Departing 4th February 2025

Nineteen days of Palatial Pathways with Margaret, exploring the Havelis and highlights of Rajasthan, India.

Embark on a vibrant tour of Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mandawa, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Our luxury small group tour will explore the exquisite havelis: grand mansions known for their intricate frescs and ornate architecture, reflecting the opulence of Rajasthan’s merchant class.
Discover historical sites, romantic palaces, and majestic forts.
Wander through bustling markets, experience the unique Dabbawala system, and enjoy village safaris and tribal tours.
Conclude your adventure in Delhi, where modernity seamlessly blends with history.

This journey offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and local traditions across India’s diverse landscapes.

Upon your arrival at Mumbai International Airport, our team will be holding your name and have signage saying, “Perfect Travels” in the arrivals hall. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in, followed by a welcome briefing. Our travel manager will then outline your wonderful itinerary ahead. Later, a welcome dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Mumbai
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is India’s dream city and is often related to New York in India. Mumbai has lots to offer to the modern traveler, from its renowned Bollywood film industry, a fashion epicenter, colonial-era architecture, and the Gateway of India by the waterfront, home to Asia’s largest slums and the world’s most expensive home. Mumbai, with its Colonial and Art Deco buildings, tall skyscrapers, wild traffic, and the frantic pace of life, makes it one of India’s most intriguing cities.

After breakfast, you will be met by our expert guide as we begin a short hike inside a well-known 140-year-old Washermen’s Colony, featuring an open-air laundromat locally called Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, which is the largest human-powered washing machine. You might even spot your hotel clothes here.

Next, we will arrive at Church gate Railway Station and witness a traditional yet unique lunchbox delivery system exclusive to Mumbai: the Dabbawala. This service started in 1890 when the British and Persians needed convenient meals delivered to their doorsteps. Observe the Dabbawalas at work, collecting hot, home-cooked lunches and delivering them to office workers around the city using traditional bicycles and trains.

Afterward, we will take you to the Mumbai Harbor waterfront, home to the bold arch known as the Gateway of India, built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to India. We will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Terminus Train Station, built in 1888, which showcases the finest Victorian-Gothic architecture and is a famed location from the film "Slumdog Millionaire."

Our tour concludes at Crawford Market, a renowned bazaar in British Bombay that has been operating since 1869, making it one of the oldest flea markets in the world. After the tour, we will return to your hotel. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel, featuring a variety of continental and Indian spreads.

After breakfast or check out, you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport to connect flights to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur Princely State from British India, also known as the lake city of Udaipur, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Udaipur
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur stands in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As the capital of the old Mewar State, it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. In the late 16th century, peace brought about a renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is in a romantic setting, surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge for rebels, including the Mughal prince Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

After breakfast, your Udaipur City tour begins with a Heritage Walk through the chaotic streets of the Old Town, exploring timeless markets, ancient temples, and fantastic palaces, including the Udaipur City Palace and Museum, built in the 16th century by the founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh II, which towers glamorously over the famous Lake Pichola. Later, witness an afternoon prayer ceremony inside the city's most prominent Jagdish Temple, belonging to the great Indo-Aryan Era. Next, we visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, which literally translates to The Garden of Maidens, who came as part of the princess's dowry. We arrive at the popular Clock Tower, surrounded by the street markets of Bada Bazaar, a treasure-trove of traditional goodies and a lively arts & crafts scene. This evening, we take you for a Sunset Boat Cruise (shared basis) on the shimmering Lake Pichola to view the sparkle of Udaipur by night, including the 17th-century pleasure palace on Jagmandir Island and the world-famous Lake Palace of India, popular among Hollywood films. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. When lit up at night, it has more romantic sparkle to it than the Lake Palace. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Lake Palace
The palace on Jagmandir Island, about 800m south of Jagniwas, was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620, added to by his successor Maharana Jagat Singh, and then changed very little until the last few years when it was partly converted into another (smaller) hotel.

This morning after breakfast and check out, we drive you 245 kilometers (approximately a 5-6 hour drive) to the blue-washed city of Jodhpur, also known as The Sun City. The drive includes an en route stop for clean restrooms. Along the scenic drive, you will visit Khempur, the real Exotic Marigold Hotel, for tea or coffee. Khempur is a village in the Udaipur district, noted for its Ravla Khempur, an equestrian hotel that was originally the palace of a Charan chieftain and featured in the 2012 film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Later, we will also visit Ranakpur, home to the Chaumukha Mandir. Built in the 15th century in milk-white marble, the main temple of Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankar (great Jain teacher), depicted in the many Buddha-like images in the temple. The temple is an incredible feat of Jain devotion, featuring a complicated series of 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1,444 individually engraved pillars. The interior is completely covered in intricate, lovingly wrought carvings and exudes a marvelously calming sense of space and harmony. After visiting, we continue our drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and check-in at your hotel for a welcome ceremony. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Jodhpur
This medieval blue-painted city houses the mighty Mehrangarh Fortress, which is still run by the Royal Family of Jodhpur. Towering 120 meters above the skyline of Jodhpur and its array of blue-shaded traditional houses in the Old City, a color sacred to the highest caste of Hinduism, the Brahmins, Jodhpur is set in the stark landscape of the Great Indian Thar Desert and offers plenty to the modern traveler, from its heritage palaces, forts, and temples to glittering bazaars selling everything from trumpets to saris. Experience the buzz of Jodhpur and its legendary history. On the outskirts of Jodhpur, a town called Bishnoi is home to the infamous 15th-century Bishnoi Village Tribes.

Your city tour begins. Welcome to Jodhpur, the mystical blue-colored town of India. We cover the legendary 15th-century Mehrangarh Fortress that stands 410 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur, offering stunning views of this blue-painted town. Royal Cenotaphs, built as a milky-white marble memorial to Jodhpur’s Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Next, take a heritage walk through Old Town to explore Jodhpur’s lifestyle and charming blue-washed houses and discover some lesser-known secrets. Feel free to peep inside to interact with welcoming ‘Jodhpuri’ residents. Meet with a priest family at Hare Krishna Temple. Discover Ancient Stepwells ‘Tunwarji Ka Jhalra’ and downtown-located Clock Tower with its surrounding street markets, ‘Sadar Bazaar’. After the tour, return to your hotel. Dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Morning free to relax. In the afternoon, we will hop on local Jeeps and take you on a tribal tour of the infamous 15th-century Bishnoi Village to encounter and interact with the raw tribal life of the Bishnoi Tribes, known for their unique lifestyle, fine artwork, and pottery-making skills. Experience their traditions, decorated huts, and a unique opium ceremony performed specifically by the tribal chief. By dusk, we will enjoy Jeep safaris in the village to spot rare flora and fauna around Guda Lake, including Indian Black Bucks, Blue Bulls, Demoiselle Cranes, and more. Later, we will return to the hotel for dinner.

Today morning, after breakfast and checkout, we will commence our journey deep into the desert of Rajasthan and arrive at Jaisalmer, located in the western province of the state (285 km, approximately 5–6 hours drive), and check in at your character hotel. For the rest of the day, you are free to relax. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.

Today, after breakfast, we begin your Jaisalmer sightseeing with a heritage hike inside the golden-colored Jaisalmer Fortress, built in 1156 AD. This fortress, renowned as the world's largest, offers panoramic views of the desert. Inside, we will explore its honeycombed lanes lined with traditional houses, ornate temples, ancient step-wells, and local souvenir shops. Over the years, various battles have defined this fort, but today it is home to over 3,000 people living inside. After the tour, we will return to your hotel for rest. Dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is a living urban center, with about 3,000 residents. It is honeycombed with narrow winding lanes, lined with houses and temples, along with numerous handicraft shops, guesthouses, and restaurants.

Morning free to relax. In the afternoon, we will visit Gadsisar Lake, home to various migratory birds and offering spectacular bird sighting experiences. Afterward, we will explore the culture and history of Jaisalmer by discovering its ancient haveli mansions dating back to the 12th century, showcasing multi-storied stone carvings and intricate latticework. Notably, Patwa-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli are renowned for their magical designs.

These royal mansions, also known as Havelis, date back 450 years and once belonged to Brahmin priests who advised the maharajah. One such haveli now houses an interesting museum on its several levels, displaying artifacts from all aspects of fort life, from cooking to clothing.

For a magical sunset moment, we will take you on a camel desert safari at Khuri or Sam Desert Camp. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

After breakfast and checkout, we leave for Bikaner (320 km, approximately a 5-6 hour drive) and check in at your character hotel. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Bikaner

Founded as a princely state in the 15th century, Bikaner became a British Protectorate in 1818 and was home to one of the only two models of biplane used by the British Army during WWI. With sand dunes scattered across the city, Bikaner offers ancient opulence with its rustic Junagarh Fortress and Palace, made entirely of red sandstone and host to several empires. Nicknamed the Camel Country of India, Bikaner has some of the finest camel breeds and is home to the world’s largest camel breeding farm. Since the region is off the beaten track from the regular touristic cities of India, the experience here is much more secluded and private. The yearly two-day celebration of its foundation day, Akshaya Tritiya, is a must-experience event, with locals flying kites and preparing exclusive dishes.

This morning, we will commence our Haveli Hiking Tour to explore the traditional old mansions of the kings, rulers, and warriors of Bikaner, each telling a unique royal tale of their own, including the stunning red sandstone 'Rampuria Haveli'. We will end the walk at the bustling Bikaner Street Bazaar to witness the distinct local lifestyle and their arts and crafts scene. If time permits, we will also explore the unique Rajasthani-European architecture of Bikaner's Junagarh Fortress and Museum, built in 1478, showcasing exquisite Rajasthani craftsmanship. Additionally, we will witness the distinctive gates of Daulat Pol, adorned with handprints of women from the Rajput warrior clan who practiced Sati, honoring their husbands killed in battle. Later, return to the hotel to relax. Dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

A full day at leisure provides an opportunity to unwind and enjoy activities of personal choice without a fixed itinerary. It allows individuals to relax, rejuvenate, and explore at their own pace. Whether spent lounging by a pool, exploring local markets, indulging in spa treatments, or simply taking leisurely walks to discover nearby attractions, a day at leisure offers freedom from schedules and agendas. It's a time to recharge, reflect, and savor the surroundings, creating a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. This leisurely day is ideal for soaking in the destination's atmosphere, engaging in hobbies, or simply enjoying moments of tranquility away from the usual hustle and bustle of travel.

After breakfast and check out, you will be driven to the off-the-beaten-path town of Mandawa, deep in the rustic state of Rajasthan (190 km, approximately a 4-hour drive). The drive will include an en route stop for clean restrooms. Upon arrival in Alsisar, our travel manager will meet you for check-in at your character hotel.

Overnight: Accommodation in Mandawa
Accommodation for 3 nights, including breakfast and dinner.

Mandawa is a small town in the northwestern part of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. The area surrounding the town is an arid semi-desert. Like other places in Shekhawati, Mandawa is famous for its castle, havelis, and cenotaphs. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be taken to explore the nearby village of Mandawa. Blooming in the myriad colors of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa, also known as the open art gallery of India, showcases its rich heritage. We start at the 18th-century medieval-themed Castle Mandawa and Mandawa Fort, located amidst the great Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. The town is famed for its traditional Haveli houses, decorated with unique frescd wall paintings that depict colorful Indian tales, from weddings to festivals. We take you on a sunset walk along the narrow lanes of Mandawa Village to interact with local tribes, explore vibrant wall paintings, and enjoy the celebratory storylines of different houses. On the way back to the hotel, we visit the rustic Mandawa Street Bazaar and the royal cenotaphs belonging to the Royal Family of Mandawa. After the tour, return to your hotel. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Today, you will experience a sunset walk into the semi-desert of Mandawa. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

After breakfast and check out, you will be met and driven 170 km (approximately a 4-hour drive) by our company driver to Jaipur, a historic pink-washed city and gateway to India’s most flamboyant state, Rajasthan. The drive includes an en route stop for clean restrooms. Upon arrival, you will be met by our travel manager for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps by the poolside or with hotel spa treatments on your own.

The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is awash in pink, the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built-in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays remarkable harmony and architectural splendor, most notably the renowned Palace of the Winds. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairytale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills, and broad avenues that dot the entire city. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

Overnight: Accommodation in Jaipur
Accommodation for 2 nights, including breakfast and dinner.

Step back in time to explore the Rajput era and its battle-scarred heritage. After breakfast, our expert Jaipur guide will brief you on the day's heritage program. We will drive to the ancient town of Amer, known for its remarkable Rajput-Mughal architecture. Here, we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Amber Fortress. Our Jeep Safari will take us uphill through the fort, passing vibrant local life. Built in the 16th century by Rajput commander Raja Man Singh I, the fortress offers stunning hilltop views and intricate Hindu-Rajasthani architecture. Inside, we'll visit Jai Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Diwan-e-Aam, and Diwan-e-Khas.

Next, we will drive to Jaipur’s city center, stopping for photos at Jal Mahal and the colorful Patrika Gates. We will visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with giant instruments. Then, we will explore the iconic City Palace & Museum, featuring a fusion of Indian, Mughal, Rajput, and European architecture. Highlights include the Pitam Niwas Chowk, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and the Armoury Room.

Our heritage tour concludes with a Bazaar Walk and Tuk-Tuk Tour through Jaipur's bustling markets, including Maniharon ka Rasta, Chandpol Bazaar, and Khazanewalon Ka Rasta. We will see the Palace of Winds - Hawa Mahal, with its 958 intricate windows. Before sunset, we'll return to the hotel, stopping at the Albert Hall Museum. Later, dinner will be arranged at your hotel.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for a local flight to Mumbai, where your tour comes to an end.