India: Classic Rajasthan
Group Tour
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Overview
This tour has been designed to give a balanced and varied experience at a comfortable pace. Rajasthan is a colourful and rich state of India, home to the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
From Delhi we will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before exploring the bustling city of Jaipur taking in some of the most famous highlights in this part of India. From Jaipur we head south and off-the-beaten-track to the lesser-known city of Bundi, with its extensive ...
This tour has been designed to give a balanced and varied experience at a comfortable pace. Rajasthan is a colourful and rich state of India, home to the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
From Delhi we will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before exploring the bustling city of Jaipur taking in some of the most famous highlights in this part of India. From Jaipur we head south and off-the-beaten-track to the lesser-known city of Bundi, with its extensive stepwells and fort, before arriving to the rural village of Bijaipur to see a quieter side of Rajasthan. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is in fact Ravla Khempur, an old favourite of Wild Frontiers and a palace which we will visit.
This is India at its most enticing. Add to that Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and her bustling bazaars, and the stunning lake front city of Udaipur, and you have the makings of perfect ‘first timers’ trip to India.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses rickshaws, and a domestic flight.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights x Superior
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 can generally experience some of the finest accommodation the subcontinent has to offer. From wonderful converted palaces to ancient castles and forts – you will not be disappointed. Indeed the accommodation that one uses in Rajasthan is one of the main joys of visiting the land of Kings. On this particular tour we will stay at 4 and 5 star hotels in both Delhi and Agra at the beginning of the trip, and a comfortable airport hotel in Delhi at the end of the trip. At other locations we’ll be in converted heritage palace hotels.
Please note that this is India and 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.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
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
Day 1 Tour Starts in Delhi
The tour starts around midday in Delhi. After lunch we will take 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
Day 2 Delhi - Agra
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.
Day 3 Agra - Jaipur
Day 3 Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast we’ll depart Agra and visit the abandoned 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. Built by the great Mughal Akbar, and abandoned in 1585 due to water shortages, the well-preserved remains make for a fascinating stop. We then begin our journey towards Jaipur. The ‘Pink City’ is where most of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film was shot and we will arrive for afternoon tea at Castle Kanota, a short distance just outside of the city. This stunning building was used as the Viceroy Club in the film, offering a charming backdrop to relax. Approx 5hrs driving.
Day 4 Jaipur
Day 4 Jaipur
We will rise early to visit 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 exploring the fort and palace, we return to Jaipur and visit Jantar Mantar, the UNESCO listed Royal Observatory. After lunch we’ll stop at the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II, after which the rest of the afternoon will be free to visit the local bazaar or relax at the hotel before dinner.
Day 5 Jaipur - Bundi
Day 5 Jaipur - Bundi
This morning we will take a 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. Later heading to Bundi, known as the 'City of Stepwells' for a late lunch. Bundi comprises many narrow alleys and streets, a colourful vegetable market and a stunning city palace for us to explore and visit. Approx 4hrs driving
Day 6 Bundi - Bijaipur
Day 6 Bundi - Bijaipur
After breakfast we’ll head out on a tour of the small city of Bundi, seemingly untouched by modernisation. Bundi is famous for its bangle makers and brass pottery but the real attraction is the stunning fort and palace, which we’ll enjoy a guided tour of. There is also the Kipling palace and the royal cenotaph. From here we’ll journey further west, crossing the biggest sandstone mining area in India, and make a stop at the the Menal temple complex of the Maurya Dynasty. Here we can see examples of Khajuraho erotic iconography dating back 1,000 years. Later we continue or drive towards Bijaipur to explore rural Rajasthan. We will meet the Bhil tribe and join them for a jeep ride. Approx 3 hrs driving
Day 7 In Bijaipur
Day 7 In Bijaipur
This morning you can relax at at the beautiful grounds at Castle Bijaipur or you may choose to take part in some activities offered such as a cycling, horse riding or a massage etc. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the village of Pangarh. Set on the banks of a beautiful lotus lake and surrounded by hills on all sides, Pangarh is 1,000 years old and to this day the villagers hunt fish using spears in the marshy waters of the lake, famous for its abundance of seasonal lotus flowers. Optional activities at Castle Bijaipur are at your own expense and can be paid for locally.
Day 8 Bijaipur - Chittorgarh - Khempur - Udaipur
Day 8 Bijaipur - Chittorgarh - Khempur - Udaipur
This morning we'll drive west to Khempur, stopping off at Chittorgarh. The colossal fort that most represents the doomed idea of Rajput chivalry. Chittorgarh was attacked and taken by Muslim invaders on three separate occasions and always with the same result; Jauhar being declared - and while the men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to certain death - the women consigned themselves to the flames on a huge funeral pyre. This afternoon we stop for a late lunch at the Real Exotic Marigold Hotel AKA Ravla Khempur. Don't worry, although not super luxurious this charming converted palace hotel is a wonderfully quirky property that takes you into the world portrayed in the film. We will then drive a short distance to Udaipur, the Venice of the east. This evening we’ll enjoy a cultural dance performance at Baogore ki haveli before having dinner at a good local restaurant. Approx 4hrs driving
Day 9 In Udaipur
Day 9 In Udaipur
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 10 Udaipur - Delhi
Day 10 Udaipur - Delhi
After a leisurely morning in Udaipur we'll take an afternoon flight to Delhi where we will check into our airport hotel. Tonight, the group will enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 11 Tour ends in Delhi
Day 11 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.
Trident Agra, Agra
A reliable contemporary option in Agra, this four-star hotel is built from red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era and is well placed for visits to the Taj Mahal. It has a stylish lobby with a great intimate bar and restaurant, a large outdoor pool in the courtyard surrounded by gardens to enjoy when you are not sightseeing. The 135 rooms are well appointed and have views of the gardens and pool. The wood fire beckons at the al fresco Italian dining experience, using fresh ingredients from the hotel’s own garden. Discover the dishes of the Moghul emperors, including mouth-watering curries and kebabs, at the restaurant. Escape the bustle of the city and relax at the wellness centre, using Western, Ayurvedic and Oriental techniques. The fitness centre and swimming pool are ideal for blowing off some steam before sipping on a cocktail contemporary bar.
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).
Bundi Vilas, Bundi
Bundi Vilas is a boutique heritage property in the heart of the old city, with its backdrop of the Garh Palace and the Taragarh Fort. Recently restored, this elegant new boutique hotel offers 7 rooms from standard to deluxe; all rooms have attached bathrooms with modern fixtures. Rooms offer views of the old town, palace, fort and lake, and a wonderful rooftop restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine with a 360 degree view of the town - the perfect place to sit and have a drink after a long day.
Castle Bijaipur, Bijaipur
An enchanting and modest castle standing high on a plateau of the great Vindhyachal ranges, Castle Bijaipur is one of our favourite heritage hotels. This is not, it should be made clear, because of the service - which is definitely more Fawlty Towers than Aman Resort - but because of the laid-back, unpretentious and aesthetically Indian experience it offers. More elaborate homestay, than commercial hotel, the castle gives breath-taking views of the valley and village encircling it, through which you can horse ride, cycle or take wonderful walks. The rooms of the castle, and its more contemporary Victorian wing, are all individually styled in addition to which there is a lovely courtyard to relax, a large swimming pool, plus a wonderful rooftop terrace to do some yoga, have a romantic dinner or just watch village life go by. For those looking for the heart and soul of India, this quirky palace will form one of the highlights of your adventure. Please note, we advise that you book any additional activities as soon as you arrive as these can get booked up quickly.
Lake Pichola Hotel, Udaipur
The charming Lake Pichola Hotel stands on the peaceful island of "Bramhapuri" on the western banks of Pichola Lake, overlooking the magnificent City Palace of Udaipur. The hotel offers outstanding views of the romantic lake from a number of Deluxe and Suite room balconies, with the Standard Rooms providing beautiful views of medieval courtyards and landscaped gardens. Enjoy traditional haveli interiors in the high-ceilinged, spacious rooms, and enjoy some downtime by the rooftop pool or in the popular rooftop restaurant which offers a good international spread as well as Indian dishes, and some of the best views in all of Udaipur. Make sure to leave time to enjoy breakfast on the downstairs terrace with views of the busy old city, the perfect way to start your day.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| VS 300 | London Heathrow (LHR) 20:00 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 10:20 |
| VS 301 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 12:35 | London Heathrow (LHR) 17:05 |
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 - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.NB.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas 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? Or 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 individual requirements.
Kerala or Goa
Head south to Kerala or Goa for a few days of culture (but more rest and relaxation!) by the beach. Allow 3 - 7 days
Tigers
If your visit allows, why not visit one of the nearby Tiger Parks such as Ranthambore. Most parks are closed for some of the year (typically mid-June - early-October) so please check your options with us. Allow 2-3 days.
Mumbai
Why not spend a few days in Mumbai to see some of the historical sites and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture for which the city is so famed. Allow 2 - 3 days.
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
Between October and March the temperature should be very pleasant, with a day time average of around 15-25C dropping in the evening to around 5-10C. At other times the temperature is likely to be much hotter, with high levels of humidity and a day time average of around 35C dropping in the evening to around 25-30C. Even in the summer it still may be cooler in the early mornings so it is always worth bringing an extra warmer layer of clothing with you.
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.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
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 except Bundi Vilas. This is due to the small nature of this property, so single rooms here will depend on overall group size. If we can’t get you a single room then a reduction in the cost of a single supplement will apply accordingly.
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 £200 (or equivalent) 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.