Rajasthan by Palace Hotel

The trip

Rajasthan is a land of forts, palaces and colour, and many of its royal residences are now hotels, some still home to the families who built them. This route links the classic sights with a safari for tigers in Ranthambore, using a private car and driver so the long distances become part of the pleasure.

The route

Fly into Delhi for two nights, then take the express train to Agra for the Taj Mahal. Continue to Ranthambore for two nights of tiger safaris, then to Jaipur for three. Fly or drive west to Jodhpur, then through the Aravalli hills via the Jain temple at Ranakpur to Udaipur for three nights, and fly home via Delhi or Mumbai.

Day by day

Days on the road are broken with stops at stepwells, villages and roadside chai; allow time to go slowly.

1. Days 1-2

   Delhi

   Arrive and rest. Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Lutyens' New Delhi.

   Stay Hotel in Delhi

   Travel Airport transfer, about 45 minutes

2. Day 3

   Agra

   The Taj Mahal at sunset and again at dawn, and the Agra Fort.

   Stay Hotel in Agra

   Travel Gatimaan Express train, about 1 hour 45 minutes

3. Days 4-5

   Ranthambore

   Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in the national park for tigers, leopards and sloth bears, among ruined pavilions.

   Stay Lodge at Ranthambore

   Travel Drive via Fatehpur Sikri, about 5 hours

4. Days 6-8

   Jaipur

   The Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the bazaars for textiles and jewellery.

   Stay Palace hotel in Jaipur

   Travel Drive, about 3 hours 30 minutes

5. Days 9-10

   Jodhpur

   The vast Mehrangarh Fort above the blue city, the clock tower market and a sunset over the rooftops.

   Stay Hotel in Jodhpur

   Travel Flight or drive, about 5 hours

6. Days 11-14

   Udaipur

   Ranakpur's marble Jain temple on the way. The City Palace, a boat on Lake Pichola, the Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden, then fly home.

   Stay Palace hotel in Udaipur

   Travel Drive via Ranakpur, about 6 hours with stops

When to go

October to March is the time to go: warm, dry days and cool evenings. November and February are ideal; December and January can be chilly at night and misty in Delhi. Ranthambore is open from October to June. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon arrives in July.

Where to stay

Rajasthan offers extraordinary value in historic hotels, from family-run havelis to some of the finest palace hotels in the world. Price bands are a typical night for two sharing; expect more at peak dates.

Featured stay

Taj Lake Palace

Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India

££££

Couples celebrating a special occasion on a Rajasthan journey.

The Taj Lake Palace appears to float on Lake Pichola: a white marble palace built in 1743–46 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer retreat, reached only by boat. Rooms have been restored to their original splendour, every guest has a butler, and the restaurants are reserved for residents.

Rooms

Marble rooms and suites with lake views

Food

Bhairo, Jharokha and Neel Kamal; residents only

Best time to go

October to March

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What it costs

Allow from about £5,000 per person for 14 days with good heritage hotels, a private car and driver, guides and safaris, excluding international flights. With the great palace hotels throughout, expect £10,000 or more.

Pace and fitness

Sightseeing involves walking in forts and palaces with steps and ramps, and some long road journeys in a comfortable air-conditioned car. Jeep safaris are bumpy. Take care with food and water, and allow a rest day.

How to book

Our advisors plan this trip end to end: flights, hotels, guides and the small details that make the days easy. Tell us your dates and the style of stay you like, and we will build it around you. Speak to an advisor.