India for "Diwali"
Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan.
Our 14-day trip around the wonders of Rajasthan.
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Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan – India 2026
Celebrate "Diwali" festival in Rajasthan India! there really is no where on the planet quite like it, you cannot help but be astonished. Fabulous wealth, and grinding poverty, sit side by side, your emotions will be all over the place. The country is also vast, you could spend a lifetime visiting and never see it all. On this trip we get to explore just a small part, but one rich in "Forts and Palaces" and amazing history. India is so full-on that for me its essential to have a comfortable place to retreat to in the evening, freshen up, and enjoy an evening meal and we have chosen hotels for you to do just that in. This is not a 5* luxury hotel trip, (5* trips are available in India at a hefty price tag) its a comfortable 3-4* adventure. Also with our own private air conditioned vehicle, we can cover the distances between cities in relative comfort, escaping the heat of the midday. On this trip we will have a driver, helper and Richard all there to make the trip run as smoothly as possible. We use local guides for the city tours to insure we get the best of each stop. So take the plunge and dive into the sensory overload which is India. Arrive Delhi. (2 night stay) Meet & Greet upon arrival in Delhi and transfer to our hotel. (Welcome evening meal hosted by Richard) Delhi Full day city tour of Delhi: - We drive past the President House, Parliament House, Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple) and visit (Humayun's Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat. (Breakfast, Dinner) Delhi - Agra (Drive 204 km - Approx.4hr) We leave after breakfast for Agra - the city of the Taj - Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals. Upon Arrival we check-in at the Hotel, before a visit to Agra Fort. Later we visit the Taj Mahal from the back entrance, the best place to see the sunset. (Breakfast, Dinner) Agra – Bharatpur. (Drive 56km/1hr) Early morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones." Later we head onto Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri, the "Deserted city" After reaching Bharatpur we visit some local sightseeing like Lohagarh Fort, and have a rickshaw ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Government Museum, before an evening check into our hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) Bharatpur - Jaipur (2 night stay) Via Abhaneri stepwell (Drive 256 km - Approx.5hr) Today we head to Jaipur, va a visit to Abhaneri stepwell. Chand Baori Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India. The city is now in ruins, constructed in AD 800 Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories. It extends approximately 30 m (100ft) into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest step-wells in India. Chand Baori has been used as a filming location for a number of films such as Bhoomi, The Fall, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, The Dark Knight Rises and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) Jaipur In the morning we have a city tour of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort Palace, Jal Mahal. In the evening we have a cultural event, with turban demonstration, cooking dinner and gastronomy class. (Breakfast & Cultural Dinner evening) Jaipur – Pushkar (2 nights) (Drive 140 km, Approx.2.5hr) Holi is an ancient Hindu tradition and also one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna. The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu. We get to experience "Holi" on the streets of Pushkar, a great place to immerse ourselves in the festivities. (Breakfast, Dinner) Pushkar- Udaipur (3 night stay) Via Sardargarh (Drive 270 km/5hr) Today we head towards Udaipur (City of lakes), often known as the most romantic city in Rajasthan. On the way we will be visiting Sardargarh Fort, which is now converted into a beautiful grand deluxe hotel where will be having Lunch and a tour.. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) Udaipur We visit the City Palace Museum, that is located in Fateh Prakash Palace, Saheliyo Ki Bari, beautiful Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lakes, Monsson Palace and Jag Mandir Island. Then taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola and stopping for lunch on one of the islands which is one the best experiences in Udaipur. Evening at leisure, for dinner one can explore various lakeside casual/fine dining restaurants. (Breakfast) Our second full day in Udaipur, gives us time to relax, visit some museums and enjoy one of the most romantic of cities at leisure. Option of a lovely lakeside dinner for those interested, (Breakfast) Udaipur – Jodhpur (2 night stay) Via Ranakpur. (Drive 290 km/5hr) In Ranakpur we visit the beautiful sculptured Jain temples, which were created in the 15 the century. Jodhpur, is located on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes, shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. It is the home of the Rathors - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan. The fortified city wall is nearly 10 km in length and has eight gates facing various directions. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! (Breakfast, Dinner) Jodhpur City tour visiting: - Mehrangarh Fort. Still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is sprawled across a 125m high hill. This is one of the most impressive and a formidable fort in fort-studded Rajasthan. A winding road from the city 5km below approaches the fort passing through 7 majestic gates. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Maharaja Umaid Singhji (who built this palace) was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world. (Breakfast, and Farewell Dinner) Departure Day – flying out of Jodhpur airport to connect with your onward flight (Most flights from India are very late in the evening giving you time to connect with flights from Delhi or Mumbai) Included a transfer to Jodhpur airport Tour ends with sweet memories… Solo travellers This trip is a twin share, or pay a single supplement for a room of your own. I will try and match you up with another solo guest of the same sex where posable, but if this cannot be done then a single room rate will be charged. |
Register now for our trip planned for Oct/Nov 2026
Starts in Delhi (DEL) and finishes in Jodhpur (JDH) A 14 day adventure. Departure timed to celebrate "Diwali". This trip is run by a local operator and will be Co-hosted by Richard and a Gay friendly local guides. OTS has negotiated a special group rate for this OTS tour of India. Register now as its filling up. Min 8 and Max 14 guests, small group trip. Inclusions:
Not Included:
Estimated cost for 2026 are still being finalised Payment can be made in your local currency USD, AUD, GBP, NZD with details sent via email. Credit cards Visa and Mastercard accepted at an additional charge. Options and methods of payment. Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure. 
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