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Rajasthan has some of the most spectacular palaces and medieval fortresses to be seen anywhere in the world, and this tour takes in many of the best. Before arriving in the state we set out from Delhi for a two-night stay in Agra, with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Stopping off at the old Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, we’ll reach the “pink city” of Jaipur: one of Rajasthan’s great urban centres and a historical treasure trove of bejewelled palaces and temples. After a visit to Amer Fort outside the city – which includes an elephant ride – we travel to the holy town of Pushkar, with its beautiful setting around a sacred lake. The barren Thar Desert encroaches into the western part of Rajasthan, and is one of the most romantic parts of India: we’ll see the wonderful painted houses (havelis) in and around Bikaner and take a camel safari into the desert sands. The city of Jodhpur boasts what is perhaps the finest of all Rajasthani forts, Mehrangarh, rising high above the blue-painted houses of the city. En route to Udaipur we’ll spend two nights at the little-known town of Deogarh, with its exquisite 17th-century palace – our accommodation for two memorable nights. Udaipur, many people’s favourite Indian city, provides a suitably spectacular finale to the tour.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• The three great cities of Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur
• Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
• Staying in the opulence of a 17th-century heritage hotel
• Camel safari into rural Rajasthan near Bikaner
• An elephant ride at Amer Fort, near Jaipur
• Flexible tailor-made booking options