Your tour of Rajasthan with Varanasi and Khajuraho kicks off on your arrival in Delhi. A member of our team will meet you at the airport and accompany you to The Imperial for a two-night stay. Centrally located in the heart of New Delhi, this landmark hotel was built in 1934, and designed by Lutyen’s assistant, Bromfield. It evokes the days of the British Raj and exudes style and elegance. The rest of the day, if any, is at leisure to settle in, and recuperate from your international journey. Depending on how early in the day you arrive, if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon, you can let us know anytime. Your chauffeur is always on hand, and we’re only a quick call away on your complimentary mobile phone (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).

This morning you’ll be met by your guide to explore bustling Old Delhi. Begin at the Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque) and continue with a guided walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk (a bazaar dating back to the 17th-century which today retains a strong souk-like quality). Next, visit the Sikh Temple; a bustling place always brimming with activity, and where thousands of free meals are prepared and distributed every day to rich and poor alike. End the afternoon at Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutab Minar. Do remember however that sightseeing with Indian Excursions is flexible to you on the day, so if you’d rather visit the Lotus Temple instead, or the National Museum, you are most welcome to let your guide know. We can also tweak your itinerary together in advance.

Board a flight to Khajuraho this morning. This small, rural village in the state of Madhya Pradesh dates back to the 10th century when it was the religious capital of one of India’s most powerful dynasties; the Chandelas. Over the years, the temples they built here were lapsed into obscurity, hidden by dense forest, until their rediscovery by a British explorer in the 1830s.

Upon landing, there’ll be the chance to freshen up at your hotel, The Lalit Temple View, before meeting your guide. This modern hotel is well located close to the Western group of temples, with many rooms having a distant view. Comfortable facilities, excellent service and a peaceful ambience.

You’ll begin exploring the temple complex in one of its most beautiful lights; at sunset. The most impressive of the temples is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple – over 800 sculptures adorn the structure, depicting gods and goddesses, beasts and warriors, sensuous maidens, dancers, musicians and, of course, the erotic scenes for which the temples in Khajuraho are famous.

Rise early and return to the temples at sunrise. After breakfast back at the hotel, you’ll board a direct flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Upon landing, we’ll chauffeur you to the Taj Nadesar Palace, where there’ll be a few hours to relax, settle in, and enjoy your surroundings. A highlight of our Luxury Rajasthan Tour with Varanasi and Khajuraho, nestled in the heart of this bustling city amongst mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, lies the Taj Nadesar Palace. Built by the East India Company and acquired by Maharaja Prabhu Narain Singh in the 19th-century, the palace is named after goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the palace. Stepping into its portico, your journey into the Maharaja’s residence begins. The luxurious suites are generously sized, with large windows overlooking the gardens and spacious bathrooms in cool white marble. Alternatively, to take in the incredible scenes that take place along the ghats, stay at BrijRama Palace – a charming heritage property on the banks of the river.

In the early evening, your guide will meet you for a tour of the Ganges and its many ghats by boat, culminating with the evening aarti ceremony. These ancient rituals have changed very little over hundreds and hundreds of years. The scent of sandalwood and incense swirls around, while the sounds of prayer chanting and clashing symbols rise to a crescendo. Hundreds of little oil lamps flickering on the river are a beautiful sight.

Rise early and return to the Ganges this morning for a sunrise boat ride. A sunrise boat ride is the highlight of a trip to Varanasi when a soft light bathes the temples along the river-front. The people of Varanasi trickle out of the labyrinthine lanes and head for the ghats at dawn. Later, visit Sarnath (where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment) and the old city – a maze of streets and alleys crammed with derelict palaces, homes, and hundreds of temples and shrines. Here you’ll see funeral processions, cows and goats munching on whatever they can find!

After a relaxed morning in Varanasi, you’ll continue your journey with a flight to Agra. Upon arriving in Agra, the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy your hotel and soak up the delights of The Oberoi Amarvilas. Situated only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is renowned for its luxury and style. The stunning swimming pool and perfectly manicured gardens make this an ideal hotel to rest and relax. All rooms and suites afford an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal. Without the restriction of visiting hours, you can catch the Taj Mahal peachy pink at dawn, glowing amber at sunset and glittering in the moonlight after dark.

Your guide will introduce you to the highlights of Agra, taking in the Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah and – of course – the magnificent Taj Mahal.

This morning you have the option of returning to the Taj Mahal at sunrise if you fancy. After breakfast, your Rajasthan tour with Varanasi and Khajuraho takes you to the Pink City of Jaipur. On the way, a guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri will introduce you to Emperor Akbar’s Mughal city, abandoned after just 14 years. Or, visit the small village of Abhaneri to see India’s oldest and largest stepwell, Chand Baori – an incredible geometric sight with hundreds of zig-zagging steps. Upon arriving in Jaipur, you’ll check in to The Oberoi Rajvilas for a two-night stay. There are not many hotels in the world where check-in involves a brightly painted elephant and a fragrant shower of rose petals, but then again The Oberoi Rajvilas does not settle for anything less than spectacular! The resort is almost a destination in itself, with sprawling gardens and a 250-year-old Hindu temple in the grounds. The signature Oberoi service is attentive yet unobtrusive. The Oberoi Rajvilas even employ a handful of staff with the sole responsibility of shooing pigeons from the pool! One of the finest hotels in Rajasthan, The Oberoi Rajvilas is an opulent choice for those seeking luxury and a royal experience.

A full day of guided sightseeing in the Pink City. A trip to the ancient Amber Fort and a tour of the City Palace and its private rooms will show you the best of Jaipur. You will also visit the Jantar Mantar observatory, along with Hawa Mahal (‘Wind Palace’) and Jal Mahal (‘Water Palace’). Continue into the evening with a guided walk through the colourful bazaars: a hub of activity, rich with pungent smells and vibrant colours, with temple bells adding to the cacophony of street sounds. Goods on offer here include local handicrafts, textiles and jewellery.

Today you’ll be chauffeured to Jodhpur – Rajasthan’s fabled Blue City – for a two-night stay at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. In 2016, TripAdvisor announced the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace as its ‘Best Hotel in the World’, and we’d have to agree! This spectacular Art Deco property is the world’s largest private residency, and still home to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The style and ambience are grand from the moment you step through the reception, and a drink on the lawns or in the bar allows you to imagine you’ve stepped back in time to a royal era. Another luxury option in Jodhpur is RAAS. Its located in the bustling old city; ideal if you like being in the heart of the action. The views of Mehrangarh Fort are superb, the décor minimal, and the atmosphere chic.

A guided tour of the Blue City today will introduce you to Jaswant Thada and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Continue with a walking tour through the labyrinthine lanes of the Old City – wandering among the tiny shops dotting these crowded, narrow lanes in the heart of the town; you’ll get a real feel for local life. A tour of Jodhpur typically lasts half a day – the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the palace or do a bit of shopping. Or, for a special and cultural experience on your Luxury Rajasthan Tour with Varanasi and Khajuraho, we recommend our private Bhopa performance. (Bhopa is a rare Rajasthani art form which combines dancing, singing and painting. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional thali dinner – a bit like tapas, a thali presents you with several small plates. It’s a great way to get a taste of Rajasthan and try things you perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise ordered). Our past guests have found this a very culturally rich experience, and a highlight of their stay.

This morning you’ll continue to the romantic city of Udaipur. On the way, break your journey in Ranakpur to explore one of India’s most elaborately carved temples. Your base in Udaipur will be none other than the dreamy Taj Lake Palace. This 250-year-old white marble palace appears to float on the waters of Lake Pichola, and you reach it by a short boat ride. It was originally a royal summer retreat built back in the 17th century and is today one of the world’s most well-known luxury hotels. A stay here is the stuff of fairytales and will leave you feeling like a modern-day Maharaja and Maharani.

A guided tour of Udaipur today will begin at the exquisite City Palace. This sprawling palace is the largest in Rajasthan, with the rooms inside all containing decorative art; from beautiful paintings to inlay and glasswork, and antique furniture. A dizzying maze of narrow passageways connects its towers. You’ll then continue into the old city to explore on foot the colourful markets and hilly streets, ending with the 17th-century Jagdish Temple. To round off the day on a special note, enjoy a private, romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset.

The morning is free to relax at the Taj Lake Palace and enjoy your surroundings. In the afternoon, fly back to Delhi, where you’ll connect to your international departure. Should you have a gap of several hours between flights, we’d be delighted to include with our compliments a refreshing room near the airport to rest and get ready for your onward journey. If your flight departs in the morning rather than at night or the early hours, we’ll be wiser including an overnight stay. This is something we can fine-tune together to best suit your individual arrangements.

Our journeys are inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, a private car with driver throughout, experienced guides, internal flights, entrance tickets and excursions. In other words, we offer a seamless and hassle-free experience where the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your fabulous hotels! This indicative cost is per person, based on a couple travelling between October 2022 and March 2023, sharing a double or twin room. The cost would reduce significantly during the low-season months of April to September, while it will be noticeably higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period.