The highlights of Rajasthan with palace hotels, exclusive cookery experiences, a delightful train journey to Deogarh, sunrise at the Taj Mahal, a spin in a vintage car, a private visit to the Mehrangarh Fort and much more.
The bright colours of the saris, the exotic spices of the food, the hustle and bustle on the streets and the indescribable splendour of the palaces and forts guarantee varied, inspiring days of travel. On this WELT readers' trip, you will experience the Taj Mahal - particularly beautiful at sunrise! -the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur and Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Exclusive experiences in a small group at the side of a passionate India expert with overnight stays in the most beautiful palace hotels, exclusive cookery experiences, insights into miniature painting and a charming train journey to Deogarh. The sunrise at the Taj Mahal with exclusive access is particularly romantic. You will also meet a member of the princely family, go for a spin in a vintage car through Udaipur, do a yoga session in Jaipur in the morning, experience the mighty Mehrangarh Fort exclusively and on your own in the evening with the museum curator, learn how to tie saris and turbans and enjoy Indian cuisine in a wonderful ambience.
030 / 69 80 21 98
chongkolnee@select-luxury.travel
"Days in India are like a surprise bag - full of surprises, always unique and always enormously eventful. The Mughal palaces still bear witness to the wealth of their former owners. The numerous walks through markets and shopping streets outside the urban centres are also part of the travel experience. Here you are very close to the everyday life of Indians. The highlight of any trip to Rajasthan is a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."
![Jaipur_Architecture[1]](https://i0.wp.com/select-luxury.travel/wp-content/uploads/Jaipur_Architektur1.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1)
![Jaipur_Architecture[1]](https://i0.wp.com/select-luxury.travel/wp-content/uploads/Jaipur_Architektur1.jpg?resize=360%2C260&ssl=1)
At midday you fly with Lufthansa to Delhi.
Arrival in Delhi in the morning. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel; the rooms are immediately available for you to freshen up. After breakfast and a rest at the hotel, you will set off to explore the city. Today's Delhi is a potpourri of two different cultural lines: Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinthine network of alleyways with dilapidated havelis and impressive mosques. New Delhi is home to the stately government buildings from the colonial era. It's straight into the colourful life of Old Delhi: Take a rickshaw through the narrow streets of the old city centre. Back on the bus, the journey takes you to the quieter, more spacious New Delhi, including India Gate, a triumphal arch on a busy crossroads. Similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British army in the First World War.
The tour continues to the south of Delhi for a cookery course followed by lunch with a local Indian family. You will be given a brief introduction to traditional Indian cooking methods and the use of Indian herbs and spices.
Then visit the Humayun Tomb, a marvellously beautiful building and the first important example of Mughal architecture in India. Stroll along the water channels to the centrally located, well-proportioned mausoleum with its large dome.
End the eventful day with a short Kathak performance, a traditional Indian dance form, and a buffet dinner in your atmospheric Haveli hotel, a palatial home of rich merchants that has been converted into a hotel.
1 overnight stay in the 4★ Haveli Dharampura, Diwan-E-Khas Room incl. half board – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, we head to Agra. The city on the River Yamuna is best known as the home of the Taj Mahal. Agra is also famous for its outstanding marble and soapstone inlay work. On arrival, we first go to the hotel.
After a short break, you will first visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, before the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi. Behind the mighty red sandstone walls lies a playful paradise of halls, palaces, watercourses and fountains. In the late afternoon, the table is already set for you: At the Hotel Taj Khema, you will have a classic high tea - with cucumber sandwiches, scones and, above all, the mesmerising view of the Taj Mahal, just 500 metres away. Dinner is served at the hotel.
1 overnight stay at the 5★ ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection, Mughal Chambers incl. half board – Details about the hotel
At sunrise, the atmosphere at the Taj Mahal is particularly magical. With the first light of the sun, the white marble shines in all its splendour. You visit the marvellously beautiful building before breakfast. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal - to this day it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. You will be back at the hotel for a late breakfast. On the way to Jaipur, you take a break in a village where you go for a short spin in a jugaad, an original mixture of motorbike and van, called The Village Mercedes by the locals. It is the most popular means of transporting villagers, fodder, livestock and goods. You drive in a jugaad through the vast pastures, through wheat, mustard, coriander and chilli fields to the village of Gothdi. Here you are invited to visit the villagers' houses and watch the farmers, shepherds and silversmiths at work. At an organic resort, you will not only have lunch but also learn about the techniques used in organic farming. Choose your favourite vegetables, which the chef will prepare exclusively for you. The tour then continues to the pink-coloured city of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1727 according to a grid system, making it the only planned city of its time. Many of the houses in the city centre have pink-coloured facades. Dinner at the hotel, an atmospheric haveli with lavish Indian décor.
2 nights in the 4★ Samode Haveli, Deluxe Suite incl. half board – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, you will experience the highlights of Jaipur and the surrounding area. The first stop is the famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, the city's well-known landmark and, with its 953 honeycomb-shaped windows, a fascinating example of the architecture and craftsmanship of the Rajputs in pink sandstone. We then head to Amber Fort, just outside Jaipur. The remarkable fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior walls of the palace display expressive paintings as well as carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the afternoon, visit Jantar Mantar, a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an "expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a learned prince at the end of the Mughal period". Afterwards, there will be a short introduction to tying saris and turbans: men will receive instructions on how to wrap a turban, while the ladies will learn how to turn 6 metres of silk into a deceptively simple-looking sari. Perhaps you would like to try wearing a turban or sari yourself on the spot. For dinner, head to the rural surroundings of Dera Amer. A barbecue dinner with cocktails and folk dances awaits you here. Sit back in front of a blazing campfire with a drink in your hand and the aroma of a delicious barbecue in the air.
In the early morning, there is a yoga session for interested guests. After breakfast, the tour continues to Jodhpur, also known as the 'Blue City' due to the colourful walls of its buildings. In the late evening, you will experience an exclusive tour of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort with a museum curator, who will tell you about the fascinating past and present of the palace complex with great leisure and expertise, while the other visitors have already left the fort. This excursion also includes dinner on the terrace of the Chokelao Mahal: experience the romance of Mehrangarh on the Chokhelao Mahal Terrace, which is located in the historic Mehrangarh Fort and its historic gardens. The evening restaurant offers you a fine dining experience in the fort as you look down on the magnificent city of Jodhpur sparkling at night. The other guests take their dinner at the hotel and visit the fort the following morning with their tour guide.
1 overnight stay in the 5★ Raas Jodhpur, Luxury Room incl. half board – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, you will travel together to Deogarh.
In the afternoon, join a member of the royal family on a tour of the village of Deogarh. Watch the women at the communal well, for example, as they wash their laundry nearby and carry the water in beautiful matkas (clay pots) on their heads to their homes. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through the village market, visit small shops and buy local jewellery. You will enjoy an atmospheric dinner in your palace hotel.
1 overnight stay in the 4★ Dev Shree, Standard Room incl. half board – Details about the hotel
After a leisurely breakfast, take a rural train ride through a hilly area - a ride on the local narrow gauge train through the mountainous Ghats region, known for its panoramic views, jungles, hills, tunnels, bridges and remote one-man stations. The journey takes about 2 hours and covers a total distance of 21 kilometres. Another attraction are the monkeys that descend from the trees in the forest and often receive gifts from the villagers. Continue by bus to Udaipur, the "city of lakes" on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. The rich cultural, social and natural beauty of the city is reflected in the historical monuments and the tranquil, green surroundings of the town. After a break at the hotel, enjoy dinner at the hotel's Sunset Terrace Restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola. You will spend the night at Hotel Taj Fateh Prakash, a palace hotel on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and part of the iconic City Palace complex. Originally built as a venue for royal events, it is now a princely address for discerning guests. From miniature paintings and an armoury to royal heirlooms and furniture straight from the royal storerooms, the palace hotel in Udaipur is full of stories of Rajput courage and adventure.
2 nights in the 5★ Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Palace Room incl. half board – Details about the hotel
After an early breakfast, take a short spin in a vintage car - Udaipur is known for the luxury and extravagant life of the former royal families. Later, enjoy a city tour of Udaipur. Firstly, you will visit the majestic city palace. From the balconies, domes and towers of the palace, you have a marvellous view of Lake Pichola. You will also admire the unique crystal gallery in the Fateh Prakash Palace, the largest private crystal collection in the world. The exquisite crystal artefacts include tables, sofas, dining tables, wash bowls, goblets, decanters, perfume bottles, candlesticks, crockery and even beds. The highlight of the gallery is a bejewelled carpet. In the late afternoon, we take a boat to Lake Pichola, an artificial south-water lake lined with large hills, gardens, havelis, ghats and temples. The boat takes you to the famous Jag Mandir Palace in the middle of the lake: the island has some impressive carvings, including a row of elephants that look like they are guarding the island. Later, enjoy a sumptuous 4-course dinner at the airy Darikhana Restaurant on the island.
You still have some time before returning home. After breakfast, a local artist invites you to a painting workshop - Udaipur is the city of miniature painting. You then fly to Delhi with Air India. There you have the opportunity to freshen up. After a simple dinner, transfer to the airport and return flight to Germany with Lufthansa.
You land in Germany in the morning.
Included in your trip:
Services not included:
This UNESCO-protected haveli with just 14 individually designed rooms is located in the centre of Old Delhi. Step back in time as you enter your tranquil retreat through the arched gateway. Unwind in the Indian boutique-style rooms, which are equipped with all modern amenities and shielded from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets by thick stone walls. The haveli is beautifully decorated with exquisite woodwork, sculptures and Hindu goddesses engraved in stone and steel, antique balconies and bay windows that open up to the bustling streets.
Room
Time stands still in the Diwan-e-Khas rooms with antique furniture, beautiful ceilings and windows overlooking the lanes of Chandni Chowk. The rooms feature eye-catching traditional décor, mesmerising interiors and a seating area.
Gastronomy
The restaurant experiments with the concept of modern Indian cuisine and combines artful presentation with flavourful Indian 'tadakkas'. Indulge in delicacies created by top chefs while relaxing in the beautiful ambience of Haveli. From the famous Papri Chaat to the exquisite flavours of the kebabs, the restaurant is the best place to enjoy delicious food in a traditional ambience overlooking the courtyard.
Set in a vast Mughal-style garden, with its characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shady pathways, the resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. Located in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a sumptuous spa and distinctive cuisine. The interiors are characterised by high ceilings and large windows overlooking the Taj or the landscaped gardens. The colour palette of the interior décor is rich in Mughal hues and shines like a jewel in the endless space. The arches, lattice-like patterns and cornices immediately evoke images of Mughal palaces. Floors of white marble, slate and red sandstone seem to await the arrival of the emperor.
Room
The Mughal Chambers offer luxurious accommodation with Indian charm and modern technology.
Gastronomy
Three restaurants offer Indian and international dishes in a modern or local ambience.
Wellness
Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa offers 9,200 square metres of gentle, holistic care. It has been awarded the prestigious Tatler Award for Best City Spa in the World, American Spa Magazine's award for Best Resort Spa in Asia and Conde Nast's Favourite Hotel Spa in Asia. It is a delightful place of fragrant bliss and offers Ayurvedic and Western therapies that are customised for each guest.
The Samode Haveli, an urban oasis in the historic city of Jaipur, is a traditional Indian mansion set in a verdant garden with flats arranged around a series of intimate courtyards. It was built 225 years ago as the residence of the rulers of Samode and is still inhabited by their descendants, who have converted their home into a luxury hotel. The courtyards, public rooms and guest rooms are lavishly decorated and lovingly furnished.
Room
The former royal residences, built by various rulers over the centuries, are now luxurious rooms and suites. Each room at Samode Haveli is unique and has a distinctive character that reflects its rich history and culture. The rooms retain the exquisite luxury of their past while offering guests contemporary amenities: a well-stocked minibar, coffee and tea counters, spacious wardrobe, satellite television and much more. The spacious bathrooms offer first-class facilities and a range of organic toiletries.
Gastronomy
The exquisite former dining room, which serves as a restaurant, is decorated with colourful, hand-painted murals. In the frescoed rooms, you can choose between traditional Rajasthani cuisine and international flavours. Cocktails or a meal by the large pool are a luxurious treat as you recline in the comfortable salas or day beds with large, regal bolsters.
Wellness
Make yourself comfortable in the Moorish-style pool pavilions on traditional Indian day beds or take a dip in the cool blue waters. The state-of-the-art spa offers massages in comfortable rooms, and a modern fitness centre and steam room invite you to rejuvenate. Enjoy a drink while watching a traditional puppet theatre or a Rajasthani music and dance performance in the evening.
RAAS is the first boutique hotel in Jodhpur with a distinctive look created from a fusion of modern and ancient styles. The courtyard is a tranquil sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the old city of Jodhpur. The hotel, with its stunning entrance flanked by a magnificent pool, consists of four original buildings and three additional modern structures. The new buildings are inspired by the walled city and are characterised by a modern approach to the use of space and light, yet are rooted in tradition. Intricate architectural carvings adorn the buildings in the style of 18th century havelis.
Room
Savour the opulence of your surroundings in one of the 28 luxury rooms overlooking the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. The rooms have a contemporary style and a monochrome colour scheme that contrasts beautifully with the handcrafted red sandstone windows and the cityscape of Jodhpur. The room is of understated elegance, with a spacious bathroom and a private balcony: the perfect place to admire the mystical beauty of the city.
Gastronomy
At RAAS Jodhpur, you have a choice of 5 unique options, most of which offer a marvellous view of the Mehrangarh Fort. The sight of the illuminated fort while savouring exquisite food and drinks is an unforgettable experience. You can choose between modern western and authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The food philosophy is simple - fresh, seasonal, delicious. It focuses on a holistic approach to food that combines rich traditions with a modern twist.
Wellness
The RAAS Jodhpur has an excellent spa that uses only natural products. Experts in alternative therapies provide personalised care. Those who wish can take part in daily yoga exercises.
Shatrunjai Singh Chundawat, a scion of the Deogarh family, decided to rebuild the heritage in the form of a house for his family. He wanted to showcase local craftsmanship in his home and give local boys and girls the opportunity to learn the principles of hospitality. Sitting on the verandah as the lawn stretches to the shores of Ragho Sagar Lake gives a sense of tranquillity: an ideal place to watch the daily activity of migratory birds. The central courtyard is reminiscent of a Moroccan kasba: a courtyard open to the sky, ideal for soaking up the sun, lazing around and reading.
Room
Seven spacious and well-appointed suites with large, luxurious bathrooms offer views of the surrounding flower gardens.
Gastronomy
The emphasis is on meals as they are prepared in Indian households and care is taken to ensure that they are not prepared in the style of a restaurant. The menu is created daily with the guests' preferences in mind. The vegetable garden and neighbouring farms provide most of the vegetables and grains. Lunch can be taken on the lawn overlooking the lake. Enjoy an Indian mini-meal in the sun with chicken biryani and raita, aloo paratha, tomato chutney and yoghurt, or pasta and grilled sandwiches. Dinner is usually an Indian dish with some of the traditional specialities served in a Thaali in the dining room.
The Taj Fateh Prakash is a sun-drenched vision on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and part of the iconic City Palace complex. The current hotel was built in the 20th century by Maharana Fateh Singh as a venue for royal events. Like princely dignitaries from another era, today's guests arrive here and are mesmerised by the magnificent views of the lake and the mighty Aravalli range. The original furnishings of the palace have been carefully preserved. From miniature paintings and an armoury to royal heirlooms and furniture taken directly from the royal storerooms, the palace hotel in Udaipur is full of stories about the Rajputs.
Room
Experience contemporary royal living in the palace rooms, which offer breathtaking views of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace and Jagmandir Island through classic jharokha (arched) window ledges with comfortable cushions. The soothing pastel colour palette, marble flooring, miniature paintings on the walls and marble bathroom with three taps bring the elegance of Mewar to your living space. A flat-screen HD TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and complimentary WiFi complete the range of modern amenities for a stress-free, enjoyable stay. All rooms are individual in size and furnishings.
Gastronomy
The Sunset Terrace, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful restaurants in India, is the perfect spot for a royal mewari meal with magnificent views of the Pichola, Jagmandir Island, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Palace. The Surya Darshan Bar offers a celebratory English afternoon tea to be enjoyed with family and friends and later transforms into a romantic sunset venue for champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
Wellness
The Jiva Spa offers a wide range of Indian massage techniques, body scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments.
German citizens require a visa to enter India. Holders of German passports can obtain an electronic tourist visa under certain conditions. In most cases, this authorises two entries for a stay of up to 60 days. The Indian embassy is responsible for issuing visas. We will be happy to organise the visa for you if you are a German citizen.
If travelling directly from Germany, there is generally no obligation to provide proof of vaccinations. The Federal Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations according to the current vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute when travelling and completing them if necessary. This also includes vaccinations for adults against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (infantile paralysis), as well as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), influenza (flu) and pneumococci if necessary. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are also recommended, as well as against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis ACWY and Japanese encephalitis for long-term stays or those at particular risk.
India's climate can be divided into three zones: the tropical south, the subtropical centre with parts of the north and the temperate to alpine mountain regions far up in the north. In northern India in particular, the temperature can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, you can expect temperatures of up to 40 degrees, while in winter it can get cold and even snow heavily in the far north. The south is constantly hot all year round. In addition to the temperatures, the monsoon should also be taken into consideration when travelling. This causes heavy rainfall in many parts of the country from June to September.
Important note:
This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in our holidays. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call us directly at + 49 30 69 80 21 90.
Please fill in all fields marked with an * carefully. Many thanks in advance!
030 / 69 80 21 98
chongkolnee@select-luxury.travel
"Days in India are like a surprise bag - full of surprises, always unique and always enormously eventful. The Mughal palaces still bear witness to the wealth of their former owners. The numerous walks through markets and shopping streets outside the urban centres are also part of the travel experience. Here you are very close to the everyday life of Indians. The highlight of any trip to Rajasthan is a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."
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