Classic Rajasthan

The adventure

Travel through the Land of Kings on this 15-day classic Rajasthan journey, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the Mughal icons of Agra. Experience the colours and energy of northern India as you move about the state by train, private vehicle and jeep between lively cities, quiet countryside and desert towns. Witness the opulence of Maharajahs’ palaces, learn the history of massive forts and stroll through local markets. Search for the elusive Bengal tiger, share a meal with a family in Pushkar, spend the night in the desert and tick one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list. Immerse yourself in Rajasthan’s history, all with a local by your side to guide the way.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

India

Showing Days 1-7

15-day itinerary

Day 1DelhiNamaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider joining one of the Urban Adventures on offer, for a great introduction to the city. After meeting your group, maybe step out for dinner – this is your first chance to get into India’s iconic food scene and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider joining one of the Urban Adventures on offer, for a great introduction to the city. After meeting your group, maybe step out for dinner – this is your first chance to get into India’s iconic food scene and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Day 2DelhiStart the day navigating the city’s metro system like a local and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw and weave through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, and India’s largest. Then, enter the calm of the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to share a simple meal in the communal kitchen that’s open to all. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.

Delhi

Start the day navigating the city’s metro system like a local and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw and weave through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, and India’s largest. Then, enter the calm of the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to share a simple meal in the communal kitchen that’s open to all. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.

Day 3AgraAfter breakfast, travel to Agra on one of India’s express, air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Head inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar’s Mausoleum. Tonight, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – this social enterprise supports survivors of acid attacks – for a meal with a difference.

Agra

After breakfast, travel to Agra on one of India’s express, air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Head inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar’s Mausoleum. Tonight, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – this social enterprise supports survivors of acid attacks – for a meal with a difference.

Day 4MadhogarhTake a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local Lakhera craftspeople at work making resin bangles. In Hindu mythology, Lakheras are created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art, and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. Tonight, stay in Fort Madhogarh, a heritage property that has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Madhogarh

Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local Lakhera craftspeople at work making resin bangles. In Hindu mythology, Lakheras are created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art, and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. Tonight, stay in Fort Madhogarh, a heritage property that has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Day 5JaipurContinue to Jaipur and head out on a walking tour through the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Wander busy bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort – an excellent example of Rajput architecture – set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. The walls are completely covered in little mirrors, so the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.

Jaipur

Continue to Jaipur and head out on a walking tour through the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Wander busy bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort – an excellent example of Rajput architecture – set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. The walls are completely covered in little mirrors, so the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.

Day 6JaipurToday, shape your day with optional activities or independent exploration. This morning, maybe opt for a hot air balloon ride – floating across the skyline of Jaipur is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Or, jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds.’ Perhaps you’ll head to Jaipur’s Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, maybe head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood film – a fun local experience.

Jaipur

Today, shape your day with optional activities or independent exploration. This morning, maybe opt for a hot air balloon ride – floating across the skyline of Jaipur is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Or, jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds.’ Perhaps you’ll head to Jaipur’s Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, maybe head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood film – a fun local experience.

Day 7Ranthambhore National ParkToday you’ll head to Ranthambhore National Park – once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. In the evening, you’ll take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, like hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between July 1st and September 30th each year. On trips departing during this time, you’ll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km (10 mi) from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn’t as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area, and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore National Park

Today you’ll head to Ranthambhore National Park – once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. In the evening, you’ll take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, like hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between July 1st and September 30th each year. On trips departing during this time, you’ll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km (10 mi) from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn’t as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area, and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

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