Discover Rajasthan by Train: From Delhi to Udaipur

Delhi has two faces: Old Delhi is traditional, full of spectacular Mughal architecture and colourful bric-a-brac; New Delhi is diverse and monumental. During this trip, you’ll have the chance to discover them both, beginning with a tour of New Delhi today. Accompanied by your private guide and driver, you’ll journey through the city’s wide avenues and manicured gardens – a reminder of India’s time spent under British colonial rule – from the Royal Road to India Gate. You’ll also visit Humanyun’s Tomb, whose magnificent architecture inspired the Taj Mahal. A visit to Qutub Minar is also on the cards, a 230ft red sandstone tower that was built at the beginning of the 13th century and is decorated with verses from the Qur?an. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing for the day, return to your accommodation to relax on the large terrace.

This morning, you’ll head to the station by private transfer and board the train to Agra, a historic city on the banks of the Yamuna River. The journey takes just over one-and-a-half hours. While you’re here, you’ll have another driver on hand to help you explore. Your home for tonight is a contemporary hotel full of traditional Indian touches. This evening, enjoy a meal of authentic local cuisine in the restaurant, or head out to enjoy one of the nearby cafés, bars or restaurants.

Today, you’ll visit the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site: the Taj Mahal. Your private tour will be at sunrise, when this stunning example of Mughal architecture reveals itself in all its glory. After you’ve taken in the spectacular sight of this jewel-covered building bathed in a golden glow, it’s on to the Red Fort, an imposing red sandstone citadel. You’ll then head to the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah to complete this cultural journey through Agra.

This afternoon, you’ll be privately transferred to the train station for your four-hour journey to Jaipur. You’ll spend two nights in a dera, an ancestral home that forms an integral part of Jaipur’s history. After getting acquainted with this charming hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner of colourful local dishes.

Jaipur is unlike other old Indian cities in that it was planned before it was built, though this certainly hasn’t deprived it of charm. Known as the ‘Pink City’ thanks to the dusky hue of its buildings, Jaipur is the sort of place you never tire of exploring. We’ll arrange for you to discover it by bicycle today, allowing you to experience its Mughal and Rajput-style monuments in a different way. If you like, we can also arrange for you to see another side of Rajasthan’s capital: its famous handicrafts, sold throughout bustling markets and bazaars that smell of jasmine, rose and sandalwood.

This morning, you’ll take the train to Jodphur, which takes around six hours. When you arrive, you’ll head straight to your hotel, located away from the hustle and bustle just behind the walls of the citadel. Relax after your journey with a dip in the pool or a walk around the shady gardens before a traditional meal at the onsite restaurant.

After a romantic breakfast on the patio this morning, you’ll head out to explore Jodhpur with your private driver. This city was founded in the 15th century at the gates of the Thar Desert. Its labyrinth of small alleyways – painted in a beautiful shade of blue – and bazaar full of spices and saris are dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort. You’ll spend some time today visiting this magnificent sandstone fortress full of cool marble, fine arts and spectacular stained glass.

Today, you’ll journey with your private driver to Udaipur. To break up this five-hour journey, you have the option to stop at Ranakpur, a small village that’s home to one of the largest and most important temples in Jain culture. As beautiful as it is spiritual, it features 1,400 hand-carved pillars with intricate stone detailing. When you’ve finished admiring this wonderful temple, you’ll continue on to Udaipur by car to spend two nights in a 17th-century haveli (townhouse). The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink at sunset after your day of travelling.

The narrow streets of this ancient city are lined with white houses and beautiful havelis, set on the shores of many lakes. Undoubtedly, Udaipur is one of the country’s most charming cities. Overlooking the largest of the lakes is the City Palace, with its maze of narrow corridors, tiny staircases and a hanging garden. This is a must-visit while you’re here, an opportunity for a moment of calm that speaks to all your senses through the sound of trickling water, the smell of the flowers and the harmonious sight of the garden’s many colours. Not far from here, you’ll find the most important building in Udaipur: Jagdish Temple. To reach the main shrine of this striking Hindu structure, you have to climb 32 marble steps, but it’s worth it for the chance to take in stunning carvings and experience the atmosphere in this active place of worship.

We’ll also arrange for you to meet some of Udaipur’s skilled textile craftsmen in private today. For centuries, these artisans have created woven, printed and dyed textiles. Each piece varies in colour, texture and style thanks to a characteristic manufacturing process that has been passed down virtually unchanged from generation to generation.

It’s time to head back to Delhi today. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport before your flight, which takes just under one-and-a-half hours. Back in Delhi, enjoy a private tour of the city by rickshaw, this time to discover the magic of Old Delhi. This traditional district is centred around the Jama Masjid Mosque, characterised by three huge black-and-white marble domes. In addition to the vast prayer room, its gigantic esplanade can accommodate nearly 25,000 people.

You’ll also have the opportunity to discover historical monuments such as the Red Fort and Town Hall, along with other places of worship like the Hindu Gauri Shanker Temple, the Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, the Christian Baptist Church and the Fatehpuri Mosque. You’ll then continue to the largest spice market in Asia, a teeming street that’s alive with colours and scents. With your guide leading the way, you’ll make your way through the vibrant shops and bazaars of the capital.

When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing and loaded yourself up with souvenirs, you’ll head back to your hotel, a beautiful haveli with a magnificent courtyard, jharokha windows and mosaics. This is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce about your trip before your flight home tomorrow.