Abode of the Kings
Recommended Duration:Â 10 Days
Itinerary:Â Delhi – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Shekhawati – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Ideal Time to Visit: October – March
The journey begins in the capital of India, Delhi, from where it moves to Udaipur, a desert oasis with moonlit lakes. From there we move to the the blue city of Jodhpur and then to the heart of the desert in Jaisalmer. After a few days in the sparse desert landscape, we head towards the opulent havelis of Bikaner and Shekhawati. Inspired by the colors and landscape, we move to Jaipur, a hub of creativity. The journey comes to a rest in the forgotten city of Fatehpur Sikri followed by Taj Mahal, an exemplary reminder of Mughal glory.Â
One of the most popular regions in India, this journey is a spectacular mix of architecture, grandeur, craft and food. From Delhi to Jodhpur to Agra, these cities have seen the rise and fall of dynasties that have left behind their mark in the culture, language and food. In their efforts to settle the cities, they’ve made innovative use of local materials, setting in motion traditions – such as the painting houses blue in Jodhpur, the frescoes of Shekhawati, the celebration of festivals with Mughlai cuisine in Old Delhi, block printing in Jaipur – that can be found in pockets today.
Duration
5 days
Tour Type
City Tours, Cruises
Experiences
Overlooked by a mighty giant called Mehrangarh, Jodhpur retains the glory of its past in its rustic streets. Walk through this blue walled city, built out around the foothills of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and leading to vibrant and chaotic markets or explore the rocky trails of Rao Jodha Desert Park at sunset.
Walk through the spice market of Delhi with a historian and discover aromas, tastes, textures, uses of the various spices, at the end of which you get samples to take back home. A gourmet’s delight, this journey is bound to stay with you long after you have left the sights and sounds of this historic old city quarter.
Visit a village famous for woven dhurries or carpets and observe an artisan performing this meditative craft. Carpets, animal covers and other items are woven in colourful motifs and reversible patterns using cotton fibre, which has replaced the traditional use of animal hair.
Wake up early to witness the subliminal beauty of the Taj Mahal, as the rays of an early morning sun fall on the faded white walls of the marble monument, creating a
colourful hue.