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Regal Rajasthan: A Classic Tour
Majestic Rajasthan at its very best, this immersive 14-day itinerary takes in historic forts and palaces, dense forests and glittering lakes while leaving time to soak up India’s evocative and captivating charm.
AGRA
Be instantly transported into a whole new world as you assimilate the bustle of Delhi on your way to Agra by road, where cows take right of way and you pass rural life, leaving Delhi behind. Settle in to your luxurious hotel, appreciating mesmerising views of the Taj Mahal. Over the next few days, explore Agra with a guide including the impressive Agra Fort, cloaked in burgundy sandstone fortified walls, once the residence of Mughal emperors. In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the gleaming Taj Mahal, a luminous love letter to emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife. Take time out of Agra to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, a stunning display of Mughal architecture.
STAY: Oberoi Amarvilas
Just 600-metres from the Taj Mahal with exceptional views to match, the Oberoi Amarvilas is inspired by palatial Mughal architecture with its decorative design, elegant bedrooms, tinkling fountains and terraced lawns.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a slice of Rajasthani life by experiencing the local train from Agra to Ranthambore in an air-con carriage, watching small Indian villages fly by. Spend time in Ranthambore National Park, a thriving billion-year-old deciduous forest, home to the rare Bengali tiger, leopard, hyena, wild dog and spotted deer. On early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris, explore the atmospheric forests, dotted with lakes and craggy ravines, and the 10th century Ranthambore Fort.
Stay: Sujan Sher Bagh
Enchanting Sher Bagh is infused with old-world charm in its tented jungle suites that come with free standing tubs. The swimming pool is perfect for a cool off after wildlife spotting in Ranthambore and evenings are magically memorable, lit by candles with dinner served under the stars.
JAIPUR
Leaving the forests behind, be captivated by Jaipur’s colourful charm in the capital of Rajasthan. Explore the ‘pink city’ – named after the terracotta plaster buildings in Jaipur including the Jantar Mantar, where the world’s biggest sun dial can be found and the ornate Maharaja’s City Palace. Up on the hills, the commanding Amber Fort made from marble and pink and yellow sandstone shimmers in exquisite detail. To discover authentic Jaipur, take a sunrise walk, and observe the city coming to life in the colourful flower market, morning ‘aarti’ ceremonies in ancient temples, locals performing laughing yoga and plenty of tea sellers setting up for the day.
STAY: RAAS Raj Mahal
Continuing Jaipur’s pink-tinged architecture, stay at a rose-blushed 19th century palace – the Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur. With just 13 rooms, feel like a royal at this tastefully restored Indian Art Deco retreat and indulge yourself in the spa, swimming pool and the two smart dining rooms, serving seasonal Indian and Ayurveda-influenced fare.
LAKE CHHAT SAGAR
For one night, experience the serenity of a lakeside camp and a peaceful respite from Rajasthan’s bustling cities. In four hours by road from Jaipur, savour the contrast of Lake Chhat Sagar where farming communities and temples reside along the shore and walking trails take you into rewilded nature. Boat trips onto the lake in the early morning with a naturalist will amaze you with its wealth of aquatic birdlife found in the rich mangroves and evening jeep drives reveal more species in the grassland. Watching the sun set over the lake is an unforgettable end to the day, with a cool drink in hand.
STAY: RAAS Chhatrasagar
Camping at RAAS Chhatrasagar means spacious tents, opulently furnished to a very high standard, with ensuite bathrooms complete with a freestanding bathtub. All the tents are angled to idyllic lake views. The restaurant also faces the serene lake, serving local recipes created with vegetables from the organic garden.
JODPHUR
In a couple of hours by road, reach the next intriguing stop of your regal Rajasthani tour – the Blue City of Jodhpur, home to a tangle of cubic townhouses, tinged in azure. Its crowning glory is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which sits above the city on a sandstone outcrop. Known as Rajasthan’s most spectacular citadel, the fort is awash with historical splendour and ornate detail – we recommend a guided tour in the evening, with sunset views over the twinkling city of Jodhpur. Spend time in the old town too, with a guide to navigate through its labyrinthine streets to bustling bazaars, the old clock tower and fragrant spice markets.
Stay: RAAS Jodhpur
A mix of contemporary and heritage styles, RAAS Jodhpur has an unparalleled view onto the Mehrangarh Fort, an enchanting sight from dawn to dusk. Located within the old town of walled Jodhpur and through an ornate entranceway, a shimmering pool awaits alongside dining on the terrace, sampling delicious pan-Indian cuisine.
NARLAI
Leaving the Blue City behind, head south to the relatively rural surrounds of Narlai, a historic 15th-century village that is equidistant to both Jodhpur and Udaipur. Staying here for a night breaks up the journey and allows you to enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences including village visits to pottery and weaving collectives. In the morning head out early into the foothills of the Aravalli on a safari to spot leopard, migratory bird, mongoose and monkey.
Stay: Rawla Narlai
Charm-infused 17th-century manor house Rawla Narlai is a scenic spot set against granite hills, within Aravalli leopard country. Inside, find picturesque gardens and courtyards and spacious suites with heritage features. A highlight of your stay is a stepwell dinner – authentic Indian fare served by a step filled with hundreds of lanterns and accompanied by melodic chanting.
UDAIPUR
Your last exploration of Rajasthan finds you in Udaipur, the enchanting city that glows luminescent in white. Discover ornate palaces within palaces at the City Palace, built in 1725 and wander the exquisite gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari with its elegant lotus pool, flowing fountains and flowering bougainvillea. An absolute must and a fitting end to your trip to Rajasthan is a boat trip on the beguiling Lake Pichola, stopping at Jagmandir Island which has its own palace to discover.
Stay: RAAS Devigarh
Located a 45-minute drive from Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh sits atop the Aravalli Hills. Once the Delwara Fort Palace built in 1760, the gorgeously restored hotel is crafted from marble. With a sustainable ethos, RAAS Devigarh is the place to relax and recharge at the end of your trip, we recommend cocktails by the pool as the sun sets on your magnificent surroundings.
Stephanie Carthy
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 stephanie.carthy@baileyrobinson.com Read Stephanie’s profile
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