Discover Rajasthan's regal history through its palaces and forts, and spot big cats in the wild

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

What's included

  • A private guide accompanying you from arrival to departure
  • Privately guided tours tailored specifically to you
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers and internal flights
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
  • Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park
  • Private tours in Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra
  • Sunrise and sunset visits to the Taj Mahal
  • Two night at JAWAI safari camp
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

India‘s cities are littered with beautiful palaces and majestic forts, but venture a little further and you’ll discover awe-inspiring natural landscapes, teeming with wildlife. This 14-night trip takes you to the beating heart of this vast nation as well as to its vast wilderness in search of tigers and leopards. What’s more, you’ll be accompanied the whole way by your very own expert guide.

You’ll start in the thriving metropolis of Mumbai, the country’s economic powerhouse and the picture of modern India. Explore its markets and open-air laundries and see the remarkable dabbawalas in action as they deliver hundreds of thousands of lunch boxes across the city to hungry office workers. From here you will take a short flight to Jodhpur, known as the Blue City thanks to the sea of cornflower-coloured houses. Visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India, and explore the bustling bazaars filled with fabric, jewellery and a mind boggling array of spices.

You will the head south to JAWAI, a luxury safari camp nestled deep in the Rajasthani wilderness. This incredible landscape is home to leopards and nomadic Rabari herdsmen and is one that few visitors to India get to experience. Go in search of its incredible wildlife, explore the vast plains by bike or unwind with a yoga session in the shade of a kopje, before coming back to camp for a dip in the pool and dinner under the star-studded night sky.

It is then on to the romantic city of Udaipur and the vibrant regional capital of Jaipur, enjoying privately guided tours that help you get to grips with the local culture. Your next wildlife encounter is at Ranthambore, one of India‘s most famous tiger reserves. Keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures on morning and evening game drives through the park, as well as for deer, monkeys and flocks of colourful birds.

Your epic Indian discovery ends in Agra, home to one of the world’s greatest sights – the Taj Mahal, visiting at both sunrise and sunset when it is at its most beautiful.

 

Example trip itinerary

Day 1-3

Mumbai

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Airport assistance at Mumbai airport

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Mumbai with guide

Accommodation in Mumbai

Two nights in Mumbai Two nights in Mumbai

The capital of Maharashtra and India’s economic powerhouse, Mumbai is a huge metropolis home to over 22 million people. A melting pot of cultures, the affectionately named City of Dreams envelops all who come in a cloud of colour and sound, its energy undeniably contagious. Mumbaikars have a real love for life, which they live at quite a pace, and the best way to enjoy this city is to simply join them.

Gateway of India and the Kala Ghoda area Gateway of India and the Kala Ghoda area

Your tour starts with a visit to Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1924 by George Wittet, whose brief was to combine the grandeur of a Roman triumphal arch with decorative motifs from Hindu and Muslim architecture. Overlooking the harbour, the Gateway was to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Whilst it served as an arrival point for visitors from the west, it also marked the spot where the British departed India in 1947. Explore the historic Kala Ghoda area, home to a range of architectural styles from Gothic to art deco. Food stalls, cafes and galleries line the streets which also serve as a makeshift cricket pitchs for enthusiastic locals. You’ll also visit the impressive Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a huge Victorian Gothic station and a great place to people watch.

See the dabbawalas in action See the dabbawalas in action

When it comes to lunch, popping out for a sandwich is just not how they do it in Mumbai. The dabbawalas are a 5,000 strong group who deliver 200,000 lunch boxes every day to offices around the city. Every morning the dabbawalas call on homes to pick up dabbas, or lunch boxes, filled with home cooked food prepared for offices workers. All the boxes look identical but a very well organised and precise system ensures they all end up at the correct desk. You'll visit Churchgate Station to see this amazing process in action.

Visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi museum Visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi museum

Today you’ll visit the Mani Bhavan museum, dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. Housed in a private residence that was used by Gandhi during his visits to Mumbai, the collection follows the key events in his life and includes some of his personal items and photographs.

Crawford Market and the dhobi ghats Crawford Market and the dhobi ghats

Explore the local markets with your guide, including the famous Crawford Market where it is estimated 3000 tonnes of produce is traded every day. You'll also visit the dhobi ghats were washermen and women come in droves to wash and press thousands of pieces of clothing.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Mumbai airport with guide

Flight

Flight from Mumbai - Jodhpur

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Jodhpur with guide

Days 3-5

Jodhpur

Accommodation in Jodhpur

Two nights in Jodhpur Two nights in Jodhpur

Rajasthan’s second largest city, historic Jodhpur may just be its most photogenic. Known as the Blue City, its 16th century old town is crammed with hundreds of houses painted bright shades of blue, connected by labyrinthine streets, bustling spice bazaars and flitting multi-hued saris, all overlooked by the immense Mehrangarh Fort.

Sadr Bazaar tour Sadr Bazaar tour

Head to the Sadr Bazaar in the old city where you can shop for Jodhpur’s famous glass bangles, rugged camel leather mojri slippers and incredible fabrics. You will stop at the a famous place in the market that makes the famous Jodhpur ‘mirchi pakora’ - large chilies fried in batter - and a famous lassi shop that makes a variety of yogurt smoothies.

Mehrangarh Fort tour Mehrangarh Fort tour

Explore the stunning Mehrangarh Fort with your guide, one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460, with cliff sides chiselled flat to make them unscalable and monumental walls built on top, the vast complex envelops several of Rajasthan’s most beautiful palaces, a series of cool courtyards and an extensive garden. Grand gates bear the marks of numerous failed sieges and its museum holds a stunning array of arms, costumes and artwork from the Marwar kingdom’s glorious zenith.

blue-city-jodhpur-india
Blue City heritage walk Blue City heritage walk

Walk among the exquisitely carved havelis and lesser known bazaars of the Blue City. This area of the city was primarily inhabited by Brahmins, the highest castes of Hinduism who chose to add a bit of Indigo while colouring their houses. Walking through the residential areas you head towards the bustling bazaars of the walled city, exploring its heritage of arts and craft from sword makers to perfume makers. The range of activity is fascinating. You will also visit the Kishanji Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna which is famous for its garland makers and sweet shops.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to JAWAI

Days 5-7

Rural Rajasthan

Accommodation in Rural Rajasthan

Two nights at JAWAI Two nights at JAWAI

Explore this remote corner of Rajasthan on a variety of beguiling activities, from game drives out to spot leopards and other wildlife, to bird watching walks (there are 170 species of birds here including flamingos), strolls with the local shepherds or more challenging treks. You can also visit nearby temples and forts, take mountain bikes out to discover the landscape or relax with yoga sessions in wonderfully secluded locations.

Game drives at JAWAI Game drives at JAWAI

During your stay at JAWAI, you'll head out on game drives through the incredible landscape in search of leopards. There is also an abundance of birdlife to marvel at.

Private transfer from JAWAI to Udaipur via Ranakpur with guide Private transfer from JAWAI to Udaipur via Ranakpur with guide

Drive south to Udaipur, stopping en route at village of Ranakpur to see its renowned marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular and intricate of the Jain temples, followed by lunch nearby. You can also choose to stop for a walk in the charming village of Delwara and visit the temples at Eklingi.

Days 7-9

Udaipur

Accommodation in Udaipur

Two nights in Udaipur Two nights in Udaipur

The scenic city of Udaipur sits surrounded on all sides by the wooded Aravalli Hills, its grand palaces reflected in serene lakes. The old city is a bustling jumble of alleys and side streets, but tranquility is never far away, be it boating on one of the lakes or a panoramic view from the hilltop Monsoon Temple. For shoppers, Udaipur’s ancient bazaars and a vibrant arts scene make it a great place to find intricate Mughal inspired miniature paintings, marble and silver craft. For those seeking some adventure, the rolling countryside outside the city can be explored on foot or horseback.

Tour of Udaipur's City Palace Tour of Udaipur's City Palace

The City Palace, sat on the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, its detailed art and workmanship a tribute to the skills of local craftspeople. A collection of towers, domes and arches, the Palace illustrates several architectural styles including Moghal and Rajput. The royal family claim to be 'surya vansh', descendents of the sun, and so the whole structure faces east and there is a stunning bejewelled image of the sun at the entrance. Inside the Palace there is an interesting collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery which houses an eccentric collection of art and furniture.

Guided walk through Udaipur's old city Guided walk through Udaipur's old city

Enjoy wandering the old city with your guide, winding your way through lanes that teem with cows, elephants and people. You'll pass shops, folk art hung on the walls of houses and pretty latticed haveli windows.

Jal Sanjhvi water painting Jal Sanjhvi water painting

Jal Sanjhvi is the art of drawing on water, a popular ritual performed at temples dedicated to Krishna where coloured powders are used to draw iconic images onto water. A full canvas takes about five hours to create, and you'll arrive in time to see the picture completed.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Udaipur airport with guide

Flight

Flight from Udaipur to Jaipur

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Jaipur with guide

Days 9-11

Jaipur

Accommodation in Jaipur

Two nights in Jaipur Two nights in Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan and its largest city, Jaipur is at once the state’s commercial hub and one of its most fascinating cultural destinations. The pace of life here is fast, but take your time and in this somewhat frantic city you'll find some of India’s most majestic palaces and atmospheric relics.

Visit the bazaars of Jaipur's old city Visit the bazaars of Jaipur's old city

Explore the Badi Chaupad and Johari bazaars in Jaipur's old city. Wandering through the maze of stalls and studios, you'll see craftspeople working on all sorts of forms of local art including zardozi embroidery, gota work, kinary, silver ornament work and precious and semi-precious stonework.

Puja temple ceremony and market visit Puja temple ceremony and market visit

Today you'll visit a temple and partake in a short puja ceremony, where the temple priest will perform worship for you and offer blessings. You will also take a walk through Jaipur's traditional markets filled with colourful fruit and vegetable stalls. Set against the backdrop of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob's vernacular architecture, the bustling alleyways are still where many merchant families live today.

jantar-mantar-jaipur-rajasthan-india
Visit the Jantar Mantar Visit the Jantar Mantar

Maharaja Jai Singh II, the founder of the pink city, was an avid astrologer and built five observatories around northern India. The Jantar Mantar is the
largest of the five and houses what is believed to be the world's largest sun dial. The observatory consists of 14 geometric devices for measuring time, tracking constellations and observing the orbits around the sun.

Tour of Amber Fort Tour of Amber Fort

Amber, the ancient capital of the region, still recalls its heydays in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides. It is an extremely well preserved building and during your guided tour you'll visit the Jagmandir, or Hall of Victory, with its glittering mirrors, the Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Ranthambore National Park with guide

Days 11-13

Ranthambore National Park

Accommodation in Ranthambore National Park

tigers-ranthambore-national-park-india
Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park

Located in the southeastern corner of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is perhaps the most famous place to spot wild tigers in India - and for good reason. You'll drive through the park in search of these beautiful and awe inspiring creatures with an expert guide who knows the park and its big cats like the back of their hand. As well as being a top tiger spotting destination, Ranthambore is a beautiful park to explore with the 10th-century fort towering over the surrounding plain, its crenellations now sun loungers for Hanuman langurs looking down onto the lakes below. The rest of the park’s jungle is littered with ancient temple ruins, often a favoured rest stop for wandering tigers.

Private transfer from Ranthambore to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri with guide Private transfer from Ranthambore to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri with guide

En route to Agra, you may like to visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after just 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the Panch Mahal and other palaces.

Days 13-15

Agra and the Taj Mahal

Accommodation in Agra and the Taj Mahal

Two nights in Agra Two nights in Agra

It has graced the pages of books for centuries but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal for the very fist time. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India's most memorable and emotive sights. The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River within 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum sits 52m above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides. It is flanked by a mosque and a guest house, both made from red sandstone and mirror images of each other. There is no denying that the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the main reasons people visit Agra. However, it’s well worth lingering to explore the city’s magnificent fort that lies just 3km to the west.

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal

As the light changes, so too does the colour of the Taj Mahal. One of the best times to visit is in the early hours when it is bathed in the ethereal glow of the morning light.

agra-fort-india
Tour of Agra Fort Tour of Agra Fort

Just a few kilometres from the Taj Mahal sits the impressive Agra Fort, where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son. Here you will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, the Pearl Mosque and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India in the lights of the sunset.
Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal

Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunset is a truly magical experience, as the light plays on the marble of the tomb and its reflection shimmers in the water. Heartbroken after the death of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during the birth of their 14th child, Shah Jahan set about building the world’s most beautiful monument in her honour. It took a workforce of more than 20,000 men 22 years to build, painstakingly making sure every slab of marble, precious stone and stroke of calligraphy was perfect. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights on earth and the world's greatest symbol of love.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Delhi airport with guide

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Every trip helps support Conservation.

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