Introducing Rajasthan
Watch our video to see why our specialists love Rajasthan...
Watch our video to see why our specialists love Rajasthan...
Watch our video to see the highlights of India...
We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Asia. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.
The Golden Triangle is a great starting point for anyone visiting India for the first time. The journey is made up of three of the most visited cities in north India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, offering a fantastic combination of history and culture.
Only after stepping foot in India will you realise that Indian cuisine, as you know it, just doesn’t exist. To paint both the delicate and punchy flavours of India with the same broad brushstroke overlooks the smorgasbord of dishes on offer from north to south. Tried and tested recipes balance coriander, cumin and cardamom with almost scientific precision, guaranteeing a culinary experience you will never forget.
Enjoy a sneak peek into daily life in India by staying at a haveli or in a homestay. If only for a few nights, you will be shoehorned into a family, enjoying traditional Indian hospitality, sampling home cooked food and exploring the path less travelled. Staying at one of these unique lodgings will give you an incredible insight into real India, and you will be welcomed with open arms by hosts whose wealth of local knowledge knows no bounds. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from plantation bungalows to historic houses, majestic forts and charming cottages, a short stay in one of these unique properties allows you to immerse yourself in India rather than simply visit it.
India is a magical country which welcomes travellers with a chaotic and colourful assault on the senses. Never is this more prominent than during one of the many festivals. Below we have listed the dates for the major festivals in India in 2017. Speak to one of our specialists about incorporating one of these into a tailor-made itinerary.
With millions of passengers on the move every day, travelling on some 71,000 miles of track, India's intricate network of railways are the arteries of the country, connecting its bustling cities with its sleepy villages and everywhere in between. The sprawling rail network reaches the nooks and crannies of India which are otherwise impossible to find. Amongst the country's miles of train tracks are some of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world, most notable of which are its famed toy trains. Whilst perhaps not the most efficient way of getting from A to B, the experience is an absolute must to add to your India itinerary.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is just an idea to inspire you. Now let us make it yours. Call 020 3141 2850 and we will take your budget, favourites & timings and use our expertise to design the perfect holiday unique to you.
All accommodation and breakfasts
Private car and guide
Entry fees
Ask our specialists for prices excluding flights from the UK. This price is as a guide only. The actual price is influenced by fluctuations in exchange rate, time of year, travel class of flights and the use of private versus shared excursions. Single supplements are likely to apply.