Tribal women, Rajasthan

Elaborate silver jewelry and garments in brilliant colors are the hallmarks of the women of Rajasthan. Encounter tribal peoples in the bustling markets of Udaipur and Jaisalmer on our India Private Journey.

Photo by Walter Bibikow / Danita Delimont Agency

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Travel in the style of the Maharajas in Rajasthan, India’s legendary desert province, where warrior-kings once fought chivalrous battles armed with jeweled swords. Explore labyrinthine walled cities and ornate palaces of marble and onyx, savor sunset and sunrise pilgrimages to the Taj Mahal, and enjoy our princely collection of hand-selected accommodations.

Highlights

  • The walled city of Jodhpur, with its extravagant palaces
  • Udaipur, one of the world’s most romantic cities, in a lakeside setting
  • Sunrise and sunset at the celebrated Taj Mahal

Details

  • 10 day trip begins and ends in Delhi
  • 9 nights in comfortable hotels (first class or deluxe option)
  • All meals included except 2 lunches
  • Overland travel with walking tours

When to Go

Late September to March

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Tour Costs

First Class Option


$4795 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1540

Deluxe Option


$7395 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3575

Internal Airfare: $780 (subject to change)
Discount for groups of 6 or more: Call for details

*Prices valid through September 30, 2010
Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout

Itinerary at a Glance
India Private Journey route-map

Days 1-2
Imperial Splendor

Ride through Delhi’s India Gate for views of the majestic imperial buildings of the old British-built capital, and explore 16th century Humayan’s Tomb, a superb example of early Mughal architecture. Visit Raj Ghat, last resting place of the father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi.

Days 3-6
Jodhpur and Udaipur

India’s desert province is an exotic land best described by its colors—the brilliant reds and bold yellows of tribal costumes, the soft pinks of ancient palaces, the tawny browns of vast deserts. Savor the vibrancy of Rajasthan on a princely scale in the walled city of Jodhpur, known as “the blue city” for the hues of its Old Town houses. Jodhpur’s roofscape, viewed at sunset with its desert surroundings, is a photographer’s dream. Continue to romantic Udaipur, with its skyline of whitewashed mansions and the domes of the famous Rajput city palace reflected in shimmering Lake Pichola. (Our optional mid-trip extension to Jaisalmer begins on Day 3 and is followed by Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, and the Taj Mahal.)

Days 7-8
Jaipur

A walled city of pink stone, Jaipur is a showcase of Rajasthani architecture full of exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces, including the City Palace, with its elaborate frescoes, mirror work, painted ceilings, and grandiose halls for both public and private audiences. The bazaars of Jaipur’s Old Town are some of the most vibrant in all India, renowned for hand-dyed textiles, embroidery, and precious stones.

Day 9
Taj Mahal

After exploring the haunting red sandstone ruins of the remote Mughal capital at Fatehpur Sikri, arrive in Agra in time to watch the golden sunset illuminate the legendary Taj Mahal, an exquisite white marble palace set on the east banks of the Yamuna River. It has been called “an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”

Day 10
Delhi

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, return to Delhi and depart in the late evening.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

  • South India: Cochin, on the Malabar Coast, private houseboat on Kerala backwaters
  • Jaisalmer: Medieval city of golden sandstone
  • Varanasi and Khajuraho: Holy city, erotic temples
  • Ranthambore or Kanha National Parks: Sanctuaries of the royal Bengal tiger
  • Extra hotel nights at the start or end of your trip

Please call us or Download Full Trip Brochure for more information

Claridges Hotel Delhi (First Class Option)

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Delhi, India

Set on three acres right in the heart of New Delhi, this hotel has been a landmark since the 1950s and it’s just a five-minute walk from the ...
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Taj Palace Hotel (Deluxe Option)

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Delhi, India

The prestigious Taj Palace Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight or a day’s exploration of Delhi. We appreciate it for ...
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Taj Hari Mahal (First Class Option)

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Jodhpur, India

A 21st century palace set in six acres of lush gardens in the heart of Jodhpur, the Taj Hari Mahal has Mughal-inspired architecture of domes, ...
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Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Deluxe Option)

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Jodhpur, India

This former royal palace is enormous—on the scale of Buckingham Palace—and full of architectural details, charming antiques, and ...
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Trident Hotel Udaipur (First Class Option)

Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Udaipur, India

This is a peaceful haven in a bustling city, with great views, lush landscaping, a gorgeous swimming pool, a casual ambiance, and cobbled ...
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Taj Lake Palace (Deluxe Option A)

Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Udaipur, India

It’s not a stretch to say that the Lake Palace, the 250-year-old former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur, is one of the ...
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Oberoi Udaivilas (Deluxe Option B)

Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Udaipur, India

Built of sandstone and marble in grand Mughul style, this dramatic new hotel on Lake Pichola offers a royal ambiance with graceful domes, ...
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Trident Hotel Jaipur (First Class Option)

Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Jaipur, India

With a pleasant location across from Jaj Mahal Lake and just a 10-minute drive from the famous Jaipur Fort, this small hotel offers comfortable and ...
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Taj Rambagh Palace (Deluxe Option A)

Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Jaipur, India

Experience one of life’s rare treats—a stay at the 47-acre Rambagh Palace, an authentic royal residence and a treasure of India, with ...
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Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel (Deluxe Option B)

Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Jaipur, India

About 20 minutes outside the city, the Rajvilas is a calm oasis surrounded by gardens, pavilions, and a small lake. Designed as an old Raj fort ...
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Gateway Agra Hotel (First Class Option)

Day 9 (1 night), Agra, India

A traveler goes to Agra for one main reason: to see the ethereal Taj Mahal. That’s why we secure the sought-after Taj-view rooms for our stay ...
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Oberoi Amarvilas (Deluxe Option)

Day 9 (1 night), Agra, India

The Oberoi Amarvilas has well earned its long lists of awards and accolades, and it’s the place to stay in Agra. Located less than a half-mile ...
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Radisson Airport Hotel (Day Room)

Day 10, Delhi, India

Most trip members only use this stylish business hotel as a day room before they depart on a late evening flight for home. It’s just a few ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.