Compare Rajasthan Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs India's Golden Triangle & Tigers by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,044 | $ 3,507 |
| Price Per Day | $ 113 | $ 319 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Discover India at its most colourful amid the deserts, bazaars, and forts of Rajasthan. This is a land where massive hilltop fortresses loom over ramshackle cities and where markets are awhirl with locals dressed in the brightest shades of scarlet, gold, and rose. From the heady whirlwind of Delhi to a night under the stars at a desert camp, to the beauty of sunrise at the Taj Mahal – this journey through Rajasthan promises to be a true adventure. |
A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm of India with its forts, palaces and temples, as well as the Taj Mahal. Central India shelters leopards, elephants and the Bengal tiger. In India’s northeast corner, Calcutta still exudes its colonial heritage in a landscape of Bengali mansions and neo-Gothic architecture. West-coast Mumbai is an improbable proposition - a hub of manufacturing where you can wander among Art Deco architecture or through a teeming bazaar. Down in India’s south, cruising Kerala’s backwaters on a converted rice barge is a suitably relaxed way to embrace this region’s laid-back approach to life. |
Day 1 Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. India's capital is an exciting city with abundant historical sites, museums, and bazaars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place, and make sure you’ve got your insurance info and next of kin details to pass on to your leader. If you arrive with time to spare, rejoice! There’s so much to do in Delhi and we won’t have time to cover it all on this trip. Perhaps visit the palatial Humayun's Tomb, the towering and intricately carved 12th-century Qutub Minar or the historic Red Fort.
Day 2 Delhi - Train to Jaisalmer
Ah, Delhi in the morning. It’s chaotic, sure, but the energy is invigorating. Set off early, transfer to the train station and mentally prepare yourself for the 19-hour, journey ahead. Local vendors will board with various goods along the way, but it’s a good idea to bring some of your own food for the journey too. Riding the rails in India is an experience you’ll never forget.
Day 3 Jaisalmer
Pack a small overnight bag – it’s safari time. Head into the dunes of the Thar Desert in a jeep. Meet your guides, who will get a fire going to cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner while you relax and watch the sunset. You’ll be able to buy bottled water and soft drinks tonight, but there are no facilities like running water. Because of this, we recommend you bring hand sanitiser and other toiletries. Toilets are a simple long-drop style. Stretch out under a star-studded sky and spot constellations as you drift to sleep.
Day 4 Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Journey back to Jaisalmer this morning and take a walking tour of the city to learn the history of the ornate sandstone buildings. Later, explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander among the intricately carved statues of the Jain Temples or visit the Folklore Museum to learn more about Rajasthani culture. With its imposing parapets and towers, the Old Town is full of steep stonewalls that lead to various havelis. These private mansions once homed Jaisalmer’s nobility and resemble small palaces. In the afternoon board your train to Jodhpur, reaching Jodhpur in the evening, it’s an approximately 6 hour train ride.
Day 5 Jodhpur
Answer the call of (arguably) the nation’s best lassi and most striking vistas today in Jodhpur. See the ancient fort towering over thousands of cobalt-blue buildings. Get your bearings on a walking tour around the Old City and visit Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India. Stroll through spice and vegetable stalls, past juice sellers, and sari peddlers and maybe give your haggling skills a road test. The rest of the day is free, so perhaps grab one of the lassis we mentioned and pound the pavement in search of a dal baati. This dal and bread dish doesn’t sound too exciting, but this delicious meal is a Rajasthani classic for a reason.
Day 6 Nimaj
India be can be an intense place to travel. Seek a little peace and quiet today in rural Rajasthan. Take a two-hour drive to the tiny town of Nimaj. A relaxed and quiet place, Nimaj is the opposite of a tourist trap and the perfect place to spend a day unwinding. Take a walking tour of the town with your leader, then spend the afternoon and evening as you please. Perhaps chat with the locals and learn more about their day to day life, take a stroll or relax with a book under the shade of a tree.
Day 7 Jaipur
Hit the road and make tracks for Jaipur. Arrive and jump on an auto-rickshaw to the hotel, drop off your luggage, and set out on a short tour of Jaipur. A city bathed in pink, Jaipur is full of elegant buildings and delightful bazaars. The honeycomb-esque Palace of the Winds, constructed from red and pink sandstone, is a highlight of the guided walk today. After the tour, maybe follow the crowds to the markets and shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Tonight, visit yet another opulent pink building, this time in the form of a cinema. The iconic Raj Mandir Cinema plays Bollywood blockbusters and tonight you’ll get to see one of these great tales unfold before your eyes.
Day 8 Jaipur
For many travellers, a hot air balloon ride over the ‘Pink City’ is one of the highlights of their trip. Ballooning can be done on the morning of Day six between September and June. For additional information, please see the important notes section of Essential Trip Information. If you’re afraid of heights, or just don’t fancy a float, maybe check out the Royal City Palace or one of the five quirky astronomical observatories built by Jaipur’s founder. Later this afternoon, visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Entering the glittering Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is also something you won’t soon forget.
Day 9 Agra
Head east to Agra in a public vehicle, stopping en route to see the breathtaking imperial gate of Fatehpur Sikri. Rich in Mughal heritage, Agra is a city of gardens, temples, and open rooftops. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ll probably recognise its most famous attraction – the Taj Mahal. See this awesome monument upon arrival, taking in the splendour of the white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. An amazing local social enterprise, Sheroes Hangout, is located about 10-minutes from the Taj Mahal and is an excellent place to stop for a cold drink, coffee, or light meal while you are here. The initiative is part of the Stop Acid Attacks campaign and staffed by survivors.
Day 10 Delhi
Return to Delhi by train. Freshen up at the hotel and set off on the city’s modern metro system to explore the sights and sounds of Old Delhi on a guided walking tour. They really don’t make traffic jams like this anywhere else, and you’ll see what it’s like as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque, and then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh beliefs and practices. India can be a pretty crazy place, and it’s likely you’ve formed some new friendships with your fellow travellers. Maybe head out tonight for one last meal together and say your goodbyes before the trip comes to an end tomorrow.
Day 11 Delhi
There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time after you check out at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you decide to stay an extra couple of days in Delhi, consider getting involved in an Urban Adventure. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by one of our local representatives and your private driver. Your driver will stay with you during your time in India and will drive you to your Delhi hotel. After check-in, depending on the time, you may have the afternoon at leisure. The Lodi Gardens are a nice spot for an afternoon stroll, the hotel staff will be able to give you directions.
Day 3 : Delhi
Explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi on a private guided tour. This includes the enormous Jama Masjid from which you can walk through the bazaars and narrow streets - a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of Old Delhi. See the monumental buildings set along wide boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi, including India Gate and the President's residence.
Day 4 : Agra
Leave Delhi in good time this morning to travel south to Agra. You can either travel by road with your private driver (a three hour trip on the express highway) or take the train. Depending on the train times, the rail journey can take longer than driving, but it does offer a great experience. You'd be assisted onto the train and met at the other end by an Audley representative. In the afternoon, take a private guided walk around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning - the two were built during the same period and have much shared history.
Day 5 : Ranthambhore National Park
An early start this morning, but worth it for sunrise views of the Taj Mahal with your private guide. It's also the quietest time to visit, before the crowds arrive. There can be fog at some times of the year, your specialist will advise you.After breakfast back at your hotel, continue your travels, heading east to the ancient, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. After exploring with a local guide, drive to nearby Bharatpur railway station. Board your train and travel to Sawai Madhopur - a journey of just over two hours. This is the nearest station to Ranthambhore National Park - your location for the next two nights.
Day 6 : Ranthambhore National Park
Head into Ranthambhore Park twice to enjoy game drives through the rugged terrain which is home to lots of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Your game drives are early in the morning and then early evening, when temperatures are at their coolest, and animals at their most active.
Day 7 : Jaipur
Enjoy your final game drive in the park this morning before a leisurely breakfast back at your hotel.After breakfast drive to the Pink City of Jaipur which will take around four hours. On arrival, enjoy meeting your homestay hosts and relax in the courtyard.
Day 8 : Jaipur
Gain an insight into the fascinating city of Jaipur today on a private guided tour. Explore the Palace of the Winds, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the impressive Amber Fort located 11km (6.8 miles) outside the city.Back at the hotel, you might like to watch the evening puppet show which is shown on certain days of the week.
Day 9 : Jaipur
Your morning is at leisure to relax and take a break in the peace of your hotel.This afternoon you have the chance to explore the bazaars with your private guide - get behind the scenes of the local markets with the chance to meet local traders and artisans.
Day 10 : Delhi
Today drive back to Delhi, a journey of approximately five to six hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure, enjoy using the facilities of your airport hotel. Although lacking charm or history, an airport hotel is convenient and comfortable, and means you can avoid the bulk of Delhi's traffic.
Day 11 : International return flight
This morning your driver will transfer you to Delhi Airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
