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Places to see
Tailor-Made Trips to Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of India's largest states, and along with other parts of northern India such as Delhi and Agra, it offers an introduction to this vast country, perfect for those wanting a quintessential slice of India. Think ornate palaces, peeling havelis and jeep safaris in search of tigers. Our tailor-made trips to Rajasthan, which are all completely bespoke, carefully combine its stupendous colour, gentle chaos, sophisticated culture, and history with your specific interests and how you like to pace your holidays.
From the morning flower markets of Jaipur’s 'Pink City' to the serene lakes and quiet corners of Udaipur, and from the golden sands of the Thar Desert to the blue hues of Jodhpur, Rajasthan has some seriously big hitting destinations, even by global standards. However it's the quieter villages and small towns across Rajasthan and northern India that have our heart, such as Shahpura, Bundi, Deogarh and Chambal to name just a few. It's by including these small lesser known destinations, paired with specialist local hosts, that unveils a more local, a more genuine and definitely a more authentic side of India. This part of India is complex and the potential is endless, our specialists know India inside out and can design a tailor-made trip to India based very specifically on your likes, your interests and your budget.
Unique places to visit in Rajasthan & the North
From the Pink City lanes of Jaipur tours to the leopard hills of Jawai, each place has its own role in a private, tailor-made Rajasthan itinerary, and our specialists know exactly which one to give it. Some need no introduction, the Blue City streets of Jodhpur, the ghats of Varanasi, others are the quieter villages and towns we've come to know well over years of scouting the region, like Shahpura, Narlai and Bundi.
Private experiences in Rajasthan & the North
Explore our handpicked experiences that bring each destination to life — from local culture and cuisine to unforgettable adventures and hidden gems.
The park features a well-planned network of ten tracks that allows for exploration in open jeeps, providing an engaging experience in the wilderness. Ranthambore is famous for its tiger population, but it also hosts a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to tigers, you could if you're lucky encounter leopards, the endangered caracal, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars, marsh crocodiles, porcupines, common langurs, spotted deer, Indian gazelles, sambars (Asiatic stags), and nilgais (blue bulls).
The park is also an important habitat for numerous bird species, including migratory, water, and woodland birds, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. This rich biodiversity, along with its history as a former royal hunting ground, provides an insightful look into India’s natural heritage.
Ride through charming rural landscapes, lush farmlands, and small villages, experiencing the untouched beauty of Badi and Hawala. Cycle along the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, an artificial reservoir built in the 1680s, and loop around the Monsoon Palace, a majestic hilltop retreat offering breathtaking views of the city and lakes.
Pause at the serene Badi Lake, where you’ll enjoy a delightful picnic breakfast, surrounded by tranquil waters and scenic countryside. Conclude the ride with a downhill trail leading back to Fateh Sagar Lake, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel. Experience the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and history on this immersive cycling tour, designed for those who love exploring off the beaten path!
Begin with a visit to a local home where the family will show you how to craft colourful kites, before flying them together from the rooftop — a favourite pastime in the city. Continue with a block-printing workshop, where everyone can stamp vibrant patterns onto fabric and carry home their own creations.
Later, hop into a Pink City Rickshaw for a fun ride through the old city’s painted gates and bustling markets, stopping wherever curiosity strikes. In the afternoon, learn the art of traditional Rajasthani puppetry, making your own marionette before watching a lively performance. If energy allows, your guide can also arrange short workshops in henna design, clay pottery, rangoli, or even garland-making - giving the day a playful, creative finish. With the flexibility of a private guide, you can linger longer at the activities your family enjoys most.
This visit offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives of these resilient people. With the help of your guide, you'll have meaningful conversations that provide insight into the traditions and culture of the Marwar region. During your visit, you'll have the chance to take part in hands-on activities such as churning butter, grinding grain, and even milking a camel! These experiences allow you to connect with the local way of life in a way that few travellers ever do. A highlight of your journey will be a stop at the home of a traditional potter.
Using an ancient potter’s wheel, the artisan crafts pots and lamps, providing invaluable support to neighbouring villages. Witnessing this age-old craft in action will give you a deep appreciation for the skill and tradition that has been passed down through generations.
With your private guide, you’ll experience the beauty and history of this iconic monument up close. Built in 1630 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of love and devotion.
Twenty thousand craftsmen worked for twenty-two years to create this architectural masterpiece. Its perfect symmetry, detailed inlay work, and timeless design continue to impress visitors from around the world. The Taj Mahal remains one of the most recognised and admired wonders of the world.
The calm, steel-blue waters reflect the majestic Jag Nivas Palace, now the iconic Lake Palace Hotel, which was originally built in 1746 as a summer retreat for the royal family. Across the lake lies Jag Mandir, a beautiful island palace said to have been constructed by Maharana Karan Singh for his friend Prince Khurram, who would later become Emperor Shah Jahan.
As the soft hues of the setting sun bathe the surroundings, the historic architecture and serene waters create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and royal history, making for an unforgettable evening.
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Enjoy a Champagne Tour accompanied by the museum curator, gain fascinating insights into the history, artifacts, and architectural splendor of one of India’s most magnificent forts. As the sun sets, watch Mehrangarh Fort transform into a breathtaking spectacle, bathed in golden hues.
Conclude your experience with an elegant dinner on a secluded terrace within the fort, offering panoramic views of Jodhpur’s skyline, creating a truly magical and unforgettable evening.
Prepare to be captivated by the delicate artistry of Pacchikari (Stone Inlay) – an exquisite craft where semi-precious stones are meticulously embedded into marble, creating breathtaking designs that have adorned the Taj Mahal for centuries. Next, be amazed by the timeless elegance of Zardozi Work, a luxurious form of embroidery using gold and silver threads to create stunning, intricate patterns. Watch as artisans bring these masterpieces to life, each stitch telling a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
And of course, no visit to Agra is complete without witnessing the artistry of Carpet Weaving. Marvel at the intricate hand-knotting techniques that turn silk and wool into rich, colorful tapestries, each one more beautiful than the last. What makes this experience even more special is the opportunity to meet the talented artists behind these remarkable crafts. Their passion and dedication are palpable as they share their skills and stories, offering you a deeper connection to the artistry of Agra. This is more than just a tour – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity, an experience that will leave you in awe and admiration for the artistry of Agra.
Tucked away from the city’s grand forts and palaces, it offers a glimpse of everyday life and commerce, where bargaining voices mingle with the scent of blossoms in the morning air. It's also very photogenic so it's ideal for photographers.
We love the very genuine nature of this market and recommend heading out early if you are eager to spend time there, meet locals and take photographs.
The fort is divided into three sections: the public areas, the Maharaja's palaces, and the zenana, or queens' palaces. The zenana is especially stunning, with intricate sandstone filigree work adorning its walls.
Inside the fort is a museum, which features a diverse range of exhibits, including a remarkable collection of royal palanquins and an impressive section dedicated to howdahs—ornate elephant seats, with perhaps the finest collection of their kind in the world. Nearby, Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century royal crematorium, stands as a tribute to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Built from brilliant white marble, the cenotaph here commemorates his legacy.
Known for its striking cobalt blue interiors and Mughal-inspired design, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that feels both romantic and timeless. The menu celebrates classic Italian cuisine, with fresh handmade pasta, flavourful antipasti, and a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails, including their much-loved signature creations.
Guests can choose between the elegance of the indoor dining space or the magic of the garden pavilions, making it a perfect setting for an evening out. With its blend of style, substance, and a touch of old-world glamour, Bar Palladio has rightly become one of Jaipur’s most sought after destinations for a memorable night.
Begin your evening with a heritage walk through the enchanting streets, where softly illuminated façades create a magical, almost cinematic atmosphere. Starting at the iconic Clock Tower, your guide will lead you through the old city, pointing out its architectural gems and sharing fascinating stories of the past.
Next, wander through the vibrant stalls of Sadar Bazaar, the bustling heart of the old town, where colors, scents, and sounds offer a sensory feast. Continue your journey to the striking Stepwell complex, a marvel of historic design and craftsmanship. Conclude your evening at leisure with dinner at a rooftop café, enjoying sweeping views of the city and the relaxed, timeless ambience of Jodhpur.
Begin your journey with a guided walk through the fields, where each turn reveals a new story of resilient desert flora, sustainable farming practices rooted in tradition, and a community living in harmony with the land. Afterwards, savour a multi-course, plant forward dining experience that transforms the farm’s seasonal harvest into thoughtful, pre plated creations, each dish reflecting the soil and season, designed to surprise and delight.
As the day slows, recline on a charpoy beneath a straw canopy, watch kites wheel across the desert sky, trace drifting cloud formations, or simply listen to the stillness of the fields, allowing time to stretch, breathe deeply, savour fully, and connect with the land before returning to your hotel.
Visit the revered Govind Devji Temple, where devotees congregate for morning prayers and chanting, then explore the bustling wholesale flower markets where turbaned traders deal in fragrant rose and marigold garlands.
Pause at traditional chaiwallah stalls to savor local tea and engage with residents in authentic conversation.
Start at the magnificent Jama Masjid, then navigate narrow alleys by cycle rickshaw, passing ornate havelis and centuries old shops. Discover an authentic attar shop showcasing handcrafted fragrances stored in delicate cut glass bottles. Wander through Kinari Bazaar's dazzling displays of silk sarees and colorful bangles, before immersing yourself in Khari Baoli spice market's intoxicating blend of cardamom and chilies.
Your morning continues with a traditional haveli rooftop, where you'll fly kites while savouring crispy golgappas and aromatic kebabs. Find tranquility at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, joining volunteers in the communal Langar Hall to serve meals and experiencing the profound lesson of selfless service. The day concludes with a scenic drive through New Delhi's grand colonial landmarks: the stately India Gate, majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, and imposing Parliament House.
Enjoy this cultural exchange while you learn skills and techniques of blending and preparing spices to create authentic Jaipuri cuisine.
You can enjoy snacks, a house tour and the chance to learn about the family's customs and traditions as you get hands-on in the kitchen. Enjoy the meal you have prepared together and conclude with Indian tea or Masala Chai.
Places to see in Rajasthan & the North
Get inspired
Inspiring itineraries in Rajasthan & the North
Our bespoke journeys through Rajasthan are based on our many decades travelling the region, uncovering new areas, beautiful places to stay and connecting with exceptional people. Here are some itinerary ideas, these are designed to provide inspiration, as every single trip is completely personalised to you.
Some of our favourite places to stay in Rajasthan & the North
Yes. Every trip is built from scratch around your interests, pace and budget. Nothing is packaged or fixed. We design the route, the stays and the experiences for you and we use creativity and our deep knowledge of Rajasthan in every trip we produce.
Most of our Rajasthan trips start from around £3,000 per person, based on private guiding, good small hotels and around 9 to 13 nights. Add palace hotels like Rambagh Palace or the Taj Lake Palace and you're looking at £5,000 and up per person for a similar length of trip. Every itinerary is priced individually, so treat these as starting points. The final figure comes down to your hotels, the season and how far off the main routes you want to go.
Rajasthan looks compact on a map but it isn't. Jaipur to Jodhpur is around five to six hours by car, and Jodhpur to Udaipur is four to five, more if you break it at the Ranakpur temples, which you should. We often suggest stopping in rural locations to break the journey and experience the more traditional and remote parts of Rajasthan. We’d suggest 9 nights as a comfortable minimum for the classic circuit, and 12 or more if you want Jaisalmer or time in the villages. We plan around the driving from the start, so you're not spending your holiday in the car.
November to February is the classic high season window. During this time you’ll experience dry, sunny days in the mid to high 20s, with evenings cool enough for a jumper, and January can drop to single figures overnight. October and March bookend the season with similar weather and fewer people, and March often brings Holi. September is the quiet find and one we’d recommend. The monsoon largely passes Rajasthan by, so you get green landscapes, warm days and better value before high season starts. Avoid May and June, when temperatures push past 40°C and the desert camps close. Our Weather in India guide has the month-by-month detail.
Yes, and fewer people know it than should. August is monsoon season, but Rajasthan is the driest state in India, so rather than the downpours you might picture, most days bring heat, sunshine and the occasional short, dramatic shower that turns the Aravalli hills green. It's hot, usually in the low to mid thirties, but nothing like the fierce heat of early summer. The savings are significant, the forts and palaces are blissfully quiet, and we design August trips around that: comfortable air-conditioned places to stay, exploring in the mornings and late afternoons, and proper time to rest through the midday heat. The one thing to know is that Ranthambore's core tiger zones close for the monsoon, so if tigers are the heart of the trip, travel another time.
They're different enough that this is really a question about you. Jaipur is the big city of the three, grand, busy and brilliant for shopping, block printing workshops and the honeyed sprawl of Amber Fort. Udaipur is the romantic one, built around its lakes, all rooftop dinners and slow boat rides, which is why honeymooners rarely skip it, though it can feel the busiest of the three, especially in winter wedding season when half of India seems to be getting married beside its lakes. But if you push us, our hearts belong to Jodhpur. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort rising over the blue old city gives it the most dramatic setting in Rajasthan, the lanes below it are full of life, and it has some of our favourite places to stay and eat anywhere in India. Most of our itineraries include two of the three, and plenty include all of them, sitting a comfortable drive apart with some of our favourite rural stops in between. Tell us what you're drawn to and we'll weight the trip accordingly.
Our partners on the ground and our expertise. We truly believe our trips to India and Rajasthan are up there with the best, and that comes down to who we work with: the most specialist guides, the best vehicles on the road, and a team whose experience runs to decades. We won't be the cheapest and that's deliberate. It's what lets us invest in the people and details that make the difference, and we're connected to the right people in the right places, which opens doors nobody else can.
Yes, absolutely. Rajasthan more or less invented the idea: Rambagh Palace was the Maharaja of Jaipur's own residence before becoming India's first luxury palace hotel, and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur and the Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola carry the same royal lineage. The modern names are all here too. Aman has two properties in Rajasthan, Amanbagh in a quiet valley near Jaipur and Aman-i-Khas, a tented camp on the edge of Ranthambore, Six Senses has taken over a 14th-century fort at Barwara, and the Oberoi's Rajvilas, Udaivilas and Amarvilas are regularly ranked among the best hotels in the world. What we bring is the trip between them: high quality vehicles, highly specialist guides and local hosts, and contacts built over years that open doors others can't. Also, everything can be as discreet as you need it to be, quiet arrivals, private dining, days planned away from the crowds. Just tell us how you like to travel — we are here to listen.
A private car with your own driver, for most of the trip. It means you can stop when something catches your eye, a chai stall, a stepwell, a wedding procession coming through a village. Your driver stays with you throughout, so by day three they know how you like to travel. We like to break the longer drives with a night or two somewhere rural, and those stops are often what people talk about most when they get home. Depending on the routing we'll book trains and internal flights too. You can easily speed up the trip with internal flights. The right rail journey is a highlight in itself, and a short flight can save half a day on the road.
We recommend mixing them up but always maintaining a sense of place. We avoid generic starred hotels where possible. Perhaps spend a night or two somewhere grand like Rambagh Palace or the Taj Lake Palace, then a boutique haveli in an old city, a family-run fort in the countryside such as Rohet Garh or Shahpura Bagh, maybe a desert camp. Staying only in palaces sounds tempting but they start to blur into each other after the second or third. We'll work out the right mix with you.
Our shortlist changes depending on who's asking, but these keep coming up. Jawai, where leopards live in the granite hills alongside Rabari herders. Narlai, a village at the foot of a huge rock with one of Rajasthan's loveliest heritage stays. Shahpura, for lakeside calm and rural insight. Bundi, where ornate stepwells hide down side streets and the palace murals alone justify the detour. Deogarh, where Dev Shree sits in countryside that feels properly remote and untouched with the most amazing cobblers, jewellery makers and goat herders. And Chambal, where a river safari makes a complete change from the forts. None of these are hard to reach and many sit between the big cities, which is why we also use them to break the drives.
Ranthambore is naturally the headline act and rightly so: a former royal hunting ground where tigers pad past ruined temples and a hilltop fort, which makes it one of the most photogenic places on earth to see one. It has ten safari zones, and the core zones around the lakes have long been the most reliable for sightings, so which zone you're in matters, and it's something we plan carefully. Sariska, north towards Alwar, is the quieter alternative: its tigers were famously reintroduced after being lost entirely, numbers are still small, so sightings are rarer, but so are the crowds. Rajasthan now has newer reserves too, though for a first trip Ranthambore remains the one. No honest operator guarantees a tiger anywhere; what we can promise is the best possible chance, and a reserve full of birdlife that makes the drives special either way.
Jawai is the famous one, and deservedly so: this is a landscape of huge granite outcrops south of Jodhpur where leopards live remarkably openly alongside the local Rabari herders, who have shared this country with them for generations. Sightings here are about as reliable as leopard watching gets anywhere, and the setting, cats draped over boulders at dawn, is like nowhere else in India. Bera, nearby, works the same way. Around Narlai the same granite hills hold leopards too, so an evening drive can round off a village stay. And Jhalana, on the edge of Jaipur itself, is a curiosity worth knowing about: a small dry forest reserve where leopard sightings are common minutes from the Pink City. Unlike tigers, leopards fit almost anywhere in a Rajasthan itinerary, no long detour required, which is exactly how we like to use them.
We think it’s better than almost anyone expects. Keoladeo in Bharatpur, on the state's eastern edge near Agra, is one of the great birding wetlands of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where painted storks nest in their hundreds and winter brings waterfowl in extraordinary numbers, all explored quietly on foot, by bicycle or cycle rickshaw. The Chambal river is a birder's secret: a boat drifting past sandbanks turns up Indian skimmers, one of Asia's rarest waterbirds, alongside storks, pratincoles and waders, with gharials and river dolphins as the supporting cast. Even the big cat reserves earn their place, Ranthambore, Sariska and Jawai are full of owls, eagles and kingfishers between sightings. Serious birders can have a trip built entirely around it; for everyone else, we simply fold the best of it into the journey you're already making. We guarantee you’ll come home very enthusiastic about birds.
For peak season, 6 to 9 months is ideal, but often we are able to design something last minute. Early booking gets the best access to the palace hotels. Shorter notice can work, but the places that make a Rajasthan trip special always go first.
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