Wonders of Rajasthan

Day 6, Deogarh
The morning is free so perhaps take a gentle stroll through the picturesque countryside, enjoy a bird watching tour around the lakes of Deogarh, visit a nearby village to experience the local way of life, or simply relax by the pool in your hotel.

In the afternoon you’ll hop in a jeep to reach the starting point of one of India’s last remaining rural rail rides. This 17km journey winds through the Aravalli Hills, crossing 17 stone bridges and passing through tunnels. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for cheeky monkeys along the way!

Day 7, Deogarh – Barli
After a morning drive to Barli, this afternoon you’ll explore the village by bullock cart. As you make your way through the narrow streets you will receive a friendly greeting from all the inhabitants, especially the children. You can see traditional potters and shoe makers at work, visit a local temple, and see the memorials to local rulers. This provides a great insight into the traditional lifestyles still followed by people throughout rural India.

Day 8, Barli – Jaipur
A morning drive to Jaipur. In the afternoon join a local Jaipur resident and food blogger for a cookery class. She will take you to the food markets and purchase the ingredients for the dishes you will cook together. Once you’ve learned about India’s many spices you can put your new-found knowledge into practice as you prepare your own dinner – a series of mouth-watering dishes!

Day 9, Jaipur 
This morning rise early (before the worst of the traffic, and also when it is cool) for a cycling tour of the backstreets of Jaipur. This is fascinating as you will be cycling around whilst the city is coming alive. Children run errands in the street and market stalls are getting set up for the day. You will ride past all of the main sites including Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal, a beautiful pink sandstone building where the royal women could watch the world go by without themselves being seen. The ride lasts around 2-3 hours and you will be back at your hotel for a late breakfast.

In the afternoon take an excursion to Elefantastic. This is a wonderful centre where you have the chance to learn all about Indian elephants. You will be able to feed, wash and take a short walk alongside an elephant, before observing them interacting and playing – if the hose is involved you might get sprayed! This is an amazing experience that is very popular with children of all ages (as well as adults!).

Day 10, Jaipur
Learn the art of block printing as you create your very own hand-crafted gifts with this fun and family-friendly workshop. Using a combination of hand-carved wooden stamps and colourful dyes made from natural materials, you’ll see your creations come to life – a wonderful souvenir to take home.

In the afternoon head out of town to the magnificent Amber Fort. This sits high on a bluff with wonderful views over the hills around. The fort is huge and beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and delicate paintings. There are lots of nooks and crannies that the children will be able to explore. The fort is also very popular with local families and Indian tourists so you will probably receive lots of requests to have your pictures taken. This is an interesting reverse of the normal tourist experience!

Day 11, Sariska National Park
Head to Sariska National Park. Once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar, Sariska National Park is a surprisingly lush wooded valley in the midst of a largely dry area, and also contains the ancient ruins of Shiva temples and Kanokwari fort. Today you have an afternoon game drive in Sariska. This park is one of the few places in India where there is a good chance of seeing a tiger so keep your eyes peeled! There are also leopard, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, bear and many different types of deer which will maintain the excitement if the tigers prove elusive.

Note: Parts of Sariska are closed from July to the end of September. During these months we may arrange a slightly amended itinerary.

Day 12, Sariska National Park
This morning you will enjoy a further game drive in Sariska National Park to maximise your chances of seeing a tiger. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure, or we can add an additional safari if you wish!

Day 13, Agra 
After breakfast depart for Abhaneri Step-Well followed by the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. This is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. The children will enjoy an e-rickshaw around the reserve, which is great fun.

From here continue to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the Moghul Emperor Akhbar nearly 500 years ago, the city was abandoned only 15 years after completion because of a lack of water supply. It is immaculately preserved.

It is then a short drive on to Agra.

Day 14, Agra
In the early morning visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is magical to see this monument at dawn when it is at its quietest and most serene. We do not usually include a guide at the Taj; instead we find the most successful way for children to get the most out of their visit is to rent an audio-guide. You can take your time to explore and then return to your hotel for a late breakfast.

The rest of the morning is free for you to relax. Alternatively we can arrange for you to visit a nearby sanctuary which houses rescued dancing bears.

In the afternoon take a city tour, first visiting Agra Fort. This colossal structure sits on the edge of the Yamuna River just upstream from the Taj. Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, spent the last 12 years of his life here under house arrest. From the balcony of his rooms he could stare across the river at the Taj, which he built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Later cross the River Yamuna and visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb – better known as the Baby Taj. You will also visit Mehtab Bagh, a formally laid out Moghul garden which offers stupendous views of the Taj Mahal, especially around sunset.

In the evening take the train back to Delhi for your final night.

Day 15, Delhi
Transfer to the airport in time for your international flight.