Compare North India: Rajasthan and the Golden Temple by Worldwide Quest vs Colours of Rajasthan by Exodus Travels

Day 1

Arrive in Delhi

Day 2

Imperial Delhi by rickshaw

Day 3

Fly to Amritsar, the "Pool of Ambrosial Nectar"

Day 4

The Golden Temple at Amritsar

Day 5

Fly to Delhi and drive to Agra, the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Day 6

The majestic Taj Mahal and the great Agra Fort

Day 7

Drive through the countryside to the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri and on to Jaipur

Day 8

Explore the vibrant culture of the "Pink City"

Day 9

Drive through small villages to ancient Jodhpur, at the edge of the Thar Desert

Day 10

Explore the spices and royal cenotaphs of Jodhpur

Day 11

The magnificent Jain temples in Ranakpur

Day 12

The lakes, palaces, and gardens of Udaipur

Day 13

Depart Udaipur 

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.