Curated Tours
Jaipur Joy Tours presents
Rajasthan Tour
with Jaipur Joy tours & Journeys through India
15-days / 14 Nights
28th Jan- 11th Feb 2027
This year we are offering a new tour for our customers that embodies everything you ever imagined when thinking about Incredible India. From the majesty of the Mughal Palaces of Bollywood movie sets to the charm of rural towns, temples, forts and stepwells. This tour is a vibrant blend of ancient heritage and bustling markets, diverse cuisine, and historical landmarks that reflect centuries of Indian culture and history.
Our Itinerary will reflect the more personal experience of India, that Rachel Joseph, Founder and Creative Director of affordable fashion brand, Jaipur Joy Ltd brings as your tour leader. She has wanted to share the sights that India is famous for but also share the less well known and more intimate insight into the life and craft that Rajasthan is known and celebrated for and of course her secret contacts that she shares along the way. She is including in this tour a very special natural dye workshop with her 9 generation, hand block printers in Bagru village and well-known Artist and designer, Simon Marks. We invite you to join her on this our Rajasthan tour 2027.
PROGRAMME Day 1- 28th January 2027
Monday, Arrival in New Delhi at IGI airport, Personalised welcome and pick up by your driver on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Transfer to your hotel Le Meridien for check-in, time to rest after long day travel. Depending upon what time of day each of the group members arrive, we will offer the following.
Delhi is our first stop, where we will hope to discover the juxtaposition of Old Delhi, former capital of the Mughal Empire, and New Delhi, which became the new capital of the British Empire in 1911, then the capital of India after independence in 1947. We will go by minibus on a Panoramic tour of New Delhi, with its wide tree-lined avenues and government buildings, a reminder of the British Empire. The Rajpath Royal Way, a wide avenue flanked by decorative ponds, is the work of New Delhi architect Lutyens and the scene of the parade during the annual celebration of the Republic on 26 January. At either end are the India Gate to the east and the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the west, the former residence of the Viceroy and now home to the President. Overnight stay Hotel Le Meridien, Delhi. Evening meet and greet at the Nero Bar at 6pm in Le Meridien before dinner
Day 2- 29th January 2027,
NEW DELHI After breakfast your driver will meet you at reception at 10:00 am. We start the day with a visit to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum commonly known as National Crafts Museum in New Delhi. It is run by the Ministry of Textiles and is a wonderful place to set the scene and give the group a ‘soft landing’ with lunch at the fabulous Museum restaurant. After lunch, we have some options for the group to choose from.
A. visit the Qutub Minar, which includes the ruins of the first mosque built in India, Quwwat-us-Islam, and above all India's tallest minaret with a tower 73 metres high, with five storeys and projecting balconies. The site has great charm with its pink and red colours and is particularly enhanced by the rays of the setting sun.
B. Discover Old Delhi on foot or by rickshaw, through the narrow, intertwining lanes that lead to the Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest, liveliest and largest wholesale markets, a veritable whirlwind of colours, sounds and smells and wonderful shopping if you are so inclined.
C. Or a visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a magnificent Sikh temple founded by the 8th Guru Harkrishan in 1783, famous for its immaculate white marble construction, golden domes and exquisite inlaid semi-precious stones (this will be the only Sikh temple on your trip). The grounds include the Gurudwara, a kitchen, a large (sacred) pond, a school and an art gallery. As in all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practised and all people, regardless of race or religion, can eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar room). The langar (food) is prepared by the gursikhs who work there and by volunteers who like to lend a hand. At the Gurudwara, visitors are asked to cover their hair and not to wear shoes.
Return to the Hotel to freshen up and regroup to discover Old Delhi by rickshaw, to the Khan Market for shopping and dinner. Overnight stay, Hotel Le Meridien
Day 3 - 30th January 2027
DELHI – AGRA 250kms, 5 Hrs. After breakfast at hotel we check out and drive to Agra, with toilet stops on the way. The road to Agra takes you into the province of Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state with around 200 million inhabitants. Once we arrive in Agra, we visit the Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna, one of the oldest historical monuments built in sandstone. It was built in the mid-sixteenth century, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It was the principal residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for almost 200 years, until 1857. Its name comes from the Hindustani translation "Lal Qila", echoing its red sandstone walls. Then “Baby Taj" refers to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra, India, a stunning Mughal mausoleum built by Noor Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, between 1622-1628, predating the Taj Mahal and serving as a precursor with its white marble and intricate Pietra dura inlay work, making it an important architectural inspiration for the larger monument. Dinner at Local restaurants, and overnight at Agra, Hotel Clarks Shiraz. www.hotelclarksshiraz.com
Rest well for tomorrow early morning visit at Taj, and drive to Karauli
Day 4 -31st January 2027
AGRA – KARAULI, 160 kms, 3hrs. Your local city guide and driver will pick up you from your hotel at 06:30am for sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, please wear layers, or bring a shawl/ jacket to keep warm for a chilly early morning visit. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal with its instantly recognisable ivory-white symmetry and romantic history, is really memorable. The Taj Mahal is the finest achievement of the Mughal dynasty and a symbol of eternal love through the magic of Hindu and Persian architecture, remarkably designed to uplift the human soul. It is an immense white marble funerary mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648 in Agra on the orders of the Muslim Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to hold the memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Bannu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal, which means "the light of the palace" in Persian. She died on 17 June 1631 giving birth to their fourteenth child while on a trip to the countryside. Her first burial was in the Zainabad garden in Burhānpur. Her husband, died on 31 January 1666, is buried next to her.
After our visit we return to the hotel and have breakfast and then check-out and drive to Karauli.
Karauli, a former princely state in Rajasthan, was founded in 1348 by Maharaja Arjun Pal. Ruled by the Yaduvanshi Jadaun Rajputs who claim descent from Lord Krishna. The current Maharaja Krishna Pal is also our tour leader, Rachel’s landlord as she rents a bungalow from him in Jaipur each year on lease, for her business. The group will be visiting with the Maharaja Krishna Pal and Maharani Rohini in their royal residency and Hotel the colonial-era Bhanwar Vilas Palace. http://www.karauli.com
After reaching Karauli, and checking into the Bhanwar Vilas Palace Hotel, we will sit down to lunch together and share some free time to rest and explore the property and surrounding farmland and dairy. There will be opportunity to swim (although chilly) and have an evening walk to famous Madan Mohan Ji Temple, enjoy small alleys and rural Rajasthan vibes and not to be missed the dinner at 6.30pm Aarti at Madan Mohanji Temple
Overnight stay in Bhanwar Vilas Palace Karauli.
Day 5 – 1st February 2027
Karauli, After Breakfast at Bhanwar Vilas Palace, we will visit the 14th century City Palace, with its breathtaking fresco’s known to have inspired artists like Brigitte Singh, the famous hand block printer. (www.brigittesingh.com ) It also features frescos of the British soldiers during their empire days in Karauli. The Karauli school of art was established at the city palace and painted the frescos of the Durba Hall and throughout the palace which are recognised by their ability to paint tiny pictures inside a picture. Due to the incredible setting, the city palace is often the set of Bollywood movies or fashion photoshoots. This will be a place for the group to draw inspiration from.
After lunch, there is more free time to explore locally or back at the Hotel, Palace walk with English-speaking in-house guide, Organic Farming, Palace Dairy, Palace Stables, Vintage cars and collection of palanquins and elephant howdahs, Saree Wearing, Safa Tying, Mehendi (Heena) (temporary tattoo) application on hand. The family will be happy to converse and interact with guests at any point in the stay, and for an extended time in the evenings. Overnight stay in Bhanwar Vilas Palace
Day 6 – 2nd February 2027
KARAULI - BUNDI, 270kms/5 hrs. After Breakfast drive to Bundi, a magnificent town located around 36 kilometres from Kota. Surrounded with palaces and forts, the place has a fairy tale quality in it. Bundi’s charm lies in its location –surrounded by orchards of guavas and mangoes, flanked by the Aravalli Hill range and rivers and bordered by the fields of barley and wheat. Situated far from the crowds, it is the simple rural folk that lend us Bundi’s allure. Bundi was once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. Many historians claim that it was once the capital of the great Hadoti Kingdom, which was renowned for its art and sculpture. However, in 1624, Kota separated and became an independent state, and this marked the beginning of the downfall of Bundi. Whether that may be, Bundi still retains its charismatic medieval grandeur, just like Jodhpur and Rajput, the architecture of Bundi also possesses a noticeable bluish hue, designed to keep houses cool during hot summer, in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Visit the fort and stroll through the town, where you will see a step well. The family that own the hotel we are staying in also own a cinema next door and so we will try to arrange an opportunity to have a Bollywood movie evening.
Overnight stay in Bundi, The Hadoti Palace Hotel www.hadotipalace.com
Day 7 – 3rd February 2027
BUNDI - UDAIPUR, 270 kms-5hrs. Breakfast at hotel and drive to Udaipur, On the way to Udaipur, you will pass through a more verdant and agricultural Rajasthan to reach this town, set on the shores of Lake Nawal Sagar and at the foot of an imposing fort, where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book. After reaching at Udaipur check into hotel, and then walk through the small alleys at lal ghat area and enjoy dinner at local restaurants with view of lake Pichola, or Option of Bagore ki haveli folk dance experience, Return to Hotel
Overnight stay in Udaipur, www.hotelmahendraprakash.com
Day 8 – 4th February 2027
Udaipur sightseeing. Udaipur, known as the "White City", is one of India's most charming cities, with its narrow, bustling streets and lakes. Start your morning visit at the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture by Maharana Jagat Singh, and dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the protector of the universe. The magnificent sculptures on the walls and pillars (of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians) encourage meditation. Then discover the City Palace, home of the Maharana of Udaipur, overlooking Lake Pichola, famous for its courtyards, corridors and walls, covered in magnificent inlays of semi-precious stones, mirrors and glass. In the late afternoon, we will take a boat trip on Lake Pichola and a stop at Jagmandir Island also known for its famous role in the James Bond 007 movie, Octopusy. This is wonderful place for photography and imbibing the atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Udaipur. www.hotelmahendraprakash.com
Day 9 – 5th February 2027
UDAIPUR to JODHPUR 250KM- 6Hrs. After breakfast departure around 10:00 am drive to Jodhpur check in and rest after long day. Early evening walk into old city near Clock Tower and visit tor ji Jhalra and narrow streets of Jodhpur and dinner at one of the roof top restaurants of city. Overnight stay in Jodhpur, www.palhaveli.com
Day 10 – 6th February 2027
Jodhpur sightseeing After breakfast at 09:30 am –We will have a driver and local city guide who will pick up you from your hotel and we will cover all the main sightseeing. Jodhpur is Nicknamed the "blue city", founded in the 15th century, Jodhpur is famous for its houses coloured in shades of indigo blue. Jodhpur was the capital of Mârvar, one of the regions of the state of Rajasthan. The visit begins with the majestic immaculate cenotaphs of the former rulers of Mewar: Jaswant Tada, which contrast the freshness of the marble with the delicacy of the Persian motifs. We then visit the most imposing fort in Rajasthan, the Mehrangarh Fort, whose construction began in the 15th century and still belongs to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. After the entrance gate, a ramp leads up to the part of the fort that was inhabited. But before reaching the palace, you pass through several gates that guarded the fortress. The last gate, known as the Iron Gate (Loha Pol), has spikes designed to stop elephants in their tracks... The last visit of the day will be Umaid Bhawan palace. Half of this Palace has been converted into a Hotel and is run by the Taj Group of hotels, with a vintage car museum, and restaurant where we can enjoy dinner. There is an evening opportunity to visit and shop for those interested in the Reproduction Indian furniture and decorative arts businesses that Rachel will introduce you to. Overnight stay In Jodhpur, www.palhaveli.com
Day 11- 7th February 2027
JODHPUR - JAIPUR, 350 kms/6Hrs. Jaipur is known as the "pink city" because most of its buildings are a Terra Cotta colour, that appears a beautiful Pink in the evening light. Jaipur is surrounded by steep hills on 3 sides and surrounded by a fortified walls guarded by 7 gates. In the mid-twentieth century, Jaipur flourished thanks to maharajah Sawai Man Singh, a great polo player, and his third wife Gayatri Devi, who wrote her memoirs ("A Princess Remembers"), a remarkable woman who established the first women's universities and schools in Jaipur. After independence, she played an important political role, particularly in improving the status of women in rural Rajasthan. Jaipur is famous for its textiles and Jewellery and for the many designers who come from all over the planet to make and manufacture their own designs in Jaipur. Once we arrive, we check into the hotel and rest with a chance to maybe have a swim before we get dressed up for a very special welcome to Jaipur with dinner out at The Johri in Johri Bazaar.
Overnight stay in Jaipur. www.khandelahaveli.com
Day 12 – 8th February 2027
After breakfast at the hotel your local city guide and driver will pick up you at 09:30 am for today’s sightseeing. We plan to visit the Amber Fort/Palace first, which stands on a hillside overlooking Lake Maota, ten kilometres north-east of Jaipur. Above it rises the Jaigarh fort, a possible hiding place for the legendary treasure of the Kachwahas, acquired through victories over the centuries. This fort, the original seat of royal power, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rajasthan. From the comfort of the bus, you can admire the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) on the way to the Amber Fort. Since the 12th century, Amber Fort has been the citadel of the Kachwahas and remained their capital until Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II transferred it to Jaipur. The Mughal influence is evident, and you can admire the beautiful combination and blending of two arts, Hindu and Muslim architecture, in the open pavilions and landscaped gardens with canals and fountains. The courtyards are surrounded by luxurious palaces, audience halls and private flats decorated with mirrors and mosaics. Rachel hopes to get the group back door access to rooms within the Fort that tourists are not allowed into see, due to restoration work being carried out. After Amber fort we will visit the Anokhi museum and step well within Amer.
We then will visit with the famous ‘Mughal Printress’, Brigitte Singh and her printing sheds outside Amer where you will see the history of her beautiful hand block prints and her plant enzyme garden that is used to recycle her used water (very inspiring ecofriendly set up) you will also have a chance to purchase prints from her shop. www.brigittesingh.com We will then drive to another of Rachel’s contacts, Dr Vivek Chaturvedy, who has a beautiful boutique hotel nestled in Amer hills, where the group will enjoy dinner and an evening of kite flying on the rooftop with music and a bar. The minibus will drive the group back to the hotel at the end of the evening.
Overnight stay in Jaipur, www.khandelahaveli.com
Day 13 - 9th February 2027
Block printing / Indigo Workshop in Bagru town 40kms-1 hrs Breakfast at hotel, pick up for drive to Bagru village at 9am. Rachel Joseph and Simon Marks, designer/artist/natural dyer will be hosting a 3 day hand block printing and natural dye workshop in the art of Bagru and Dabu printing. We have the privilege of being taught by 9 generational printers, father and son team, Suraj ji and Deepak ji who will guide the group through the process of resist printing using Indigo, madder and iron black natural dyes. Be prepared to get dirty and be ready to wash the cloth that you are printing as this is all part of the experience and joy of this wonderful workshop. Lunch is a packed lunch from the Hotel. Simon is there to assist in helping you explore your own personal artistic ideas using the natural dye and mud resist techniques of Dabu hand block printing. The minibus will return us to the Hotel in time for rest and maybe a swim before dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Jaipur. www.khandelahaveli.com
Day 14 – 10th February 2027
Breakfast and drive to Bagru village for day 2 of workshop. This day will show the different stages and processes in the Dabu hand block printing process including washing out the mud from the cloth in time to print a second design. Today is a day to thoroughly enjoy your surroundings and fully explore your creative ideas. Packed lunch from hotel. Minibus return to hotel in time for a shower. Dinner at Jaipur Modern, a lovely local restaurant with boutique shop attached featuring some of the famous fashion designers coming up on the Indian fashion scene. Ricksha ride back to hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur. www.khandelahaveli.com
Day 15 – 11th February 2027.
Last day of workshop with evening celebrations. Breakfast 9am minibus pickup and drive to Bagru village. The last day of the workshop will give everyone the opportunity to complete their work and achieve some of the ideas they have wanted to explore with the enthusiasm and support from Simon and Rachel and guidance from Suraj ji and Deepak ji. Final packed Lunch together and chance to purchase some of the wonderful fabrics that Suraj and Deepak make themselves and sell to the domestic market. Minibus drives back to hotel to get showered and dressed up for an evening to remember with a goodbye dinner at the Bar Palladio restaurant. Ricksha ride back to hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur. www.khandelahaveli.com
Rajasthan Tour Cost
INR320,000 per person based on single occupancy room with a group minimum of 6 people travelling
As of today, (22.09.26) the exchange rate is 127 INR to £1 = INR 320,000 total = £2519.69 per person. The exchange rate is the most favourable it has been in many years, and it does go up and down, so early booking is advised. The exchange rate will be worked out on the day that you make your payment for the tour. It will be possible to pay an initial deposit of 50% of the total cost by 15th October. The final payment should be paid by 31st October. Each payment will be worked out from the Indian Rupee total outstanding cost and converted on that day into pounds Stirling.
Price Includes:
1. All arrangements, transfers and transport as per itinerary
2. Accommodation includes Bed and Breakfast, starting with Breakfast on 28th January and ending with breakfast on 11th February.
3. Transport in AC vehicle with chauffeur/driver
4. Services of accompanying English-speaking guide
5. Monument entry fees
6. Packed Lunches during natural dye 3-day workshop
7. Local government taxes per current rate (subject to change)
8. Accompanied by Rachel Joseph, tour leader, Jaipur Joy Tours.
Price Excludes:
1. International flights
2. Lunches and dinners with exception of packed lunches during workshop
3. Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, personal
gratuities, insurance, visa fees, camera fees
4. Extra costs incurred due to change of itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.
Get in touch if you are interested in booking this tour and we will send over the booking forms.
Rachel Joseph, Founder/Creative Director, Jaipur Joy Ltd & Jaipur Joy Tours Ltd. Little Bow, Bow Street Langport, TA10 9PR. Mb:07887345304. Jaipurjoy.planet@gmail.com