Rajasthan holidays

Amber’s fort-palace was built by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly-created Jaipur. You’ll see Diwan I Am (Hall of Public Audience), Kali Temple, Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), and Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure). Next, tour the city, visiting the Jaipur’s walled City Palace – a former royal residence that occupies one-seventh of the city’s area – and the intricate Jantar Mantar Observatory, the oldest in India.

Take a jeep ride up to the impressive fort, which is perched high on a hill overlooking the city below. Known for its artistic palatial interior in contrast to its foreboding exterior, the fort was built by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as a stronghold to command the area.

Discover the desert city of Bikaner, the main trade centre on the ancient silk route in the 1500s. Dating back to 1486 AD, the barren city’s highlight is Junagarh Fort and you’ll visit some of this complex’s beautiful palaces, such as the red sandstone Lal Gar. You’ll also visit the famous Karni Mata, a Hindu temple that was built in honour of the Rat Goddess and today is home to over 20,000 rats! Rats are considered holy animals, and worshippers travel from all over India to pay their respects.

Your evening begins with a greeting and welcome drink at the home of a local family, before moving to the kitchen for an interactive demonstration of the ingredients and techniques used in preparing a traditional dinner. You can then sit down to enjoy your delicious feast.

Travelling to a local home, your evening will begin with a greeting and welcome drink with the family before joining your host in the kitchen. After an interactive demonstration of the ingredients and techniques used to prepare a delicious dinner, you'll sit down to enjoy a feast of local flavours.

Fly over India’s renowned ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, a city renowned for its striking monuments, rich history, stunning gardens, havelis, grand palaces and forts. From above, you’ll be mesmerised by the vibrant cocktails of sights and colours.

Explore Rajasthan's capital, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace before seeing the 17th-century Jantar Mantar Observatory, built by astrologer Jai Singh and featuring a 900-foot sundial. Take in the Central Museum, which houses antiques, and drive past the Palace of Winds with its intricate pink sandstone carving.

Discover Jaisalmer Fort, where people still live and work. Inside the complex’s walls you’ll see the Jain Temples, which date back to the 1100s and 1400s and are dedicated to hermits; the Maharaja’s Palace, bursting with intricate carvings and home to a small museum; Laximinath Temple, where Hindu worshippers chant devotional songs; the Patwon Ji ki Haveli, built for a rich trader’s five sons; and Nathmal Ki Haveli, built by two brothers who each created on one side, resulting in each looking slightly different.

Tour the walled 'Blue City' of Jodhpur, which sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and dates back to 1459 AD. The city's people prize colourful outfits and have a strong tradition of folk art. You'll see the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky cliff with breathtaking views and home to magnificent palaces full of royal artefacts. Another highlight is Jaswant Thada, a group of white marble cenotaphs created in 1899 AD.

A luxurious overnight escape from Jodhpur in the midst of the Thar Desert's burnt dunes, Khimsar Dune Village is a secretive hideaway where idyllic thatched cottages nestle around a tranquil oasis.

Embark on a jeep drive, seeing farmers at work and visiting their homes. Stop at the intricate Magarmandi Mata Temple, which was constructed in the 9th Century before being destroyed and rebuilt. Next visit Kheda, a small shephard settlement home to only one family of each trade such as silversmith, clay potter, carpenter, cobbler and blacksmith. Your safari travels through their grasslands, spotting antelopes and migratory birds at the lake.

On this half day tour of Udaipur you'll visit the City Palace, Rajasthan's largest palace. This intricate marble and granite structure overlooks Lake Pichola and is a must-see. Continue to the complex's Fateh Prakash Palace to see the stunning Crystal Gallery, which houses a spectacular collection of royal crystal artefacts.