Holiday in detail

rajastan map

An exciting journey in which you will explore Rajasthan – the cultural heart of India. We travel from the capital into the small town of Mandawa before spending a night in the desert camping under the stars. From here we visit bustling Bikaner, your first desert city. No trip to Rajasthan would be complete without visiting Jaisalmer; the magical citadel that rises out of the desert like something from Arabian nights, so next we travel here and spend two nights. 

We then travel to the blue city of Jodhpur with its epically placed fortress; you can even zip-wire around its walls. From here we go to the lake city of Udaipur, the most romantic city in India. On the way, we’ll visit to the Exotic Marigold Hotel used for the movies with Judy Dench, Richard Gere etc. After free time in Udaipur we move to the holy lake city of Pushkar, to spend one night – one of the holiest places in India. This is followed by a train journey across the desert to Rajasthan’s capital – the pink city of Jaipur, where we’ve coincided the trip to enjoy Holi: the brilliant festival of colour and light! We’ll take you by rickhaws to take part in this spectacular event. From here we move to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi.

THE TOUR...

DAY 1 Sun (10th March) Depart UK

With India being several hours ahead of the UK, most flights arrive next day. Often, our travellers like to arrive earlier in India - for example arrive Saturday or Sunday which gives them time to relax after the long flight and see more of the city. We can book extra accommodation for this at a competitive price. Remember, we always pick you up free from the airport, whenever you arrive.

DAY 2 Mon (11th March)  Arrive Delhi (2 nights) HB

We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our hotel. Tonight we invite you to our enjoyable included Welcome Meal (no charge to you). 

DAY 3 Tues (12th) Tour of Delhi B&B

Today, we take you on a guided tour of New and Old Delhi. It will be fascinating. We'll see the frenetic old city, as well as 'Lutyen's' vision of New Delhi.

DAY 4 Wed (13th) To Mandawa B&B

We now leave the capital for an altogether different experience in the town of Mandawa - your first medieval desert town. This was was once part of the Silk Route stretching from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. We’ll take you on a guided walk with some free time to explore. Expect traditional women in bright silks and saris, mules or camels along the streets in this traditional setting. 

DAY 5 Thurs (14th) Desert Camp (1 night) B&B

Later this morning we depart for our drive deeper into the desert. We’ll take you to a small village, where we’ll be given camels and ride into the desert. Tonight we’ll set up camp (with included simple dinner) for a night under the stars. Bring pyjamas as the desert can get cold. Please note, if you are uncomfortable with camping in the desert we can take you to our next Bikaner hotel where you stay two nights at a small extra charge.

DAY 6 Fri (15th) Bikaner (1 night) B&B

This morning we’ll take you on a short drive to Bikaner (partly by camel cart); your first desert city. Bikaner is a lively place and - not for everyone - you may like to join us to visit the Karni Mata temple (around 30km away), a temple devoted to rats. It has been featured on BBC documentaries and covered by your host for Radio 4 and Sir David Attenborough. Later, we’ll also take you to a camel breeding centre to see herds of camels coming in to feed in the late day sun; a mesmerising sight! Late afternoon/early evening you may want to take a stroll in the city's busy centre. Tonight free to enjoy our hotel. There is a restaurant if you'd like to enjoy dinner.

DAY 7  Sat (16th) To Jaisalmer (2 nights) B&B

After breakfast we drive to the far west of India, to magical Jaisalmer, a medieval city like something from ‘Arabian Nights.'  Here, we’ll stay for two nights. 

DAY 8 Sun (17th) Rest day B&B

Free time to explore Jaisalmer at your own pace. Jaisalmer enjoys a wonderful setting with its citadel rising out of the desert. You can enjoy wandering around its medieval alleyways, shop for handicrafts, dine at rooftop restaurants and enjoy sunset over its fortress walls. There are sometimes local operators offering drives over sand dunes in the desert. Please note these activities fall outside of Angel Holidays itinerary and you do so at your own risk. Please ensure you have proper insurance.

DAY 9 Mon (18th) To Jodhpur (2 nights) B&B

Today we drive to the ‘blue city' of Jodhpur where we stay two nights. Evening free. Dining in Jodhpur at a rooftop restaurant, dominated by the fortress which is lit up at night, is a delight. Our heritage hotel will be enjoyable too!

DAY 10 Tues (19th) Jodhpur B&B

Today we’ll explore the city's dramatic fortress or you may prefer to even zipline around its walls, please note a operator offers this and it falls outside of our itinerary - so you do so at your own risk. We will take you to explore its busy spice and traditional markets.

DAY 11 Wed (20th) Udaipur (2 nights)  B&B

Today we make our drive south and to one of the most romantic cities in India; Udaipur. On route we'll also visit the 'Exotic Marigold Hotel' used for the movies with Judy Dench, Richard Gere etc. Here, we stop for tea and snacks (free to you) and we'll explore a fascinating desert village nearby – largely in the middle of nowhere and little seen by tourists. We then continue to the magical lake city of Udaipur for two nights. This evening, you may like to dine alfresco at one of the many rooftop restaurants overlooking the water.

Day 12 Thurs (21st) Udaipur and free time. B&B

Today we walk through Udaipur, along the lake, as we make our way to the beautiful City Palace. Afternoon free. You may want to enjoy more of the colourful street markets, a boat over the water and sunset from one of the rooftop restaurants.

Day 13 Fri (22nd) To Pushkar B&B

Today, we drive northwards and to the holy town of Pushkar. This afternoon (or tomorrow depending on arrival) we'll take you on pleasant walking tour of this ancient town with free time to explore.

DAY 14 Sat (23rd) To Jaipur by train (2 nights) B&B

This morning more free time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Pushkar. Holy men (and cows) wander the alleyways, there's interesting shopping, traditional waterside cafes and the spectacle of pilgrims bathing in the sacred water.

Later we take you to Ajmer for our train to the capital of Rajasthan - the pink city of Jaipur. We stay in an old palace for two unusual nights (please expect a classic experience of old India). You may wish to prepare for the festival of Holi that is coming soon, by buying colourful vermilion powder and white traditional clothing! We will advise.    

DAY 15 Sun (24th) Jaipur B&B

Today we take you on a tour of the city, seeing the Palace of Winds, the City Palace Museum and the Janta Manta observatory (featured on Dan Cruikshank’s ‘Around the world in 80 Treasures’). This trip also includes Amber fort, that lies 10 miles outside the city. Tonight bonfires are lit across the city in preparation for Holi.

DAY 16 Mon (25th) Holi B&B

This morning we take you to an authentic location to enjoy the festival of Holi. Prepare for a lot of people and a lot of fun. Holi is one of the biggest festivals in the entire sub-continent! This afternoon we leave Jaipur and head east to Agra for one night, in place to see the Taj Mahal tomorrow.

DAY 17 Tues (26th) The Taj Mahal and to Delhi (1 night) HB

This morning we will take you on a guided visit to the Taj Mahal with free time to explore this beautiful monument and its surroundings. This afternoon we drive back to Delhi and enjoy our farewell dinner together.

DAY 18 Wed (27th) Alas, home B&B

After this incredibly varied journey, today we take you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

CODES

B&B = Bed & Breakfast, HB = Half Board

* Your free transfer for your flight home after the tour is only available up to 3 days after the end date of the tour