DAILY ITINERARY:
RAJASTHAN & DIWALI FESTIVAL 15 - 30 Oct 2019
RAJASTHAN, THE JEWEL IN INDIA'S CROWN!
Travelling through Rajasthan is like walking through a kaleidoscope… colourful and exotic, spectacular landscapes, mesmerising forts, glittering palaces and warm people. Deserts, sand dunes, camel trains, vibrant clothes, jewellery and so much more...
Day 1. Tues Oct 15 ARRIVE DELHI Namaste and a warm welcome to India!
We meet you at the airport and settle you in to your hotel
Day 2. Wed 16 DELHI a colourful hive of energy and activity that will wake up your senses! As you see the sights of India's grand capital, you'll discover a city of contrasts; a modern metropolis merging with Old Delhi's winding streets and bazaars
FULLY BOOKED!
Day 3. Thurs 17 DEHLI to BIKANER - this vibrant, desert town with its fabulous fort has an energising outpost feel. The Temple of Karni Mata is famous for its mysterious association with rats. More than 20,000 black rats dwell in this temple, they are considered holy!
Day 4. Fri 18 BIKANER to JAISALMER - also known as 'The Golden City', a land of wonders, with a rich heritage. The sand dunes of the Thar desert, magnificent havelis, bewitching palaces and stunning Jain temples make it one of the most visited cities of Rajasthan
Day 5. Sat 19 JAISALMER - the focal point of Jaisalmer is the fort... resembling a massive sandcastle rising from the desert. Around 2,500 people reside inside its mighty walls, making it the largest living fort in India and one of the largest in the world
Day 6. Sun 20 JAISALMER to JODHPUR - we travel by train to Jodhpur. Most dwellings in the old city are shades of blue, giving Jodhpur the name; The Blue City. The forts, palaces, temples, havelis, spices, fabrics, colours and a booming handicraft industry make this a fascinating city
Day 7. Mon 21 JODHPUR - the jewel of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It soars above the city and dominates the surrounding plains, appearing majestic and impregnable. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it ‘the work of giants’
Day 8. Tues 22 JODHPUR to UDAIPUR - we travel by road to one of the most scenic cities in India. Udaipur is also known as the ‘City of Lakes' or 'Venice of the East'.
Day 9. Wed 23 UDAIPUR with beautiful palaces and a lake cruise to enchant you, we are sure you'll fall in love with this city
Day 10. Thur 24 UDAIPUR to DUNGARPUR - after yoga in the garden, we are only a couple of drive from one of Rajasthan's best kept secrets... Dungarpur is a delight. The offbeat destination is idea for history lovers, we actually stay overnight in a royal residence.
Day 11. Fri 25 DUNGARPUR to CHITTTORGARH - Chittorgarh Fort stands on a hill top on the banks of Berach river - like a real-life magical kingdom. At one time half of the fort’s space was covered by water, with a reservoir to hold one billion gallons of water, enough to maintain an army of 50,000 for four years without fear of thirst. We catch the midnight train to Jaipur.
Day 12. Sat 26 JAIPUR - our overnight train arrives early in 'The Pink City', the capital of Rajasthan. Famous for spectacular landscapes, palaces, forts, handicrafts, exquisite jewellery and art treasures, this city will captivate you with its history, vibrant culture and tradition. Peacocks roam the gardens of our heritage hotel, Diggi Palace.
Day 13. Sun 27 JAIPUR - DIWALI FESTIVAL - one of the most popular festivals in India, the Festival of Light celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Millions of earthenware oil lamps light up homes, shops and places of worship - all part of the celebrations that mark the start of the Hindu new year. You'll be invited home to dinner with some of my Jaipur friends!
Day 14. Mon 28 JAIPUR to ABHANERI - We visit Amer Fort on our way to Abhaneri Village to see a Stepwell. Stepwells are unique to India, amazing, huge, sunken stairways that spiral or zigzag to a pool of water as deep as nine storey's down into the earth!
Day 15. Tues 29 ABHANERI to AGRA - today we travel around 3 hours by road to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal and one of the finest Red Forts in India.
Day 16. Wed 30 AGRA to DEHLI - at sunrise you will be moved by the most awe-inspiring monument to love on the planet. Nothing can prepare you for the moment you see the TAJ MAHAL with your own eyes! After breakfast we return to Delhi to farewell India... you return to your corner of the world, heart full, feeling richer with a new perspective on life... where will we meet again?
OR... should you wish to stay on in India, we can help you with further travel arrangements
Our itinerary is well planned but sometimes we need to ‘go with the flow’, such is the nature of travel in India. Most days we have time for shopping and self-exploration
This is sightseeing with soul!
I loved the high level of smooth organisation - all the fun, all the interest, none of the headaches! HELEN