Resplendent Rajasthan – £1,799

Contact us to reserve your place today

Wednesday 14th – Tuesday 27th September 2022 – £1,799

(Includes £100 donation to the women of the Sambhali Trust)

12 places available

We have worked with our friends at Sita India to bring you this sustainably designed, 14 day adventure in Rajasthan during the low season. This thoughtful itinerary will take you to the best of Northern India, including the Golden Triangle cities of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur; and the beautiful Rajasthani cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur. As part of your trip, in Jodhpur, you’ll spend time volunteering with the women of the Sambhali Trust. This unique experience will allow you to give back directly to one of the communities you visit, and really get under the skin of the destination.

We have designed this tour with sustainability in mind, using carbon-friendly transportation where possible, hotels which make every effort to be environmentally friendly, and plenty of opportunities to meet local people and learn more about each place you visit. You will be accompanied by a small group of like-minded travellers.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

  • A well-paced tour through spectacular cities
  • Knowledgeable local guides who will proudly show you their hometowns
  • Fantastic, thoughtfully chosen double or twin-share accommodation throughout
  • Lots of activities including unique city sightseeing, cooking demonstrations, markets and bazaars, a visit to the Bishnois, and an atmospheric boat ride on Lake Pichola
  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Pick up and drop off from Delhi International Airport at the start and end of your low season journey
  • Option to extend your trip on the beach at the end
  • No Single Supplement for solo travellers (first 2 confirmed solo travellers)

IMPORTANT:

We have created this tour and your booking will be with, our friends at Sita India. Travelling with Sita means that you can be assured that the money you are paying goes directly into the local economy and because this tour runs during the low season period, it means that the local economy is getting a much needed boost at a time when there are fewer tourists.  This is even more appreciated after an unbelievably hard 2 years without tourism in the region due to Covid.  You can be assured of a genuinely warm welcome from the communities we visit and not only will you save up to £800 by travelling on our low season dates, but also, we will donate £100 on your behalf to the Sambhali Trust. You can learn more about the project here and you will see the difference your money will make during our tour.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE ITINERARY AS A FULL SHINY PDF

THE FULL ITINERARY

 DAY 1:

NAMASTE!

ARRIVING INTO DELHI

You’ll be met on arrival at Delhi International Airport, before transferring to your hotel, Haveli Dharampura.  You’ll be in CNG sedans which will be used for the entire duration in Delhi – compressed natural gas is the same fuel we use to heat our homes and water and is safer than petrol as it does not contaminate ground water. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Haveli, a unique and traditionally designed boutique hotel located in the heart of the Chandni Chowk Market in Old Delhi.

Inclusions:

  • Meet & Greet at Delhi International Airport
  • Transfer to your hotel
  • Twin/Double room at Haveli Dharampura
 DAY 2:

DELHI ON TWO WHEELS

Early this morning you’ll hop on to two wheels, and starting from the labyrinthine back lanes of Old Delhi, you’ll start your explorations. Pass through quaint old ‘socialist-style’ quarters of government employees before landing in the midst of a spectacular view of the Presidential Palace and India Gate encircled by tree-lined roads. Cycling is a great way to take a unique journey through the city in a more environmentally friendly way. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Sundar Nursery to understand the initiatives taken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to conserve the living tradition and built heritage along with on-going conservation work in the area. This 90-acre garden is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Monuments and makes a relaxing stop in the heart of the city.

Inclusions:

  • A cycling tour through Old and New Delhi
  • A visit to the Sundar Nursery
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double room at Haveli Dharampura
 DAY 3:

OLD DELHI OUR WAY

This full day guided tour is going to arouse all the five senses. The best place to start is from the vibrant and charming Old Delhi – on one hand it has the historic Mughal architecture to marvel at and on the other hand, the hustle-bustle of Chandni Chowk showcasing the diversity in food, culture, trading, and attires. You’ll visit the recently renovated Red Fort, then take a short drive across the road and climb 30 steep steps to the main courtyard of Jama Masjid – the largest and the most magnificent mosque in India. Stop at an attar (perfume) making workshop, where you’ll blend different essences, create a signature scent, and take it home as a souvenir. Next, give back and spread love amongst those who are less fortunate with a visit to a children’s home that has been providing shelter to marginalized children since 1880. After such an insightful session, there is lunch at a secret local restaurant. Post lunch, relax to the soulful strains of chanting in a Sikh Temple. Let the mind soak in the peaceful ambiance before exploring the place and taking a peek inside the community kitchen.

Inclusions:

  • Chandni Chowk Bazaar, the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid
  • Make your own perfume at a local workshop
  • Visit a children’s home
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at the Haveli Dharampura

 DAY 4:

TO THE TAJ!

All aboard this morning! You’ll take the Shatabdi Express to Agra, accompanied by our guide. Take a tuk tuk to your hotel in Agra, the ITC Mughal. The first trip today will be an excursion to the incredible Taj Mahal, erected over 22 years in white marble by Shah Jahan in honour of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. You will have ample time to explore this magnificent monument – don’t forget to get a close-up of the marble inlay work. Next, make your way to Agra Fort, a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, gardens, pavilions and mosques. Finally take in the sunset from Mehtab Bagh, where there is a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from across the river.

Inclusions:

  • Travel by train to Agra
  • Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Take in an unforgettable sunset over the Taj from Mehtab Bagh
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at the ITC Mughal

 DAY 5:

THE PINK CITY

Take an early morning tuk tuk back to the railway station for your train to Jaipur. On arrival, jump into an E-Rickshaw, a faster and cleaner alternative to a traditional tuk tuk. Your first visit today will be the City Palace, the current residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Discover beautifully painted doorways, exquisite paintings, armoury, art, jewellery and textiles. Afterwards, explore the bazaars of Old Jaipur on foot where you can witness skilled artisans create India’s finest arts and crafts, and perhaps purchase a prized piece for yourself. Meet the locals and sample some of the city’s culinary delights including samosa kachori, kulfi and lassi. Your home for the next two nights is the Dera Mandawa, a beautifully constructed boutique hotel in the traditional Jaipuri style.

Inclusions:

  • Travel by train to Jaipur
  • Explore the City Palace and the bazaars of Old Jaipur
  • Sample local delicacies
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at Dera Mandawa

 DAY 6:

AMBER FORT AND FOOD

Take a tuk tuk to Amber Fort, Jaipur’s most iconic fortress. Perched on top of a hillock, the fort was constructed to be impregnable with the battlements surrounding it. Overlooking the Maota Lake and sprawling over the hills, it really is a phenomenal sight. You’ll explore palaces, gardens and courtyards, intricately decorated with lattices and colourful frescoes. You will take a local jeep ride to and from the base of the Fort. Return to the Dera Mandawa where you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking session, learning about traditional Rajasthani cuisine before enjoying dinner with the owners of the hotel. Take home the recipes which you can easily replicate at home!

Inclusions:

  • Visit Amber Fort, travelling by tuk tuk and local jeep
  • Learn to cook traditional Rajasthani food
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Twin/Double Room at Dera Mandawa

 DAY 7:

GIVING BACK IN JODHPUR

Take a train to Jodhpur where you’ll then take a local tuk tuk to your home for the next four nights, the RAAS Jodhpur. Overlooked by the Merangarh Fort, the views especially at night are breathtaking. There’s some time to settle in and relax before meeting the women of the Sambhali Trust, an NGO focused on the development and empowerment of marginalised women in Rajasthan. Over the next three days you will volunteer here, as well as take engaging excursions in and around Jodhpur. Enjoy a cup of tea with the women before returning to your hotel.

Inclusions:

  • Travel by train to Jodhpur
  • Orientation at the Sambhali Trust
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at RAAS Jodhpur

 DAY 8:

SHOPPING AND COOKING LIKE A LOCAL

Start your day with a visit to Sadar Bazaar. On the way, make a stop at the 100 year old Clock Tower, major city landmark. At the bazaar, you’ll explore labyrinthine shops selling vegetables, spices, textiles, silver and handicrafts. Here, learn to bargain like a local – every transaction is negotiated! Pick up fresh vegetables, spices and other ingredients which you’ll then take to the women of the Sambhali Trust, where you’ll help them to prepare lunch. Afterwards, engage in sewing and embroidery work, aiding the women in finishing their handmade products.

Inclusions:

  • Hunt for bargains and learn to barter in Sadar Bazaar
  • Cooking like a local with the Sambhali Trust
  • Working with local women to create handicrafts
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at RAAS Jodhpur

 DAY 9:

MEHRANGARH FORT

You’re in for a treat today. Start off with a visit to Jaswant Thada, built in the 19th century. This cenotaph is a royal mausoleum and a classic example of Rajputana architecture. Next, head to Mehrangarh Fort. Built in the 15th century, this fort is considered to be the most formidable and magnificent in all of Rajasthan. You’ll see many styles of architecture, constructed over an incredible 500 years, and priceless relics of the Jodhpur Royal Family housed in the museum.

In the afternoon, head out to the women’s empowerment and education centre for the children of the Sambhali Trust where you’ll assist long term volunteers and tutors, and enjoy a lunch prepared by the women of the trust. Later, you’ll take part in a hands-on block printing workshop run by the trust, learning to stamp designs on to cotton or silk fabrics.

Inclusions:

  • Visits to Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort
  • Assisting the tutors of the Sambhali Trust
  • Block printing workshop
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at RAAS Jodhpur

 DAY 10:

MEET INDIA’S ORIGINAL ECO WARRIORS

After breakfast, head out on local jeeps to the Bishnoi villages on the outskirts of Jodhpur. Bishnois are well known lovers of nature and staunch environmentalists. They never harm any animal or fell trees. Wood is collected for burning only once it has fallen to the ground. All Bishnois are vegetarians, and believe in the sanctity of life as laid down by the 15th century Guru Jambeshwar in the form of 29 basic tenets, hence BIS (twenty) and NOI (nine). They further believe their ancestors are reincarnated as black buck deer. Herds of this endangered species can be seen roaming about freely near the Bishnoi villages. Spend some time with the Bishnois to learn about their way of life, and enjoy a freshly home cooked lunch in the house of a Bishnoi family. Next, head back to the Sambhali Trust where there will be a feedback session covering the last three days of volunteering and a final visit to the Empowerment Centre.

Inclusions:

  • Visit the Bishnoi Villages
  • Enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch with a Bishnoi family
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Twin/Double Room at RAAS Jodhpur

 DAY 11:

ARTISANS OF UDAIPUR

Today you’ll transfer to Udaipur by coach. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, the Prem Kunj. A small, boutique hotel, the Prem Kunj is surrounded by hills and has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. This afternoon, take a tuk tuk to the homes of some of Udaipur’s most talented artisans. You’ll witness the skills of these artisans as they create hand printed textiles, tie-dye, and an artist showcasing the rare art of koftgari – the art of weapon ornamentation with hair-thin precious metal wires.

Inclusions:

  • Visit the artisans of Udaipur
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at Prem Kunj

 DAY 12:

UDAIPUR EXPLORATION

Start with a visit City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola. This sumptuous palace was built in 1725 with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. Later walk through the old market behind the City Palace past local shops to reach Jagdish Temple. Made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, this three-storied temple comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. Continue to Saheliyon-ki-Bari, located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. This garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in 18th century for the ladies of the royal court. This small, quaint ornamental garden with lush green lawns, marble art and fountains. You’ll finish the day with a tranquil boat ride on the waters of Lake Pichola.

Inclusions:

  • Explore the City Palace and Jagdish Temple
  • Wander through the serene gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari
  • Take a peaceful boat ride on Lake Pichola
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Double Room at Prem Kunj

 DAY 13:

UDAIPUR BY BICYCLE

Jump on a bike to explore the city of Udaipur. You’ll get a peek into the hustle and bustle of city life as you explore the heart of the city, stopping off at various points to visit local craftsmen and artists. Return to the hotel and take in your last moments in Udaipur before transferring to the train station for an overnight train back to Delhi. You’ll take the Mewar Express and share a 4-berth cabin with your fellow travellers.

Inclusions:

  • Explore Udaipur by bicycle
  • Overnight train to Delhi
  • Breakfast and box dinner on the train
  • Shared 4-berth cabin on board the Mewar Express

 DAY 14:

DEPARTING DELHI

There’s an early morning arrival into Delhi where you’ll be met on arrival before transferring to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight. If you need a day room or additional overnights just let us know and we can arrange this for you at additional cost.

Inclusions:

  • Box breakfast on board the Mewar Express
  • Transfer to Delhi International Airport
NOT INCLUDED
  • Flights to/from Delhi Airport
  • Others Meals and drinks where not included above.
  • All items not mentioned in ” Included”

How To Get There: There are a number of ways of getting to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport from the UK.  Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct services from the UK and Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates Airlines (via Dubai) and Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) all offer regular flights from a variety of airports around the UK and Ireland too.  We recommend that you use Kiwi or SkyScanner to establish the most convenient way to get to Delhi or alternatively, try JacksFlightClub which frequently has some amazing special flight offers during the low season periods.

 

 Low Season Savings of Up To £800pp Versus Peak Months
 Dates: Wednesday 14th – Tuesday 27th September 2022
 Duration:   14 days
THIS TRIP IS PROVIDED BY, AND YOUR BOOKING WILL BE WITH SITA INDIA
* Or similar standard hotel should this option be unavailable for any reason including issues connected with Covid19

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