INDIA: Boutique Grand Rajasthan Small Group Tour - 16 days (Ranthambore National Park)

Destination:  INDIA. Delhi | Agra | Ranthambhore Park | Jaipur | Jodhpur | Jaisalmer | Rohet | Udaipur | Mumbai / Delhi

Tour Commences In:  Delhi

Tour Concludes in:  Udaipur

Number of Days:  16 days / 15 nightd

Tour Style:  Small Group Tour (5 -12)

Accommodation:  Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 15: Lunches; 1: Dinners; 8:

Leaders: Professional guides

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an above average level of fitness and mobility

•     Experience New & Old Delhi

•     Discover Raj Gath, Qutab Minar

•     Visit Red Fort, one of the oldest monuments of India

•     Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk

•     Be overwhelmed by the Taj Mahal,

•     Discover the history of Agra Fort

•     Visit the Ranthambhore park & spot a Bengal tiger or two

•     Explore the wonderful sites of the ‘pink city’ bazaars

•     Be in awe of magnificent Hawa Mahal façad (Palace of Winds)

•     Visit the Meherangarh Fort and gaze down on the ’blue city’ of Jodhpur

•     Perhaps experience an elephant ride to Amber Fort

•     Enjoy a special ‘cocktail’ moment at one of India’s glorious Palaces

•     Walk Jaipur’s old city and immerse yourself in the buzz of the bazaar

•     Visit the ’golden city’ of Jaisalmer

•     Spend twilight on the sand dunes at Sam Village an perhaps experience a camel ride

•     Enjoy the a ‘glam camping’ moment

•     Be in awe of a brilliant architectural monument comprising of haa, domes and 1444 intricately carved pillars

•     Enjoy a twilight private boat ride on beautiful Lake Pichola

•     Be captivated by Fateh Prakash Palace and visit the unique Crystal Gallery

•     We offer a variety of wonderful hotel experiences

•     Enjoy fabulous regional cuisine

DAY 1:    Arrive Delhi:
Namaste Welcome to Delhi; India’s most vibrant city. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Delhi. Your tour director is able to offer you a number of options including sightseeing and shopping. Later this evening, we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers. Dinner this evening is available at the hotel.  Optional Tour -   Walking tour with your tour host in the Connaught Circle, situated in the heart of New Delhi. You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar in the exciting metropolis of Delhi. 

DAY 2:      Delhi:     (B)
This morning we tour both the chaotic Old Delhi and the New modern Delhi. We visit some of Old Delhi’s dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways. We explore the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. We then visit Chandni Chowk by rickshaw. We walk the bazaar area where the local artisans still practice their crafts and here perhaps test your bargaining skills. Later we drive by the Red Fort a powerful symbol of the Mughal Empire and walk the grounds of the Raj Ghat, the simple but very moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We explore Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President. We drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Parliament buildings. We visit two of the city’s most significant World Heritage Sites, Qutab Minar, a masterpiece of perfect proportions, and the tomb of Emperor Humayun. This afternoon is at your leisure with options to visit markets and/or museums.

DAY 3:     Delhi - Agra:        (B/D)
Following an early breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping en-route at Sikandra, the impressive tomb of the Mulghal Emperor Akbar. Built in 1605–1613. From here it’s a short drive to Agra. On arrival, we tour the imposing Agra Fort, a Palace established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. A spectacular hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains, gates, opulent chambers and it has breathtaking views of the River Yamuna. We then stopover in a shopping area to view some of Agra’s major handicrafts products including Zari embroidery work, Brassware, Carpets, Jewellery and inlay work on Leather-ware. Agra is also well known for its sweets ’Petha’ and ’Gajak’ and saltish snack ’Dalmoth.We cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, sometimes known as the ‘Baby Taj’  and the least visited of Agra’s three great monuments. It was the first to be covered in white marble and pietra dura.  Later this afternoon we continue on to view the magnificent Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bag across the river. It is arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz, renowned the world over for its power and beauty. The craftsmanship is outstanding with semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns, a process known as pietra dura, the white marble reflects every change in light allowing the Taj to appear to change its hue according to the light and time of day. We shall witness Sun Set from Mehtab Bag enjoying the setting sun casts its orange orb on the whitest white dome of Taj Mahal. You will pinch yourself to believe you are here!! 

DAY 4:      Agra - Ranthambore:    (B/D)
Then experience an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, our final visit. The golden rays of the morning sun baths the translucent white marble of this monument. WOW, it’s a breathtaking experience. We will wonder the gardens and hear our historian tour guide tell stories to bring this building to life .We return to our hotel for breakfast. Later we drive to Fatahpur Sikri, now ghost city. It was once the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 – 1585 when it was abandoned. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal Emperor. We shall also stop at a 9th century Step-well, Abhaneri, which is one of the deepest and largest Step-wells in India.We continue our drive to Ranthambhore National Park, which is well known as one of the best spots in the world to view Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. On arrival we’ll check into our lodge.

DAY 5:        Ranthambore - Jaipur:     (B/D)
There is an early this morning jeep safari into the National Park. Perhaps sight a Royal Bengal tiger or two! And there is more wildlife to spot including; sloth bear, crocodiles, eagles, peacocks, monkeys, deer, leopards and a large array of exotic birds and plant life. We later return to our Lodge for a late breakfast. Once the hunting ground for the Maharaja of Jaipur, who led huge hunting parties into these forests, today the park is a protected forest area and is under the aegis of Project Tiger, a venture set up to protect the tiger from extinction. We depart Ranthambhore and drive to a fabulous Stepwell, one of the deepest in India. we continue our drive to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. It is the state capital of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Japur is a highly distinctive and colourful city characterized by fine bazaars, intricately carved palaces, havelis and powerful forts. It is famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. It is now also famous as it was featured in both Exotic Marigold Hotel movies. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Rajasthani dinner at a local restaurant .

DAY 6:     Jaipur:     (B)
Arise early this morning for our excursion to the majestic Amber Fort. Perhaps take an elephant ride on the ramparts. (Optional)  It too is a beautiful Palace with ornate mosaics, mirrors, coloured stone inlays, intricately painted murals, temples and cooling courtyard water courses. Later relish in a expertly curated guided architectural walking tour through the old city to explore the colourful markets and bazaars where one can shop for jewellery, beautiful gems, semi-precious stones, kundan and minakri work (enamel work on gold), cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria, The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best photo opportunities that the city has to offer. Our guide will lead us through the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts.Discover the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its pink sandstone. This five story high façade is just stunning. We will visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World heritage site - a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

DAY 7:       Jaipur –  Jodhpur:     (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur, the gateway to the Thar Desert and the one time capital of Marwar. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who chose the site due to its strategic location on the influential Delhi-Gujarat trading route and it is home to the dominating Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, check into our hotel.  This evening is at your leisure.

DAY 8:        Jodhpur:    (B)
We explore the city of Jodhpur including a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort. The Meherangarh Fort stands high above the blue painted houses of the town below and is protected from the desert by a huge 10km wall, guarded by towers and fortified gateways. We also visit Jaswant Thada, built for Maharaja Jaswant Singh ll in 1899; this imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. This afternoon we will wonder the markets to shop and mingle with the locals.. Jodhpur is famous for its bangles, local shoes or mojris, pickles, colourful clothing etc. A stroll through the bustling bazaars gives an amazing photo and shopping opportunities.  This evening we have a special ‘cocktail’ moment at one of India’s glorious Palaces

DAY 9:      Jodhpur:    (B/L)
This morning we visit the arid countryside on a jeep safari. The scrub land is dotted with villages with mud and thatched homes. The Bishnois people are dessert farmer with communities of potters and weavers. We shall observe and interact with local villagers through our specialist guide and learn about the flora and fauna and the Bishnois cultural beliefs. “The essence of India lies in her villages” – Mahatma GandhiWe will stop at a potters house, weavers place in villages and farms to witness the village life untouched. Return to Jodhpur around afternoon in time for lunch. After lunch we shall visit, one of the biggest collectors of hand-made textiles in this region. Their clients include a long list of fashion house like Hermes etc. Their passion for what they do and their knowledge on textiles is amazing. This evening is at your leisure.

DAY 10:          Jodhpur – Jaisalmer:     (B/D)
This morning we leave Jodhpur and drive through the heart of the Indian desert to the ancient city of Jaisalmer, means the ‘the hill of the Fort of Jailsal’ It is also called the “Golden City” of India because of the yellow sand that gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city. Jaisalmer is situated in the great Thar Desert atop the roughly triangular-shaped Trikuta Hill. It has an extraordinary medieval feel and a unique atmosphere. Founded in 1156 by Prince Jaisal, the town grew to be an important stopping point on the trade route across the Thar Desert, to the west, Europe and to the east, China. It was from this trade that Jaisalmer’s wealth and renown grew. On arrival check in to our hotel. Dinner is at our hotel.

DAY 11:          Jaisalmer:    (B/D)
The original Jaisalmer, is the yellow sandstone fort. It is an imposing sight as it towers magnificently over the new city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis and mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver’s skill. We visit some of the beautiful palaces, temples and havelis. Its bazaars are a reminder of the old camel caravans when the region was a trading emporium for splendid carpets, horses from Arabia and wines from Shiraz. You can shop for fine pattu shawls, mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios. Later this afternoon we visit to Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a sunset camel ride in the surrounding sand dunes. (Optional – extra cost) This evening enjoy dinner and a cultural programme before returning to our hotel. 

DAY 12:            Jaisalmer – Rohet:     (B/D)
This morning we drive to Rohet.  The Homestead  "Rohetgarh" is situated on the banks of a lake and set in the midst of rural surroundings is a magnificent classified Heritage Hotel that has been home to the current owner’s ancestors since 1622. The homestead has sprawling lawns and manicured gardens that invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks. The family is proud owner of many horses, which in ancient times were a symbol of royalty.  Here we have a ‘camping’ experience.

Optional:  (extra cost)
Embark on an evening horse safari in the surrounding region

DAY 13:          Rohet – Udaipur:    (B)
We depart this morning for Udaipur. Our scenic drive brings us to the beautiful Ranakpur Temple set in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravalli Hills. (2hrs 15 min) it is one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in all of India. The main temple is the Chamukha Temple with its 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars and no two of which are alike! We shall have lunch at local Hotel, five minute’s drive from Ranakpur Temple.
Post lunch we continue our journey onto Udaipur. (2hrs 15 min) Udaipur is amongst the most romantic cities of India and is surrounded by the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills. It’s also known as the Venice of the East. Udaipur is enchanting. It has a glorious history and is home to the grand palaces, beautiful lakes, temples and ancient forts, traditional Rajasthani cuisine and the traditional architecture providing a true insight to the local culture and heritage. This evening is at your leisure.

DAY 14:      Udaipur:      (B/D)
This morning we tour the picturesque city of Udaipur. We start with a visit of the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces standing atop the banks of Lake Pichola. Of interest is the attractive Mor Chowk court, the Manak Mahal or ‘Ruby Palace’, the Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen’s Palace. Continue onto the Fateh Prakash Palace to visit the unique Crystal Gallery overlooking the grand Durbar Hall. We meander through the old town to view the impressively carved Jagdish Mandir temple. In the afternoon we rendezvous and enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the serene beauty of Udaipur. Rest of the afternoon is free to browse around the narrow lanes of Old Udaipur. Your guide will be happy to suggest the best local shops.We also have the option of visiting a painting gallery run by a priest. The gallery was established with the sole purpose of preserving Udaipur School of painting and its last remaining few artisans. You will have the opportunity to interact with many an artisans and appreciate their work.
Later this evening we will rendezvous for our farewell dinner.

DAY 15:      Udaipur:    (B)
Today is at your leisure. There are a number of options for you to choose from today or perhaps just walk through the picturesque backstreets, browse the local bazaars and shop for local folk art or participate in a cooking class. Your guide will be happy to suggest the best local shops. We also have the option of visiting a painting gallery run by a priest. 

DAY 16:          Depart Udaipur:    (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends on our tour.
At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour (8- 12 Guests)

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Hand selected modern & boutique hotel accommodation

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible 

• Private services of local bilingual cultural foodie & textile tour guide

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private chauffeur driven luxury air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing

• Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information App

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available  

Not Included:

• International airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Internal Domestic flight ; departing Udaipur

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time

• Extra gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour