipur
Day 9 - Jaipur guided city tour
- Full Description
Friday, 21 February 2025
Travel to Jaipur
Today we proceed to Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan which is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewelery. On arrival, check-in to your chosen hotel.
This evening is free to explore the colourful markets of the pink city.
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Jaipur city tour
Jaipur was the home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces and gardens lend a timeless quality to this storied region. Called the “pink city” for its buildings of rose-hued sandstone, Jaipur today retains the exquisite symmetry of its original construction, as well as the eight historic gates that protected the city centuries ago.
Enjoy a full day tour of Jaipur with our local guide including a visit Amber Fort a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Rajput architecture. We tour the unoccupied citadel this morning, to admire the fresco-covered portal, the impressive room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
We continue on to Jantar Mantar, the incredible open-air Royal Observatory (ca. 1728) housing oversized astronomical instruments and a UNESCO World Heritage site; and City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur, built in the shape of the city itself and now converted to a museum that houses the rulers’ magnificent art collections.
Udaipur - 2 Nights
Day 10 - Travel to Udaipur
Day 11 - Guided city tour and boat ride on Lake Pichola
- Full Description
Sunday, 23 February 2025
Travel to Udaipur
After breakfast, we drive about six hours to reach Udaipur, described as the “City of Sunrise,” standing in a valley amid green hills on the banks of the Lake Pichola.
On arrival, check-in to your chosen hotel. Udaipur has some of India's most iconic hotels, many of which are converted palaces in incredibly beautiful locations.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Monday, 24 February 2025
Guided city tour and boat ride on the lake
Today after breakfast, enjoy a half day city tour with your local guide. Visit the Jadish Temple, the largest and most venerated temple in Udaipur. Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharaja Jagat Singh, the temple is decorated with friezes and enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu. Walk about the Garden of Maidens (Sahelion Ki Bari), which consists of an ornamental lotus pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soapstone. You can explore the rest of the Maharajah’s City Palace, an imposing edifice of granite and marble, standing atop a ridge overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola and the exquisite Lake Palace.
Enjoy the pleasant boat ride on the Lake Pichola in the evening.
Jodhpur - 2 Nights
Day 12 - Travel to Jodhpur
Day 13 - Guided tour of Jodhpur
- Full Description
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Travel to Jodhpur
Today, we drive to Jodhpur, stopping along the way at Ranakpur, home to some of India’s most exquisite Jain temple architecture. Situated in the lovely valley of Aravalli Hills, are the ornately carved temples of Ranakpur which are the holiest places for Jain pilgrims, the Chamukha temple is three-storied, with 80 domes supported by 1444 carved pillars, each different from one another.
We continue to Jodhpur and check-in to your chosen hotel. Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City” was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee. The old city is enclosed by a six-mile wall that separates it from the desert sands that stretch for miles on every side; Jodhpur was the ancient capital city of Marwar Kingdom.
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Guided tour of Jodhpur
Today we will explore the city’s beautiful palace Mehrangarh Fort, founded in 1459 and an architectural marvel. The towering building has extremely high walls and gates, and the closer it is explored, the smaller you begin to feel! Inside the fort is a network of courtyards and palaces, (including a museum that houses a splendid collection of items from the Maharajas), salvaged to display their long history of warding off attackers.
The Jaswant Thada is an absolutely calming and soothing building to lay your eyes upon. Constructed entirely of a milky-white marble, the whimsical essence of this memorial can be felt by all. The sheets of marble used to create this astounding marvel were all hand carved into fabulous walls and domes. A warm glow surrounds the polished rock, emitting a sunny and pleasant atmosphere.
We also visit the bustling Clock Tower bazaar to get an authentic look at life in this historic city.
Jamba - 2 Nights
Day 14 - Jamba and local villages
Day 15 - Exploring Jamba
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 27 February 2025
Jamba and local villages
We drive approximately three hours and head into the hinterland to a region known as Jamba, the stronghold of the fascinating Bishnoi tribes. All Bishnois follow the 29 (bis-noi) tenets laid down by the 15th-century guru Jambeshwar, affectionately known as “Jamba-ji.” They fervently believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life so wildlife finds a natural sanctuary around their villages.
You will spend two nights at the Dera Dune Retreat. This is an exclusive property, set atop a 130' high sand dune with panoramic views of the Thar Desert. The Resort features exquisite examples of traditional Rajasthani architecture used throughout, with stonework and carvings using local design and sustainable materials and, most importantly, utilising the skills of local craftsmen. It has individual deluxe cottages, a swimming pool and beautiful restaurant.
Friday, 28 February 2025
Exploring Jamba
After breakfast, take a 4 x 4 journey cross-country on dirt and sand roads exploring “Jamba-ji’s” land. These excursions introduce you to traditional Rajasthani hospitality, as well as giving you a chance to witness rural Rajasthani life up close. The villages are built with painted adobe walls, and village life continues unaffected by the big cities nearby.
Bishnoi villages are immaculate, scrubbed daily by brightly clad women who are weighted down by silver jewelery and festooned with bangles right up to the length of their arms. By contrast, their tall men dress entirely in white, their large turbans loosely swathed around dark skinned, weathered faces.
Return to the retreat for lunch and an afternoon to relax.
This evening is free to enjoy watching the beautiful sunset light up the desert.
Dera Dune Village
Rajasthan - Tourist Lodge
Located in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Dera Dune Village is a quite unique retreat from the bustle of city life. Its position is on top of a 100 foot sand dune in Jamba, the land of the Jambhoji tribe. The Bishnois, a sect of people formed about 500 years ago are considered the oldest environmentalists of the planet. They still observe the rules established in 1485 by their founder Jambhoji, which include the protection of trees and wild animals. Other inhabitants of the area include the herders, or Raikas, who take pride in their heritage as caretakers and breeders of ‘ships of the desert’, camels. The Rajputs belong to the traditional ruling elite. There are also castes that specialise in weaving camel wool and cloth and adorning them with fascinating patterns.
The retreat has 16 cottages complete with air-conditioning, heating, fully equipped bathrooms, writing table, wardrobe and a dressing area. While having all the modern amenities, each cottage is designed in the local architectural style to resemble ‘dhanis’ or tribal huts.
Public facilites include a swimming pool, dining room, al fresco dining and many activities including camel riding, desert safaris, a visit to the Khichan bird sanctuary, Jamba Temple, birdwatching and wildlife tours and visits to local villages.
The rates are on a full board basis including a choice of excursions.
Return to Delhi - 1 Night
Day 16 - Return to Delhi
Day 17 - Fly back to the UK
- Full Description
Saturday, 01 March 2025
Return to Delhi
After early breakfast we drive to the village Khichan to witness the perfect example of the bird and human relationship, where over 15000 demoiselle cranes come to the village during the months of winter and villagers feed them grains.
We continue to Jodhpur airport to connect with a domestic flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, check-in to your hotel near Delhi airport.
Sunday, 02 March 2025
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to Delhi Airport for your return flight to the UK arriving later the same day.
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | October - March | |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £3,542 | £4,509 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £4,617 | £5,910 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- Guidelines prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room
- 17 Days / 15 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Domestic flight from Jodhpur to Delhi
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 15 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees
- National Park entrance fees and three 4 x 4 game drives
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