The Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Constructed between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal entrances visitors. Our special sunrise visit reveals dawn’s light falling across ethereal pavilions of the Taj Mahal.

Photo by Blaine Harrington III

display information about this photo

Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair

Explore India’s Princely Cities from the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Princely fortresses rising out of golden desert sands are the legacy of Rajasthan, 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 the desert. Traditional culture is one of Rajasthan's enchantments, and our journey includes an annual fair, a spectacular gathering of desert people in all their finery. A unique 4-day rail journey aboard the opulent Royal Rajasthan on Wheels carries us to the romantic walled cities of Rajasthan, with their airy palaces of marble and onyx. Sunrise at the Taj and an overnight in a maharaja’s palace add to our royal pleasures in this fascinating land.

Highlights

  • Witness the Nagaur fair, exuberant celebrations of nomadic life
  • Legendary Taj Mahal, wildlife at Keoladeo
  • Unique 4-day journey aboard Royal Rajasthan on Wheels luxury train in elegant staterooms
  • Jaipur’s architectural wonders, Jodhpur’s majestic fort, romantic Udaipur, temple-filled Khajuraho, the holy city of Varanasi

Details

  • All meals included
  • Overland travel with walking tours
  • 14-day trip begins and ends in Delhi
  • 7 nights in luxury hotels, 4 nights of luxury rail travel, 2 nights in deluxe tented camp at Nagaur

Tour Costs

$8395 (11-16 members)
$8895 (6-10 members)

Single supplement: $2490
Internal airfare: $225 (subject to change)

Prices are for Feb 2011 date, call for 2012 prices

Departures & Leaders

Feb 8-21, 2011  Devendra Basnet

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Royal Rajasthan - Nagaur Fair route-map

February 2011 Nagaur Fair Departure

Days 1-2
Delhi

The sites and scenes of Old and New Delhi include Mughal tombs, majestic British-era buildings, and lively markets.

Days 3-4
Nagaur Fair

Nagaur is a picturesque Rajput township that comes alive during the annual Nagaur Fair as thousands of young bulls are brought in for trade and sale (the Nagauri breed is renowned), along with oxen, horses, and a few camels. We enjoy the festivities, with overnights at Royal Camp in tents with private bathrooms.

Days 5-7
Jodhpur / Udaipur

In Jodhpur, we explore the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, straddling a steep rocky eminence that rises sheer over the desert valley. We then continue to Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in the world, an oasis of palaces, mansions, parks, fortresses, and temples. Our overnights in Udaipur are at the Lake Palace Hotel, the former summer palace of the Maharaja of Udaipur.

Days 8-9
Jaipur / Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

We board the luxurious Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, which carries us to Ranthambore National Park, haunt of tiger, crocodile, and sloth bear. The next day we arrive in magnificent Jaipur, the quintessential Rajasthani city, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Our Jaipur explorations include the mysterious Palace of the Winds, where the royal women once watched the street scene from behind ornate windows, and the massive Amber Fort, a castle overlooking the desert plains. Accommodations are in air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms aboard our “royal” train.

Days 10-11
Khajuraho / Varanasi / Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels brings us to Khajuraho, where we explore its famous temples carved with graceful depictions of deities, heavenly nymphs, mythical beasts, and sensuous erotic art. The next day we visit Varanasi, the “timeless soul of India,” with its ancient alleys, golden temples, ashrams, and riverside ghats. Here we take a memorable sunrise cruise on the Ganges in the hope of seeing pilgrims making their devotions against the backdrop of centuries-old temples—one of the most famous sights in India.

Days 12-14
Fatehpur Sikri / Bharatpur / Keoladeo National Park / Agra / Delhi

Bidding farewell to the staff of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, we drive to Bharatpur via the haunting desert ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later, we explore Keoladeo National Park, India’s most renowned nature reserve and a World Heritage Site. Our grand finale is at Agra, capital of the Mughal Empire from the 16th to the early 18th centuries, where our explorations include sunset and sunrise pilgrimages to the ethereal Taj Mahal, an exquisite white marble palace set on the banks of the Yamuna River. Depart on Day 14 via Delhi.

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

Taj Palace Hotel

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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Royal Camp

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

Set in the Thar Desert near Nagaur, where one of India’s captivating traditional livestock fairs takes place each year, Royal Camp offers ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Taj Hari Mahal

Day 5 (1 night), 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, ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Taj Lake Palace

Days 6 to 7 (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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Days 8 to 11 (4 nights), India

In years past, the rulers of Rajasthan’s princely states designed their own royal coaches to serve as “palaces on wheels” and ...
Click here for full description and more photos

The Bagh Resort

Day 12 (1 night), Bharatpur, India

This country estate offers a serene setting and a historic ambience in its 21 rooms, located in five separate compounds. Gulmohar, the main ...
Click here for full description and more photos

ITC Mughal Agra

Day 13 (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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Radisson Airport Hotel (Day Room)

Day 14, 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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.