Compare Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels vs Great India by Indus Travels

Day 1 Start Delhi; free time

The group flight arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and we transfer to our hotel approximately 35 minutes away. You can normally check in around midday. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location on your arrival (the information will also be posted in the hotel lobby). Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

Day 2 Morning sightseeing in Delhi; afternoon transfer to Ranthambore

This morning we visit the walled city of Old Delhi; crowded, full of activities and still influenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. We visit the 17th-century Jama Mosque (the largest mosque in India) and Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We also see India Gate and the vast colonial buildings as we navigate the city. In the afternoon we transfer to Ranthambore National Park (approximately 6 hours drive). Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

Day 3 Morning and evening game drives

Today we take two game drives in Ranthambore National Park. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 became part of Project Tiger. Sadly, after initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population. However, Ranthambore is still considered one of the best places to spot wild tigers and many of our groups over the last few years have seen the elusive predator. Ranthambore is also home to a great variety of other wildlife, including several species of monkey, deer, crocodile and birdlife. Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar)

Day 4 To Bundi within the beautiful Aravalli Hills; visit Bundi Fort

Today we leave Ranthambore and drive to Bundi, a delightful town with a rustic setting on the Azavali foothills. It is best known for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwells that were used to collect water during the monsoon centuries ago. In the afternoon, we visit Bundi Fort, one of the most beautiful palaces in India and home to outstanding miniature paintings portraying the history of the palace and its royal family. The fort is high on a hill overlooking Bundi and its Krishna blue stonewashed houses. (Approximately four hours' drive) Accommodation: Ishwari Niwas Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 To Udaipur

Today we set off on our 145mi (235km) journey to Udaipur. Known as the Pearl of Rajasthan, the City of Sunrise and Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in India. (Approximately five hours' drive). Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Full day to explore Udaipur, including visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple

On the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills. The lake has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the lake waters. Udaipur is surrounded by a massive bastion with five gates and dominating the town is the City Palace of the Maharana. The sumptuous apartments are decorated with multi-coloured mosaics, elaborate mirror work and inlaid tiles; half of these can be visited as the current Maharaja still occupies the rest of the palace. We spend the morning visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, with a huge black-stone image of Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu. If time allows, it may be possible to visit the gardens of Gulab Bag or take a boat trip on the lake. The afternoon is free to enjoy this evocative city. Accommodation: Paras Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 To Jodhpur via Ranakpur and a visit to the Jain temple

Following the scenic road out of the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur, we head towards Jodhpur. On the way, we visit the 15th-century Jain temple at Ranakpur. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the state of Marwar. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost 6mi (10km) in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. (Approximately seven hours' drive). Accommodation: Shree Ram International Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 To the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar

First thing in the morning, we visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, from where you will have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. The fort itself looks massive from the outside but inside there is an impressive collection of finely carved sandstone screens and lattice windows, and the palaces themselves are very finely decorated. We then head to Pushkar, pilgrimage town and home to the annual Pushkar Festival. Steeped in mysticism and surrounded by the desert, this little town is a holy site on the fringes of a lake and a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. (Approximately six hours' drive). Accommodation: Hotel Dera Masuda (or similar) Pushkar Festival departures: 5 November 2024 and 26 October 2025 The itinerary for these departures is slightly amended to spend two nights in Pushkar (days 8 and 9) and removing the night in Jodhpur, this is done to maximise time at the festival. Accommodation in Pushkar during the festival departure will be provided in ensuite Swiss Cottage Tents (canvas tents designed to emulate Swiss cottages) with attached bathroom. The facilities are basic and on occasion hot water and electricity can be limited but your leader will assist with any issues if they occur. All meals will be included. 

Day 9 Morning sightseeing; afternoon drive to Jaipur

In the morning, we do some sightseeing; in the centre of town is the holy Pushkar Lake surrounded by several temples, including a Bramha temple said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. A dip in the lake waters and worship at Bramha temple ensure salvation. In the afternoon, we drive to Jaipur. (Approximately three hours' drive) Accommodation: Lily Pool - The heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) Holi Festival Departure: 14 March 2025 For the 2025 Holi Festival departure, you will be given the opportunity in Pushkar to join the colourful celebrations at your hotel and purchase locally the traditional white kurta outfit to look the part and avoid getting your own clothes covered in the coloured powders.

Day 10 Sightseeing in and around Jaipur; including the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, the Observatory and City Palace

A day of sightseeing. The Pink City of Jaipur is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh abandoned his nearby fortress and palace at Amber in 1727 and laid out a planned city of broad avenues, built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. In the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights in India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. A few miles from the main city is the splendid Amber Palace, rising above a lake. The imposing hilltop fort contains large courtyards and interiors with fine decorations including inlaid alabaster panels and a Chamber of Mirrors. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear; it will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything! Accommodation: Lily Pool - The heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Afternoon visit Agra Fort

This morning we transfer to Agra (approximately four and a half hours). On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city of Emperor Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience, are constructed of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years; Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri in 1584 to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today. This afternoon we will visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Accommodation: Avalon Palms (or similar)

Day 12 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal; Train to Delhi

We have a very early start to see the incredible spectacle of the sun rising over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul emperor Shah Jahan built the beautiful white-marble building in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. This is often the highlight for many guests and no trip to the region would be complete with out seeing this impressive feat of architecture and history. Later, we will take the train from Agra to Delhi. Depending on the train schedule, we will arrive into Delhi early afternoon or early evening. Your Leader will advise the journey times with you. It's your last night together so your tour leader will help arrange a group for dinner if you would like to attend. Accommodation: Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

Day 13 End Delhi

The adventure ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend a bit more time exploring this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Make your way to your gateway airport to board your flight to India. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Overnight onboard the flight

Evening: Welcome to Delhi, India! A monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel. 
Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi

Breakfast: At hotel 
Morning: Tour Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, India Gate (the War Memorial) and the Presidents House (from the outside), the Baha’i Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) - this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace, the Qutub Minar a stunning 
240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.
Afternoon: Drive to Agra. On arrival check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast

Early Morning: Visit Taj Mahal a sunrise (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dawn glow. Return back to the hotel
Breakfast: At hotel 

Afternoon: Later take a Marble craftsmanship demonstration

Later we will discover the Agra Fort, another UNESO heritage site built and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace and later it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.
Evening: Accommodation: Overnight in Agra

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Jaipur, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri -an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water.
Afternoon: Demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing
Evening: On arrival check in to the hotel. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname becomes immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn.

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Start with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. A royal ride on elephant (subject to availability) up the hill like the Maharajas of past times and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.”

Afternoon: At leisure or Join the Jaipur City optional tour
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
 

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Pushkar a sacred city for Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (held in November). A quiet, secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year, for just a few days it becomes an absolutely incredible and authentic extravaganza during the annual Pushkar Fair. Drawing people from all around the globe, it is also quite possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world.
Afternoon: Arrive in Pushkar; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of the holy city of the God, Brahma; visit the holy Pushkar Lake and the famous 8th century Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma the creator of the universe and the only Bull temple in the world. Experience a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest on the banks of Pushkar Lake
Accommodation: Overnight in Pushkar (Special Deluxe Tents during the Pushkar Camel Fair)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes.

Afternoon: On arrival in Udaipur; check in to the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D. and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more.

Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century and located in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail; support the temple although legend has it that it is really impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. 
Afternoon: Upon arrival check in to the hotel
Evening At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jodhpur
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel 
Morning: Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later drive to Jaisalmer founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer; check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Tour Jaisalmer; the fort, often referred to as the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and floral carvings and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants; the havelis were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort to see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh 
ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city.

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Bikaner
Afternoon: Arrive in Bikaner; check in to the hotel. Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight in Bikaner
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Visit Junagarh Fort, begun by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, but was added on over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jali or lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from Krishna’s life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold. Drive to Mandawa
Afternoon: Arrive at Mandawa; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis
Accommodation: Overnight in Mandawa
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel 
Morning: Depart back to Delhi 
Afternoon: Transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Chennai. Welcome to Chennai! On arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to Mamallapuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Mamallapuram is referred to as an ‘open-air museum’. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas was wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Overnight in Mamallapuram
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: At leisure. You may relax by the beach. The spectacular Mahabalipuram beach is shored by the Bay of Bengal with the dreamy rock cut sculptures astonishing to the eyes. The ancient port city of the Pandavas full of activities on the sea side, it still breathes with the pallava art forms.

Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Mamallapuram
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Depart for Pondicherry attractively set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful unspoiled beaches. This surprising town is a throwback to colonial times when it was a French enclave, but is now richly blended with Tamil culture. Those used to British colonial architecture will enjoy the Gallic imprint with the profusion of Catholic churches 
and distinctly French buildings and excellent French restaurants. En-route visit Auroville, the French village inspired by the Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life. Experimental buildings combining Western and Indian elements are located along the narrow rural road shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts and alternative technology. Well known for the Shri Aurobindo Ashram that was set up by one of his disciples, a Parisian known as The Mother, in his memory and is one of the most active ashrams in India. 
Afternoon: Check-in to the hotel 
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Pondicherry
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Tanjore a bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola Empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples. En-route you may stop at Dharasuram Temple built in memory of the White elephant; Airavath from the god’s family, the temple’s original name was “Airavatheshwar.”
Late Afternoon: Check-in to the hotel 
Accommodation: Overnight in Tanjore
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Explore Tanjore; visit Brihadeshvara Temple. This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. With a history of traditional bronze casting here you will have the opportunity to view the masters at work using the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practiced today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive also.
Afternoon: Continue on to Madurai, a vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colourful bazaars.
Evening: Upon arrival check in to the hotel. 
Accommodation: Overnight in Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: At leisure

Accommodation: Overnight in Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Peiryar, also known as Thekkady, a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary located nearly 1800 m above sea level in the dense semi and evergreen deciduous forests of Idukki district. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its myriad fauna and flora as well as for the Mannans, Palians and Ooralie tribes who still continue their ancient methods of herding and bee keeping. Check-in to the hotel. 
Visit the Spice Plantation. Renowned for their spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills are the ideal location to explore a garden where spices and other aromatic plants are grown. Learn about their use in the preparation of local cuisine and their medicinal properties and you may also enjoy an optional short ride on an elephant (supplement cost applicable) to get the best view of the stunning scenery.
Accommodation: Overnight in Periyar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day at leisure or join the below optional tour
Breakfast: At the hotel
Afternoon: Depart for Kumarakom a cluster of tiny islands almost impossibly beautiful, surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping off point to join a boat to explore the Kerala backwaters.

Accommodation: Overnight in Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Spend your time at leisure at this tranquil resort. 
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Drive to Cochin where European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. 
Afternoon: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Cochin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel
Today: Today you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive back in USA