India Tailormade - Tigers, Forts & Rural Rajasthan

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Delhi, India's vast and fascinating capital. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, a tour of the back streets of old Delhi can be arranged.

This morning, we board an express train for Agra, home to one of the world's most celebrated monuments – the magnificent Taj Mahal. On arrival, we begin exploring the historic city, including Agra Fort, the imposing red sandstone citadel built during the great Mughal era. From its ramparts there are memorable views towards the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Later, as the heat of the day begins to soften, we visit the Taj Mahal itself. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, its extraordinary symmetry, delicate marble decoration and changing appearance in the light have made it one of the world's most recognisable buildings. Spend the night in Agra, close to this remarkable chapter in India's history.

After breakfast we leave Agra and begin our journey into Rajasthan. Our first stop is Fatehpur Sikri, the extraordinary former Mughal capital constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Its grand gateways, courtyards, palaces and mosques create an atmospheric reminder of the power and ambition of the Mughal Empire. We continue to Bharatpur, where the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas have become one of India's celebrated bird sanctuaries. The wetlands and shallow lakes provide important habitat for a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds. Continuing south, we arrive at Ranthambore, our base for the next two nights.

Today we enter the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most evocative wildlife destinations. We enjoy both a morning and afternoon safari, travelling through a landscape of dry forest, grassland, rocky hills and tranquil lakes. The park is best known for its Bengal tigers, and although sightings can never be guaranteed, the opportunity to encounter one of these magnificent animals in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Ranthambore is much more than a tiger reserve, however. Sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, crocodiles, langur monkeys and numerous species of birds can all be encountered, while the dramatic ruins of Ranthambore Fort provide a spectacular backdrop to the wilderness. Standard safaris are shared. Private jeep safaris can be arranged for an additional supplement, providing a more exclusive experience.

For those wishing to maximise their wildlife experience, there is an opportunity to join an optional early-morning safari before breakfast, when the cool air and soft light can make the forest particularly atmospheric.

After breakfast we continue to Jaipur, Rajasthan's famous Pink City and capital. On arrival there is time to relax at the hotel before venturing out later in the afternoon. Depending on local arrangements, we may explore some of Jaipur's vibrant bazaars or experience the city's spiritual side. The streets come alive towards evening, with colourful textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, street food and everyday life providing an immediate introduction to the energy of Rajasthan.

Today we explore the magnificent architectural heritage of Jaipur. We begin with Amber Fort, dramatically positioned on a hillside overlooking the surrounding countryside. Built by the Rajput rulers of Amber, its courtyards, gateways, palaces and richly decorated interiors provide a fascinating insight into the region's royal past. Returning to Jaipur, we pass the city's most recognisable landmark, the delicate pink façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We continue to the City Palace, a remarkable blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, before visiting Jantar Mantar, the extraordinary astronomical observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II. There should also be time to explore Jaipur's lively bazaars, where traditional crafts, fabrics and jewellery provide a colourful reminder that this remains a living city rather than simply an open-air museum.

Today we travel westwards to Pushkar, one of Rajasthan's most atmospheric and spiritually significant towns. Built around a sacred lake, Pushkar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and is surrounded by hundreds of temples, shrines and bathing ghats. Narrow lanes lead away from the lake into a colourful bazaar filled with textiles, handicrafts, jewellery and religious objects. The remainder of the day is free to explore independently and absorb the atmosphere at your own pace. At sunset, the town takes on an especially magical character as the light softens over the lake and pilgrims gather at the ghats.

Today is dedicated to discovering Pushkar at a leisurely pace. You may wish to walk through the colourful bazaars and along the lakeside ghats, observing the constant rhythm of pilgrims, holy men, local residents and visitors. For those wanting a little more exercise, there is the option to walk up Savitri Hill to its hilltop temple. The climb is rewarded with wonderful panoramic views across Pushkar and the surrounding Aravalli landscape. Alternatively, simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town and take the opportunity to experience Rajasthan away from the grand palaces and forts.

Leaving Pushkar, we travel deeper into rural Rajasthan to the small community of Chandelao. Our base is Chandelao Garh, a heritage property that provides an excellent opportunity to experience a quieter and more traditional side of the state. During the afternoon we take a village jeep excursion, visiting local craftsmen at work and meeting members of the community. We also visit a Bishnoi family in their home, providing a fascinating insight into traditional rural life and the close relationship between these communities and their natural environment. This is one of the defining experiences of the tour, taking us well beyond Rajasthan's famous monuments and into the everyday world of its villages.

A further day is devoted to exploring the countryside around Chandelao. We visit local villages and have opportunities to meet artisans, craftspeople and tribal families, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional skills and rural lifestyles. There is time to walk through the surrounding countryside and appreciate the peaceful landscape, which provides such a contrast to the bustling cities of Rajasthan. The day offers an unhurried opportunity to engage with local people and experience the warmth and hospitality of rural India

We continue the short distance to Jodhpur, the famous Blue City, situated on the edge of the vast Thar Desert. Dominating the city is the immense Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's great architectural landmarks. Rising above the old city on a rocky escarpment, its formidable walls enclose ornate palaces, courtyards and a fascinating museum. From the fort's ramparts there are spectacular views across Jodhpur, including the famous blue-painted houses of the old city. Later, we explore the atmospheric streets around the Clock Tower, where narrow lanes lead into colourful bazaars selling textiles, silverware, spices and traditional handicrafts.

Leaving Jodhpur behind, we travel into a much less-visited part of Rajasthan. The countryside around Bhenswara is characterised by rocky outcrops, open plains and pastoral villages. This is an area where traditional rural life remains particularly strong and where the surrounding landscape provides a natural habitat for the elusive leopard. Our heritage accommodation provides an ideal base for exploring the region. Later, there is an opportunity to join a leopard safari, accompanied by local trackers who know the terrain and the habits of these elusive big cats. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but simply travelling through this beautiful landscape at dusk is an atmospheric experience.

This morning there is further opportunity to explore the countryside around Bhenswara, with village visits, walking and wildlife experiences depending on local conditions. We then continue south towards Udaipur, known as the White City and widely regarded as one of Rajasthan's most beautiful destinations. The character of the landscape changes as we approach the Aravalli Hills and the lakes of southern Rajasthan. Udaipur is built around the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, with whitewashed buildings, palaces, temples and narrow lanes rising around its shores.

Our final morning in Rajasthan is devoted to exploring the beautiful city of Udaipur. We visit the magnificent City Palace, an extraordinary complex of courtyards, balconies, temples and richly decorated rooms overlooking Lake Pichola. We also visit important temples and explore some of the atmospheric streets of the old city. A boat trip on Lake Pichola provides a wonderful final perspective on Udaipur, with the palaces and surrounding hills reflected in the calm waters. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to a convenient airport hotel for our final night.

Use the complimentary hotel to terminal shuttle at the appropriate time for your onward flight.