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Classic holiday to Rajasthan

country:India
location:Rajasthan
trip type: A small group adventure
departures:2008: 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 9 Nov, 23 Nov, 28 Dec
2009: 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 8 Mar, 22 Mar
price:From £1095 (13 days) excluding flights, based on twin share. We can arrange flights from the UK. Max group size on this trip is 14
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
Rajasthan is arguably India's most exotic state. It has retained a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the grand forts, exquisite palaces and colourful dress.

This great adventure, ideal for the first time traveller to India. Our journey takes us to Agra, the capital of Moghul India during the 16th and 17th century, to see the beautiful Taj Mahal and the nearby deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri.

In Bharatpur, we explore the World Heritage listed Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary before visiting the forts and palaces of Jaipur, Jodphur and the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur.

Our journey concludes in Delhi where we enjoy the vibrant contrasts of Old and New Delhi on a fascinating city tour. Includes: tour guide, local guides, arrival transfer, accomodation (10 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night air-con sleeper train), transport, train travel, some meals (11 breakfasts), sightseeing and entrance fees.

For nearly 30 years, we have lead the field in small group adventure travel. See the iconic sights as well as get off the beaten track to discover the 'real' country, and come away understanding something more of the world. Our innovative and interactive itineraries include as much as possible to ensure that you get the most out of your valuable time away, but also contain plenty of time to relax and explore by yourself. Traveling in small group, and by private transport, means that you will have the company of other like-minded travelers, your holiday will be safe and stress-free and that the impact on environment and community is kept to a minimum.

As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:(Sun) Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:Drive to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.
Day 3:Drive to Jaipur. Afternoon free.
Day 4:Visit Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar.
Day 5:We head off the beaten track to Nimaj Haveli.
Day 6:A full day in rural Nimaj to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Day 7:Drive to Jodhpur. Free afternoon.
Day 8:Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Jeep excursion to Bishnoi village.
Day 9:Drive to Udaipur via Ranakpur Temples.
Day 10:Tour of City Palace and Jagdish Temple. Afternoon free.
Day 11:Free day to explore city. Overnight train to Delhi.
Day 12:Delhi city orientation, including India Gate and Janpath Bazaar.
Day 13:Trip ends this morning after breakfast (Fri).
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.
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.





how this holiday makes a difference
See northern India, including Rajasthan, through the eyes of a local, as your Indian tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the exotic and colourful tapestry that makes up his or her amazing homeland. Discovering wildlife, wandering around historic cities and visiting magnificent Mughal tombs and palaces impart to travellers the magnificence of these valuable natural and historical gems and the importance of them being preserved and protected, so that they can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The northern part of India also has a rich and enduring culture, which is unveiled on this trip. Equally important, your local tour leader helps you to understand the traditions of the proud people that live in this part of the world, ensuring you don’t commit any cultural ‘faux pas’.

To support tour programs in India this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. This operator prefers to give their patronage to small owner-managed hotels rather than those from international chains, as they feel these places offer quality and character and also directly benefit local people. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities.
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