The Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Take the train to Agra which departs early in the morning and takes two hours (or you can drive which takes longer but means you can leave when you want). Arrive and explore the city including Agra Fort and the Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah) before doing the short Mughal Heritage Walk across the other banks of the Yumana River to see the Taj Mahal from the other direction as the sun sets.

This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise before driving to Jaipur, via the impressive former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. The drive takes about five hours. You’ll arrive for a late lunch and it’s worth spending the afternoon at leisure.

If you want to see the best of Jaipur, it’s worth getting up early to see the fascinating markets that are coming to life (it is your choice and the day is flexible). With your private guide, take an immersive walking tour through the bazaars of Jaipur, seeing traditional artisan quarters and old merchant havelis. You’ll see the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and the Observatory. It’s now time for lunch, and why not try Samode Haveli right in the heart of the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or maybe heading into the city under your own steam.

Today, spend the morning at leisure before heading north of Jaipur for a walk in the local countryside and villages. You’ll continue to the impressive Amber Fort, one of the most impressive you’ll see during your tour of Rajasthan. You then have the option of taking an elephant safari through the local villages, followed by dinner at the camp.

Drive west towards Nimaj, a drive of about four hours with the option to stop en-route at the small town of Puskhar. You’ll be staying in luxury tents overlooking a dammed lake, and you can head off walking in the local countryside, seeing traditional Rajput villages.

Drive onto Jodhpur, stopping at a traditional Manvar tribal village en-route.

Explore Jodhpur on a leisurely walking tour through the markets of the ‘Blue City’, culminating with a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort.

Drive south, on one of the most picturesque drives you go on in Rajasthan. Stop at one of the interesting Bishnoi tribal villages on the way before reaching another of your rural Rajasthani experiences. Stay in either Jawai or Narlai.

You’ll spend the day exploring the rural Rajasthani communities. For wildlife lovers, the area is superb for seeing leopard. If you like more cultural experiences, you can see the amazing villages and local forts in the area. For those with an interest in history, the fort at Kumbulgarh is impressive, as too the Jain temples at Ranakpur.

Drive south and to your final destination in Udaipur. Stay just outside at Bujera Fort, or possibly at Devi Garh, about 40 minutes from the city and again in a dramatic rural location. Spend the second day exploring the city with your private guide on a walking tour seeing the City Palace and taking a boat out on the lake.

Today, fly from Udaipur to either Delhi or Mumbai for your onward flight home, or extend your stay in India.