Rajasthan, Agra, and Delhi: An Unforgettable Adventure

A representative from "Best Travel Agents in India" will greet you upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Overnight at Delhi.

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your domestic flight to Udaipur, one of India's most beautiful cities! Here, you will experience the cultural beauty of Rajasthan. The flight takes approximately 75 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola. You can spend the rest of the afternoon and evening relaxing in Rajasthan's most romantic city, dotted with palaces and whitewashed houses. For example, you can take a boat trip on the lake. The City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), and the Jagdish Temple are also worth visiting.

Tip: Optionally (not included), we can book a boat trip on the lake and or a guided city tour for you.

Note: Did you know that Udaipur served as the filming location for several scenes from the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy? These scenes took place in and around the magnificent Taj Lake Palace Hotel (the former home of the Maharaja of Udaipur), in the middle of Lake Pichola.

You'll begin the day with a unique excursion. Today, you'll be taken to the village of Kalarohi, where you'll enjoy a bicycle ride with a passionate local guide. Your first stop will be Fateh Sagar Lake, a beautiful man-made lake northwest of Udaipur, comprised of three islands. It's a popular day trip destination for city dwellers, who enjoy boat rides to the park located on one of the islands. It's also a paradise for birdwatchers. Next, you'll experience agriculture in the villages of Bari and Hawala, in this region of India. This will be your first glimpse into rural life. Cycling through the fields, you'll pass the Monsoon Palace. Built in 1884, this palace offers stunning views of the city's lakes and palaces. After passing through a few small villages, you'll reach Tiger Lake, an ideal spot for a picnic and breakfast. The shores of this 155 km² lake offer a haven of peace and tranquility, a true escape. After breakfast, you can cycle along the lake before completing the final 4 kilometers of the tour. You'll then be taken back to the hotel to freshen up.

A cooking class is then planned. Weather permitting, you'll go shopping at the market this morning with one of our lady staff. You'll immediately feel at home and get a glimpse into the daily life of an Indian family. While you cook with the mother, the father will be available to chat. Your guide can teach you how to tie a traditional Rajasthani turban from a piece of fabric at least 12 meters long. If you wish, his wife can show you a few traditional Rajasthani dance steps. And to top it all off, you'll have lunch together. In short, sharing the daily life of a typical local family will be a unique and enriching experience. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll hop back on your bike for a 43-kilometer ride to Ghanerao. You'll first be driven to Saira, about 50 kilometers from the city, the starting point for this roughly 45-kilometer excursion. A car will follow you at a comfortable distance until you arrive in Ghanerao. Ghanerao Castle immediately impresses: a magnificent structure dating back to 1606, built of marble and red sandstone. The royal family still resides here and is happy to welcome visitors. After the castle tour, you'll share tea with the royal family. You'll spend the night in a century-old hunting lodge converted into a guesthouse. Nestled amidst fields and meadows, on the edge of Kumbhalgarh National Park, it's a peaceful and unspoiled haven. In the evening, you can relax around a campfire, often accompanied by live music, and of course, enjoy a delicious dinner.

Back on your bikes, head towards Bera. This charming little town offers the chance to meet the Rabari nomadic herders. The distinguished-looking men wear white clothing, bright red turbans, and often matching Mustaches and beards, while the women sport beautiful colorful skirts and wide white bracelets. The view stretches across their pastures and vast wild grasslands, with the Aravalli Hills in the background. This part of Rajasthan attracts few tourists, although it is possible to spot leopards. They are plentiful, but you'll need a bit of luck to see them. The bike ride to Bera is about 50 kilometres, and in the afternoon, you can go on a bike safari (an additional 15 to 20 kilometres) in search of leopards.

A day of adventure awaits you in this rural and unspoiled region of Rajasthan. To escape the heat, you'll set off early in the morning by bicycle towards the Jawai Dam. This impressive structure is the largest dam in western Rajasthan. But the surrounding wetlands are perhaps even more fascinating. In winter, they are a true paradise for migratory birds; more than 150 species have been recorded here. In addition to iconic species such as cranes, pelicans, and flamingos, the area is also home to crocodiles. You'll continue your bike ride through the countryside, stopping in various Rabari villages. In the evening, a jeep safari is planned in the bush in search of leopards.Note: The cycling distance is approximately 25 kilometers.

The drive from Bera to Jodhpur takes about 3.5 hours. Your driver will pick you up. Upon arrival, you will explore the city with your guide. A visit to Mehrangarh Fort is, of course, on the agenda, offering breathtaking views of the Blue City. The origin of the blue color of the city's houses remains a mystery. Legend has it that only Brahmins (members of the highest caste in the Hindu system) were allowed to paint their houses blue for identification. Today, anyone is free to paint their house blue, and it's a common practice. It makes for some great photos! Inside the fort, you'll discover a magnificent collection of paintings, weapons, and other artifacts that bear witness to the region's rich history. The white marble mausoleum, Jaswant Thada, is also a must-see.

Today, a short drive will take you to the small village of Khejarla, where you will stay at Khejarla Fort, a unique site overlooking the village and the surrounding desert.

The rest of the day is free for relaxation. Khejarla is not a tourist village, but a real town. Feel free to wander around and chat with the potters, blacksmiths, and weavers. You can also visit the 600-year-old Durga Temple. A visit is especially recommended at sunset, as the terrace offers spectacular views of the surrounding plains. But above all, your stay in Khejarla is the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy your experience at the fort.

You will be taken from Khejarla to Pushkar (3 hrs drive). Once a year, Pushkar transforms into a massive camel market that lasts several days. In the desert on the outskirts of town, a veritable city springs up, where approximately 11,000 camels are sold, attracting millions of people. Everyone hopes to profit from this activity, and people come from far and wide to offer their services. The camels are dressed in their best clothes, decorated with colorful pendants, painted, and groomed—everything is done to make them look magnificent. Walking through this market is a memorable experience. Crowds in splendid traditional clothing, bright colors, hustle and bustle, slightly discordant and certainly too loud local songs on loudspeakers, and amidst it all, a stray, carefree cow: perhaps this is India in its full glory. This market is usually held in November, during the full moon. But beyond the camel market, Pushkar is a beautiful city. Pushkar Lake is considered sacred, and you'll see many pilgrims bathing in it. In the afternoon, you'll leave the city by bicycle to explore lesser-known corners of Pushkar. Soon, the desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Occasionally, deer and antelopes are spotted on the dunes. Your final destination is a beautiful, serene sand dune, where you'll enjoy a cup of tea and, most importantly, watch the sun set over Pushkar and the surrounding desert. Then, you'll cycle back to your hotel.

Tip: Would you like to plan your trip around the Pushkar Camel Fair? Explore options.

Next stop is Jaipur (135 km by car). Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is nicknamed the "Pink City" because of the pink color of its buildings. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel. You can explore the City Palace, Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"), and Govinda Dev Temple, or wander through Johari Bazaar (where you'll find cotton and jewelry, among other items). The small textile museum in the City Palace is worth a visit. There, you'll see textiles belonging to the former Maharajas of Jaipur, one of which weighed nearly 250 kg! In the evening, immerse yourself in a completely different atmosphere. You'll be taken to the Raj Mandir, a magnificent cinema decorated in every shade of pink, like a giant cake. This is the perfect place to watch a Hindi film. We'll reserve your seats for the latest Bollywood blockbusters. While the storylines aren't typically particularly engaging, it's fascinating to watch a film from a different tradition than Western films. These films arose from the need for low-cost productions that would appeal to a less educated, or even illiterate, audience. Only the enthusiasm and excitement of the people justify this trip.

It's time to depart from the city and venture into the countryside this morning. You'll cycle to the village of Naila. Among the dry bushes, you might spot peacocks here and there, and sometimes a nilgai (a "blue cow," which also resembles a deer). Along a dry riverbed, you'll pass several clay brick workshops. The workers are happy to stop and chat. The village of Naila is a miniature Jaipur: same gate, same palace, same wide streets and intersections, but much more peaceful. You can also visit a small sari-making workshop. The terrain is fairly flat during the cycle, and as you leave the city, you'll encounter very little traffic, apart from a few camel carts loaded with fresh bricks. And yes, you might see a few cows frolicking along the road—after all, we are in India. The endpoint of your cycling tour is Kanota Castle, a magnificent fortress dating back to 1872, now converted into a hotel. A delicious breakfast will be served on the shaded terrace—you'll be all set! In the afternoon, you'll visit Amer Fort, perched on a hill on the outskirts of the city. A jeep will be waiting to take you upstairs. You'll have plenty of time to wander and explore the palace's many richly decorated rooms.

After breakfast, the approximately 3-hour drive continues to Karauli, a still relatively undiscovered destination in Rajasthan. Once there, you can relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at Bhanwar Vilas Palace, a stunning historic residence. This is the residence of the former Maharaja of Karauli, who still lives here with his wife and son. He will be delighted to tell you about the city's prestigious history.

Today, you will explore the city with a guide, passing by several temples. You will also visit the City Palace, which has been preserved almost entirely in its original state. Karauli is famous for its colorful street bracelets, sold throughout India, making it an ideal place to buy souvenirs. In the evening, you will join hundreds of devotees for the Aarti ceremony at the Madan Mohan Temple. A truly unique experience! Here, you will discover local life in all its splendor.

After breakfast, you will travel to Agra by car with a private driver (approximately a four-hour drive). The city is home to the famous Taj Mahal. After settling into your hotel, you will visit Agra Fort in the afternoon with your guide. This fort was built between 1565 and 1571 under the supervision of the Mughal emperor Akbar (grandfather of Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal) to protect the city of Agra. Due to its red sandstone construction, it is also known as the Red Fort. It is surrounded by a 2.5-kilometer-long fortified wall. Although its primary purpose was military, Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace. Interestingly, when his son Aurangzeb seized power and imprisoned him, the fort subsequently became his own prison.

As soon as the gates open, when the crowds are at their lowest, you'll tour the magnificent Taj Mahal with your guide (closed on Fridays). Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it took nearly 20 years to complete. You'll be amazed by the monument's exquisite detail and perfect symmetry. Shah Jahan intended to build a similar monument for himself, but in black. However, this project was never completed. He was buried inside the Taj Mahal, in a mausoleum next to his wife's tomb. His tomb is the only part of the structure that breaks the symmetry. When the crowds arrive, you'll cycle for a few minutes to the Yamuna River, which flows behind the Taj Mahal. Our boatman will then take you in a simple boat to the middle of the river. What a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal! After just a few minutes on your bike, you'll be amazed to find yourself in a completely different world: the heart of the countryside, with freely roaming goats and buffaloes, colorful houses, and cheerful children. With the help of your local guide, you'll visit villages near Agra. You'll see villagers making fuel from cow dung, weaving carpets, baking bread, making jewelry, and growing vegetables, all against the backdrop of the magnificent Taj Mahal. The warm welcome from the villagers is truly heartwarming. Visiting the local school is undoubtedly one of the highlights. What mischievous people they are! After a simple lunch in the village, you'll cycle back to Agra on a flat, quiet road. We'll take you to the train station in the afternoon, where you'll board a train to Delhi, a journey that will take approximately an hour and a half. This train is the closest equivalent to a high-speed train in India. The train's speed is less fun than talking to other passengers and learning about the lives of locals and visitors.

Note: Departure from the hotel is at 12:00 PM, but you can leave your luggage there.

Tip: Only essential items are allowed inside the Taj Mahal. Leave your bags in the car. Your guide will inform you in advance. Also, keep in mind that the Taj Mahal tour is limited to three hours. This new rule is intended to reduce the number of visitors.

Early in the morning (6:00 AM), you will embark on a special excursion: a bicycle tour of Old Delhi. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide (and other international participants), you will cycle through the old quarter of Shahjahanabad, named after the famous Mughal emperor. This city, now part of Delhi, was once one of the world's most beautiful and rich. We will leave early to avoid traffic. This four-hour active tour will take you past must-see sites like the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) and the bustling Chandni Chowk district. Most shops remain closed at this time of day, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely bike ride. Only shops selling sweets and spices, as well as flowers and fresh bread, are already bustling. After visiting a typical haveli (traditional mansion), you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. These stops will be followed by a short bike ride to City Hall, then back to the starting point.

After the cycling tour, you'll explore Old Delhi on foot and by car. The afternoon is free.

Note: Comfortable clothing and sneakers are recommended for the cycling. Please note: brief shorts and tank tops are not allowed for women. The guide can help you dress up for the mosque tour.

Note: The bike tour is conducted in a small international group. Private tours are also available for an additional fee.

Another unique discovery awaits you in Delhi, this time in New Delhi. The British planned this part of the city, so it has wider roads and more vegetation than the old city. It's the perfect place to explore the city by bicycle. Your guide will take you to visit famous landmarks, as well as some more unusual spots. This is where you'll discover the vibrant heart of metropolis Delhi. From Connaught Place, where the British influence is evident, you'll cycle to the magnificent Agrasen Ki Baoli monument, a Mughal touch amidst the more modern architecture of the area. You'll visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Sikh temple), where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look: you can even help spread the rotis or prepare the vegetables. Many participants consider this section the most enjoyable part of the tour. A visit to Dhobi Ghat, a kind of giant open-air laundry, is also a unique experience. Hundreds of dhobis (launderers) wash the city's laundry here by beating it on flat stones. Other stops include India Gate and the magnificent Presidential Residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan. The tour will conclude with a hearty breakfast of local dishes at an unpretentious restaurant.

After resting, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. For example, you could stroll through the bustling Chandni Chowk or go souvenir hunting. If you're tired of haggling (and you have no reason to be), we recommend visiting the State Emporiums, large department stores offering a wide range of goods. You're sure to find quality items at reasonable prices. More experienced bargain hunters can also find excellent deals on the street. With a little effort, they can save a few rupees.

Tip: You can also hire a food guide to discover Delhi's best restaurants. This expert will know exactly where to taste the local specialties. This can be an enjoyable and delectable experience. Extras are available upon request.

You will be transferred to Delhi airport well in advance of your return flight. Your trip concludes here with the "Best Travel Agents in India."