Rajasthan – The Land of Kings

Your Indian adventure begins today with a private flight to Delhi, where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome to India early tomorrow morning! Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport by a member of staff and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey. (2 nights in Delhi).

The capital city of Delhi is a melting pot of diverse Indian cultures, creating a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life. The Red Fort exudes an aura of worldly power and strength, even from the outside, while the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, invites up to 20,000 worshippers to communal prayer, testifies to divine power. The bustling activity in the alleyways of the old city leads you into an overwhelming array of traditional handicrafts and modern everyday objects, colorful clothing, and a diverse array of aromas from spices, tea, and street food to satisfy every appetite, before you continue on to India Gate, erected in memory of those who fell in World War I, and through the government district. Finally, the Sikh faith welcomes you to its largest temple in Delhi, the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. During a final stroll through the Lodhi Garden, you will explore not only the enchanting green park landscape but also some of Delhi's oldest tombs.

Numerous architectural treasures still bear witness to Agra's former prosperity and power. After breakfast, you'll set off, experiencing your first glimpses of rural India along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you'll be greeted by the imposing Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra. Like its namesake in Delhi, it served as the former center of the Mughal Empire and symbolizes the power of its rulers. (Overnight stay in Agra).

Majestically rising above the sacred Yamuna River, the legendary Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) is considered a symbol of India like few other monuments. It is said to possess a unique charm at any time of day and in any weather, but it is said to radiate a special magic at sunrise, when the white marble and countless semi-precious stones captivate you in the light of the dawning day. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar as a new capital and a tolerant center for diverse religions and cultures, but water scarcity and poor planning soon led to its abandonment. A regal atmosphere also prevails in the Ranthambore Nature Reserve, home to one of India's most famous tiger sanctuaries. (2 nights in Ranthambore).

Twice today you'll set out to follow in the footsteps of the king of the jungle. Early in the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and depart for your first shared safari (depending on availability, by jeep [up to 6 people] or canter/open safari bus [up to 20 people]) in Ranthambore National Park. In the early morning light, numerous animal and bird species may cross your path. In the afternoon, another shared safari (depending on availability, by jeep [up to 6 people] or canter/open safari bus [up to 20 people]) offers yet another chance to observe the unique natural landscape and its inhabitants in a different light.

Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is a city where history and modernity intertwine. Countless cars, tuk-tuks, and motorcycles, along with bicycle rickshaws, camel carts, and elephants, navigate the streets and squares, weaving their way through daily life past historic buildings, colorful market stalls, and shops. A visit to a local family for tea offers a wonderful opportunity to chat with your hosts and exchange stories. At the Raj Mandir Palace Cinema, you'll experience the vibrant world of Bollywood with a current film screening – a truly special experience that is an integral part of everyday Indian life. (2 nights in Jaipur).

The golden Amber Fort, with its magnificent palaces and halls, offers royal splendor. Perched on a hilltop just outside Jaipur, it overlooks the surrounding hills and the Maotha Lake below. The Jantar Mantar, the world's largest stone observatory, testifies to scientific knowledge that remains valid to this day, while the splendid City Palace, in the heart of the Pink City, is still partly inhabited by descendants of the former Raja. The famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, with its countless windows and bay windows, is one of India's most photographed landmarks and served as a special platform for the ladies of the court to observe the parades and processions on the street below unseen. A rickshaw ride through the bustling streets and bazaars of the city is the perfect way to end your day.

Today's journey follows ancient trade routes through the colorful Shekhawati region, once characterized by wealthy trading posts that have since faded into obscurity, becoming quiet, traditional villages whose numerous havelis (manor houses) offer a glimpse into their former glory. In Fatehpur, the once beautifully decorated residences and trading houses transport you to the daily life, mythology, and religion of their original builders. Your destination for the day, Bikaner, was once one of the most important trading centers on the ancient caravan route through Central Asia. Its well-preserved historical monuments, combined with traditionally dressed inhabitants, evoke the image of a medieval desert metropolis. (Overnight stay in Bikaner).

The imposing Junagarh Fort, vast and defiant, testifies to the former importance and wealth of the Bikaner dynasty, which over generations was expanded with impressive palaces reflecting the prevailing tastes and spirit of the age. An optional visit to the Karni Matha Rat Temple in Deshnoke is available. Keep an eye out for one of the rare white rats there, as they are considered particularly auspicious. Further into the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, the golden city that, from a distance, appears to be built of sand. A living museum, a quarter of the city's inhabitants still reside in the fort. (2 nights in Jaisalmer).

Like a building made of sand, this desert dream straight out of 1001 Nights sits atop a 75-meter-high hill. In the fortress of Jaisalmer, you can stroll through the winding, narrow streets and admire the richly carved havelis and temples. A glimpse inside some of the most beautiful havelis reveals that these former merchant houses weren't just outward displays of their owners' wealth. The view from the city walls is equally breathtaking, where numerous stone cannonballs still bear witness to more warlike times. The desert surrounding the city exudes a unique beauty and a special fascination, which you can experience in style on a camel ride in the afternoon. Hold your breath as the sun disappears into the dunes on the horizon, bathed in a reddish-gold light.

Blue is the traditional color of the Brahmin caste, but it's also said to be a good mosquito repellent – ​​in Jodhpur, it can certainly be found on almost every house. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a 130-meter-high hill, offers breathtaking views of the blue city sprawling below. Imposing gates and the strategically laid-out serpentine road once made it difficult for attackers to conquer the fortress. In contrast, the delicate-looking tomb of Jaswant Thada, made of white marble, provides a striking photographic subject against the backdrop of the fort. (1 overnight stay in Jodhpur).

Leaving the Thar Desert behind, you'll find yourself in the verdant hills of the Aravalli Range – in Rajasthan, the landscapes often change seamlessly. In Ranakpur, the magnificent Adinath Temple of the Jain religion rises like a white jewel amidst rolling green hills, supported by 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars, each one unique. For an even deeper immersion into this unique natural landscape, an optional horseback riding excursion (at an additional cost) offers a special perspective of the surrounding forests and fields. In Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of India," the enchanting quintessence of Rajasthan awaits, with its imposing fort, bustling streets, and traditionally dressed people, all surrounded by verdant hills and artificial lakes. (2 nights in Udaipur).

Udaipur's narrow lanes and bazaars invite you to stroll through the old city. The Jagdish Temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, is the largest temple in the city, while the adjacent City Palace, nestled against the hilly shores of Lake Pichola, is considered the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. In the "Garden of the Maidens" (Saheliyon Ki Bari), you can relax amidst water fountains and cascades, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. A breathtaking panorama of palaces, historic buildings, verdant hills, and people washing clothes or bathing at the ghats, along with the Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas palaces built on artificial islands in the middle of Lake Pichola, culminates in a scenic boat trip (depending on water levels) to captivate you at the end of the day.

Filled with new impressions, you bid farewell to Rajasthan today and return by plane to the capital, Delhi. A hotel room near the airport awaits you, where you can rest and freshen up. Enjoy a leisurely dinner here and reflect on your trip. From Delhi International Airport, you will depart for your flight home after midnight. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back as our guests again soon.