Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bijaynagar - Rohet / Jodhpur - Rawla Narlai - Udaipur - Pushkar - Shahpura - Delhi

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£3,980 pp

Overview: Villages & Festivals of Rajasthan Tour

Experience the colour, traditions and vibrant celebrations of Rajasthan on this unique guided tour, timed to coincide with two of India’s most famous festivals. Celebrate Diwali in Delhi with traditional ceremonies and fireworks, then journey through rural Rajasthan to discover village life, historic cities and the spectacular Pushkar Camel Fair.

Tour Highlights:

Celebrate Diwali in Delhi with a traditional Lakshmi Puja ceremony, festive dinner and spectacular fireworks
Visit the magnificent Qutab Minar in Delhi and explore the historic landmarks of Old and New Delhi
Discover Agra and experience the breathtaking Taj Mahal before visiting the impressive Agra Fort
Explore Jaipur’s magnificent Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal
Experience rural Rajasthan with a cycle or bullock cart tour through local villages around Bijaynagar
Stay in atmospheric heritage properties and enjoy traditional Rajasthani hospitality and entertainment
Explore the villages surrounding Rohet by off-road jeep, meeting local shepherds, farmers and weavers
Discover Jodhpur and its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada
Experience the remote village of Narlai, with opportunities for countryside, horse and wildlife safaris
Visit the exquisite Jain temples of Ranakpur before discovering the romantic lakeside city of Udaipur
Explore Udaipur’s City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari
Discover the sacred city of Pushkar, including Pushkar Lake and the famous Brahma Temple
Experience the spectacular Pushkar Fair, with camel races, folk music and dance, handicrafts, local food and traditional festivities
Explore the village of Shahpura and experience everyday life, local markets, temples and traditional architecture

From colourful festivals and historic forts to remote villages, desert landscapes and traditional celebrations, this unique journey offers an unforgettable insight into the culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

Day 1 - UK departure

We begin our adventure today with departure from London Heathrow airport for direct international economy flight to Delhi.

We can also arrange departures from your local international airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Delhi arrival

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be met by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to the Colonel’s Retreat in the heart of New Delhi.

Day 3 - Delhi

Today in Delhi we will visit the famous Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and India’s tallest brick minaret.

Return back to your hotel in the afternoon to rest before our Diwali celebrations begin this evening.

Tonight we celebrate Diwali at the beautifully lit up Colonel’s Retreat. Our evening commences with Lakshmi Puja Ceremony worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. A traditional puja ceremony involves lighting of oil lamps to light the path of the Goddess to your home, offering food to the Goddess and chanting holy hymns.

Enjoy the evening with Diwali dinner followed by glittering fireworks dazzling the skyline.

Day 4 - Delhi to Agra

After a leisurely breakfast we embark on our drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Later this afternoon we check in at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel for our overnight stay.

Day 5 - Agra to Jaipur

This morning we visit the Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.

This afternoon, embark on your drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the 4* Radisson Jaipur City Centre Hotel.

Day 6 - Jaipur

Today we visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.

This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.

Day 7 - Jaipur to Bijaynagar

After breakfast we embark on our drive to Bijaynagar, a quaint little town in Rajasthan.

This afternoon we take a cycle / bullock cart tour of the nearby village to explore the surrounds of Bijaynagar. You get an opportunity to stop and interact with local villages, take pictures and observe their way of life.

Spend a relaxing evening at Bijay Niwas Palace, a charming and romantic heritage hotel hidden amidst vast private farmlands and orchards. The palace is set over 50 acres of orchard and is a majestic heritage retreat.

Tonight we enjoy a barbecue dinner al-fresco in this ‘middle of nowhere’ heritage retreat. Entertainment with dinner includes a special ‘Ghoomer’ dance performance, popular in this region of Rajasthan.

Day 8 - Bijaynagar to Rohet

After breakfast embark on your drive to Rohet Garh. Upon arrival we check in for 2 nights stay.

Set in the midst of rural surroundings, Rohet Garh is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Over the course of years it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest Heritage hotels of India. Sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis in the middle of nowhere.

Later this afternoon, experience an off-road jeep safari to the nearby villages, to get a feel for the local lifestyle of Rajasthani villagers. Observe the local lifestyle and interact with villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region, alongside enjoying an off-road experience through the dunes of Rajasthan.

Day 9 - Rohet / Jodhpur

This morning we drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions.

In Jodhpur we visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort and the grand palaces within the fort – MotiMahal, Sheesh Mahal, PhoolMahal, SilehKhanaand DaulatKhana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the JaswantThada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.

While in Jodhpur we can also shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silver ware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Return back to Rohet in the afternoon with time free at leisure. You can spend rest of the day exploring the remote village of Rohet and its surrounds or opt for any of the following optional activities – * Marwari horse safari * cycling tour * culinary delights * bird watching * angling * (**supplement charge applies) .

Day 10 - Rohet to Rawla Narlai

After a leisurely breakfast set off on your drive to Narlai, an authentic village in the remote regions of Rajasthan.

Upon arrival, check in at Rawla Narlai for 2 nights stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure relaxing at the hotel and enjoying evening entertainment with dinner.

Day 11 - Rawla Narlai

Today spend the day exploring the remote village of Rawla Narlai and its beautiful surroundings.

You may opt for any of the following optional activities – * Countryside Safari * Horse safari * Leopard Sighting Safari * Elephant Hill Walk * Visit Cave Temple * Trekking * Train Safari * Enjoy the famous Stepwell dinner * Relax at the Spa * (**supplement charge applies) .

Day 12 - Rawla Narlai to Udaipur

This morning after breakfast we drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, FatehSagar and UdaiSagar.

En route to Udaipur, visit the 15th century, Ranakpur Temples, one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their beautiful architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures.

Upon arrival at Udaipur we check in at the Udai Kothi, overlooking Lake Pichola, for 2 nights stay.

Day 13 - Udaipur

Today you will visit the 16th century City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan comprising residence of the current Maharaja, heritage hotels, museums and galleries, courtyards and reception halls, where royal events take place even today.

Then continue to Jagdish Temple, the 17th century Indo Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe.

Finally we stop at Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honour, with beautiful green lawns, flower beds, water pools, marble elephants and bird fountains.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Day 14 - Udaipur to Pushkar

This morning we embark on a drive towards Pushkar, the land of camel fairs in the heart of Rajasthan. Famous for the annual cattle and camel fair in November, Pushkar is also one of the holiest cities of India, being one of the 5 sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for Hindu devotees.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, mingling with saadhu’s (holy men in their orange attires), visiting the holy Pushkar Lake and the various temples in the region. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, creator of the universe.

We will spend overnight in the luxurious boutique resort The Greenhouse.

Day 15 - Pushkar

After breakfast, enjoy your day at the Pushkar Fair.

Spend the day walking through the traditional decorated fair grounds, viewing (and participating!) in various activities, like folk dance and music, camel races, cattle auctions, village handicraft shops, traditional food eateries and more. This is your time to experience the local lifestyle and mingle with the tribes of the deserts to learn more about life in this part of the world.

Day 16 - Pushkar to Shahpura

This morning we have a leisurely drive to the village of Shahpura, to stay at a nobleman’s mansion now converted into a small heritage hotel located in the midst of Shahpura village.

In the afternoon after check in, take a walk through the village seeing the village houses, local bazaars and the traditional bawdi (step well). Also visit the local temple, the house of faith for local people of Shahpura.

Day 17 - Shahpura to Delhi

After an early breakfast embark on your drive to Delhi.

Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj.

This afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with its gold dome and still in active worship; a Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the first world war; drive past President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.

This evening, after your wonderful Indian adventure, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your direct international economy flight back home.

Day 18 - UK arrival

Day 18 - UK Arrival

We arrive back at London Heathrow airport early morning.

Delhi - Colonels Retreat
Agra - Four Points by Sheraton
Jaipur - Radisson Jaipur City Centre
Bijaynagar - Bijay Niwas Palace Bijay Niwas Palace Bijay Niwas is a charming and romantic boutique Heritage hotel hidden amidst vast private farmlands and orchard. It is a family run heritage hotel offering personalized service and attention to detail that makes the warm welcome and the stay unforgettable. For more information click here
Rohet - Rohet Garh
Rawla Narlai - Rawla Narlai
Udaipur - Udai Kothi
Pushkar - The Green House
Shahpura - Shahpura Haveli