Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Trace the old camel caravan routes through Rajasthan on this colourful two-week journey. Discover magnificent forts, ancient temples and bustling market towns while winding your way through Rajasthan's must-sees and lesser-known hidden gems. On this special departure, we'll pass through Pushkar's annual Camel Fair, a truly one-off experience. Indian icons - ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • An epic train journey across Northern India's highlights from Kolkata to Amritsar
    • Varied experiences from the sacred atmosphere in Varanasi, to the Taj Mahal and bustling Old Delhi
    • Explore the captivating Golden Temple of Amritsar, the heart of the Sikh faith

What's this trip about?

    Trace the old camel caravan routes through Rajasthan on this colourful two-week journey. Discover magnificent forts, ancient temples and bustling market towns while winding your way through Rajasthan's must-sees and lesser-known hidden gems. On this special departure, we'll pass through Pushkar's annual Camel Fair, a truly one-off experience. Indian icons - Witness the beauty of the Pink City (Jaipur) and watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. Ancient desert citadels - Explore the desert city of Bikaner, the blue city of Jodhpur and Udaipur, the glorious city of lakes. Festival departure - Get closer to local life at the Pushkar Camel Fair, a vibrant celebration of livestock and culture on the selected November departure. Heritage accommodation - Sleep like a Maharajah in heritage properties from forts to palaces.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDelhi
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy
  • Asia
  • India

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Agra Fort
  • Amber Fort
  • Delhi
  • India Gate
  • Jaipur
  • Jodhpur
  • Qutab Minar
  • Rajasthan
  • Red Fort
  • Taj Mahal
  • Udaipur
  • Venice

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Delhi and witness evening prayer at the Hanuman Temple

Our tour starts in New Delhi, the capital of India. The city has been the heart of numerous empires and dynasties over the centuries, from the Mughals to the British Raj, making Delhi as it stands today a rich patchwork of cultures. For those arriving in time, our t...

Day 2 Full day exploring Old and New Delhi

We'll set off to explore the two sides of Delhi this morning. Old Delhi is a maze of old, narrow streets, lined with bazaars and pocketed with mosques and temples, whereas New Delhi feels a world away with its wide leafy boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings. W...

Day 3 Train to Ajmer and drive to rural Rajasthan

With an early start this morning, we'll make our way to the station to catch a train to the Rajasthani hub of Ajmer. Travelling by train is a rite of passage when journeying through India, from the bustling railway platforms to the chai wallahs that ply their trade th...

Day 4 Drive to Udaipur via Chittorgarh Fort. Optional boat ride on Lake Pichola

Leaving the village of Bijay Nagar behind this morning, we'll set off along the rural road. Our first stop is the imposing UNESCO-listed Chittorgarh Fort. This sprawling fort sits on a hilltop towering over the surrounding plains and houses an astounding four palaces ...

Day 5 Exploring Udaipur

Today we'll explore the highlights of Udaipur starting with the City Palace. Sat on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, this huge palace complex was built over 400 years and blends a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Next, we'll visit Jagdish Temple, which is const...

Day 6 Drive to Jojawar via Jain temples

This morning, we'll set off on the four-hour drive to the temple town of Ranakpur, one of Rajasthan's hidden gems. This little-visited town is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted Jain Temples in India. Situated in a wooded valley, the temples date back to th...

Day 7 Drive to Jodhpur and afternoon exploring Mehrangarh Fort and Clocktower

Today, we'll journey to Jodhpur, a three-hour drive away. Jodhpur is known for its blue houses and historic temples. It also has a long tradition with horses and is the origin of Jodhpurs - the breeches that are named after Jodhpur's horsemen. After settling in, we'l...

Day 8 Journey to Bikaner via Kolayat and Karni Mata Temple

Leaving Jodhpur behind, today we'll take the five-hour drive to the desert city of Bikaner. We'll stop en route at Kolayat, a pilgrimage site popular with Hindus thanks to the holy waters of its lake. We'll have some time at the ghats and we'll also visit nearby Karni...

Day 9 Exploring Bikaner - visit to market and Junagarh Fort

Heading out to discover Bikaner this morning, we'll take a tour of the Junagarh Fort. Built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611) it is distinguished by its light red sandstone high defensive walls. The well-preserved palaces within the fort area are noted for their fine ston...

Day 10 Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur

A full day's driving is ahead of us today as we move away from the yellow hues of the Thar Desert and towards the greener lands of Jaipur. Passing farms and rural settlements we'll see flashes of bright reds and pinks from the iconic Rajasthani turbans worn by most me...

Day 11 Exploring Jaipur - Amber Fort and City Palace

Affectionately known as the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876. Nowadays, Jaipur is a bustling metropolis that's far outgrown its original boundaries. Within the crumbli...

Day 12 Drive to Agra via Fathepur Sikri

We'll leave the state of Rajasthan today as we cross into Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India with over 240 million inhabitants. The state is a major industrial and commercial centre, and being on the main Indo-Gangetic plain, it benefits from rich soil fo...

Day 13 Discovering Agra Fort and Baby Taj before journey to Delhi

This morning, we'll visit Agra Fort. Built by Akbar the Great, entirely from red sandstone, it blends Persian, Islamic and Hindu architecture. The story goes that after losing his grip on power and being imprisoned by his son, Emperor Shah Jahan was confined here to a...

Day 14 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,420
Price per day$173
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
12 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$2,620
$930
9 spots left
26 Oct 2024
08 Nov 2024
$2,620
$930
6 spots left
09 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$2,890
$1,100
9 spots left
16 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$2,780
$930
9 spots left
23 Nov 2024
06 Dec 2024
$2,620
$920
12 spots left
30 Nov 2024
13 Dec 2024
$2,620
$920
15 spots left
25 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$2,420
$910
16 spots left
01 Feb 2025
14 Feb 2025
$2,420
$910
14 spots left
08 Feb 2025
21 Feb 2025
$2,420
$910
14 spots left
15 Feb 2025
28 Feb 2025
$2,420
$910
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
E

Elizabeth

Mar 2024

Written on

Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs

Seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra

F

Frances

Mar 2024

Written on

Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs

Our excellent guide Indira was knowledgeable, unflappable and fun. We learn...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs

Overall very stimulating and enjoyable. Great places to stay, brilliant guide. Downside is of course the length of the transfers -not helped by the age of the bus it...

J

Joanne

Feb 2024

Written on

Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs

All the forts and palaces listed in the itinerary were stunning and seeing the iconic Taj Mahal was a real highlight. At most of the sights our group found ourselve...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport. The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below - You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows: 30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10 30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25 1-year validity - $40 5-year validity- $80 Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year. Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India. If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 2
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-RD

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