India and Pushkar Camel Fair

Today’s full-day tour of historic Delhi will start with a visit to the gracious tomb of Humayun, then continue with a visit to the towering Qutb Minar – one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Next, drive through the wide tree-lined avenues with photo-stop visits to India Gate – the War Memorial Arch; the Parliament House as well as the Vice Regal Palace – the official residence of the President of India. In the afternoon, visit the 17th century Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in Asia and complete your tour of Delhi with an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride that allows you to get under the skin of Old Delhi whilst exploring its bustling alleyways filled with spice merchants and jewellers.

Train to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal. Check-in on arrival, Then set off to visit Hessing’s Tomb, inspired by the Taj Mahal and locally known as the ‘Red Taj’. Continue to the striking tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, popularly referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ and believed to be the first monument in India to be built entirely of white marble. Next, visit the imposing Agra Fort, which provides an insight into the 16th-century Mughal court as well as the lifestyle of the Mughals. The day concludes with a stroll through Mehtab Bagh, a classic Mughal Garden that offers outstanding views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built as a monument to eternal love and described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, this magnificent 17th-century mausoleum made of milk-white makrana marble was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Then, drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri – the abandoned capital city of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This extensive and exceedingly well-preserved palace complex showcases an effortless integration of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture.

A full day to explore the city of Jaipur. Start the day by visiting the splendid City Palace, where the highlight is the royal quarters and the chance to see the private collections of the Jaipur Maharajas. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world, and view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a high-screen façade with nearly 900 jharokhas (latticed windows). This afternoon, discover havelis and markets in the Old City of Jaipur on foot and by tuk-tuk.

Set off this morning to explore the yellow-hued Amer Fort. Capital of the Kacchwaha Rajputs until the 18th century, Amer is one of Rajasthan’s finest hill-top forts and is famed for its lavish murals, carvings and Mughal-style gardens. The most striking feature of this Fort-Palace is the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) with its intricate glass inlaid panels and mirrored ceilings. Upon completion, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Drive to the small town of Pushkar, one of India’s holiest Hindu sites, where the vibrant annual Pushkar Camel Fair is held. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Aravalli hills, this sleepy town is transformed into a riot of colours during this extraordinary festival that is celebrated over a period of 10 days. Soak up the carnival-like atmosphere as this town combines the world’s biggest market for livestock with a religious celebration.

Spend the day exploring the fairground. The Pushkar mela is held on the banks of the Pushkar Lake, and during the festival period, a temporary city is set up on the edge of the medieval town, where along with the vibrant cattle fair, magician’s tents, ferri wheels, stalls selling traditional Rajasthani artefacts, folk musicians, fortune tellers and snake charmers vie for your attention. A guided walk through the fairground offers the chance to observe first-hand the Rabari tribes trade thousands of camels, horses and other livestock, watch hard-fought camel races, and even a beauty pageant featuring face-painted camels beautifully adorned with jewellery.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the charming ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. After time to rest and relax, this afternoon, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the old city that will offer you the chance to see crumbling havelis, small atmospheric temples, lively mosques and explore bustling markets that sell everything from delicious samosas to exquisite silk sarees.

Spend the morning visiting the towering Mehrangarh Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the city and, within its walls, contains several imposing palaces that provide a fascinating insight into the historical life of the city and the trappings of royalty. Admire the fabulous collection of miniature wall paintings before visiting the royal cenotaphs and the bustling markets of the old city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Alternatively, this evening, visit the 18th-century Chokelao Bagh garden at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is filled with traditional flowering plants. The garden is best visited around sunset as the moonlight garden or mehtab bagh (one of the three terraced areas of Chokelao Bagh) was originally designed for night-time enjoyment and is planted with fragrant flowering plants. Then, conclude your explorations with dinner at the CHokelao restaurant, which is set on the upper terrace and offers striking views of the fort (supplement applies).

Set off this morning to Narlai, a small traditional village tucked away among the Aravalli Hills where bullock carts are still used for transport. An enormous smooth-sided granite boulder dominates the whole settlement. After taking time to rest and relax, embark on a jeep safari to a nearby lake and local beauty spot where you can relax, look out for migratory birds, enjoy a cup of tea, and watch the sunset over the Aravalli Hills. Alternatively, visit the cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and ascend the 700 steps to the boulder’s summit to enjoy the superb panorama.

Drive via Ranakpur to the ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur, which is often regarded as one of the most scenic cities in Rajasthan. After time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there will be a private sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.

This morning’s tour of Udaipur begins at the City Palace, an impressive complex on the shores of Lake Pichola that elegantly combines Rajasthani, European, and Chinese designs. Proceed to the Fateh Prakash Palace to explore the Crystal Gallery and the grand Durbar Hall, then visit the intricately carved Jagdish temple and explore Udaipur’s quaint streets on foot. On returning to your character hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Udaipur airport and check in for your onward flight.