12 Day Taste of Rajasthan tour including return international flights, accommodation, breakfast daily, in-depth sightseeing, tour guides and more
Short on time but want to experience the most that this incredible country has to offer? This 12 day Taste of Rajasthan tour is for you!
Arrive into Delhi before heading off on a full day tour of Delhi. Visit the Raj Ghat and witness the magical Red Fort from afar. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, taking in all the sights and sounds off this buzzing metropolis. From Delhi we travel through Mandawa, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Pushkar to discover ancient forts and soak up the history, architecture and flare.
Arrive in Jaipur, known as the Pink City, where you will visit the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and embark on a adobe of rajahs. Your tour will end on a high when you arrive in Agra and explore the magical Taj Mahal – marvel at the beauty of the region’s diverse landscapes and learn the history of this cultured and treasured land, all with the knowledge and guidance of expert guides. Upon returning to Delhi, your whirlwind adventure comes to an end before boarding your flight home.
Your package includes return international airfares, accommodation, transfers, dedicated tour guide, breakfast daily, sightseeing, entrance fees and more. See full list of Inclusions here.
Day 1: New Zealand – 
– Delhi
Depart New Zealand today on your flight to Delhi (please note, some flight may depart 1 day before). You will arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi (B)
Today we head out on a full day to explore Delhi. Begin your day with a guided tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort—the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets of Old Delhi to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan.
Later today we visit Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. We also drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) before enjoying one of Delhi’s most incredible Sikh Temples.
Day 3: Delhi – Mandawa (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Mandawa (approx. 8 hrs drive). In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is the beautiful small town of Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place are a reminder of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era. This afternoon we explore the magnificent Frescoes Havelis. The beautiful havelis, painted predominantly in vibrant colours, have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls in this semi-desert region.
Day 4: Mandawa – Bikaner (B)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Bikaner (approx. 5hrs drive). On arrival we head to Junagarh Fort. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky. Following Junagarh Fort, we go for a walk around the local bazaars of Bikaner and learn about the local trades and culture before returning to our hotel.
Day 5: Bikaner – Jodhpur (B)
In the morning, you will be driven to the blue city of Jodhpur (approx. 8hrs drive). Jodhpur, also called the ‘Blue City’ located on the edge of the Thar Desert was once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar state founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. On arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy free time.
Day 6: Jodphur – Pushkar (B)
After breakfast we visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s finest forts. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. After, drive to the holy city of Pushkar. The town curls around a holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. It also has one of the world’s few Brahma temples. With 52 bathing ghats and 400 milky-blue temples, the town often hums with prayers.
Day 7: Pushkar – Jaipur (B)
This morning, we explore two of Pushkar’s key sights. The Brahma Temple and we visit the central lake. The Braham Temple is the oldest temple dedicated to god Brahma. Legend has it that Brahma, when compared to the other gods was a lot more lenient and would bless his devotees whole-heartedly. We then continue to Pushkar Lake. The lake is one of the most prominent spots of Hindu pilgrimage as well as the site of the world famous Pushkar Fair. After, we make the drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Day 8: Jaipur (B)
An exciting day awaits you as begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue your tour as we drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs” on a guided heritage walk. After, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Day 9: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra (B)
After breakfast, we head to the Mughal city of Agra (approx. 7hrs drive) en-route visiting the famous Abhaneri Step Well. Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, which means “city of brightness,” but due to mispronunciation, the name was changed. The city is now in ruins, but it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for ‘Baoris’, step wells which were invented by the natives to harvest rain water. We then continue on to Agra. On arrival in to Agra, we check in to the hotel. This afternoon explore the Agra (Red) Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations.
Day 10: Agra – Delhi (B)
This morning we head out for the big one! The Taj Mahal, for a spectacle not to be missed— a sunrise visit to the legendary Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. As the sun rises, a chaste and secretive image of the Taj starts to emerge, casting a very soft light illuminating the contours of this enchanting monument in marble. Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. There is plenty of time to explore the grounds of the Taj Mahal gardens before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
Later you will be driven back to Delhi (approx. 5hrs drive). Upon arrival, proceed for check -in at your hotel.
Day 11: Delhi – – New Zealand (B)
After breakfast, the rest of the morning is at leisure. You will be met at your hotel by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the international airport for your onward flight home.
Day 12: New Zealand
Arrive home in New Zealand today.
Highlights:
How To Book:
To book your Tour:
Deposit Information:
Documentation:
Documentation will be provided 30 days prior to travel, including E-Ticket instructions, hotel confirmation, itinerary extension & optional tour confirmation (where applicable) and destination travel tips.
Single Supplement:
Standard – $349 per person in addition to the twin share price
Deluxe – $749 per person in addition to the twin share price
You can purchase your single supplement by clicking here
Group Size:
Standard: 2 – 35 people
Deluxe: 2 – 35 people
Triple Share: Not available
Land Only: To purchase this tour as land only (no flights) please click here
Coach Transportation: Where group sizes are not sufficient to use a full-sized coach, we reserve the right to use a smaller coach on the same level of comfort.
Accommodation:
The accommodation listed below may be subject to change, but will remain of a similar or higher standard. Any changes remain beyond our control and all efforts are made to communicate these as soon as possible. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed.
3* Standard:
Delhi: Sunstar Grand or similar
Mandawa: Desert Resort or similar
Bikaner: Chirag Hotel or similar
Jodhpur: Park Treebo Boutique or similar
Pushkar: Master Paradise or similar
Jaipur: Red Fox or similar
Agra: Crystal Inn or similar
3-4* Deluxe
Delhi: The Suryaa or similar
Mandawa: Castle Mandawa or similar
Bikaner: Gajkesri or similar
Jodhpur: Radisson Blu or similar
Pushkar: Jagat Singh Palace or similar
Jaipur: Fern or similar
Agra: Clarks Shiraz or similar
Child Price: Same price as adults – Minimum age 2 years
Tipping:
At the start of your tour:
Through our experience we have found that our travellers are often confused, frustrated or embarrassed about tipping, especially if they are unsure of the correct etiquette in the country they are visiting. To overcome this, we have established an on-tour ‘Tipping Kitty’. Upon meeting your tour guide, they will discuss the idea of having a group pooled kitty, where everyone contributes an equal share. This is to cover small tips made along the way to local services such as porters, railway station assistants (if applicable), restaurants (included meals only), toilet stops, tips to shoe keepers during temple and monument visit. Your guide will collect this amount at the start of your tour and tip the intended recipient’s on your behalf allowing you to enjoy your experience more freely.
The amount to budget for on this trip for the kitty is: INR 2350 per person
Please note that this doesn’t cover a tip for your tour leader & driver.
Towards the end of your tour:
If you have enjoyed the knowledge, service and expertise of your tour guide and driver a tip (while not compulsory) is appropriate towards the end of your tour. While it may not be customary in New Zealand, tipping is entrenched into many cultures especially within the tourism industry globally. It helps reward and inspire excellent service. The following is provided to assist our guests, but we leave the decision to provide a gratuity entirely at their discretion:
The group leader: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of INR 5310 per person for the full tour
The driver & assistant: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of INR 1770 per person for the full tour
Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. Your guide will hand around two envelopes towards the end of the tour (1 Tour Guide and 1 Driver envelope) to make the process as easy as possible.
Tour Excludes:
Exchanging Money: When exchanging New Zealand dollars into Indian Rupees or withdrawing funds from an ATM while in India, always retain the transaction receipt. You may be required to present the receipt as proof of withdrawal if purchasing items with cash.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all customers purchase Travel Insurance as soon as they make a purchase on our website. Help cover yourself for the unexpected with great value Webjet Travel Insurance, we highly recommend it. Click here for a quote.
Any deposits paid at the time of purchase are non-refundable.
2018
20 September 2018*
11 October 2018
25 October 2018
8 November 2018
22 November 2018
2019
7 February 2019
21 February 2019
7 March 2019**
21 March 2019**
18 April 2019*
16 May 2019
27 June 2019*
15 August 2019
12 September 2019
26 September 2019*
10 October 2019
24 October 2019
14 November 2019
Surcharges may apply to some dates, please see the availability calendar for more details
*$200 per person surcharge applies
**$600 per person surcharge applies
Bookings not accepted when within 65 days of departure
Availability on Departure Dates listed in Fine Print is subject to change. Live availability is shown on the availability calendar after clicking on the BUY NOW button
Airline:
Flights:
Schedule Changes:
Flight Variations:
Option 1: Arrive early and/or extend your stay post tour with the promotional airline
Option 2: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class (where available)
Should you be unsatisfied with the quote provided for your cabin upgrade, you can opt to:
1. Travel with the group as per the tour itinerary on the promotional airfare or;
2.Take the package as Land Only and receive a refund of the Land Only discount, if available.
Once your flights have been confirmed and ticketed, no further changes can be made and your booking will remain non-refundable.
Option 3: Choose an alternative airline
Should you be unsatisfied with the quote provided for your airline preference, you can opt to:
1. Travel with the group as per the tour itinerary on the promotional airfare or;
2.Take the package as Land Only and receive a refund of the Land Only discount, if available.
Once your flights have been confirmed and ticketed, no further changes can be made and your booking will remain non-refundable.
