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Real Rajasthan

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Real Rajasthan

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Description

If you’re looking for an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan, this epic 16-day adventure through India is all you could ask for. Camp under the starry night sky in between desert sand dunes, explore Jodhpur’s markets, learn how to cook your new favourite dishes with a cooking class in Bikaner, traverse Jaipur’s temples and witness the Taj Mahal in the morning light – you can tick this Wonder of the World off the bucket list! With all of this and more, India will definitely exceed all expectations. Get ready for tasty feeds, chaotic streets and enough sensory stimulation to last a lifetime.

Trip Name
Real Rajasthan
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
16
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Prepare yourself for one very memorable night out in the Thar Desert, where you’ll share a feast at sunset and bunk down to camp between the sand dunes under a blanket of desert stars.
  • Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. Take your time here, taking in the majesty of this manmade wonder and learn all there is to know from a local guide.
  • Visit a local family in Bikaner for a cooking demonstration of regional delights, like chai and chapati. As you get to know the woman and her daughters, you’ll pick up some tips and tricks, try them out for yourself, then sit down for dinner together.
  • Get an insight into local, rural life at your homestay in Khinwara – life here is slow paced, so this is the perfect chance to stop and take a moment to relax.
  • See Delhi from a new perspective on a bicycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets of this epic city. Take in the beauty of Jama Masjid and rub shoulders with the locals in Sheeshganj Gurudwara, where all are welcome despite religion, caste or gender.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – the capital of India – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and try and get into the Delhi flow of life. If you’re a history buff, there’s the 14th-century Humayun's Tomb or 11th-century Qutub Minar to explore. There’s also the former residence of royal families and British soldiers – the mighty Red Fort. After your meeting, maybe continue the introductions over an optional group dinner. Ask your leader for local favourites like a plate of chicken tikka masala or vegetarian curry (with naan bread, obviously) or head out to explore the nightlife.
Day 2 - Delhi - Overnight Train
Head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper and visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi – and try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen. This shrine is visited by devotees regularly, and everyone is welcome here, regardless of their religion or gender. Tonight, embark on a journey through the heart of India on an overnight train to Bikaner.
Day 3 - Bikaner
This morning, you’ll arrive in the fortified town of Bikaner – a city in Rajasthan that still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. When you arrive, head out on an orientation tour with your leader. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city more in-depth - maybe you can head out on a tuk-tuk tour of the Old City. Keep an eye out for delicious street food like bhujia (chickpea chips) or tuck into a thali tonight for dinner. 
Day 4 - Bikaner
Today, you have free time to explore at your own pace – it's highly recommended you head to the Junagarh Fort if you haven’t already! You could try the iconic Chunilal sharbat (a sweet cordial prepared with fruit or flower petals) along the way. Tonight, rejoin your group for a fun cooking demonstration with a local family. Watch how they prepare chai and roll chapati (Indian flatbread) and have a go yourself! Learn how aloe vera is a delicacy in this region and chat to the local women as they teach you some tips and tricks to bring home. After, you’ll all enjoy dinner together.
Day 5 - Jaisalmer
This morning, take a local train to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. When you arrive in this ‘living fort,’ you’ll have free time to rest and recharge. Later, head out on an orientation walk with your leader through the snaking alleyways, filled with markets and intricately carved houses. Then, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat and grab some delicious local cuisine.
Day 6 - Jaisalmer - Thar Desert
Spend today exploring the desert oasis of Jaisalmer – a former medieval trading centre that sort of looks like a giant sandcastle. This afternoon, chuck your essentials in an overnight bag, then hop in a 4WD to ride out to tonight’s camp in style. Traverse the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert, then help set up camp while the guides get the fire started and ready for your vegetarian campfire feast, which includes chapati, dal, rice and veggies. You’ll be sleeping out in the open tonight, with mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets provided. There’s no need for a tent – you wouldn’t want to miss the incredible starry sky tonight!
Day 7 - Jaisalmer - Jodphur
The crack of dawn is your wake-up call this morning – don’t worry, it's worth it! You'll soon see that not much can match up to a desert sunrise. After a simple breakfast and a morning display of light and colour, climb back into your 4WD and return to the city. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before jumping on a train to the famous blue city of Jodphur. Tonight, you’ll have a unique experience in a family-run homestay right in the heart of the old town.
Day 8 - Jodphur
Today you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe bargain at Sadar Bazaar – one of the oldest markets in India. Built around a clock tower, it’s packed with spice and vegetable markets, juice sellers and sari materials. Whatever you’re into, you’ll probably be able to grab it here – there are numerous vendors with carts selling everything from Bollywood soundtracks to armfuls of sparkling bangles. And don’t miss the street snacks! From the chaos of the market, maybe head to the Mehrangarh Fort, which sits up on a hill looking over the town. Take in the views from its ramparts, which dominate the city's skyline. This is probably the best preserved of all of Rajasthan’s hundreds of forts and gives you a great idea of what life would’ve been like as a royal.
Day 9 - Khinwara
Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to Khinwara for a heritage homestay experience. Watch the landscape transition from the desert to the lakes of Udaipur. At your homestay, you’ll have free time to settle in and relax, chat with your hosts or maybe head out on an optional drive to a local farm – where you’ll wander the farm, then meet with the family for chai and cookies, getting a unique insight into local life.
Day 10 - Udaipur
Say goodbye to your hosts before travelling on to Udaipur this morning – there’s no doubt this place lives up to its rep as India’s most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together, and it’s a place where artists, dancers and musicians perfect their craft. There are also great shopping opportunities, with miniature paintings the speciality if you’re looking for a souvenir. Walk around town to get your bearings, then explore Udaipur's twisting alleys filled with silver, shoes, bags, leather goods and paintings. The rest of the afternoon is free to maybe head out on the water for a sunset boat ride on Pichola Lake, seeing Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island as the sun goes down. After, why not have dinner on a rooftop overlooking the lake.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Today, enjoy loads of free time to explore Udaipur. You could check out the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and see the unbelievable treasures within – from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils. Feeling peckish? Join the famous Spice Box cooking school and spend a half-day learning the secrets of Indian cuisine. With lessons on preparation and cooking, you'll whip up a full Indian meal in no time.
Day 12 - Jaipur
Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur early this morning – the streets of this earthy red town are busy with camels, motorbikes and rickshaws, and you’ll walk past traditionally dressed Rajputs while monkeys climb wires overhead. Haggle to your heart's content in Jaipur's bazaars and backstreets, filled with textiles, semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace – a gorgeous complex with various courtyard gates and museums. Tonight, you might want to experience the cinema like never before with an extravagant Bollywood blockbuster at the stylish Raj Mandir Cinema – there’s usually romance, drama and music all rolled into one.
Day 13 - Jaipur
For anyone that wants to see the Pink City a bit differently this morning, there’s the option to drift high over Jaipur in a hot air balloon – a highlight for many visitors. With your free time, maybe drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink, honeycombed windows make it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then, head out to the old capital of Amber and explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see, as the walls are completely covered in little mirrors and the hall illuminates with the light of a single match! If you like, you can hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). This afternoon, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop.
Day 14 - Agra
Head east by public bus to Agra – home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. When you arrive, you’ll head to the most iconic sight in India. The Taj Mahal will exceed all expectations when the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Take your time soaking up the sight of this wonder, learn all about its history from a local guide and make sure to grab your iconic photo. After, maybe jump on a motorised rickshaw to pick out the rest of the city’s monuments, like Akbar's Mausoleum – a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors.
Day 15 - Agra - Delhi
This morning, you might want to return to the Taj Mahal for sunrise and see the iconic structure in a new light. Then, you’ll hop on a train back to Delhi. When you arrive, you’re free to rest and recharge or head out for some delicious local eats. Tonight, why not grab a quiet drink with your group and cheers to a trip well-travelled.
Day 16 - Delhi
There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 868-
22-12-202406-01-2025AUD $ 868-
06-01-202521-01-2025AUD $ 896-
20-01-202504-02-2025AUD $ 932-
17-02-202504-03-2025AUD $ 968-
24-02-202511-03-2025AUD $ 968-
03-03-202518-03-2025AUD $ 968-
17-03-202501-04-2025AUD $ 932-
31-03-202515-04-2025AUD $ 932-
15-04-202530-04-2025AUD $ 896-
23-06-202508-07-2025AUD $ 896-
21-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 896-
18-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 896-
15-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 896-
06-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 932-
27-10-202511-11-2025AUD $ 932-
03-11-202518-11-2025AUD $ 968-
10-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 968-
17-11-202502-12-2025AUD $ 968-
24-11-202509-12-2025AUD $ 932-
15-12-202530-12-2025AUD $ 1,035-
22-12-202506-01-2026AUD $ 995-
29-12-202513-01-2026AUD $ 995-
05-01-202620-01-2026AUD $ 1,045-
12-01-202627-01-2026AUD $ 1,045-
19-01-202603-02-2026AUD $ 1,045-
26-01-202610-02-2026AUD $ 1,085-
02-02-202617-02-2026AUD $ 1,085-
09-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 1,130-
16-02-202603-03-2026AUD $ 1,130-
23-02-202610-03-2026AUD $ 1,130-
02-03-202617-03-2026AUD $ 1,130-
16-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 1,085-
30-03-202614-04-2026AUD $ 1,085-
14-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 1,045-
22-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 1,045-
20-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 1,045-
17-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 1,045-
14-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 1,045-
05-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 1,085-
26-10-202610-11-2026AUD $ 1,085-
02-11-202617-11-2026AUD $ 1,130-
09-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 1,130-
16-11-202601-12-2026AUD $ 1,130-
23-11-202608-12-2026AUD $ 1,130-
14-12-202629-12-2026AUD $ 1,085-
21-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 1,085-
28-12-202612-01-2027AUD $ 1,045-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Overnight Train (1 night),Guesthouse (1 night),Camping (basic facilities) (1 night),Homestay (3 nights),Heritage Property (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus,Overnight sleeper train,Train,Cycle rickshaw

Map

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