Rajasthan: Taj, Temples & Tigers
Group Tour
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Overview
This tour has been designed to give you a balanced, varied and full experience of the state of Rajasthan and of India.
From Delhi we will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before criss-crossing our way south to Udaipur, taking in some of the iconic sights this part of India is so well known for on the way. We will also show you another side of this colourful state - the rural villages, out of the way temples, hidden lakes and spectacular hilltop forts - all the while providing you with ...
This tour has been designed to give you a balanced, varied and full experience of the state of Rajasthan and of India.
From Delhi we will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before criss-crossing our way south to Udaipur, taking in some of the iconic sights this part of India is so well known for on the way. We will also show you another side of this colourful state - the rural villages, out of the way temples, hidden lakes and spectacular hilltop forts - all the while providing you with comfortable and characterful accommodation in charming, family-run heritage hotels. We’ll travel through better known as well as more remote regions, and embark on exciting dawn and dusk safaris for the chance to spot some of India's most elusive wildlife, including the rare black buck, chinkaras, nilgais, civet cats and tigers.
On this itinerary you will witness all the colour, culture and beauty of Rajasthan as well as getting away from the madding crowds.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use coaster minibuses, safari vehicles, and a 02 class AC train.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
In Rajasthan you will experience some of the finest accommodation the subcontinent has to offer including wonderful converted palaces, castles and forts. You will not be disappointed and indeed the accommodation that we use in Rajasthan is one of the main joys of visiting the land of Kings.
However please remember that heritage properties are old buildings, and although possessing great character, certain facilities are sometimes not quite up to Western standards and therefore patience is occasionally required.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Delhi: New Delhi Highlights
Day 1 Tour Starts in Delhi: New Delhi Highlights
The tour starts with a group welcome meeting at lunchtime. Rooms are available from 2pm, so we will check in if possible, before taking a drive through New Delhi – visiting Rajpath and India Gate as well as Humayun’s tomb, one of the best preserved Mughal monuments, commissioned by Humayun's son Akbar and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiya. This evening we will head to Connaught Place for dinner.
Day 2 Delhi – Agra: Ancient Forts & Palaces
Day 2 Delhi – Agra: Ancient Forts & Palaces
Departing early this morning we will drive south to Agra. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we’ll visit the mighty Agra Fort, a vast riverside complex comprised of exquisite palaces and mosques. From here we’ll head to the iconic Taj Mahal for sunset – an extraordinary time of day to visit as the marble takes on gold and pink hues making for a wonderful and atmospheric time to see this stunning mausoleum. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel. Approx. 4 hours driving.
Day 3 Agra – Ranthambore: Mughal & Wildlife Wonders
Day 3 Agra – Ranthambore: Mughal & Wildlife Wonders
After breakfast we’ll depart Agra and visit the fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the great Mughal Akbar, and abandoned in 1585 due to water shortages, the well-preserved remains make for a fascinating stop. From here we’ll continue our journey to Sawai Madophur where the vast wildlife reserve of Ranthambore National Park is located, and our home for the next two nights. Approx. 7 hours driving.
Day 4 Ranthambore: Tiger Trails & Game Drives
Day 4 Ranthambore: Tiger Trails & Game Drives
Early in the morning, while the mist is still rising, we’ll head into the park for our first game drive and the chance to take in the natural beauty of Ranthambore, where the possibility of seeing a tiger - as well as many other wild animals - is as high as anywhere in India. We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast and a relaxing morning, and after lunch we’ll head back into the park for another game drive and the chance to spot some more wildlife. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel.
Please note that, due to a surge in domestic tourism, the vehicles used for this experience may be shared with other people who are not from our group.
Day 5 Ranthambore – Jaipur: Palace & Observatory
Day 5 Ranthambore – Jaipur: Palace & Observatory
This morning we’ll drive north-west to Jaipur. Often referred to as the 'pink city', Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria to the city. We will arrive in Jaipur in time for lunch then head to the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II. We’ll then visit Jantar Mantar, the UNESCO listed Royal Observatory, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Approx. 4 hours driving.
Day 6 Jaipur: Amber Fort & Colourful Bazaars
Day 6 Jaipur: Amber Fort & Colourful Bazaars
Our day starts with a visit to the imposing Amber Fort, the Rajput masterpiece perched on a hillside overlooking the city. This colossal fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements with its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths. After lunch we’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to visit the local bazaar or relax at the hotel. Dinner this evening will be at your own expense.
Day 7 Jaipur – Jodhpur: Sunrise Rickshaw Ride
Day 7 Jaipur – Jodhpur: Sunrise Rickshaw Ride
This morning we start the day with a charming rickshaw ride around Jaipur with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, an initiative that supports local women from low-income communities to earn a living. We will ride with the ladies to some local spots around the city then join them for some chai before leaving the city behind. Next, we continue west stopping for lunch and visting some sites of interest along the way. We will arrive in Jodhpur in the evening. Approx. 6-7 hours driving.
Day 8 Jodhpur: Hilltop Fortress & Blue Backstreets
Day 8 Jodhpur: Hilltop Fortress & Blue Backstreets
After breakfast we will visit the towering Meherangarh Fort. Rudyard Kipling described the fort as ‘the work of giants’ and it’s easy to see why when viewing its impressive location on a hilltop some 400 feet above the blue city’s skyline. In the afternoon we’ll look around the colourful bazaar and labyrinth of streets that make up the famous ‘blue quarter’ of this historical city. Dinner tonight will be at a good local restaurant.
Day 9 Jodhpur - Bhenswara: Rural Rajasthan
Day 9 Jodhpur - Bhenswara: Rural Rajasthan
After a busy few days we will have a relaxed morning in Jodhpur. We’ll then enjoy a change of pace as we delve off the beaten track into rural Rajasthan, leaving the hustle and bustle behind us as we head to the sleepy villages of Bhenswara. We will stay at Ravla Bhenswara, a charming, friendly and slightly quirky heritage property. Surrounded by arid hills and farmland the region here is populated by the Rabari people, a semi-nomadic shepherd tribe. This is a very different area of Rajasthan that contrasts with the busy and hectic cities that we have seen so far. You are free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel such as the outdoor pool or local village walks, and there is the option to book a massage or cooking demonstration. Approx. 3 hours driving. Optional activities at Ravla Bhenswara are at your own expense and can be paid for locally.
Day 10 Bhenswara: Village Walks & Nocturnal Game Drive
Day 10 Bhenswara: Village Walks & Nocturnal Game Drive
This morning we will take a stroll through the surrounding villages and learn more about daily life in this rural area, giving us an important insight into another side of Rajasthan. In the afternoon we’ll then climb into our 4x4s and drive through the region to visit the nomadic Rabari people and learn a little about their way of life, before continuing on a night time drive where we will spot wildlife in the surrounding hills and enjoy a sundowner together.
Day 11 Bhenswara – Jojawar: Toy Train Adventures
Day 11 Bhenswara – Jojawar: Toy Train Adventures
Today we will drive to Jojawar and check in to our beautiful heritage hotel. After lunch we will head to Phulad to catch the train to Khamli Ghat. Made famous by Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, this wonderful train journey of approximately two hours, takes you high up through the spectacular Khamli Ghats and onto the central Aravalli plateau. This journey offers both fantastic views and an authentic local experience. Our transport will be waiting for us at the station to take us back to Jojawar. Approx. 3 hours driving
Day 12 Jojawar - Udaipur: Marble Temples
Day 12 Jojawar - Udaipur: Marble Temples
After breakfast we’ll drive to Udaipur, a journey of approximately three hours, stopping en route for a tour of Ranakpur, the famous complex encompassing a fortress and a marble Jain temple. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore the beautiful lake front ‘white city’. This evening we’ll enjoy a cultural dance performance at Baogore ki haveli before having dinner at a good local restaurant. Approx. 3 hours driving
Day 13 Udaipur: City Highlights & Sunset Boat Ride
Day 13 Udaipur: City Highlights & Sunset Boat Ride
This morning we’ll take a guided tour of some of the key sites in Udaipur such as the City Palace, the Jagdish temple and the beautiful gardens at Saheliyon-ki-Bari. To allow for greater flexibility lunch will be at your own expense today, and this afternoon will be free to wander through the alleys and narrow streets, to take a cooking lesson or a miniature painting class. We’ll meet later in the day to take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant favoured by our clients.
Day 14 Udaipur - Delhi
Day 14 Udaipur - Delhi
This morning we'll have some free time to enjoy Udaipur. You might choose to wake early to witness sunrise over Lake Pichola, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast and wander through the charming streets for some final souvenir shopping before taking an afternoon flight to Delhi. Tonight, the group will enjoy our final farewell dinner together.
*Please note that Day 14 on some itineraries differ - please refer to your specific departure date for details.
Day 15 Tour ends in Delhi
Day 15 Tour ends in Delhi
The tour ends after breakfast and those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
The Claridges, Delhi
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. Under current management, the hotel has a blend of tradition and modernity. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your heart's content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages; the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine; Sevilla, for all your tapas needs; Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open; Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is a must try; or the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa to enjoy at the end of a busy day.
Juna Mahal, Ranthambore
Nestled in the pristine Aravalli hills of Sawai Madhopur and within proximity of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is Juna Mahal, a heritage hotel that offers charm and comfort in beautiful surroundings. Spread over acres of sprawling greenery, the modern construction is a rare combination of tradition and modernity. The restaurant serves a traditional Indian menu and there is also a common area in the lobby.
Khandela Haveli, Jaipur
Khandela Haveli is a wonderful three-star heritage property with plenty of charm. The time-honoured architecture, royal Rajput style, and decadent marble flooring throughout create an exotic ambiance. Each of the 22 rooms are decorated individually with simple and tasteful décor. The rooftop features a plunge pool, lounge and sunbathing area. There is also a bar and restaurant, serving local Indian dishes. This authentic Shekhawati Haveli in Jaipur provides a solid mid-range option in a nice area of town (Bani Park).
Pal Haveli, Jodhpur
The Pal Haveli is a stunning hideaway in the heart of Jodhpur, located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Clock Tower Market. This boutique property offers 11 elegantly appointed heritage rooms with individual décor, as well as welcoming communal areas throughout and an unbeatable roof terrace bar and restaurant which offers some of the best views in the city. Enjoy sundowners or a delicious meal as you gaze upon the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, and learn more about the history of this property which was once a large family residence built around a large central courtyard, sharing with what is now the Haveli Inn Pal Hotel, owned by the brother of Pal Haveli.
Ravla Bhenswara, Bhenswara
A colourful treasure in the heart of Rajasthan - this historic hotel could only exist here in India's desert state. Somewhat garish, bright colours inform the well-designed interiors, all crafted locally, and individually styled by Uma, wife of your co-host Shiv - a delightful, welcoming couple who do their best to make sure your stay is an enjoyable one. The haphazard charm and friendly village vibe are a welcome retreat from the bigger cities and the leopard safaris are excellent as are the guided village walks. The food is tasty and the outdoor pool has loungers to relax by after your outings. A real find.
Rawla Jojawar, Jojawar
The former royal house of Marwar, now the Jojawar Fort is a lovely heritage hotel in the small picturesque, colourful village of Jojawar. Opened as an historic hotel in 2001 and run by the brothers Nagendra and Amit Vikram, this is a great hotel with an inviting outdoor pool and lovely courtyard to relax. The food served in the two restaurants is delicious and there are many excursions to make your time here as eventful or as relaxed as you would like. You can choose from horse safaris and trekking, jeep safaris and a local train ride.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
The Pink City Rickshaw Company
This is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at providing innovative employment opportunities for women from low-income households in and around Jaipur. The goal of the company is to empower these local women, breaking the stereotype of a woman’s role in India, by providing them with the opportunity to develop a career in what would ordinarily be a very competitive and male-dominant industry, and drastically improving their livelihoods. All the rickshaws are electric, taking a big step to help fight India’s pollution problems. This modest tour offers the perfect opportunity to respectfully observe daily life whilst also supporting a forward-thinking, eco-friendly form of tourism that also strives to empower women in the area.
Wild Frontiers, through our foundation, have funded the purchase of two new electric rickshaws and trained five local ladies to be driver/guides. Continuing our support of the project and its sustainability, on this tour we enjoy a rickshaw tour with the Pink City Rickshaw Company through the backstreets of Jaipur.
www.pinkcityrickshawcompany.com
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 257 |
London Heathrow (LHR) 19:25
18th December 2021 |
Delhi Airport (DEL) 08:20
19th December 2021 |
| BA 256 |
Delhi Airport (DEL) 10:20
2nd January 2022 |
London Heathrow (LHR) 15:20
2nd January 2022 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require an e-visa for India.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to India.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The temperature should be very pleasant at this time of year, with a day time average of around 25-30C dropping in the evening to around 10-15C. Some warm clothes are advised for the early morning and evening activities.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Whilst we will not cover huge distances on foot, it is worth noting that sightseeing often involves walking on uneven ground and climbing irregular steps.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 8350 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.