Images of Rajasthan & the Taj Mahal

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A local representative will be waiting for you after leaving the customs area, beyond the travel desks and exchange counters. Look for a sign with “Peregrine Adventures” on it. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening, so there is nothing arranged for this day. If you have arrived early, you will have options for sightseeing.

After breakfast, there is a briefing to discuss the itinerary and cover many aspects of traveling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting. Around mid morning depart for Agra, home to India’s most famous site - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife, who died giving birth. Started in 1631, the project was completed in 1648 and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by over 1,000 elephants. You will also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
(Driving time: approx 5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

From Agra, make your first stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was once the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbhar, it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. Continue by road to Jaipur, the colorful capital of the state of Rajasthan and a vibrant and exciting town. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colorful turbans and sporting magnificent mustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. On your second day in Jaipur, travel 7 miles to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh, the fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. Your guide will also take you to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Wind. This five-story facade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. In the evening you can dine at one of the many fine restaurants in the city (optional).
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)

Meals: 2 Breakfasts

Depart Jaipur in the morning and continue your journey to the holy town of Pushkar, located on the fringe of the desert. It is a small but important pilgrimage site, with ornate temples and bathing “ghats” surrounding a spiritual lake. You will see many ‘sadhus’ (holy men) wandering around the dusty streets, lending a surreal atmosphere to the place. Pushkar is famous for its camel fair, which takes place during the first week of November each year.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

From Pushkar, head south towards Udaipur visiting Chittorgarh Fort along the way. Rising almost 500’ above the surrounding plains, the fort is about 2 miles long and covers an area of 60 acres. It embodies romance and chivalry as on a number of occasions the fort was over run by invaders, but history tells us that its inhabitants fought literally to the last man, with the women committing mass immolation to escape capture. Arrive in Udaipur in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Simply relax or take an initial wander around the narrow streets of this beautiful city.
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

The city of Udaipur is built around the shores of Lake Pichola with a wealth of fascinating temples, ornate palaces and impressive ‘havelis’ (merchant homes). The charming setting of the Lake Palace on Jagwinas Island is unforgettable.
During your stay visit the Jagdish Temple, an Indo-Aryan temple containing a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. You’ll also visit the City Palace, surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas, where there are excellent views of the city and lakeside from the upper terraces. The afternoon is free do your own exploration of Udaipur. Your guide can assist with further sightseeing options or you may wish to relax around the hotel or stroll around the shopping areas. Rajasthan is famous for its miniature paintings, textiles, clothing and handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will journey to Nimaj, located in the Marwar district of Rajasthan. Your first stop, some 37 miles from Udaipur, are the Jain Temples at Ranakpur that are located in the Aravalli Hills. The main Chaumukha Temple was built in 1439 and the workmanship of the carved pillars, of which there are 1,444, is exquisite. The journey continues through rural Rajasthan to the village of Nimaj, which is surrounded by millet fields, wheat fields and mud plastered houses linked by narrow pathways. Nimaj is a fascinating little village that sees very few tourists. Your visit here is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip. Overnight in a historic heritage-property that is full of old world charm.
(Driving time: approx 7 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Nimaj Bagh consists of a series of country retreats set among orchards that belong to the nobles of the village of Nimaj, who have converted their farm houses into guest houses. Perched on the fringe of the Thar Desert, this mixed landscape is home to various tribes such as the Gurjars, who are primarily shepherds. You’ll have a full day in Nimaj to explore the narrow lanes of the village. There is an option to explore the local countryside and observe close-up how the local people live, as well as visiting a nearby lake. For those who want, you can just relax in the palace and enjoy the charms of a bygone era.

Meals: Breakfast

The drive to Jodhpur takes you through the beautiful landscape of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, travel into the surrounding districts and visit some of the different villagers. This includes people such as the Bishnois, the protectors of trees and animals, and the Meghwas, who are skilled weavers and potters.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Established in the 15th century on the edge of the Great Thar Desert, Jodhpur was once an important trading center. Many of the buildings were painted blue, as historically this was an indication that the home belongs to a high caste Brahmin. Today most of the city is painted blue as other castes have followed suit. In the morning, explore the imposing Meherangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge in the middle of town. Explore the many palaces and courtyards contained within the fort, as well as the bustling Sadar Market located at the foot of the hill. This market is a great place to stroll around at leisure, with several alleyways leading off to various bazaars selling all sorts of fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles and handicrafts. After lunch, head west and drive towards Jaisalmer. Along the way you just might spot some local wildlife, including ‘chinkara’ (Indian gazelle).
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Jaisalmer is an ancient trading town that resembles a scene from the story, 'One Thousand and One Nights.' The inhabitants still live in the narrow paved streets and alleyways of the town’s ancient fort. Jaisalmer is a great place to simply wander around and just watch the passing scene. The merchants and wealthy families of Rajasthan built magnificent homes - or ‘havelis’ - and some of the finest are to be found here. Founded in 1156, the city’s remote location insured fierce independence from outside influence. In the late afternoon you can choose to see the sunset over the sand dunes from the nearby village of Khuri.

Meals: Breakfast

Leave Jaisalmer and head to the village of Harlai - the starting point for your camel trek. En route, stop at Khichan, a place where it is sometimes possible to see thousands of demoiselle cranes. Upon arrival, there is a brief introduction to the art of camel riding before you ride into the dunes. Lunch will be in the desert before heading off again into the desert to your camp at Dera. Here you’ll view a sunset over the dunes (weather permitting). The camel safari is a great way to see the region and interact with the friendly and colorful people who have made the desert their home. Riding a camel is quite an experience that may not always be comfortable, however the opportunity to hop off and hitch a ride on one of our accompanying carts, or just stretch your legs by walking short sections, will ease the inevitable sore bum! In the evening, enjoy traditional Rajasthani food and listen to the music and the yarns from our camel drivers.
(Driving time: approx 4 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, get back on your camel and ride to the road, where you are met by your vehicles and driven to Bikaner in north-west Rajasthan. This town was founded in late 15th century and its imposing palaces, beautifully carved temples and rich ‘havelis’ showcase the artistically splendid heritage of Rajput culture. After a welcome shower, you’ll have a chance to relax before exploring the 16th century Junagarh Fort.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Head off the beaten track to the small town of Mandawa, which is one of the most attractive in the Shekawati Region. The region is noted for its ‘havelis’ - wealthy merchants homes constructed mainly between the 18th and early 20th centuries. In contrast to the desert, these intricately decorated homes bring comfort and color to the people who live in such a harsh environment. The murals inside and outside of these homes paint a wonderful picture of life during a bygone era. The artwork reflects both local and western themes including a ‘memsahib’ in a chauffer-driven car, the Wright brothers first flight, as well as murals depicting Hindu mythology, flora, fauna, local characters and ‘new’ inventions such as trains and planes.

(Driving time: approx 4 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Get an early start today as you travel to Delhi, arriving in the afternoon. Late in the day, enjoy an orientation drive around the city that takes you to the India Gate and past the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), before heading off to do some last-minute shopping at the colorful Janpath Bazaar. Enjoy pre dinner drinks before heading out to one of Delhi's great restaurants for a final group dinner (optional) to commemorate the end of your adventure.
(Driving time: approx 7 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

The trip ends in Delhi this morning after breakfast. Check out time is 12 noon. If your flight leaves in the evening, you may wish to book additional accommodation so you have a room until departure. Most flights leave Delhi in the evening and your guide will be on hand to assist with transfers to the airport.

If you are spending extra time in Delhi, there is still plenty to see. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.

Meals: Breakfast