Rajasthan holiday, Colours of Rajasthan

country:	India
location:	Rajasthan, Golden Triangle in India
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	2009: 13 Dec 2010: 16 Jan, 6 Feb, 20 Mar, 27 Mar, 6 Nov, 11 Dec 2011: 15 Jan, 5 Feb, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 26 Oct, 10 Dec
price:	From £1299 - £1749 (21 days) including flights from the UK. From £899 - £1049 excluding flights.
late availability:	Late availability on 13th December departures
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

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India holidays

Rajasthan holidays

Cultural tours

the amazing things you'll be doing

Full exploration of India’s most colourful and fascinating desert state

Temples & Palaces
From Delhi you take an overnight train to Udaipur. At Udaipur the City Palace overlooks the renowned Lake Palace Hotel, surrounded by water on all sides. Your adventure continues to Ranakpur, situated amongst the Aravali Hills. It has one of the most important Jain temples in India and is a lovely place to wander around.

Desert, Forts & The Taj Mahal
Situated amongst the Aravali hills, Ranakpur has one of the most important Jain temples in India and is a lovely place to wander around. At Udaipur, the City Palace overlooks the renowned Lake Palace Hotel, surrounded by water on all sides. Your adventure continues to the holy lakeside town of Pushkar, before moving on to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and finally the stunning Taj Mahal.

Pushkar Camel Fair
For several days each year people and animals flock to the usually tranquil town of Pushkar for one of the most popular and colourful fairs in the Thar Desert. Thousands of camels, horses and cows are paraded, raced and traded. See Dates & Prices for trips visiting the fair.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Depart London Depart on overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2:	Delhi On arrival in Delhi (usually in the early hours of the morning) you’ll transfer to a city hotel, where you can rest after your flight. The rest of today has been left free, either for you to relax around the hotel or to venture into the city. The present metropolis of Delhi is at least the eighth city to have been founded on this site; its predecessors have been largely razed to the ground. Today the city is famous for its two contrasting faces: the bustling and vibrant Old Delhi, with Mosques, temples shops and market stalls all squeezed into narrow streets and the wide boulevards and imposing buildings of New Delhi. For those wishing to explore some of the city’s sights your leader will be on hand to offer advice and make suggestions. Tonight your leader will also co-ordinate meal arrangements ahead of your departure in late evening for Delhi railway station. Here you’ll board the overnight express train for Udaipur. Berth on overnight train – 1 night (B)
Day 3-4:	Udaipur This morning you awake in the ‘Land of Princes’ – Rajasthan. Your first stop is Udaipur. Udaipur is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’, with its beautiful lakes and grandiose palaces that line the shore, an oasis in this stark and arid state. Founded in 1568, the City Palace dominates the lake and the old town. You visit the City Palace, now a museum, where the views over the lake and the Jag Niwas ‘floating palace’ are spectacular. Udaipur is famed for its tie-and-dye fabrics and the fine miniature paintings of the Mewar School. Its bazaars and shops are fascinating to wander around or it’s possible to hire bicycles and explore the nearby hills and villages. Just north of Udaipur is a complex of 108 unprepossessing temples at Eklingi, the oldest of which is dedicated to Shiva and dates from the 8th century. At nearby Nagda there are decorative 10th century temples with wonderful carvings and elaborate friezes. In the evenings the sunsets are spectacular, as the changing colours of the sun wash over this most romantic of cities. Hotel – 2 nights (Bx2)
Day 5-6:	Ranakpur Your three hour drive to Ranakpur this morning goes through some typical villages and passes fields that are still irrigated using the Persian Wheel or koshavahaka. You’ll also stop at little-visited Kumbalgarh Fort en route, acknowledged as one of the greatest defensive forts in Rajasthan and with lovely views over the lands below. Ranakpur nestles in a secluded, wooded valley and is home to peacocks, langur monkeys and numerous birds. It’s also home to one of the best-known temple complexes in India. You spend an afternoon looking around its exquisite marble temples. The 15th century Adinatha temple is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India. These remarkable temples are completely covered with carvings, some so intricate that they resemble lace-work rather than stone carving. After the heat and dust of the desert, you have time to enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. There are a number of day walks you can do in the area, which enable you to enjoy the natural vistas and trek through valleys, dense forest and by streams and mountains. Hotel – 2 nights (Bx2, Dx2)
Day 7-8:	Jodhpur While travelling through this arid landscape you may be lucky enough to see some of its wildlife, such as black buck, chinkara, or nilgai, and at certain times of the year you may see the elegant and graceful demoiselle cranes. The scenery changes dramatically as you reach the tree-covered Aravalli hills - one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, which stretches almost the length of Rajasthan. The mighty Meherangarh Fort dominates the town of Jodhpur, perched on a rocky cliff. Once home to the Jodhpuri Maharajas, it now houses one of Rajasthan’s best museums, crammed with rich memorabilia from a bygone age. The views from the ramparts are spectacular, often as far as Kumbalgarh, almost 80 miles away. Below lie many pale indigo-coloured houses signifying that they are the home of Jodhpuri Brahmins, the high caste Hindus. During your stay there may be time to visit nearby Osiyan, with its collection of Hindu and Jain temples which date from the 8th to the 12th centuries, or take a safari by jeep to the fascinating villages of the Bishnoi people, whose central philosophy is the protection of their environment (both optional). This evening you stay in Mandore, the former capital of the maharajas of Marwar. Hotel – 2 nights (Bx2)
Day 9-11:	Jaisalmer Leaving Jodhpur, you drive for seven or eight hours to Jaisalmer. This magnificent desert town, situated on a rocky outcrop, provides you with superb photo opportunities. Like the merchants of Shekhawati, those in Jaisalmer gained vast wealth from passing camel caravans and built themselves fine havelis using ornately carved sandstone to decorate the exterior. In the early evening there may be an opportunity to drive out of the ‘Golden City’ to the shifting dunes at Sam, at the edge of the Desert National Park to see sunset in the desert (optional). On your second day in Jaisalmer you’ll take a morning tour of the city by bus, in the afternoon you’ll take a walking tour through the old town; here the streets are lined with buildings up to five storeys high, each displaying intricately carved sandstone facades. The following day you’re free to explore independently which gives plenty of time to take a trip to one of the picturesque villages that dot the desert (optional) or a camel safari. Hotel - 3 nights (Bx3)
Day 12:	Bikaner You have a long drive of seven hours through the Thar Desert to the remote town of Bikaner. At Bikaner, founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, you take a rickshaw to look around the unvanquished Junagarh Fort, with its sumptuously decorated interiors, and there should also be time to explore the medieval walled city. This evening you will be the guests of a local family. Homestay - 1 night (B)
Day 13:	Nawalgarh You journey to Shekhawati this morning, which takes approximately six hours. The Shekhawati region was home to many rich merchants and their wealth is evident from their finely built havelis (mansions). Surrounded by large walls with many internal courtyards, the havelis provided security, privacy and shade. They were painted with floral designs of Moghul influence, scenes from Hindu mythology and - since the arrival of Europeans - modern inventions such as trains, bicycles and cars. These paintings document the changes that took place in India during the 19th century. Nawalgarh, founded in 1737, is a typical Shekhawati town. The temples and town walls still survive today and the old fort has some fine examples of painted frescoes. Perhaps one of the best examples is the Poddar haveli, with paintings of trains, cars, processions, and a game of chequers. It has now been converted into a school and must surely be the most decorated and ornate one in India! You will make a visit to the painted havelis this afternoon. Hotel – 1 night (B)
Day 14-15:	Pushkar This morning, you set off north for five hours to the peaceful lakeside town of Pushkar. Although renowned for its cattle and camel fair at the time of Kartik Purnima (November’s full moon) when thousands of people and animals arrive, for most of the year it remains a quiet and tranquil place. Pushkar’s lake is one of the most sacred in India and beside it is one of the very few Brahma temples in existence in the country. Its importance as a place of pilgrimage is illustrated by the fact that devout Hindus should visit it at least once in their lifetime and that consuming meat and alcohol is prohibited here. At the end of the monsoon season the lake is full and the reflections of the temples and ghats in the water are stunning. Throughout the day people come to the shore to make their pujas (prayers) to their gods. Hotel – 2 nights (Bx2)
Day 16-17:	Jaipur You return to the hustle and bustle of city life at Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, which was planned according to an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture on a grid system. It thus remained one of the most organised cities in India for many years. Today however, this is the India that most people imagine; streets crammed with traffic, sacred cows dodging the cars and buses, camels waiting at traffic lights along with auto-rickshaws and bicycles. Jaipur has been called the ‘Pink City’ since it was painted pink (by law, buildings in the old city must still be painted a deep pink) when the Prince of Wales visited the city in 1876. You head to the City Palace, home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, and the city’s best museum as well as the façade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’. At Amber, the former capital of Jaipur state and stronghold of the Kachhawaha Rajputs, you visit its magnificent palace. It is no wonder that it remained their capital for almost 700 years. You can walk to the gates of the palace, where you are greeted by the grandeur of Rajput architecture. There is much to occupy your time in Jaipur, perhaps a visit to the marble and sandstone chhattris of the rulers of Jaipur by the lake at Gaitore - the cenotaph of Sawai Jai Singh II stands out for its delicate carvings and beautiful shape. Please note – there are elephant rides available at Amber Fort. However, concerns over the welfare of the animals have led to The Adventure Company not offering this as an option at the fort. Hotel – 2 nights (Bx2)
Day 18:	Fatehhpur Sikri To Agra You take most of the day to drive to Agra (six hours) but stop at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Built by Akbar the Great as his new capital, it was deserted just 15 years later, probably because the water supply was inadequate. It is a perfectly preserved example of Moghul architecture and provides a unique insight into the lifestyle of the Moghuls. Continuing your journey you leave Rajasthan, and enter the state of Uttar Pradesh. On arrival in Agra you’ll check into your hotel. Hotel – 1 night (B)
Day 19:	Agra To Delhi Like Delhi, Agra stands on the bank of the river Yamuna and was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. It flourished under Akbar, and Shah Jahan added many of the buildings in and around Agra Fort and, of course, the Taj Mahal. Early this morning, just as the city begins to wake you’ll make the short journey by auto rickshaw to the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their 14th child, and must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its creation. Constructed of white marble inlaid with thousands of pieces of coloured and semi-precious stone, its staggering architecture makes the Taj Mahal one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. At nearby Agra Fort, started by Akbar and finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb, there is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, leading to the emergence of a distinctive Indian style. The afternoon is free for you to wander around Agra at your own pace before you meet up with your Group Leader again and transfer to the rail station. Catching the evening train from Agra, you’ll arrive in Delhi during late evening and transfer to your hotel. Hotel – 1 night (B)
Day 20:	Delhi You can enjoy a full day in Delhi today. This morning you may wish do some last minute souvenir shopping in the bazaars or more upmarket shops around Connaught Circus. This afternoon you’ll take a guided tour of the city. Amidst the network of narrow streets and alleys of Old Delhi you’ll visit the Jami Masjid (Friday Mosque), Delhi’s largest mosque. Not only is it a place of religious worship, but also a lively meeting place for the city’s Muslims and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. In Old Delhi you travel by local transport, the rickshaw (own expense), to ply your way through the crowds and down to the impressive Red Fort. A fascinating contrast awaits as you head into New Delhi. Its wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its peak. You visit the main sights - Parliament House, President House and India Gate before returning to your hotel. Being the last evening of your holiday tonight your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper,’ a great way to celebrate an unforgettable holiday. Hotel - 1 night (B)
Day 21:	Depart Delhi The trip ends in Delhi for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

travellers' tales

We enjoyed our time in India, we appreciate the effort that your company put into the organisation of the holiday, we thought your tour leader was excellent. (more)

small group adventure holiday

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

how this holiday makes a difference

On this trip: We employ local group leaders, stay in locally owned hotels, eat in local restaurants and travel in small groups - all this benefits the local people by providing valuable employment and distributing evenly the money we spend, whilst not overburdening them with visitors. Our visit to Shekhawati reinforces in the local community the need to preserve their cultural heritage (havelis), whilst in the Jodhpur area there is the opportunity for clients to visit a drug-rehabilitation centre where their donations help maintain what is an important centre. You will also have the opportunity to visit a govt. run school during your trip to offer valuable support, a new project we have developed in conjunction with our local agent. See planning sheet for specific school & day. We ask all of our travellers to read and adopt our Responsible Travellers' Code which provides guidelines to help minimise the social and environmental impact of our trip.

Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.

Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.

Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.

Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.

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