Itinerary

Day 1, Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel near the airport.

Stay at Park Premier.

Day 2, Delhi to Mandawa

Drive to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan (5 hrs), renowned for its painted frescoes and ornate havelis (merchants’ houses).

You spend the night in an immaculately restored heritage hotel, the Castle Mandawa.

Day 3, Mandawa

You take a camel ride and overnight in `luxurious’ mud-built huts of the Desert Resort. Enjoy the azure swimming pool overlooking the rolling sand dunes of Mandawa.

Day 4, Mandawa to Samode

A few hours drive from Mandawa is Samode, a small village nestled among rugged hills where cobbled narrow streets curve up till you pass through massive arched gates to the fairytale palace. This superbly restored eighteenth-century palace was put on the map by its starring role in the 1984 mini-series `The Far Pavilions'.

The Samode Palace has several frescoes - original and also newly redone, in many of its public areas. The Durbar Hall here is of special note, with its wall to ceiling frescoes and mirror work.

Day 5, Samode to Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, popularly known as the `pink city’. Afternoon excursion to the splendid Amber Fort, with magnificent views over the hills around.

Stay at Alsisar Haveli for two nights.

Day 6, Jaipur

Morning Jaipur city tour. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the lively bazaars and haggle for exotic souvenirs.

Day 7, Onwards from Jaipur

After breakfast on the last day of your tour, the module comes to an end. Jaipur is a perfect starting point for other trips into Rajasthan. For example, you could now choose to move on to Essential Rajasthan or explore The Road to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

If you have more time at your disposal, you can combine Hilltop Palaces & Lake Cities, Temples, Forts & Villages, The Golden City and Desert Cities of Rajasthan to see the best of Rajasthan or explore Tigers and the Taj to see Ranthambore National Park and the Taj Mahal.