Culture and Colors of Rajasthan - Palaces, Fortresses and the Taj Mahal

Rajasthan is still the dream India of your imagination-where you feel transported back in time to a romantic, turbulent era of turbaned warrior-princes, martial valor, and cloistered harems. Before India's independence, it consisted of 18 princely states and some of the oldest monarchies in India (and perhaps the world). The turbaned rajas and maharajas of this land had a long tradition of martial valor, and Rajasthan is still dotted with palaces and fortresses that are reminders of that romantic, turbulent era. On our exploration of northern India we'll visit the key Rajasthani sites: Udaipur, a city of lakes and known as the "Venice of the East"; the traditional pink- and golden-hued desert stronghold Jaipur, including its famous Amber Palace; the bazaars, temples, and palaces of Jodhpur; the exquisite "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri; and Agra, known the world over as the city of the Taj Mahal. And in princely style, we'll stay in maharajas' palaces now converted into amazing hotels!

Our Private Adventures in India
This adventure in North India is designed to be taken as a stand-alone journey, or as part of an exploration of the entire country, combined with one of our Central and South India itineraries. We're more than happy to help you combine this with any of our other itineraries, assist with internal flights between destinations, to help make your dream of India become a reality!

Splendors of Central India

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Activities

Easy to moderate touring, moderate road travel

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the best known cities and sites of northern India-Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Agra-all in one week!
• Tour the enchanting palaces and forts of the maharajahs
• Explore the one-and-only Taj Mahal, including a spectacular visit at sunrise!

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Delhi End Location: Delhi

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi

  Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel

• Day 2 : Agra

  Drive to Agra and visit Taj Mahal

• Days 3 - 4 : Jaipur

  Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal and then drive to Jaipur

• Day 5 : Jodhpur

  Afternoon flight to Jodhpur

• Day 6 : Udaipur

  Morning sightseeing in Jodhpur with afternoon drive to Udaipur

• Day 7 : Udaipur

  City tour of Udaipur

• Day 8 : Delhi-depart

  Morning flight to Delhi. Rest of afternoon free until transfer to airport in the evening.

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  Taj Palace Hotel

  New Delhi

  Nestled in six acres of lush greens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of the city, the Taj Palace Hotel stands apart in service and facilities. Classical decor, refined ambience, 6 restaurants and numerous amenities make this hotel synonymous with quality.

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  Taj Hari Mahal

  Spread over six acres of lush, landscaped gardens, this palace of the 21st century offers luxurious refinement. With its Marwar style architecture and Moghul-inspired domes, enameled murals, slender columns, and grand interiors, this is design that lives up to the fantasy. Located close to the city markets, nearby guests can find much to see and experience.

• 

  Lake Palace Hotel

  Udaipur

  Located in the middle of Lake Pichola and set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains, the Lake Palace Hotel spreads across a four-acre island. Reminiscent of the Taj Mahal with its white marble and mosaic exterior, the opulent silks, richly colored murals and ornately carved furniture inside will make guests feel like royalty.

• ITC Mugal Agra

  Agra

  ITC Mughal is a premier resort and spa spread over 35 acres offering a truly royal Mughal experience with its exquisite interiors, impeccable service and extraordinary cuisine.
  
   

• Rambagh Palace Jaipur

  Jaipur

  In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell.
   

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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