India Private Journey

Rajasthan 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 muted tawny browns of vast deserts. On this Private Journey, explore with your own private guide in the ancient cites of Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur, with their ornate palaces of marble and onyx, and journey back in time at Fatehpur Sikri, the fabulously preserved ruin of a Mughal capital. Your journey ends in Agra, where you watch the golden morning light of sunrise fall across the legendary Taj Mahal, “an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” We offer two travel extensions: a visit to the golden city of Jaisalmer, and to South India’s enchanting tropical Kerala to travel by private houseboat and visit the ancient trading port of Cochin, with its stunning location on the Arabian Sea.

Itinerary at a Glance

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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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2. It is a comfortable, vehicle-based sightseeing trip.  Accommodations include comfortable, modern hotels reflecting the traditional architecture of Rajasthan as well as former palaces and royal residences that have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels.  Please remember that travel in India can be an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.

Explanation of Trip Levels