Royal Cities
Dominated by magnificent royal palaces and forts, Rajasthani cities are a thrill to visit.
Picture India in your mind’s eye and there’s a strong chance you will think of Rajasthan. From Agra to Jaipur and Jodhpur, few places in the world pack such a powerful, cultural punch with festivals, architecture, people and food all combining to produce a heady concoction.
Begin with the legendary Taj Mahal before taking a deep dive into Rajasthan. Including the regions most vibrant cities this holiday also takes time to visit some of the lesser-known rural areas, as well as the leopards of Jawai. Expert guides will provide depth and insight to bespoke experiences before delivering you to accommodation with a real sense of place.
Dominated by magnificent royal palaces and forts, Rajasthani cities are a thrill to visit.
For reliable sightings of leopards, the Jawai hills rarely fail to deliver.
Explore quiet villages, spot birdlife and meet the rural communities of Rajasthan.
Stay in magnificent forts, havelis and palaces that typify Rajasthan’s heritage.
Day 1
Delhi (The Leela Palace)
Day 2
Delhi (The Leela Palace)
Day 3
Delhi - Agra (ITC Mughal)
Day 4
Agra - Bharatpur - Jaipur (Jobner Bagh Hotel)
Day 5
Jaipur (Jobner Bagh Hotel)
Day 6
Jaipur - Nimaj (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Day 7
Nimaj (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Day 8
Nimaj - Jodhpur (RAAS Jodhpur)
Day 9
Jodhpur (RAAS Jodhpur)
Day 10
Jodhpur - Jawai (SUJAN Jawai)
Day 11
Jawai (SUJAN Jawai)
Day 12
Jawai - Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace)
Day 13
Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace)
Day 14
Udaipur - Delhi
Day 1
Delhi (The Leela Palace)
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2
Delhi (The Leela Palace)
Join a private guide for full day to explore Delhi showcasing the cities rich cultural heritage.
Day 3
Delhi - Agra (ITC Mughal)
Journey south for around four hours to the city of Agra, Check into your hotel before an evening visit to Mehtab Bagh for your first view of the Taj Mahal.
Day 4
Agra - Bharatpur - Jaipur (Jobner Bagh Hotel)
An early rise to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast depart for Jaipur, a journey of approximately five to six hours, stopping en route to explore the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue onto Jaipur and check into your accommodation.
Day 5
Jaipur (Jobner Bagh Hotel)
Spend the day exploring the magnificent city of Jaipur which lies on an apex of the ‘Golden Triangle’ route and known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the pale red wash that coats its buildings. Explore the Amber fort, many palaces and atmospheric bazaars.
Day 6
Jaipur - Nimaj (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Drive around four and a half hours to Nimaj and check into your tented camp accommodation.
Day 7
Nimaj (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Accompanied by one of the knowledgeable naturalists, explore the farm, local temples and meet the villagers. Take a dawn stroll around the lake, or an evening jeep drive through the grasslands, spotting bird species and herds of blue bull.
Day 8
Nimaj - Jodhpur (RAAS Jodhpur)
Travel around two hours west to the city of Jodhpur. For a truly special experience we can arrange access to the Mehrangarh Fort at night when it closes to the public and the sun is setting.
Day 9
Jodhpur (RAAS Jodhpur)
Dominated by striking blue buildings and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur sits on the edge of the Thar desert and is an exciting city to explore with the help of a local guide. Take a walking tour and enjoy lunch with a local family.
Day 10
Jodhpur - Jawai (SUJAN Jawai)
Transfer around two and a half hours south to Jawai and your camp for the next few nights. Head out for an evening wilderness drive.
Day 11
Jawai (SUJAN Jawai)
Embark on morning and evening wilderness drives to track leopard and meet the charismatic herdsmen of the Rabari community who share this landscape.
Day 12
Jawai - Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace)
After a final wilderness drive travel around three hours to Udaipur and your spectacular lakeside accommodation.
Day 13
Udaipur (Taj Lake Palace)
With our resident expert explore the City Palace, and the Lake Palace – appearing to float on the lake’s surface this palace featured in the 1983 James Bond film, ‘Octopussy’, as the character’s lair. Relax in one of the lakeside cafes and restaurants to watch local life play out.
Day 14
Udaipur - Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi for onward travel.
India’s Golden Triangle comprises of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – dubbed “golden” for good reason due to the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical sights found within them. From India’s capital Delhi, a sprawling metropolis, where old and new vie for attention to Agra, best known for the most famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Jaipur is Rajasthan’s capital, home to some of Asia’s best markets and known as the pink city.
The mighty Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline of Jodhpur with superb views from the top of the steep-sided plateau. Lying beneath, Jodhpur’s old city is a maze of medieval streets, littered with glittering blue houses – traditionally built to denote the homes of members of the highest caste, it is these colourful structures that have led to Jodhpur being known as the ‘Blue City’. We can arrange an optional experience to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, after it closes to the public and the sun is casting the last of its soft orange rays over the city. Joined by the museum curator, take a private tour through the fort that includes personal stories and anecdotes about the various exhibits and collections.
The haunting beauty of the Jawai hills contains the highest density of leopards in India and is the best place to sight leopards during daylight hours. Stay at the SUJAN Jawai Leopard Camp where ongoing work between communities aims to protect the leopard population and help reduce human/animal conflict. Take wilderness drives in search of leopards, walk around the lake to view crocodiles and migratory birdlife, horse ride accompanied by a guide, cycle across the beautiful landscape or enjoy a field day out to walk in the footsteps of the Rabari herdsmen.
Much of RAAS Chhatrasagar’s 1,500 acres was used for agriculture until in 2003, the owners persuaded farmers to help rewild the area. Indigenous species of trees, grasses and shrubs that bovids like, now cover the land and a team of naturalists from the hotel track the health of the flora. Neelgai, wild boar, jackals, foxes, mongooses, and porcupine are all now commonly found in the reserve, as well as over 250 recorded bird species.
In 2018 SUJAN Jawai launched their Mobile Medical Unit which provides free health care to five neighbouring villages. Operating six days a week the van is fully equipped with a driver, doctor and nurse as well as medicines, meaning local communities no longer need to travel long distances to seek basic medical help. By staying here you pay a guest conservation levy which enables this van to operate year round.
Water consumption across RAAS properties has been reduced by around 85% through devices such as aerators that are fitted on taps at all points of usage across their properties. Grey water is recycled for use in gardens and public areas and rainwater is harvested to reduce dependence on public resources.
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January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
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