A trip to Rajasthan is a truly multi-sensory experience like no other trip you’ll have taken: from the kaleidoscope of colours, to the honking horns of wedding parties in the street, to the smells of spice markets. You’ll see stunning monuments including, of course, the Taj Mahal. In this post we share the highlights of the trip we carefully researched for you to re-use or adapt.
For a full itinerary including a map, downloadable itinerary plus links to hotels, restaurants and activities, see the full website page here.
Delhi (Day 1)
Driving into New Delhi after our long flight from London we were surprised to discover wide, tree-lined avenues, immaculate roundabouts and stately bungalows nestling amid verdant parks. After freshening up at The Imperial Hotel, we headed off for a whistlestop tour of Old Delhi. This was like entering a different world: chaotic, vibrant and captivating.
Chandni Chowk is a long street full of market stalls and vendors. We took a rickshaw ride which wove in and out along narrow lanes, motorbikes darting past in both directions. We also admired the beauty of the old buildings with paint worn away over years. It was a great first taste of the hustle and bustle of India.
Udaipur – City of Lakes (Days 2-4)
After a short internal flight, we arrived in Udaipur. This place captivated us from the off. At its heart lies the serene Lake Pichola, a tranquil oasis that perfectly mirrors the grandeur of the City Palace, which majestically stretches along its eastern shore. We did two nights at the amazing Oberoi Udaivillas and one night at the historic Taj Lake Palace.
Beyond the lake’s peacefulness, the narrow streets of Udaipur’s bustling old town are a whirlwind of colour and sound, with vibrant market stalls offering everything from intricate jewellery to traditional textiles.
Jodhpur – The Blue City (Days 5-6)
A few hours drive took us to Jodhpur, where the visual overload of Rajasthan went to a whole new level. We stayed at the Raas, a more modern take on Rajasthan luxury, housed within restored 18th-century haveli walls.
This city has a tangle of medieval lanes and alleys lined with blue and white-washed stone dwellings that give Jodhpur its nickname, the Blue City. This tradition that dates back centuries when Brahmin houses were painted blue to signify their status.
It also had loads of the hustle and bustle that Anne-Marie in particular loves! The bustling streets of the Old Town deliver a sensory overload, with the clatter of tuk-tuks, the vibrant colours of spices and the intoxicating aromas of street food filling the air.
Jaipur – The Pink city (Days 7-9)
Another drive took us to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. This is a bustling, energetic place, full to the brim with sights, sounds, scents and flavours that present Rajasthan in all its vibrancy. As the third point on the classic Golden Triangle, Jaipur epitomises Rajasthan’s colour, its regal heritage and its artisan culture. We stayed at the Oberoi Rajvilas, a lush oasis, set amidst 32 acres of landscaped gardens.
The iconic Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is an extraordinary five-story façade of pink sandstone adorned with hundreds of intricately carved jharokhas (small windows). This architectural marvel was designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals without being seen, blending privacy with elegance.
The Amer Fort, perched majestically on the hills overlooking Jaipur, is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture and grandeur. Built with stunning red sandstone and marble, the fort offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royals.
Ranthambore National Park (Days 10-12)
Our next drive took us to the Ranthambore National Park, a wild jungle scrub stretching across 392 km2, watched over by the imposing Ranthambore Fort. We stayed at Aman-i-Khas, an exclusive wilderness retreat with spacious, air-conditioned tents. The main activity was a series of four game drives by jeep, conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. We were finally rewarded with a sighting of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger!
Alwar (Days 13-15)
We had the luxury of a long trip, so added in three days in Alwar, largely off the beaten track, to chill out and relax for a few days at an Aman resort there. Amanbagh has a spectacular setting in the foothills of the Aravalli Hills. It is a serene oasis offering a blend of luxury and Rajasthan’s heritage, with high domed ceilings, intricate archways and expansive courtyards surrounded by lush gardens.
Agra (Days 16-17)
We ended our trip on a high with a stay in Agra to see the shimmering walls, delicately inlaid stones and majestic towers of the Taj Mahal. We splashed out for our last hotel by staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas for the breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal lived up to its billing as a wonder of the world! The monument is constructed from translucent white marble, jade and crystal, with thousands of floral patterns inlaid into the marble. You can see why this magnificent structure took the work of 20,000 workers over a period of 22 years!
A trip to Rajasthan is truly an unforgettable experience, with its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. The stunning monuments, from the towering Amber Fort in Jaipur to the City Palace in Udaipur, are testaments to the opulence and grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal past. Staying in its exquisite palace hotels was like stepping into a bygone era of regal luxury. Rajasthan is also multi-sensory feast: the vivid colours of bustling markets, the intoxicating aromas of spices and the strains of traditional music.
Check out our website for a more detailed itinerary, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
