India Beyond the Golden Triangle – Royal Rajasthan

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your tranquil hotel in the city’s heart. Over two days, explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi with your private guide. In Old Delhi, ride a rickshaw through spice markets and narrow lanes to visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. In New Delhi, admire grand Mughal architecture at Humayun’s Tomb, the UNESCO-listed garden tomb, and see the towering Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret.

Enhance your visit with optional experiences such as a guided food walk through Old Delhi’s culinary hotspots, a moving Salaam Baalak Trust tour led by former street children, or a candlelit dinner with live classical dance at Haveli Dharampura.

Accommodation: The Claridges, a period hotel in the heart of Delhi, blends heritage character with modern elegance.

Travel to Agra, a city rich in Mughal history and home to some of India’s most iconic monuments. Begin your day at Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone fortress that once served as the seat of imperial power. As you explore its grand palaces, courtyards, and gardens, your guide will bring life to stories from the Mughal era.

Later, visit the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a timeless symbol of eternal love. Experience it at sunrise or sunset, when the ivory-white marble shimmers softly in the gentle light. Wander through its graceful gardens, admire the intricate inlay work, and uncover the moving story behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal, a first-class modern hotel inspired by Mughal architecture, combining heritage elegance with comfort.

Drive to Ramathra, pausing to explore Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent former Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Wander its grand courtyards, impressive palaces, and the beautiful Jama Masjid mosque, still in use today, as you soak up the rich history and architectural splendour.

Set in the hills of Rajasthan’s Karauli district, Ramathra is a peaceful village where you can experience rural life at a gentle pace. Take guided walks through the farming community, meet locals tending crops and herding cattle, and enjoy a tranquil rowboat ride on Kalisil Lake, surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking sunsets.

Accommodation: Ramathra Fort, a beautiful boutique heritage hotel set within a centuries-old fort, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant Pink City. Check into a restored royal mansion that now serves as a heritage hotel.

Over the next two days, explore Jaipur’s majestic past. Visit Amer Fort, perched on a hilltop and adorned with intricate mirrorwork and sweeping views. Discover the City Palace, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, and admire the latticed façade of the Hawa Mahal. Wander colourful bazaars, filled with handcrafted textiles, jewellery and pottery, ideal for authentic souvenirs.

For a deeper connection with the city, choose from private cooking sessions with a royal family, traditional block printing in the artisan village of Bagru, or an early morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur’s forts and palaces.

Accommodation: Royal Heritage Haveli, a lovingly restored 18th-century royal mansion, now an intimate boutique heritage hotel.

Travel to Bijainagar, home to Fort Barli, a stunning 17th-century fortress set amid Rajasthan’s rugged landscape. The fort’s architecture and colourful frescoes tell stories of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore the local markets and visit age-old cenotaphs decorated with vibrant paintings depicting mythology. Discover traditional crafts such as pottery making and visit village schools. Experience everyday rural life by exploring local houses and stepped wells.

Accommodation: Fort Barli, a beautifully restored fort with period architecture, elegant interiors, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Head to Jodhpur, the vibrant Blue City dominated by the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Explore its grand courtyards, richly decorated palaces, and the museum that brings the story of the Marwar rulers. From the fort’s ramparts, enjoy the panoramic views of the old city’s distinctive blue-painted homes stretching across the desert.

Wander through Jodhpur’s bustling bazaars, full of colour and character, perfect for textiles, spices, silver jewellery, and traditional handicrafts.

Later, travel to Rohet, a peaceful village retreat in the Rajasthani countryside. Visit a nearby Bishnoi village where the community lives in harmony with nature. Meet local artisans and watch traditional crafts like pottery and weaving come to life, offering a glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to the land and its wildlife.

Accommodation: Rohetgarh, a beautifully restored royal mansion set amidst peaceful rural surroundings.

Settle into Deogarh, a serene hilltop town embraced by the Aravalli Hills. Begin your journey with a nostalgic ride on a narrow-gauge train, travelling through scenic landscapes alongside local villagers, arriving at the charming Kamblighat station.

Spend your days exploring the bustling local market and discovering traditional crafts like pottery and miniature painting just steps from your stay. Embrace the flavours of the regional food with a hands-on cooking experience, selecting fresh ingredients from the market and learning the art of Mewari cuisine.

Connect with the heart of village life over a cup of chai at a local tea stall. Visit a nearby school and take part in a meaningful visit where supplies purchased locally are shared with the children, creating lasting memories and genuine connections.

Accommodation: Dev Shree Deogarh, a boutique haveli-style homestay offering Rajput charm, warm hospitality, and an intimate window into village life.

Travel to the wild landscapes of Jawai, pausing to visit the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur. This extraordinary 15th-century marble complex is famed for its 1,444 intricately carved pillars, with a unique design.

Jawai is where wilderness and tradition coexist in striking harmony. Set out on morning and afternoon safaris in search of the elusive leopard, a majestic presence among granite hills and open scrubland. The area is also home to over 170 species of birds and other wildlife such as Indian wolves, jungle cats, and hyenas.

Beyond the wildlife, explore the landscape with nomadic Rabari herders who have shared this land with leopards for generations. Their deep connection to nature offers a powerful insight into how culture and conservation thrive simultaneously.

Accommodation: Bera Safari Lodge, an intimate lodge nestled at the edge of the wild, offering thoughtful hospitality and authentic encounters in the heart of leopard country.

Arrive in Udaipur, Rajasthan’s most romantic city, set on the shimmering shores of Lake Pichola. Over two days, explore the city’s heritage and charm. Visit the grand City Palace overlooking the lake, then admire the intricate carvings at Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its impressive architecture and detailed sculptures. Stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of the Maidens, a peaceful royal garden with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions.

In the evenings, enjoy a private sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, gliding past island shrines and the fairy-tale Lake Palace bathed in golden light. Wander the vibrant bazaars for handwoven textiles, miniature paintings, intricate silverwork, and timeless treasures of Rajasthani craftsmanship.

Accommodation: Taj Lake Palace, a heritage luxury palace hotel floating in the middle of Lake Pichola.

Fly back to Delhi for a relaxed final night before your onward flight, staying in a stylish hotel near the airport.

Accommodation: JW Marriott Aerocity, an upscale hotel offering modern comfort, fine dining, and easy access to the airport for a seamless departure.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your return flight, carrying with you lasting memories of Rajasthan holidays, rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.