India

Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan: A Royal Journey through India’s Palaces

When

October To April

Price

From £6,500pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

14 nights ideal length

Bordered by the Thar Desert and steeped in history, Rajasthan is an Indian state full of intrigue and adventure. On this 14-night trip, we’ll take you from the bustling centre of Delhi to the historic cities of Agra, Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur and Udaipur, living like a Maharaja along the way. Journey through landscapes and time as you experience the cultural beauty and natural splendour of the desert state. Stay in some of the most luxurious Indian hideaways as you visit breath-taking fortresses, opulent marble palaces and witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World as the sun rises over the utterly romantic and awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. It’s not just the architecture that will have you spellbound as the colourful and ancient customs of this beautiful country get under your skin with this Eastern expedition.

DELHI: A CITY OF LOST EMPIRES

Arriving in the bustling city of Delhi, rest your head in the height of luxury at The Imperial before getting a taste of the ‘real India’. The first stop is Humayan’s Tomb, a stunning mausoleum that mixes Persian and Mughal design giving you an insight into the rich history of this vibrant city. From tombs to military ruins you’ll head to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore this vast and impressive monument that was once the home of the Mughal Emperor. Zip through traffic on your rickshaw as you journey around the busy streets watching locals go about their days before drinking in the spiritual atmosphere at Bangla Sahib as our expert guide takes you around this wonderful Sikh place of worship.

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FALL IN LOVE WITH AGRA

A scenic three hour drive will transport you to the iconic city of Agra where you will be treated to a night at the Oberoi Amarvilas. First off, and overlooking the Yamuna River, you’ll visit Agra Fort which stands as a relic of the Mughal Empire with its unique red hues. The next part of your cultural education takes place at Itimad-ud-Daula, a palatial mausoleum with some of the most beautiful marble carvings you’ll ever see. Of course, no trip to India would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, a monument of love that has truly stood the test of time. So before you move on, you’ll experience a sunrise you’ll never forget as you wrap yourself up in the romanticism of the Taj Mahal as the sun slowly creeps up behind it.

ROYAL JAIPUR

Next, to Jaipur where you’ll be struck by its wide streets, elaborate architecture and grand palaces. On your way, uncover the architectural wonder of Fatehpur Sikri before settling down at the luxurious and historic hotel Samode Palace just outside the city which will be your base for three nights. In your free time, choose to relax by the mirror-like pool of your hotel, or want to shop? No problem. Our expert guides can let you in on all of Jaipur’s secrets which you can uncover as you walk through this city that constantly buzzes with activity. For a true sense of the Maharaja lifestyle, however, one evening, we can even arrange for you to be whisked away to the splendour of Jaipur’s City Palace where you’ll be treated to a private dinner fit for royalty.

ROHET AND A TASTE OF JODHPUR

Your next stop is Rohet and along the way, you’ll stop in at the Bishnoi Village for the chance to rub shoulders with the locals and see how the other half live. You’ll be staying in a real desert oasis for the next two nights at Mihir Garh Fort which gives luxury a whole new meaning with its amazing suites. After a good night’s rest at your regal retreat, you’ll spend time exploring Jodhpur, a city known for its blue buildings and long hours of bright sunshine. While here you can discover secret tunnels within the turreted Mehrangarh Fort as you create your own magical Indian tale.

NARLAI

Leave the crowds behind as you venture into the often overlooked but truly beautiful village of Narlai. You’ll live like a Maharaja at the 17th century Rawla Narlai, a stunning boutique hotel and former hunting retreat. Your hideaway is located in the heart of the Aravalli Hills surrounded by lush forests and offers fantastic landscape views. You can choose to relax by the pool and just revel in the peace and quiet or if you want to continue exploring then a hike up the rocks to see the large elephant statue is just what you’re after.

PALATIAL SPAS IN UDAIPUR

Once you’ve experienced the delights of Narlai, you’ll be collected for a long scenic drive to Udaipur for three nights of palatial splendour. Devi Garh is not only our favourite super-luxe palace-turned-hotel, but also a fantastic spot for more action: here you can choose to borrow mountain bikes and kites for flying, or enjoy the spa and practise yoga in its birthplace. You’ll enjoy an exclusive boat ride along the tranquil Lake Pichola during your final relaxing days and visit all the wonders of Udaipur from City Palace to Jagdish Temple, before you, reluctantly, catch your flight home.

Where to rest your head

The Imperial, New Delhi

They say The Imperial was built as a celebration of India’s independence from the British, and what a celebration it is. Easily among Asia’s finest…
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The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Astonishingly close to the world’s greatest testament of love, the Taj Mahal, it is said that The Oberoi Amarvilas offers the best view in the…
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Samode Palace, Jaipur

The Samode Palace is an exquisite heritage hotel combining contemporary luxury with traditional opulence and elegance. Originally a fortified stronghold, it wasn’t until the 19th…
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Mihir Garh, Rajasthan

This intimate boutique hotel, also known as 'The Sun Fortress', lies on the edge of the desert and offers nine suites, giving you a truly…
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RAAS Devigarh, Udaipur

There are few places quite so unique as RAAS Devigarh. A luxurious, all-suite hotel with a strong emphasis on design and detail, it makes for…
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