Jodhpurs & Jacaranda

Description

Prepare to be dazzled by the most colourful part of India - Rajasthan. Everywhere you go you'll encounter the whole kaleidoscope: orange turbans, purple saris, mounds of scarlet spices in the markets and golden sand dunes beneath a deep blue sky. Explore the white lakeside city of Udaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur and the bright lights of Mumbai. Travel though the Thar Desert on a camel train heading into the sunset, discover remote caves at Ajanta, visit decadent palaces, and head into the backstreets of Pushkar to soak up the atmosphere. Lose the rose-tinted glasses and experience the true colours of India on this revealing trip.

Highlights

• Visit the famous Pushkar temples.
• Look out over the fabled blue city of Jodhpur.
• Mix it up in marvellous Mumbai.
• Visit a temple dedicated to rodents.
• Delve into the winding streets of Old Delhi.
• Travel to the tranquil shores of Udaipur Lake.
• Take a camel safari across the rolling desert sands of Jaisalmer.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive in India and travel into the heart of Delhi. Chaotic, colourful, captivating - India's capital is a sprawling city full of buzz and activity. Perhaps rub shoulders with the locals in the streets of Old Delhi or explore one of the many museums.

Day 2 Bikaner

Make the journey to Rajasthan's Bikaner, a fascinating town to explore with its striking palaces, temples and fort.

Days 3-5 Jaisalmer/Camel Safari

Explore the Thar Desert outside Jaisalmer from high atop a camel and perhaps even sleep out among the dunes. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort and marvel at the huge city walls.

Days 6-7 Jodhpur

The mighty Mehrangarh Fort dominates Rajasthan's second largest city. Climb the ramparts and look down over the quirky blue city of Jodhpur.

Day 8 Pushkar

World famous for its huge camel fair, Pushkar is a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year. Perhaps explore the main bazaar or soak up the serene spirituality of the many temples.

Days 9-10 Udaipur

An essence of romance is imbued in every stone of Udaipur and a walk through the old town brings a surprise with every corner. Walk the shores of Udaipur's Lake Pichola, look up at the towering City Palace and enjoy an evening haveli cultural performance.

Day 11 Ratlam

Experience Indian rural life on an overnight camping expedition in the countryside.

Day 12 Mandu

Once known as the 'city of joy' and dating back many centuries, the hilltop fort of Mandu is an evocative and slightly eerie place to explore.

Days 13-14 Ajanta/Ellora

The tour continues to the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. Discover these remarkable, ancient complexes which feature beautifully decorated paintings and sculptures.

Days 15-16 Mumbai

Home to massive bazaars and the lights of Bollywood, Mumbai has a wealth of things to sample, taste, try and buy - and plenty of top notch sightseeing. Set off to explore this quintessential Indian city and mark the conclusion of the trip with a hot curry and cold beer.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nts), Camping (with facilities) (3 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Camel

Budget

Allow USD $250 for meals not included.