Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Rajasthan – Delhi – Mandawa – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Narlai – Udaipur
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, it’s time for your family holiday to begin. Head to the airport and board your eight to nine-hour flight to Delhi, arriving in the city later the same day.
On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Gurgaon, around 20 minutes from the airport. Set away from the intensity of central Delhi, this first stop gives you space to unwind after your journey. Expect expansive gardens and spacious rooms with picture-perfect views. Stretch your legs, settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Meet your private driver this morning, who will accompany you throughout your stay, as you set off for Mandawa in the historic Shekhawati region. Leaving Delhi behind for now (we’ll be back to explore later, don’t worry), your air-conditioned vehicle will wind through the lush plains of Haryana before reaching the drier landscapes of Rajasthan, on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Why not tune into our destination-specific playlist for the roughly five-hour journey?
In Mandawa, settle in for two nights at an authentic haveli, one of the grand 19th-century mansions that define this region. Expect soaring courtyards, intricately painted walls, hidden galleries and boudoirs that recall the India of novels – perfect for easing into Rajasthan’s charm.
If the hotel’s courtyards and terraces aren’t too tempting (and who could blame you?), take a morning wander through Mandawa. Narrow streets reveal havelis bursting with carved stone, frescoes and painted walls – little pockets of artistry around every corner. The nearby Mandawa Fort, founded in 1812 by Thakur Nawal Singh, towers above the town, a striking testament to the skill of local builders.
The highlight of the day? A Shekhawati horse ride on a Marwari, a rare breed that historically symbolises loyalty and power, boasting a glossy mane and signature curved ears. Trot through the surrounding villages, soak up the views and listen to the gentle rhythm of the horses’ steps – an experience sure to delight the whole family.
Wave goodbye to Mandawa and set off on a four-hour drive to Jaipur, the Pink City. Streets hum with life: cyclists dodge cows, vendors shout over the clatter of carts and the scent of spices lingers in the warm air. Jaipur earned its rosy hue when Maharaja Ram Singh II painted the walls pink for a royal visit, and the city keeps the welcome alive.
On arrival, settle into your vibrant accommodation tucked in a quiet corner, away from the bustle – this will be your home for the next two nights. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax by the pool for some well-deserved downtime. In a place like this, even teenagers might pause long enough to notice the charm.
Helmets on for a cycling adventure around Jaipur. Exploring by bike is a refreshing change in a city where rickshaws rule the streets. Guided by two private experts, you’ll glide along the avenues, discovering new delights at every turn: a colourful monument, a fragrant spice stall or the sudden glimpse of a palace tucked behind high walls.
Along the way, enjoy a hands-on introduction to Jaipur’s famed blue pottery. Brought to Rajasthan during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II, this centuries-old craft lets you shape your own plate, wall hanging or small vase under the guidance of a local artisan. It’s the perfect handmade souvenir.
If you’re keen to continue the creative streak, a private session in traditional block printing is also available, where fabrics, dyes and wooden stamps combine to produce vibrant, one-of-a-kind patterns.
Reaching Jodhpur means a roughly five-hour drive across the dusty plains of the Thar Desert, where camels amble lazily and villages appear like mirages. Upon arrival, check in for two nights just behind the citadel walls, away from the Blue City’s bustle. The 1920s building charms with antique furniture and patterned fabrics, breakfast is served in a shady patio, while the swimming pool gives teenagers a good excuse to splash around.
For those curious to explore the city from above, a private guided tour of Mehrangarh Fort offers the perfect perspective. Wander through cool marble halls, admire delicate Persian motifs and enjoy panoramic views of the city below. Your guide will bring the history to life, sharing tales of maharajas, battles and the artistry that has made this citadel one of Rajasthan’s most iconic landmarks.
Your morning begins with a private tour of Jodhpur guided by a group of local young women, known as the ‘Lakshmis’. Named after the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is said to reside a little in every woman, these guides will offer insight into local heritage, introductions to residents and even a tasting at a Brahmin family’s home. The outing is as educational as it is diverse, revealing the rhythms and charms of everyday life in the Blue City.
Later, inspire any budding artists in the family with a truck-painting workshop. It may seem unusual at first, but this folk art is a point of pride across India. Every region has its signature style: miniatures in Rajasthan and intricate images in Punjab. You’ll meet one of the last painters to carry on the tradition, who’ll explain the symbolism behind the motifs and demonstrate the techniques, before handing you a brush for some messy fun.
Today, you’ll head south on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the village of Narlai, tucked among caves and rocky hills. Dirt lanes, whitewashed houses and the occasional wandering goat lend charm to this hamlet, which has so far escaped the notice of mass tourism.
Check in for two nights in a small fortress at the heart of the village, a fine example of Rajput architecture from the last century. As the day winds down, motivate tired teens on a climb up Elephant Hill for photo-worthy views of the sunset – we promise the 700 steps are worth it. From this vantage point, the surrounding fields and hills stretch out in a patchwork of colour, while the sky shifts from gold to pink to deep indigo.
Narlai charms on foot, but the real excitement comes on a four-wheel safari. The village’s surrounding hills and scrubby plains are home to a growing population of leopards, and spotting one is as much about patience as it is luck. Your naturalist, an expert tracker, will point out prints, rustling leaves and the warning calls of other animals that reveal the location of these big cats.
Climb aboard your Jeep, hold on tightly and keep your eyes peeled as you follow the dusty tracks in search of one of India’s most elusive predators. The safari thrill is sure to captivate teens and adults alike.
Today’s two-and-a-half-hour journey winds through scenic valleys and hills, before delivering you to Udaipur, Rajasthan’s most romantic city. Often called the ‘City of Dawn’ or the ‘City of the Princes of the Sun’, it’s a place that lives up to its names.
Say goodbye to your trusty driver and settle in for two nights on the shores of Lake Pichola, a 15-minute drive from the city centre. From here, the view stretches across notable landmarks: Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Sajjangarh Fort. Your hotel, a former haveli, combines delicate arches with light-filled domes.
Once refreshed, hop aboard a boat for sundown and glide across Lake Pichola. The City Palace rises from the water like a vision, while the Taj Lake Palace – once the summer home of the Maharajas – floats in the distance.
And, if you want to add an alternative beat to the day, why not try a private workshop with a local musician? You’ll be introduced to the magic of Indian classical music and learn the basics of tabla and sitar, wrapping up with a short, hands-on recital (the fewer fingers in ears, the better).
Today, a short domestic flight of less than two hours will bring you back to Delhi, where a private transfer will take you to your new home for two nights in the elegant Lutyens’ neighbourhood. Connaught Place, one of the city’s liveliest hubs, buzzing with flea markets, street-food stalls and museums, is just a short stroll away.
Delhi’s energy is unquestionable. Over the next two days, your private driver will whisk you around the city so you can experience everything you missed at the start of the trip: climb the minaret at Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; wander through Chandni Chowk, the city’s oldest bazaar and toast your adventure with a drink in the trendy Hauz Khas district.
Your final day in Delhi begins with a private guide leading you to Lodhi Colony, an upscale neighbourhood famous for its vibrant street art, where you can admire the colourful murals.
Later, step back in time as you wander through the alleys of the Old Quarter to witness trades that seem lifted from another era: street dentists, ear-cleaners and spice merchants all at work amid the hum of the bustling market.
Worked up an appetite after all that exploring? An optional guided gourmet walk lets you sample local favourites – from spicy chaat to sweet jalebis – as you discover Delhi through its flavours and sights.
After a final tasty breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your direct flight home, which takes around ten hours. You’ll likely be buzzing from the chaos and colour – and fully aware that everyone will need a serious nap.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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