The splendour of Rajasthan Royals

Day 1

Fly to Delhi

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi. 

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Day 2

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. 

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Day 3

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. 

Day 4

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. 

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

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Day 7

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.

Day 8

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.

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Day 9

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.

Day 10

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.

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Day 11

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.

Day 12

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.

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Day 13

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.

Day 14

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.

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Day 15

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.

Day 16

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.

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Day 17

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your return flight to the UK arriving later the same day.