Classic India itinerary: 2 weeks in Rajasthan

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Delhi
• 1 night Agra
• 3 nights Jaipur
• 2 nights Jodhpur
• 3 nights Udaipur
• 1 night Mumbai

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. Flights from the UK generally land very late at night or early the following morning, for the purpose of this itinerary we will assume you land on the evening of the same day.

On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Included: Arrival transfer, 4* hotel

Day 2: Full day in Delhi

After breakfast in your hotel you’ll begin a half day tour of Old Delhi – experience a cycle rickshaw ride and take in Chandi Chowk, a densely populated shopping street where you’ll see all manner of traders showcasing their wares along twisted alleys. Pass the Red Fort, the most opulent in all the Mughal Empire, and visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

Spend the afternoon in the contrasting New Delhi, an area designed by the British in the 1920s - it’s home to government buildings set along wide boulevards and green parks and gardens. Visit monuments including the Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, and drive past the impressive India Gate, a popular hangout for locals.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, day touring with a guide/driver

Day 3: Delhi to Agra by train (Approx. 2hrs)

It’s an early start today as you ride the Shatabdi Express to Agra. The Indian Railway system is complex and busy, and a must-do for any visitor!

The two hour journey will snake south out of the city towards Agra, home of the iconic and arguably most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal.

Spend your day on a tour of Agra with a visit to the Agra Fort; a royal residence and now UNESCO world heritage site.

Included: Train, all transfers, breakfast, 4* hotel and entrance to the Red Fort plus a guide

Day 4: Sunrise at the Taj, followed by Agra to Jaipur (Approx. 240kms, 4-5hrs)

Rise early to enjoy sunrise at the Taj Mahal, one of the best times of the day to view the palace, a magnificent monument to love built by emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. Legend has it that once built, Shah had the hands of the architect cut off so he couldn’t build anything to compete with its beauty!

Later today you will be joined by your car and driver, and head to Jaipur via Fatephur Sikri, an abandoned city of the Mughal dynasty. With 9 gateways and ‘ruins’ in pristine condition this place is something pretty special.

Finish the day in Jaipur – ‘the Pink City’ where you will check in for 2 nights.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, Entry to the Taj Mahal, private car and driver, entry to Fatehpur Sikri

Day 5: Full day in Jaipur

After breakfast, depart by jeep for the Amber Fort, an impressive display of Rajput architecture built with yellow and pink sandstone and white marble. Explore the interior with its grand decorations, frescoed arches and delicate relief panels.

Head back to the city for the afternoon, and embark on a tour including stops at the City Palace Complex, the Museum and the Jantar Mantar (an observatory built in 1762AD).

Included: Breakfast, 4* Hotel, half day Amber Fort tour and half day city tour

Day 6: Free day in Jaipur

Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure. (Guided options available at a supplement)

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast

Day 7: Jaipur to Jodhpur (Approx. 340kms, 6-7hrs)

After breakfast, depart for the 6-7 hour drive to Jodhpur. En-route you will have the chance to stop at the Nimaj Palace for lunch (additional cost) – experience Rajput hospitality at its best!

Check-in on arrival with your evening at leisure.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, private car and driver

Day 8: Full day in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a 500 year old settlement and was previously the headquarters to the Rathore Rajputs, celebrated for their tales of daring! It’s also known as the Blue City; if you wander around the old quarters of the city – protected by the Mehrangarh Fort – you’ll notice many of the houses are painted blue and it’s believed this is because the colour is closely associated with the Brahmin caste.

After breakfast you’ll begin a half day city tour, heading around the city highlights and learning about their vast history. The afternoon will see you head out of the city on a jeep safari to the Bishnoi Village. The Bishnoi’s are responsible for the survival of the rare Black Buck antelope and they share a beautiful relationship today, with the antelope remaining close to the Bishnoi people.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, morning city tour, afternoon jeep safari

Day 9: Jodhpur to Udaipur (Approx. 315kms, 6hrs)

It’s a driving day today, after breakfast you’ll be leaving Jodhpur and heading towards the glittering jewel in Rajasthan’s crown, Udaipur. Known as the most romantic city in the state, Udaipur is a city of lakes, temples and havelis. There are some beautifully manicured gardens too, but the real gem is the Lake Palace.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, private car and driver

Day 10: Full day in Udaipur

Start the day with a tour of this special city – see the vast City Palace complex before visiting the markets and bazaars – amazing architecture can be seen throughout the city with intricately carved temples and havelis. Later in the day enjoy a boat cruise on the calm waters of Lake Pichola.

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast, day tour and afternoon boat ride  

Day 11: Free day in Udaipur

Free day for you to spend at your leisure!

Included: 4* Hotel, breakfast

Day 12: Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai

Your Rajasthani journey comes to a close today as you head to the airport for your flight to the cosmopolitan, 24hr city of Mumbai where east meets west and history collides head on with commerce; it’s the hub for commercial and financial activity and people from all over the country head here to find work.

This afternoon begin a city tour that will take you around some of the highlights, including the Gateway of India and Crawford Market.

As it’s your last evening be sure to enjoy your last meal – hopefully the cuisine will have exceeded your expectations. Mumbai street food is some of the best in the country so get down to Chowpatty for some delicious snacks at sunset!

Included: Domestic flight, all transfers, 4* hotel, breakfast and half day city tour

Day 13: Depart Mumbai

You will be flying home today; head back to Mumbai for your flight to the UK. Flights land back same day due to the time zones.

Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, international flight