At Home in Rajasthan

Often rustic, brimming with character and run by warm and welcoming hosts, homestays offer a fantastic insight into Indian local life. Spending time with host families over a meal of delicious Indian home cooking provides an unparalleled insight into their culture, history and traditions. This two week itinerary includes some of our of favourite homestays as you explore the highlights of Rajasthan, offering the chance to discover the mighty forts, glittering palaces, colourful cities and rural villages that Rajasthan is known for as well as an insight into local life that many never get to experience.

Start in India’s buzzing capital of New Delhi, before taking a train to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. Then head into Rajasthan as you travel to the historic cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur to explore their stunning forts, lavish palaces and colourful streets. In between, there are stops in the rural villages of Deogarh and Shahpura, which not only break up some long drives between cities, but also boast some fantastic heritage properties and a chance to relax and soak up rural Rajasthani life. This trip is particularly suited for first time visitors to north India wishing to explore the highlights but also looking to experience authentic Indian life.

Days 1 - 3 : Delhi, India

Stay at Thikana Delhi for 2 nights

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. You will be spending the next two nights at Thikana, a charming owner-run homestay in the south of the city. Your first afternoon is free to spend how you wish. You may choose to relax at Thikana, or if you wish to explore, a guided tour of Delhi’s magnificent garden tombs and the Lodi gardens can be arranged. The following day will involve a tour of the main attractions of both Old and New Delhi with a private specialist guide, including the ancient bazaars of Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutb Minar minaret.

Day 3 - 4 : Agra, India

Stay at Coral Tree Homestay for 1 night

On the morning of day three, you will be taken to Delhi’s train station in time to catch a two hour train south to Agra. As you arrive in Agra, you will be taken to Coral Tree, a warm and welcoming homestay conveniently located just 600m from the Taj Mahal’s Eastern Gate. Spend that afternoon exploring some of Agra’s architectural wonders with a private guide, including the impressive Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh, a grand park that enjoys spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. The following morning is an early start, as you rise early to take in the glorious sight of the Taj Mahal at dawn, bathed in hues of pink and orange.

Days 4 - 6 : Jaipur, India

Stay at The Royal Heritage Haveli for 2 nights

Next stop is Rajasthan’s rose-tinted capital of Jaipur, about a four hour drive from Agra. Spend your first day exploring the ‘pink city’ with a private specialist guide, visiting the historic City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Your second day in Jaipur takes you a little more off-the-beaten-track as you enjoy a guided walk to the settlement of the Meena Tribe, before ascending the Aravalli Hills on a historic path. The path offers breath-taking views of Jaipur’s spectacular Amber fort, which you will then visit later in the afternoon. Whilst discovering the delights of Jaipur, you will be staying at The Royal Heritage Haveli, a magnificent 18th century haveli now converted into a boutique hosted hotel.

Days 6 - 8 : Shahpura, India

Stay at Shahpura Bagh for 2 nights

From Jaipur, you will be driven approximately four hours to Shahpura. A quiet town surrounded by green hills, open fields and glittering lakes it is the perfect place to unwind for a couple of days. Accommodation is at Shahpura Bagh, a fantastic heritage property that once acted as the summer home of the rulers of Shahpura. Spend the days relaxing by Shahpura Bagh’s outdoor pool, lounging amongst the 45 acres of lush gardens or enjoying excursions into the local area including village walks, boating and birdwatching.

Days 8 - 10 : Jodhpur, India

Stay at Indrashan for 2 nights

Today, you will be driven five hours to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, home to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Spend the next two nights at Indrashan, a lovely homestay offering a wonderfully warm welcome to the city. That afternoon and evening are at your leisure before enjoying a private guided tour of Jodhpur and the Blue City the following day, visiting sights including Mehrangarh Fort, the Jaswant Thada royal cenotaph and the silver and textile markets near the clock tower.

Days 10 - 12 : Deogarh, India

Stay at Dev Shree for 2 nights

From Jodhpur, you will be driven approximately three hours to Dev Shree, a charming upmarket homestay in the small town of Deogarh. Your time at Dev Shree is free to spend how you wish. We would recommended exploring the surrounding scenery and enjoying some of the excursions organised by the property, including local village walks, bird watching, culinary workshops and historical site tours.

Days 12 - 14 : Udaipur, India

Stay at Devra for 2 nights

On the morning of day 12, you are driven two to three hours to the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, your final destination. Spend that afternoon enjoying a relaxing boat ride on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola with stunning views over the city. The next morning, explore Udaipur’s beautiful countryside on a rural cycling tour before touring the city’s main attractions with a private guide, including the City Palace, Saheliyon-ki-bari and Jagdish Temple. You will be staying at Devra, a country-villa style homestay just outside of the city that provides a welcome retreat after a busy day sightseeing in the city. The next day, your trip comes to an end as you are transferred to Udaipur’s international airport in time to board a flight home via Delhi.

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