India Tours – Cultural Rajasthan Tour

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb shows that even this new part of town has an ancient past.

Agra is home to one of the world’s most famous monuments: the Taj Mahal, seventh wonder of the world and an impeccable ode to undying love. Before we see Shah Jahan’s masterpiece on this tour of Rajasthan, though, you will visit the mighty Agra Fort, a massive palace where Mughal emperors lived and ruled for centuries.

Set on the ancient river Yamuna, the venerable Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. You’ll catch this marvel at dawn, when the sun gently graces the etched marble, painting it in hues of pink, light yellow and bright white. You’ll also visit Fatehpur Sikri, the short-lived capital of Emperor Akbar that is now a pristine, palatial ghost town.You will be hosted at Ramathra Fort. This is a charming 17th century castle of the Jadoan Rajputs—by the Rajput’s affable and energetic descendants.

From the regal to the rural: wander Ramathra village, a small hamlet of farmers and herders untouched by urban influences. Your guide will introduce you to the local way of life, including local religious practices. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before driving to Jaipur, the legendary Pink City.

Ascend to the towering Amber Fort on elephant back, and marvel at the “Palace of Winds.” Wander the ornate City Palace and admire the Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory. Later, enjoy an authentic Indian cuisine demonstration with a special local family. Consider a hot air balloon ride over this historic city.

Venture to Chhatra Sagar, a unique luxury tented camp in the middle of serene countryside. Created by a powerful nobleman, Chhattra Sagar was once an oasis for struggling farmers, who were invited to settle around the reservoir. Their descendants still live here. Breathe in the fresh air in this pastoral setting and, in the evening, sip cocktails as you soak in the serenity of a Rajasthani sunset.

Immerse yourself in rural Indian life. If you wish to explore further, the camp organizes farm and village visits as well as bird-watching tours.

Continue your journey deeper into the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, a fairy-tale Golden City, its grand fort rising mightily over the desert below. Relax in this otherworldly place.

Meander through the grand Jaisalmer Fort, including a visit to the striking group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The weatherworn havelis, with exquisitely carved sandstone facades, jali screens and oriel windows recall a lost time of medieval might. Take the opportunity to visit Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride, traversing the desert in the timeless tradition of Rajasthan.

Discover the 15th century “Blue City”: Jodhpur. The city is a whirlwind of experiences: forts and palaces, temples and havelis, spices and fabrics, color and texture. Each moment seems to offer a new and fascinating perspective.

Visit the hulking Mehrangarh Fort, towering 400 feet (122 meters) above the city. The museum in the fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan, exhibiting the proud heritage of the Rathores. Take a walking tour of the Sadar Bazaar: a hectic, multihued market of narrow shop-lined lanes featuring antiques, carpets, jewelry and more. And explore a Bishnoi village, where you can meet the farmers, potters and Bishnoi tribal shepherds and learn about their 500-year history of environmental stewardship.

The beautiful garden estate of Shahpura Bagh is surrounded by glistening lakes that in season, teem with indigenous birds. Formerly the summer home of the rulers of Shahpura, the 45 idyllic acres of gardens provide a perfect place to unwind.

Set on the shores of shimmering Lake Pichola and nestled in the Aravali hills, Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in India and a must on any tour of North India. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake. At night, there is nothing quite like seeing the Lake Palace—once the seat of power, and now a luxury hotel—floating in the middle of the lake, moonlight dancing on the water.

Allow Udaipur to enchant you, starting at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Admire the heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace—the largest palace in Rajasthan—taking particular notice of the stunning peacock mosaics.

Your Rajasthan tour comes to a close, as you fly to Delhi for your international connection. Thoroughly entranced by India, you may already be planning your next journey to the subcontinent.