14 days / 13 nights

• Ideal introduction to India
• Fairytale palaces, rugged fortresses & spectacular monuments
• Some of India’s finest accommodation
• Sunset and sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal
• Choice of accommodation

A & K Insider Access

Author and foreign correspondent, Satish Jacob has been the face of the BBC in South Asia for over two decades. A resident of Old Delhi for most of his life, Satish introduces you to this vibrant part of the city on a 2-3 hour walking tour. No two walks are the same, as Satish takes you through the narrow streets and lanes of his neighbourhood, recollecting stories, narrating anecdotes and explaining the way people lived in this area.

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
A warm A&K welcome to India’s northern gateway, and private transfer to your choice of hotel.
Delhi (Choice of category)

Days 02-03 Design Your Days Delhi
The next two days of exploring Delhi are yours to craft. Choose four activities from the following to design how you wish to discover. Let foreign correspondent and author, Satish Jacob, introduces you to his Old Delhi on a morning walking tour; spend the day touring both Old and New Delhi, from the hustle and bustle of the bazaars to the wide, leafy avenues of New Delhi (half day options also available); spend the day visiting the city temples, or take a half day to witness the community kitchen prepare lunch at Gurudwara (Sikh temple); enjoy a half day of shopping for Indian crafts; take a visit and enjoy a cocktail at Ati Art Gallery in Delhi or see a Son et Lumiere performance at the Red Fort (B).
Delhi (Choice of category)

Day 04 Delhi-Sikandra-Agra
Leave Delhi and visit the tomb of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route to Agra. This afternoon visit the vast pale pink sandstone complex of the Red Fort. Finish your day at India’s most magnificent monument, the Taj Mahal, just as the sun is setting (B).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)

Day 05 Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur
Rise early for one last glimpse of the Taj Mahal as the morning light bathes the marble dome and minarets. Drive to the 16th century sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, a well preserved Moghul palace city, before arriving in the pink city of Jaipur late afternoon (B).
Jaipur (Choice of category)

Day 06 Design Your Day Jaipur
Choose two activities to tailor your day. On a full day A&K will show you the sights of this fabled pink city, with visits to the City Palace, the Palace of the Winds, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the magnificent fortress palace of the Amber Fort; or for a more relaxed approach of seeing the sights, take a half day visit to the Amber Fort only. If food is your focus, then a private cooking class in the home of a local family can be arranged; or perhaps stretch your legs with a walk through the spice and vegetable market of the Old City. Keen shoppers can take a half day in the A&K vehicle exploring- from store to stall (B).
Jaipur (Choice of category)

Day 07 Jaipur-Nimaj
Journey by road to the Rajasthani tented camp of Chhatra Sagar. Surrounded by lush fields of wheat, cotton and chillies, Chhatra Sagar is located on the edge of a one hundred year old reservoir on the Nimaj Estate (seasonal, October – March) (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)

Day 8 Nimaj
Relax in your tranquil surrounds, take a nature walk, a jeep safari, explore the local village and finish your day sitting around the fire, soaking up the atmosphere (B,L,D).
Chhatra Sagar (Tent)

Day 09 Nimaj-Jodhpur
Continue by road to the blue city of Jodhpur, situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert. This afternoon visit the former traditional seat of the Marwar rulers, the imposing Meherangarh Fortress which perches in stately grandeur above the city (B).
Jodhpur (Choice of category)

Day 10 Jodhpur
Travel into the desert to visit a Bishnoi village where you learn of their interesting philosophy for living – a devotion to eco-friendliness and wild life protection. Your afternoon is at leisure in Jodhpur (B,L).
Jodhpur (Choice of category)

Day 11 Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Delwara
Today, drive from the desert to the picturesque Aravali Hills and the impressive 18th century palace retreat of Devi Garh. Visit the intricate Jain Temples of Ranikpur enroute. This evening witness the peaceful ritual of the Aarti ceremony at the Eklingji Temple (B).
Devi Garh (Palace Suite)

Day 12 Delwara-Udaipur
Your morning is at leisure at Devi Garh. This afternoon wind your way through the hills to the shores of the most romantic Rajasthani city, Udaipur (B).
Udaipur (Choice of category)

Day 13 Design Your Day Udaipur
Today you decide how you wish to explore the city. Choose two of the following options. Let your A&K guide introduce you to the sights on a half day tour – explore the City Palace complex with its exquisite inlaid work, mirrored walls and marble balconies, the Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens and the Crystal Gallery Museum. Participate in a cooking demonstration followed by lunch with a local Rajasthani family. A&K recommends finishing your day with a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (B).
Udaipur (Choice of category)

Day 14 Udaipur-Delhi
A flight returns you to Delhi where your Rajasthani journey ends (B).

Optional Extensions
Combine your journey with A&K’s fantastic Indian extensions below.

Indian Extensions
Note: Chattra Sagar closed 01 April – 30 September, an additional night in Jaipur and Delwara is utilised instead. Compulsory Christmas and New Years Eve dinner supplements apply. Rates for Design your Day excursions available on request.

Jaisalmer Extension
For an incredible desert experience, we recommend adding two nights at the remote fortress city of Jaisalmer. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, witness the yellow sandstone walls of the imposing Jaisalmer fortress rising 80 metres above the city. Highlights include a sunset camel ride in the surrounding sand dunes and viewing one of the many beautiful palaces, temples and havelis.

Note: Compulsory Christmas and New Year's Eve dinner supplements apply.

Departure Dates & Prices – Splendours of Rajasthan