JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Duration: 17 days
Focus: forts, palace, Taj Mahal, birds, people & villages
Best Time: mid October to mid March

A journey across colourful Rajasthan, where an intriguing world of opulent palaces and stark imposing forts; lively people in bustling bazaars and aloof camels on silent sands; lustrous silks and dazzling jewels; the untamed world of Ranthambore National Park and burnished marble of Shah Jahan's fabled Taj Mahal, awaits the zealous traveller.

Route: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner -Jaisalmer - Luni - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi

Rajasthan, one of India's brightest jewels, is spread across a vast desert province, where Rajput princes ruled for centuries in extravagant pomp and splendour. The forts and palaces of the Maharajahs bear witness to this proud and glorious past, but Rajasthan has more than just this rich historical legacy. It is also a land of traditional crafts; lively musicians and folk dance; sensual women wearing bright saris, with bangles and silver nose rings; festive village life; and the contrasting forms and colours of the Thar desert. Rajasthan is, simply, India at its best!

Day 1, Arrive Delhi:
Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel (rooms available from 1200hrs). O/n hotel.

Day 2, Delhi (sightseeing):
A full day guided tour to Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, Humayun's Tomb and India Gate. O/n hotel.

Day 3, Delhi - Agra:
We leave early morning for Agra by Shatabdi Express (2hrs); on arrival transfer to hotel. Later visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz; also explore the Agra Fort, before returning to hotel. Evening free to relax by the pool. O/n hotel.

Day 4, Agra - Ranthambore (about 6hrs):
After breakfast, drive across scenic countryside to Ranthambore National Park. 'Ranthambore NP & Tiger Reserve' is situated at the eastern end of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan. The crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, amidst rolling hills, dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes, epitomise the bygone splendour of this princely state which was once known as Rajputana. The national park also offers the best opportunities for seeing the Tiger during daytime, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Nilgai, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Wild Boar, Jackal, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer and the Mugger (Marsh Crocodile). The bird life here is also superb, particularly around the lakes. O/n hotel.

Day 5, Ranthambore (Jeep Safari):
Morning and evening game viewing by jeep with an experienced guide. Remaining day is free to visit local bazaar, wander around or just to relax!! Our overnight stop will be just outside the park at Ranthambore Bagh - a well-equipped, modern camp, set amidst acres of natural landscape. O/n safari tents.

Day 6, Ranthambore - Jaipur (3hrs drive):
Breakfast, after morning Jeep safari, and then drive to Jaipur (pink city). Arrive Jaipur and transfer to a colourful palace hotel. Evening free. O/n palace hotel.

Day 7, Jaipur:
Morning drive to nearby Amber, ascending up to the 16th century hilltop fortress by elephant, to see the Palace and its richly decorated apartments. In the afternoon we tour Jaipur, a city of glowing pink sandstone buildings, visiting the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), city palace complex, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. O/n hotel.

Day 8, Jaipur - Bikaner (4hrs drive):
After breakfast drive to Bikaner located in the Shekhavati region, known for beautiful frescoes which adorn many of the buildings. O/n hotel.

Day 9, Bikaner:
morning free Afternoon sightseeing of imposing 16th century pink sandstone Junagarh Fort. O/n hotel.

Day 10, Bikaner - Jaisalmer (7hrs drive):
Today we leave early, for a long but rewarding drive. En route stop at local tea shops for refreshments or a cup of hot sweet milky 'chai' (Indian tea)!! Jaisalmer is regarded by many as the most perfect of the walled cities of Rajasthan, rising out of the desert like a golden mirage. O/n hotel.

Day 11, Jaisalmer (sightseeing):
Jaisalmer is a medieval city full of elaborately carved havelis (mansions) of yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants. It flourished at a time when it was an important stopping-place for the caravans coming from the Middle East. Jaisalmer has been described as an open air museum, and to enter its narrow cobbled lanes is to step into a bygone age. In the evening we have arranged a desert barbecue. O/n hotel.

Day 12, Jaisalmer (camel safari):
Full day camel safari to Sam sand dunes in the Thar desert; about 40km drive from Jaisalmer. O/n hotel.

Day 13, Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (8hrs):
Today we drive southwards to the historic Jodhpur, once a powerful princely state. We stay 2 nights at the charming Chanwa Fort at nearby Luni. O/n fort hotel.

Day 14, Jodhpur:
After breakfast we take an enjoyable tour of the colourful streets and bazaars of Jodhpur, including a visit to the vast 15th century hilltop Meherangarh Fort. Afternoon, enjoy a glimpse of traditional Rajasthani village life. O/n fort hotel.

Day 15, Jodhpur - Udaipur:
After breakfast drive through Aravalli hills to the romantic Lake City of Udaipur. Arrive and stay in delightful heritage hotel.

Day 16, Udaipur:
A day free to enjoy this lake city. O/n hotel.

Day 17, Udaipur - Delhi (fly):
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to airport hotel. Late evening transfer to International airport for onward journey.