8 remarkable adventures in India’s colourful Rajasthan

The last stronghold of the Maharajas, Rajasthan is colourful, opulent and lively. It is the India every traveller dreams of and these extraordinary trips ensure those dreams come true.

5 mins

1: Immerse yourself in rural Rajasthan

Carrying water in Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Carrying water in Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Learn about day-to-day life in rural India and visit water, farm and schooling projects on this rural and cultural tour of Rajasthan with Audley.

This is a North Indian adventure with a twist. You’ll see all the sights that Rajasthan is famous for and stay in accommodation full of character and colour, but with the added bonus of taking part in activities that help the local villagers. Whether you help carry water or build a wall or teach a class, your time in the villages of the Aravalli hills – and the people you meet – will never be forgotten.

Who: Audley

When: Flexible dates throughout 2017

How long: 14 days

How much: From £3,625 (inc. flights)


2: Experience Rajasthan on two wheels

Cycling through Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Cycling through Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Slow down and take the road less travelled through the majestic countryside of Rajasthan on this 15-day cycling adventure with Intrepid.

Cycling offers a unique chance to experience Rajasthan from a totally different perspective.  Interacting with villagers as you pass by, stopping for a cup of chai under a roadside tree and simply soaking up the sights and sounds around you, you’ll encounter India at its own pace. A support vehicle will be with you the entire way and accommodation includes a 400-year-old fort, surrounded by mango trees. This is India, close enough to touch.

Who: Intrepid

When: 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 4, 18 Nov & 2, 16, 30 Dec 2017

How long: 15 days

How much: From £1,500 (exc. flights)


3: Treat yourself to a luxury rail journey through Rajasthan

A right royal welcome (Dreamstime)

A right royal welcome (Dreamstime)

Step back into the days of the Maharaja and experience unparalleled splendour on this luxury rail journey through Rajasthan on the legendary Palace On Wheels.

This is a journey fit for a Raj – with finely appointed cabins, a well-stocked bar, international cuisine and impeccable personal service. Personal guides will also ensure that you see the very best the region has to offer at each stop, with visits to the ramparts of Jodphur’s Mehrangarh Fort, Jaipur’s palaces and the shimmering Lake Palace at Udaipur.

Who: Audley

When: Flexible dates throughout 2017

How long: 11 days

How much: £6,210 (inc. flights)


4: All the fun of the Pushkar Camel Fair

Camel trader in Pushkar (Dreamstime)

Camel trader in Pushkar (Dreamstime)

Witness one of the world’s greatest spectacles on this trip to the annual Pushkar Camel Fair with G Adventures.

The fair is unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. People travel for hundreds of miles to buy and sell camels but it is so much more than that. There are cricket matches and longest-moustache competitions, ‘street’ food and chai stalls, Ferris wheels and music. This 15-day tour also takes in the best of Rajasthan with visits to Jodphur, Agra and Udaipur, but it will be the fair that you remember.

Who: G Adventures

When: 22 & 26 Oct

How long: 15 days

How much: From £1,249 (exc. flights)


5: Discover the heart of Rajasthan

he backstreets of Jaipur (Dreamstime)

The backstreets of Jaipur (Dreamstime)

Enjoy a  ‘slow travel’ adventure into the heart of Rajasthan on this personally designed tour with Chapters Experience.

You’ll experience this fascinating region at a slower pace and in greater depth, with a heritage walk through the pink city of Jaipur and a gentle amble through rural villages like Amer, where you see craftsmen at work and share a simple meal. It will be your time in the countryside that will linger in your memory – wandering through crops of wheat, mustard and marigolds, encountering local communities and enjoying high tea in a forest.

Who: Chapters Experience Holidays

When: 15 Nov 2017

How long: 14 days

How much: From £2,475 (exc. flights)


6: Indulge your Rajput fantasies

The Taj Lake Palace (Dreamstime)

The Taj Lake Palace (Dreamstime)

Experience Rajasthan like a Rajput king on this luxury hotel stay tour of India’s most regal of regions with Wexas.

By day, you’ll the encounter glittering palaces, shimmering lakes, storybook forts and lively bazaars that Rajasthan is famous for. By night, you’ll be pampered in five-star hotels, three of which – Rambagh Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Taj Lake Palace – were the homes of Rajasthan royalty.

Who: Wexas

When: Flexible departures throughout 2017

How long: 12 days

How much: From £3,895


7: Learn to cook in Rajasthan

Fresh ingredients in Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Fresh ingredients in Rajasthan (Dreamstime)

Get to the heart of one of India’s most lively and colourful regions – and pick up a few new skills – on this in depth tour of Rajasthan with Gecko Adventures.

This 19-day tour is all about the experience. You’ll sleep under the stars in the Thar desert, brush up your haggling skills in Pushkar’s bazaars and take cooking classes in Udaipur. Local guides will take you to hidden corners of their cities and you’ll visit rural villages where time stands still. How will India leave its mark on you?

Who: Gecko Adventures

When: 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 11, 25 Sep,  9, 23 Oct, 10, 24 Nov & 11, 18, 25 Dec

How long: 19 days

How much: £685 (exc. flights)


8: Meet Rajasthan’s royal tigers

Tiger in Ranthambhore National Park (Dreamstime)

Tiger in Ranthambhore National Park (Dreamstime)

Embrace the splendour of Rajasthan and meet it’s most majestic inhabitants on this 16-day tour of Northern India and Ranthambhore National Park with Peregrine.

Overnighting in ornate havelis and historic palaces, you’ll sample the lifestyle of the Maharajas. Visiting local villagers will introduce you to a way of life that has changed little in centuries. Finally, a visit to Ranthambhore National Park will bring your face-to-face with the magnificent Bengal tiger. This is the Rajasthan of your dreams.

Who: Peregrine

When: 16 Sep, 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct,  4, 18, 25 Nov & 2 Dec

How long: 16 days

How much: From £2,085 (exc. flights)

Main image: Jal Mahal Water Palace, Jaipur (Dreamstime)

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