Home / 2025 “Discover Northern India” – Luxury Royal Rajasthan & ‘Holi Festival of Colours’ Experience

2025 “Discover Northern India” – Luxury Royal Rajasthan & ‘Holi Festival of Colours’ Experience

Another UNIQUE Cooking Passions “Small-Group” Cuisine & Culture Experience

“This is India indeed! The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined. – Mark Twain (c.1897)

Taj

Date : Sunday 09 March 2025 to Friday 21 March 2025
13 Days / 12 Nights

PRICING*
INR545,000 per person  (Double or Twin Room) ~ $AUD9,815pp*
INR705,000 per person (Own Room) ~ $AUD12,695pp*

**Upgrade Options Available (based on availability) 
– Jodhpur (+INR20,000 per room per night)
– Udaipur (+INR12,500 per room per night) 

– BOOKED OUT** –

**Please contact Nico to be placed on our “Discover Northern India – Luxury Royal Rajasthan Experience” Waitlist to be advised should any places become available.

Booking Deadline: 01 July 2024

*ALL INCLUSIVE LAND CONTENT including 12 nights Luxury Contemporary & Heritage Accommodation; Luxury “Jet on Wheels” Coach Transfers; Included meals as per itinerary; Holi Festival (“Festival of Colours”) Cuisine & Culture Experiences as per itinerary; Private Group Escorts.
(*AUD to INR Exchange Rate – $1AUD = 55 INR)

Join Nico & Belinda Moretti of Urban Provider’s Cooking Passions Cooking School as we journey to the jewel in the crown of India’s regions – Rajasthan (“Land of Kings”) – which some say possesses more history than the rest of India put together.
This is quintessential India – a land filled with some of the country’s most iconic monuments & colourful cities (The Taj Mahal; Jodhpur (The Blue City); Jaipur (The Pink City); Udaipur (The Lake City) and once the timeless realm of the world’s richest empire of Mughal emperors and royal maharajas!
Our journey will have us stepping back in time and experiencing Rajasthan’s history of massive forts; the opulence & splendour of Rajasthan’s palaces; the bustle & buzz of local markets & bazaars and enjoying the unique regional Indian cuisine of Rajasthan & Northern India!
What to expect from our Cuisine & Culture Experiences
Our bespoke “Cuisine & Culture Experiences” have been designed so that you can make the most of your precious time, as we have done all of the “behind the scenes” research to scope out and curate the finest hotels, local transfers, sights, restaurants and cultural excursions, so you don’t have too.
Each of our tours are designed so you can do as much or as little as you like, while allowing you plenty of free time to explore and immerse yourselves in the sights, shopping, relaxation and eating that YOU want to experience (we’ll be happy to provide suggestions and tips on some of our favourites from our previous visits). So all you have to do is book your preferred flight, pack a bag & a sense of adventure, and join us for an unforgettable and unique Northern Indian experience!
“Discover Northern India – Luxury Royal Rajasthan Experience”
– Cuisine & Culture Experience Highlights – 

Taj Mahal (Agra)

ALiLA Fort Bishangarh Hotel (Bishangarh)

Amer Fort – Mughal Courtyard Garden (c.1623)


DISCOVER RAJASTHAN NORTHERN INDIA ITINERARY

Rajasthan, India

PRE-ARRIVAL – Belinda & Nico will be arriving into Delhi on Friday March 7th 2025, a couple of days prior to the tour’s official start date of Sunday March 9th 2025. If you might also like to arrive earlier than Sunday’s tour start date, please contact us and we can arrange any additional nights.

Day 1 – Sunday 09 March 2025 – Arrival DELHI

 

Delhi is one of the oldest and largest cities of the world and with a greater population of more than 28 million people, it is probably the largest city we have ever visited. Although this may sound daunting, we find it a fascinating & visceral place to visit and have broken our exploration of this captivating city down into smaller pieces so as to better understand this capital of several empires.
Old Delhi, with its labyrinths of narrow streets is where we can experience the history, traditions and chaos of India’s oldest city. It is a place that contains a history set over more than 3,000 years and possesses some of the most spectacular Indo-Muslim architecture in the country. New Delhi, at just over 100 years old, was designed & built by British colonisers as the capital and seat of government. At only 5km south of central Delhi,  its broad tree-lined avenues and surreal calm is a world away from the captivating chaos of the old town .
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), we have arranged for you to be met at the airport for your Private Hotel Transfer to our New Delhi accommodation, the Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi).
14:00pm – Check in to your Taj Club Room (with Lounge Privileges) and settle into the luxurious comforts of one of New Delhi’s finest hotels.
Our Accommodation – Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi)

17:00pm to 19:00pm – Welcome Drinks at the Taj Club prior to our welcome dinner.
19:30pm – Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi)
Included Meals: Taj Club Lounge Privileges; D

Day 2 – Monday 10 March 2025 – The Mughal’s Origins of Delhi

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am – This morning we will commence our introduction to the Mughal’s influence in India, dating back to the 12th century, with a visit to two of Delhi’s most historically significant sites.

Qutub Minar (c. 1192)

 

Humayun Tomb (c.1565)

pm – The remainder of the day & evening at your leisure. Enjoy some downtime poolside at the hotel, or continue your own exploration of some of New Delhi’s sites including India Gate and Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) designed by by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912-1913 as part of their wider mandate to construct a new administrative capital city for British India.

India Gate (c.1921)

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi)
Included Meals: B, Taj Club Lounge Privileges

 

Day 3 – Tuesday 11 March 2025 – Old Delhi Experience

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am to 12 noon – Old Delhi City Walk
This morning we visit Old Delhi in a unique and “off grid” experience that will leave you both awestruck and inspired. We go beyond what most tourists see of Delhi’s historical monuments such as The Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and will experience every day life on the streets. Streets in India are not just about getting from A to B; they are where people live, work, pray, eat and sleep.
The most unique part of our walk in Old Delhi is that we will see not only this area of crumbling havelis and crowded markets; street food and street characters found nowhere else in the city; but we will also see the social aspects of what life is really like for the lives of workers – often migrant labourers – in Old Delhi’s teeming makes and factories.
Our guides for the day are the heroes of our walk, as we will witness this part of the city through the eyes of adolescents that were once street children on these streets of Old Delhi. Although they are no longer street children – they have gone through several years of study and exams since they were supported by the Salaam Baalak Trust – they still have a youthful enthusiasm and a free spirit. They have opinions, hopes and characters.  They are quite likely to ask questions as well as give answers.  But less likely to stick to a script about old buildings and dead people.

“Sanju is one of the most inspirational and resilient 23 year olds we have ever met. He was our guide as he showed us “his” Old Delhi, through “Street Connections”, an amazing non-profit organisation affiliated with Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), which helps to get street kids off the streets and into a safe & caring environment. 
He showed us Delhi’s real life in the streets, from crowded markets to crumbling ancient havelis (Mughal palaces); Hindu & Jain Temples next to Muslim mosques; and street food, chai wallas, makeshift factories and characters found nowhere else in the city.
He also shared his incedible story of being born in Old Delhi’s sprawling slum, leaving & losing touch with his displaced family to live on the streets at the age of 6, where he survived with other street kids by begging & garbage picking for almost 8 years before being supported by SBT.
He’s completed his schooling and is now continuing his studies. The great part of his story is that he found his family, by chance, when he was 18, ten years after they had last been together. Truly amazing!! Here’s some of what he shared with us.”…Nico

13:00pm – Lunch at one of Old Delhi’s oldest and most popular kebab shop.

pm – Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Return to the hotel for some relaxation or continue your exploration of Old Delhi at your own pace to include a visit to Delhi’s Red Fort (c.1638) or the Jama Masjid (c.1655) India’s largest mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Red Fort (c.1638)

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi)
Included Meals: B, L, Taj Club Lounge Privileges

 

Day 4 – Wednesday 12 May 2025 – Agra (Amber Fort & Taj Mahal)

am – Early breakfast at your leisure prior to our group departure for Agra.
07:30am – Group departure by luxury “Jet on Wheels” coach (our journey’s travel bus during our transfers) to the city of Agra. 
10:30am – Agra Fort Experience. With its origins dating back to the 11th century, the Agra Fort was the capital of the Mughal’s empire prior to their relocation to the Red Fort in Delhi.

Agra Fort (c.1573)

13:00pm – Check in to our hotel – ITC Mughal Luxury Hotel Collection –  and time for a light snack at your leisure or relax prior to our sunset visit Agra Fort.

16:00pm – Sunset visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal – India’s most iconic monument and one of the world’s finest architectural masterpieces.

Taj Mahal (c.1631)


“There is nothing as captivating as witnessing the viseral beauty of the perfectly proportioned Taj Mahal once you have taken your first steps through the red-sandstone arched entry gate and it is standing right before you
The sublime symmetry of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Completed in 1640, it is the mausoleum of the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan’s, favourite of his three wives – Mumtaz Mahal.
The shimmering marble masterpiece took over 22,000 artisans from across India, Central Asia and Europe to carve the intricate marble screens and precious stone inlayed marble panels that adorn’s Mumtaz’s tomb.
If you were to draw a line down the middle of the entire 1.2 hectare property & Persian-styled garden courtyards, each side would be perfectly identical! Spectacular!”…Nico

19:00pm – Group dinner.

Travel : 200 km / 3 hours
Accommodation: ITC Mughal Luxury Collection Hotel
Included Meals: B, D

 

Day 5 – Thursday 13 March 2025 – Agra (Fatepur Sikri & Bishangarh)

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
08:30am – Group departure for Bishangarh.
09:30am – Enroute to Bishangarh, we will visit the deserted red sandstone city, Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal empire from 1572 to 1585. It was abandoned shortly after its completion, due to lack of water and the proximity with enemies.

Fatehpur Sikri (c. 1572)

14:30pm – Visit of the Chandi Baori (Abhaneri) Stepwell – Although the village of Abheneri is nearly abandoned, the location is famous for its ‘Baoris’ (stepwells which were invented by the Rajasthani natives to harvest rain water). Abhaneri’s stepwell dates back to the 8th century.
“I have become absolutely fascinated, almost to the point of obsession, with Rajasthan’s mesmerisingly beautiful ancient “stepwells”! I can’t stop trying to get the best photo to capture the almost vertiginous feeling you experience when looking down into these architectural masterpieces. It’s like stepping into an Escher drawing!
Built over 1,000 years ago, the Chand Baori (left) is an architectural masterpiece. Extending 13 stories below ground and consisting of 3,500 narrow stone steps it is the deepest and largest stepwell in India.
In Rajhastan where it is so dry most of the year, and the water table located more than 10 stories underground, they were essential to guarantee water supply for drinking, washing and irrigation. The monsoon rains could also be effectively collected in them once they arrived. Many of India’s stepwells have now been abandoned. Their use diminished during the British Raj era as they felt them to be unsanitary and began installing pumps and pipes to service the needs of locals. As a result, many have been left in a state of disrepair or, sadly, used as rubbish dumps.”…Nico

 

 

 

16:00pm – Check in to ALiLA Fort Bishangarh, a 230 year old warrior fortress transformed into a luxury hotel. Enjoy some time poolside at ALiLA’s Haveli or have a rest prior to dinner this evening.
Our Accommodation – ALiLA Fort Bishangarh


Sunset – Commencement of the festival of Holi. The two-day festival begins with this evening’s ceremony Holika Dahan and the lighting of ceremonial bonfires.
Holi (India’s Festival of Colours)
Holi is considered one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India – a Hindu festival that takes place every spring. It’s all about new beginnings, as Holi welcomes the spring season and celebrates the end of winter.
The Holi festival always falls on Purnima, or the day of the full moon. It’s a two-day holiday; the day before the full moon is Holika Dahan. That’s when a bonfire is lit for a puja (or prayer). The bonfire is cleansing and meant to burn away all the bad and evil. The next day, directly after the full moon, is all about the festival of colours.

 

19:00pm – Group Dinner at Nazaar, ALiLA’s rooftop restaurant with spectacular views over the village of Bishangarh and surrounding Aravali Ranges.

Travel : 240 km / 5 hours
Accommodation: ALiLA Fort Bishangarh
Included Meals: B, D

 

Day 6 – Friday 14 March 2025 – Bishangarh – Holi Celebrations & Free Day

am – Breakfast at your leisure.

Holi Day “The Festival of Colours” – We will take the lead by the ALiLA Concierge Manager and their team for today’s main event of Holi’s colour-filled celebration. While the Holika Dahan bonfires the night before has a religious element, the day of the colour fest typically doesn’t involve a religious ceremony. It’s purely about having fun within your community by taking to the streets or attending private celebrations to throw colours at each other. For those of us that would like to be part of the festivities,  bring along some white clothes to get dressed in (ones that you don’t expect to bring back home!!)
The colours are each said to symbolize something different. Blue is for Krishna, a Hindu god portrayed with blue skin. Green is symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. Red is the color of marriage and can symbolize matrimony or fertility. And yellow, the color of turmeric, is often used on auspicious occasions.

Free Day – As well as the Holi Celebrations taking place today, it is also a free day for you to you to take part in any of ALiLA’s Experiences* or to simply take some time out to relax poolside or enjoy some pampering at ALiLA’s renowned Spa ALiLA.

* Own Expense
pm – Dinner at your leisure. Enjoy dinner at ALiLA’s AMARSAR speciality restaurant inspired by the Silk Road Route or return to the rooftop Nazaar Restaurant.

Travel : No travel day
Accommodation: ALiLA Fort Bishangarh
Included Meals: B

 

Day 7 – Saturday 15 March 2025 – Jaipur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am – Group departure for the city of Jaipur (The Pink City).
10:30am – Prior to arriving into Jaipur we will visit the famous Amer Fort situated on the outskirts of the city.

Amer Fort (c.1592)

“Rajhastan literally means “The Land of Kings” and it is through the architectural magnificence of its incredibly well preserved medieval towering forts and awe-inspiring palaces that one best experiences the glorious heritage and rich royal past of India’s largest state.
For us, it’s been “another town, another colossal fort palace” and today we experienced the Amer (Amber) Fort built in 1592.
Although it looks all of its almost 500 years from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside boasting beautiful royal residences, manicured gardens and many ceremonial courtyards. This is the elaborately frescoed Ganesh Pol (Gate), the entry to the private palaces of the Maharajas.


The “Sheesh Mahal”, known as the “Mirror Palace” is a magnificent piece of architecture built with precious stones and glass and with beautiful handmade paintings. Below is the outside, and inside is one bedroom.
The reason for having a “Sheesh Mahal” in the palace is because the queens were unable to sleep in the open air, but as they wanted to see the stars while sleeping, the reflection of two lit candles in the middle of the room would appear as stars on the mirrored ceiling, walls and floors. Amazing design for 500 years ago!”…Nico

12:30pm – Group Departure for the city of Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan state, was founded in 1727 by Maharaj Jai Singh II, who ruled Jaipur State from 1699-1744. Initially his capital was Amer, which lies 11 km from Jaipur. As the kingdom’s population grew, he moved the capital to Jaipur, which was developed as India’s first ever planned city, following the principles of Shilpa Shastra (the science of Indian architecture), and referencing the ancient Indian knowledge on astronomy.
It was in 1876 that the city was painted its famed pink colour – the colour of warmth and welcome – for the visit of the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). Since then, the “Pink City”, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which continues to charm travellers from around the world.
Jaipur could be said to be the face of Rajasthan. By perfectly balancing tradition with modern culture, it has earned a special place for itself in the hearts of travellers. Jaipur never ceases to surprise you. The breathtaking City Palace, Jaigarh Fort and Hawa Mahal are integral parts of sightseeing in Jaipur. The city is a paradise for shoppers. Blue pottery, traditional jewelry, mojaris and tie and dye prints are the highlights of Jaipur shopping.
“Rajhastan loves a good coloured city!
You’ve got Jodphur – the “Blue City”, Udaipur – the “White City”; Jaisalamer – the “Golden City” and here are some pics of its capital, Jaipur – the “Pink City”.
This is the amazing Hawa Mahal (The Palace of Wind) built in 1799 as a summer palace for the royal family.

As well as keeping the palace cool and airy in summer, the small peephole sized windows allowed the royal ladies of the court an opportunity to watch the goings on the street below as they were not able to be seen by the public.
Its honeycomb design of 953 windows and lattice allowed the breeze to flow through during the height of summer. The top floors are only one room wide.”…Nico
14:00pm – Check in to our accommodation – Royal Heritage Haveli
Our Accommodation – Royal Heritage Haveli

pm – Evening and dinner at your leisure. Enjoy dinner either in-house or we can arrange to go out for dinner at one of Jaipur’s restaurants.

Travel : 90 km / 2 hours
Accommodation: Royal Heritage Haveli
Included Meals: B

Day 8 – Sunday 16 March 2025 – Jaipur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am – Visit to Jaipur’s historical sights including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Hawa Mahal (c.1799)

Hawa Mahal (“Palace of Winds”) – is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks and a standing example of the fine architecture of the Mughal era. Built in 1799 by the poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh, the five-storey structure is made of pink sandstone and features 356 intricately carved jharokhas (windows) through which women of the royal family could observe life on the street in privacy.

 

City Palace (c.1729)

City Palace – Located at the heart of Jaipur and built between 1729 and 1732, the City Palace is a glorious remnant of Jaipur’s royal past, with beautiful architecture that blends Mughal and Rajput styles, vast courtyards and attractive gardens. The most commanding building is Chandra Mahal, a seven-storey tower where royal descendants continue to reside, and housing a museum showcasing royal artefacts. An example of the impressive designs placed within the palace is an inner courtyard called Pritam Niwas Chowk, where there are four doorways in the walls (see above). Each of these doors is unique in its design and decoration, and beautiful to behold. The four doors represent the four seasons and different Hindu gods.

Jantar Mantar (c. 1727)

Jantar Mantar – The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between the year 1727 and 1734. The name is derived from ‘jantar’ which means instrument and ‘mantar’ which means formula. Therefore Jantar Mantra means ‘calculation instrument’. Experts say that the Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is modeled after the one that he had built in Delhi (the Mughal capital at that time). It is said that similar structures were built at five different locations. But the Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved out of these. It has a set of about 20 main fixed instruments built in masonry. Built from stone and marble that were locally bought, each instrument has an astronomical scale, marked on the inner lining of the marble. It has been inscribed as cultural property on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.”
14:00pm – Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Take advantage of the Royal Heritage Haveli’s in-house Aruyvedic Clinic or alternatively continue your exploration of Jaipur and its many bazaars.
19:00pm – Haveli Cooking Experience – We will enjoy the demonstration of some classic Rajasthani recipes with the Royal Heritage Haveli chef followed by dinner.

Travel : No travel day
Accommodation: Royal Heritage Haveli
Included Meals: B, D

Day 9 – Monday 17 March 2025 – Jodhpur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
08:00am – Group departure for our journey to Jodhpur (The Blue City).
Today is the longest travel day of the tour with a distance of 325km and a travel time of just under 7 hours. Take in the comfort of our “Jet on Wheels” Luxury Coach as we travel through the Rajasthani landscape.
11:00am – Arrival into the holy city of Pushkar for a brief break and lunch.

Pushkar – Similar to Varanasi, the holiest of all cities in India, Pushkar is a tiny holy city nestled in the heart of Rajasthan. It is believed that the holy waters of Pushkar wash away sins and purify you from within. Pushkar reveals itself as a hidden gem, where the ethereal meets the earthly, and every step unveils a tapestry woven with legends! Legend has it that the Hindu God Brahma dropped a lotus flower from his hand, and the much-revered Pushkar Lake emerged at that spot.
Surrounded by 52 ghats, each one adorned with its own significance, pilgrims from across India seeking Nirvana gather to bath themselves in the holy waters of the lake.
Pushkar’s famous Camel Fair, also known as Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela, is held annually in November. it started mainly as a cattle trade fair, where people brought their cattle, camels, and horses for trading in the market.
13:00pm – Departure from Pushkar for Jodhpur (“The Blue City”), Rajasthan’s second largest city.

Jodhpur – Well known for its impressive forts and palaces, this city is known as the “Blue City” because most of the houses are painted an iridescent shade of blue. Rajasthan’s second largest major city, it is one of the most important travel places in the country. The gateway to the vast Thar Desert, Jodhpur is crowned by the enormous Mehrangarh fort which is the main attraction of the town. Other main attractions of the town are the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Jaswant Thada.
16:00pm – Check in to our Jodhpur accommodation – Pal Haveli – situated in the centre of Jodhpur’s bustling town centre and market and only a few hundred metres from Jodhpur’s clocktower. Locally known as the Ghanta Ghar, the enormous clock tower is the second biggest clock tower in the world after Big Ben in London. It is still operated manually with the twisting of the key for the running of the clock.
Our Accommodation – Pal Haveli

19:00pm – Group Dinner at Pal Haveli’s rooftop “INDIQUE” restaurant, with its uninterrupted views above The Blue City and its Mehrangarh Fort by night.

 

Travel : 350 km / 6 hours
Accommodation: Pal Haveli Heritage Hotel
Included Meals: B, D

Day 10 – Tuesday 18 March 2025 – Jodhpur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
10:00am – Exploration of Jodhpur’s sights which date back to when it was the stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan and founded in 1459.

Mehrangarh Fort (c. 1459)

Mehrangarh Fort – One of the largest forts of India, Mehrangarh Fort commands a captivating view of the entire Jodhpur  city. It is from the top of this fort that you can see the famous blue houses of the city that give the city its nickname ‘The Blue City’.
The burnished red sandstone structure of Mehrangarh fort takes center stage in Jodhpur, looking down at the city from atop a rocky hill that’s 400 feet high. The foundation for the fort was laid by Jodha Rao in 1459, the fifteenth ruler of the Rathore dynasty of Jodhpur, when he decided to move the capital from Mandore. The walls, in addition to being 118 feet high, are 69 feet wide with seven gates barricading entry to the main complex. The first of these gates, Jai Pol (meaning ‘Victory gate’), was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 as a celebration of his victory in the war against Bikaner and Jaipur. Loha Pol, the final gate, has on the wall beside it the hand prints of the maharanis, who committed sati (immolation on the funeral pyre of Maharaja Man Singh).
Mehrangarh fort also has beautiful palaces, which are ornately decorated, including Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace). It’s one of the best preserved forts in India and has a museum within that displays treasures, armory, paintings and other artifacts.

Mehrangarh Fort’s “Phool Mahal” (Flower Room)

 

Jaswant Thada (c. 1899)

Jaswant Thada – This white cenotaph was built in 1899 as a tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh, who ruled Jodhpur and invested well in his state. He made attempts to bring down the level of crime, subdue dacoits, built railways and broadly worked on raising the economy of Marwar. The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the Sun.

Umaid Bhawan Palace (c. 1929)

Umaid Bhawan Palace – Umaid Bhawan Palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to counter a famine which had hit the state at the time. It was also known as the Chittar Palace while being constructed thanks to the use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill. The palace was designed by HV Lanchester, a renowned British architect, and was completed in 16 years. Built with sandstone and marble, the architecture of the palace is described as a blend of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles. It is recognised as one of the largest private homes in the world, with its 347 rooms, and also one of the more spectacular buildings. It is the only palace built in the 20th century.
13:00pm – Remainder of the day and evening at your leisure to further explore The Blue City and its charming Old Town, including the nearby Sardar Market newly restored Jodhpur Stepwell. Join Nico for a wander through Jodhpur’s charming “blue” streets and a tasting of Jodhpur’s famous samosas and saffron lassi amongst the buzz of the Sardar Market.


pm – Remainder of the day and evening at you leisure. Visit one of the many Jodhpur’s  rooftop bars or restaurants for a drink or dinner with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort set before you.

Travel : No travel day
Accommodation: Pal Haveli Heritage Hotel
Included Meals: B

Day 11 – Wednesday 19 March 2025 – Udaipur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am – Group departure for the “Lake City” of Udaipur. Situated on Lake Pichola, Udaipur is known as “The Venice of the East” and is one of India’s most picturesque cities.
11:00am – Enroute to to Udaipur we will visit the famous Jain Temple. dedicated to Adinatha. Built in the 15th century, the temple made of white marble offers many beautiful carvings.

Ranakpur Jain Temple (c.1389)

Ranakpur Jain Temple – Situated in the lush green valley of the Aravalli mountain ranges between Jodhpur and Udaipur is the home to one of the biggest and most important Jain temple complexes of India. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple covers an area of nearly 48,000 square feet area and is supported by 1444 marble pillars, each of them intricately and artistically carved, yet no two of them are alike.
15:00pm – Arrival in Udaipur.

Udaipur – Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar Kingdom. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by the lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur.
15:00pm – Check in to your lakeview hotel room at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.
Our Accommodation – Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel

17:00pm – Sunset Lake Cruise on the mirror-calm Lake Pichola with its sparkling Lake Palace and views back towards the city’s famous City Palace, one of the largest royal residences in the world.

pm – Remainder of the evening at your leisure to explore the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur leading to the Washing Ghats at the Lake Pichola. Visit one of the fine downtown restaurants for a dinner in one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan.

Travel : 280 km / 5 hours
Accommodation: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Included Meals: B

Day 12 – Thursday 20 March 2025 – Udaipur

am – Breakfast at your leisure.

Udaipur City Palace (c.1553)

10:00am – Following breakfast we have arranged a guided tour of Udaipur’s City Palace, the largest palace complex of any in Rajasthan.
Udaipur City Palace – Commenced in 1553, the complex was built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is the epitome of a colossal citadel that is a mixture  of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Oriental architecture. The construction of this magnum opus, started by Maharana Udai Singh II, was carried on by his successors. Each king commissioned his vision to this bastion by sourcing architectural influences and constituents from different parts of the world. Despite having a diverse assortment of architectural influences, they fit seamlessly to showcase the palace as a congruous marvel.
One highlight of the palace is the Crystal Gallery, with its extravagant collection of exquisite crystal objects, including tables, chairs, sofas and even beds. In 1877, Maharana Sajjan Singh commissioned the F&C Osler Company in England to create custom-made crystal objects for his personal use. Unfortunately, the maharana died before the consignment arrived and the shipment lay forgotten for almost 110 years until it was opened and displayed in 1994.
pm – Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Visit some of Udaipur’s other sites at your leisure; do some final shopping at some of the many clothing, art or handicraft boutiques, or simply relax in your Lakeview room as the sun sets over Lake Pichola.

19:00pm – Rooftop sunset drinks prior to our Final Group Dinner in Udaipur.

Travel : No Travel Day
Accommodation: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Included Meals: B, D

Day 13 – Friday 21 March 2025 – Departure

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
Our exploration of Northern India has come to an end and today is time to say our final good-byes to the group and check out from our hotel. Our hotel is able to arrange for Airport Taxi Transfers (own expense) to the nearby Udaipur Airport to suit your return travel arrangements.
When making your departure travel arrangements, you will normally find that flights ex-Udaipur will transfer through Mumbai or Delhi, so select the route that would best suit your international return flight.
Namaste!

“Discover Northern India – Luxury Royal Rajasthan & ‘Holi Festival of Colours’ Experience” Inclusions

 

The following is INCLUDED:
The following is NOT INCLUDED in the price:

How to Book

If you are able to join us on our special 2025 “Discover Northern India – Luxury Royal Rajasthan” Cuisine & Culture Experience, please contact us on +61 402 154 358 or email urbanprovider@icloud.com to request a Booking Form to secure your places.
Booking Deposit:A $AUD2000 per person non-refundable* BOOKING DEPOSIT is required to hold a booking for the tour, at the time of your reservation. *Booking Deposits are used to pay necessary accommodation deposits with our Indian accommodation & service providers at the time of booking. *We are able to refund any Booking Deposits if we can fill your cancelled places with another traveller)
Booking Deadline: Monday 01 July 2024 (or while places remain)
Final Payment:Payment in full is required at least 90 days prior to departure. (Final Payment Due: December 9th 2024)
We look forward to hosting you on tour. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us should you have any questions about any aspects of our “Discover Northern India – Luxury Royal Rajasthan Experience”.
Namaste,
Nico & Belinda Moretti
Cooking Passions Cooking School
267 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
AUSTRALIA
www.urbanprovider.com.au