Forts , Palaces & Maharaja’s of India

On arrival at Delhi International Airport you are welcomed by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is kept deliberately flexible so you can recover from the flight and ease into India’s rhythm. Depending on your arrival time and energy, you might enjoy a short neighbourhood walk, a refreshing drink on the terrace or a simple local dinner. Your escort can provide suggestions and answer practical questions. This gentle start helps you feel settled and ready for the discoveries that await across Rajasthan.

After breakfast you begin exploring Delhi with your private guide. In Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid before riding a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk’s bustling bazaars, where spice shops, fabric merchants and street food stalls line narrow lanes. Drive past the Red Fort, then continue to New Delhi’s tree-lined avenues, India Gate and the imposing Secretariat buildings. Depending on your interests, you may also visit a museum, temple or contemporary market district. Throughout the day, your guide weaves together stories of empires, independence and modern life, grounding your Golden Triangle India journey in rich context.

After breakfast you drive from Delhi to Agra, a journey of around four hours through farmland and roadside towns. On arrival you check into your hotel and take a short break. In the afternoon, visit Sheroes Hangout, an inspiring café run by women survivors of acid attacks, where you can enjoy refreshments and, if you wish, hear their stories. As evening falls, join a guided Agra street food walk, sampling favourites such as bedhai kachori, chaats, jalebi and petha while your guide explains the city’s culinary traditions and everyday rhythms.

Rise early for tea or coffee before visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise, watching its marble glow softly as daylight strengthens. Return for breakfast, then depart Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar’s short-lived capital. Walk through its red sandstone courtyards, palaces and gateways while your guide shares stories of ambition and abandonment. Continue driving through rural Rajasthan towards Jaipur, arriving by late afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax, perhaps enjoying rooftop views of the Pink City before an optional dinner at a recommended restaurant.

Today you explore Jaipur with your private guide. Begin at Amber Fort, wandering through courtyards, temples and the glittering Sheesh Mahal. Return to the city to visit City Palace’s museums and royal apartments. Late morning, visit a welcoming local home for a hands-on cooking lesson and lunch with a Rajasthani family, learning about spices, recipes and everyday food culture. In the afternoon, explore Jantar Mantar’s remarkable astronomical instruments and stroll through nearby bazaars, where jewellers, bangle-makers and textile merchants keep traditional crafts alive amid Jaipur’s lively street scenes. You end the day enriched by Jaipur’s contrasts.

After breakfast you depart Jaipur and drive towards Jodhpur, a scenic journey of around five to six hours through farmland, villages and gradually more rugged terrain. There is time for brief comfort stops and photographs along the way. On arrival you check into your heritage hotel and have the afternoon free to rest, swim or explore the property. As the light softens, you might enjoy a short walk nearby or a rooftop view of Mehrangarh Fort rising above the blue city. This evening is at leisure to dine at the hotel or a recommended restaurant.

This morning you visit Mehrangarh Fort, entering through massive gates to explore its courtyards, galleries and former royal apartments decorated with paintings, palanquins and weaponry. From the ramparts you enjoy sweeping views over Jodhpur’s blue houses and desert horizon. Later, descend to the old city to wander lanes around the clock tower and Sardar Market, where stalls overflow with spices, textiles and everyday goods. Along the way your guide shares stories of Marwar’s rulers, merchants and festivals. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with free time before dinner.

After breakfast you leave Jodhpur and drive towards Udaipur, a journey of around five to six hours that takes you through rolling countryside, small towns and sections of the Aravalli hills. On arrival you check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up and relax. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a shared boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir, an island palace with gardens, arcades and fine views back towards the City Palace and lakeshore. Return to your hotel as the city lights reflect softly on the water.

This morning you explore Udaipur’s City Palace, wandering through its courtyards, balconies and former royal apartments decorated with mirror work, tiles and miniature paintings. From terraces and windows you enjoy beautiful views over Lake Pichola and the surrounding hills. Continue to nearby Jagdish Temple, an active place of worship known for intricate stone carving and devotional music. Later, walk through the old city’s lanes, browsing small shops and meeting artisans who work with painting, textiles or jewellery. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or continue exploring independently at your own pace.

After breakfast you depart Udaipur for Delhi, with an enriching stop at Eklingji, a historic temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and closely associated with the Mewar rulers. Explore its courtyards, shrines and centuries-old stonework before visiting the nearby Nagda temples or continuing to Delwara Village. Here, an insightful walking tour introduces you to traditional houses, stepwells and community initiatives that reflect changing rural life under royal and modern influences. Later you transfer to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi, where you are met and driven to your hotel for the night.