Rajasthan Tour & Holidays | Holidays in Rajasthan

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1-3	Delhi 1	Old Delhi by rickshaw; Humayun’s tomb; Gandhi's eternal flame and India Gate	The Imperial
3-5	Agra 2	Taj Mahal at sunrise; Agra Fort	Oberoi Amarvilas
5-8	Ajabgarh 3	Rural Rajasthan; Luxury living in the grounds of a former hunting lodge	Amanbagh
8-11	Jaipur 4	Amber Fort; Walking tour of the Pink City; Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar and City Palace	Rajmahal Palace
11-13	Nagaur 5	Deserted hilltop palace to yourself; stay inside the royal living quarters	Ranvas at Nagaur
13-15	Jodhpur 6	Walking tour of the Blue City; Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant thada	RAAS Jodhpur
15-17	Narlai 7	Tranquil village experience; Spectacular nature including leopards and birds; Ancient stepwell dinner	Rawla Narlai
17-20	Delwara 8	Fairy-tale hilltop palace; Complete R&R	RAAS Devigarh
20-23	Udaipur 9	Private cruise on Lake Pichola; Walking tour of the old town; Visit to City Palace	Taj Lake Palace

Sample itinerary in full

Remember: Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.

DAYS 1-3 | Delhi

Highlights: Old Delhi by rickshaw; Humayun’s tomb; Gandhi's eternal flame and India Gate

After a long-haul flight to Delhi, there is nothing more soothing than walking into the arrivals hall to see your name on a board and to have a driver on hand to wheel your trolley to the waiting limo. Your destination is The Imperial Hotel, a hotel steeped in history which will provide insight into India’s past as well as its present. When you are feeling restored by your cosseting surroundings, ask your driver-guide to lead you around the maze-like streets of Old Delhi, where you will see the good, the extraordinary and the unbelievable.

Highlights

Delhi full day city tour

(Included full-day tour)

While Old Delhi unravels the old charm and speaks volumes about India’s history, culture, and tradition, enchanting New Delhi exhibits the picture of modern India. The tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Later, visit Chandni Chowk, Asia’s largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars, and people (most of the shops remain closed on Sundays). Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Also, visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed towards New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The first stop will be a UNESCO World Heritage site – Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. It is made of red stone and marble, covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an. Later, visit the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tour of Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past India Gate, the 42m high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.

Your included hotel

The Imperial

Your alternative hotel choices

The Lodhi

The Claridges

DAYS 3-5 | Agra

Highlights: Taj Mahal at sunrise; Agra Fort

Our favourite way to leave Delhi is by train. The stations are such an experience. A little mayhemic but don’t worry your guide will chaperone you to your reserved seats in first class! On your way out of the capital, you’ll get a first-hand perspective of the rags and riches that coexist here. In Agra, you’ll find a Yonder representative waiting to whisk you off to the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel, with its direct view of the Taj Mahal. Naturally, the highlights of any visit to Agra are the immense Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. Whilst these are undoubtedly on the mass market trail, you’ll also visit the ancient red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, still busy but often overlooked in favour of its illustrious neighbours.

Highlights

Taj Mahal sunrise walk

(Included half-day tour)

It is fitting to witness the extraordinary monument, the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), during the first light of day, as its exemplary beauty is truly awe-inspiring and will leave an indelible memory. This early time of day is when the site is least crowded, providing a peaceful and serene experience of the world’s most romantic landmark.

Tour of Agra Fort

(Included half-day tour)

Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). It’s a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. The palaces, grand mosques, and elaborate public halls within the fort are crafted from pink-red sandstone, bearing testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly influenced by Persia, flourished. Emperor Shah Jahan, known for constructing the Taj Mahal in memory of his deceased wife, was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb within the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is said to have passed away in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself had built, providing one of the most captivating views of the Taj Mahal.

Your included hotel

Oberoi Amarvilas

Your alternative hotel choices

Trident Agra

DAYS 5-8 | Ajabgarh

Highlights: Discover rural Rajasthan; Luxury living in the grounds of a former hunting lodge

On our Rajasthan tour, the road to Ajabgarh is spectacular, winding through remote villages. These are your first true steps on the road less travelled. And could there be any experience truer to the Yonder philosophy of gentle balms and the caress of fine fabrics to sooth away the dust of the road than pitching up at Amanbagh? We think not! A tantalising blend of exceptional scenery, facilities that will leave you wanting for nothing, and food so delicious you’ll be counting down the minutes to your next meal. It is the epitome of the hedonistic lifestyle on the road less travelled. But Amanbagh is not just about idle indulgence; there are some fascinating excursions available that provide a unique insight into life in rural India.

Your included hotel

Amanbagh

DAYS 8-11 | Jaipur

Highlights: Amber Fort; Walking tour of the Pink City; Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar and City Palace

You’ll have to tear yourself away from Amanbagh after breakfast but with the next stop on your Rajasthan holiday being the fabled pink city of Jaipur, pulses will be racing. The capital of Rajasthan is famed for sites such as the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. You’ll pull up at the Rajmahal Palace, the new uber cool boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The spectacular Amber Fort, a short drive outside Jaipur, will be one of the first things you visit as your guide and driver make themselves at your disposal. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the streets and shops which hum with traditional artisans crafting products from metal, wood and textiles.

Highlights

Jaipur City Palace tour

(Included half-day tour)

The City Palace is a captivating architectural marvel that seamlessly blends elements from various styles, such as Mughal, European, Rajput, and the Indian Shilpa Shastra. This exquisite design is evident in its array of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The palace complex now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, a significant cultural repository. Among the many striking structures within the complex, the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, and Shri Govind Dev Temple stand out as prominent and frequently visited highlights.

Jeep ride at Amber Fort

(Included half-day tour)

The journey to the fort through Amber village is truly picturesque and offers a glimpse into the vibrant Rajasthani culture. Upon reaching the summit of Amer Fort, take a leisurely stroll through the expansive complex of courtyards and halls. The Amer Fort, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and later completed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, boasts grand architecture. Its expansive ramparts, sequence of gates, and cobblestone pathways provide a commanding view over Maota Lake. Prominent structures within the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure).

Your included hotel

Rajmahal Palace

Your alternative hotel choices

Rambagh Palace

47 Jobner Bagh

DAYS 11-13 | Nagaur

Highlights: Deserted hilltop palace to yourself; stay inside the royal living quarters

On the move again, but with a different type of experience in prospect. Your destination is a hilltop fort to be precise. Hidden inside Nagaur’s old walls is Ranvas, your hotel for the next couple of nights. It has been beautifully crafted out of the old havelis belonging to the wives of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The fort and the stunning old palace are on your doorstep. You’ll have a guided tour but will also be free to revisit any parts of the palace in your own time. And when you want to sooth your feet, just sit back around the pool or in the courtyard and enjoy the attentive Rajasthani hospitality.

Your included hotel

Ranvas at Nagaur

DAYS 13-15 | Jodhpur

Highlights: Walking tour of the Blue City; Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant thada

A short hop and you’ll arrive into the sanctity of Jodhpur, for us, the cleanest and most orderly city in Rajasthan. The Maharaja has exacting standards which have helped ensure this small (by Indian metrics!) city is perfectly maintained. Our favourite place to stay is RAAS Jodhpur, a super elegant boutique pad, tucked away down a narrow street in the centre of the old town. With exceptional uninterrupted views up towards Mehrangarh Fort, it is perfectly located to allow guests to go out and explore on foot. On the doorstep you’ll find an ancient stepwell, deeper than you could imagine with its cascading staircases, a compact set of streets each with sections dedicated to specific crafts, and the sprawling market around the clock tower.

Highlights

Jodhpur private city tour

(Included half-day tour)

You’ll go out with your private guide to explore the city. Your first stop is Mehrangarh Fort and the several palaces within its thick walls. Aside from the wonderful history and interesting anecdotes, the museum is fantastically curated where you can be kept enthralled for hours. Once you’ve had your fill, you’ll make a short drive to the hillside opposite to see Jaswant Thada and the beautiful view from its windows. When you descend back into the Blue City, you’ll go out on foot with your guide for a gentle stroll around the old town seeing the clock tower and Sadar bazaar.

Your included hotel

RAAS Jodhpur

Your alternative hotel choices

Umaid Bhawan

DAYS 15-17 | Narlai

Highlights: Tranquil village experience; Spectacular nature including leopards and birds; Ancient stepwell dinner

Only a few know about Rawla Narlai; a small hotel deep in rural India on the route from Jodhpur to Udaipur. It’s one of those Yonder hidden gems. Built into and around a former stronghold in the village of Narlai, the hotel is simple in its outlook but top-notch on experience. You’ll encounter charming staff drawn from the village, exceptional landscapes with lakes and hillocks perfect for afternoon tea and birdwatching, if you’re lucky a wild leopard might cross your path, and in the evening you’ll be taken by ox cart to the ancient step well for a magnificent lantern-lit feast.

Highlights

Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh tour

(Included half-day tour)

In the morning, your driver and guide will be waiting to take you to Ranakpur, arguably the most spectacular of India’s Jain temples, and to the impenetrable Kumbhalgarh Fort which stood guard at the mouth of the Aravali mountain range.

Dinner by candlelight

(Optional experience)

Travel to an ancient stepwell by bullock cart on the edge of a rural Rajasthani village. The stepwell is illuminated by thousands of candles. A traditional feast is served with the soundtrack provided by local musicians

Your included hotel

Rawla Narlai

DAYS 17-20 | Delwara

Highlights: Fairy-tale hilltop palace; Complete R&R

On leaving Rawla Narlai, you’ll be heading in the general direction of Udaipur. En route you’ll swing past the magnificent Jain temple at Ranakpur, said to be the largest Jain temple in India constructed entirely from marble, and the amazing hill top fort of Kumbhalgarh. The scale of both will leave you awed. Back in the car, you’re aiming for RAAS Devigarh, an absolute Yonder smash hit. We love it. You’ll have a few days to bask in the beautiful surroundings of this 18th century palace complete with frescos, mirror rooms, courtyards and ornate balconies. The ILA spa is second to none, the food is sublime and the ambience lends itself to doing… absolutely nothing.

Your included hotel

RAAS Devigarh

DAYS 20-23 | Udaipur

Highlights: Private cruise on Lake Pichola; Walking tour of the old town; Visit to City Palace

We recently came across a phrase daubed on the side of a restaurant describing Udaipur as ‘God’s love nest’; it’s more often called the City of Love but you get the gist. The delightful watergardens, fabulous stained glass and mirror rooms in the City Palace and the stunning sunset Lake Pichola outings put romance in the air. Even the spectacular Jagdish temple, just a few steps down the hill from the city palace, sports a series of romantic (well, ok, really rather erotic!) carvings. Udaipur is a work of art, thanks in large part to the Maharanas who have thoughtfully built it over many centuries. And thanks in particular to Maharana Jagat Singh II who built the Lake Palace which is where you’ll settle in for a couple of nights. on your final morning after a leisurely breakfast, you’ll catch the early afternoon flight from Udaipur to Delhi where you’ll be met by one of our local guides who will steer you to the correct terminal for the evening direct flight back to the UK.

Highlights

Lake Pichola & City Palace tour

(Included half-day tour)

After breakfast you’ll cross Lake Pichola by boat and go on foot to explore the City Palace and museum. You’ll have a private guided tour of the palace before moving on down the hill to the 17th century Jagdish temple. You’ll catch up with your driver who will take you around Fatehsagar Lake and then on to the Kahelion ki Bari (or the Garden for the Maids of Honour) which is a beautiful garden replete with fountains and marble kiosks.

Your included hotel