Historic Buildings
Rajasthan is a truly astonishing place, especially when it comes to history and architectural gems. Take Hawa Mahal for instance, Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, boasting an incredible salmon pink façade that towers a staggering five storeys tall. Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it facilitated elegant ladies of the household as they watched processions of the city. Durbar Hall in Udaipur’s City Palace is another brilliant example of Rajasthan’s rich past; it is one of India’s most impressive reception halls, showcasing the country’s biggest chandeliers. Meanwhile, in Jodhpur, lies the magnificent Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble memorial for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. It boasts quirky domes, striking carved-marble lattice screens and portraits of Rathore rulers dating back to the 13th century.
Palaces
Rajasthan is home to some of the world’s most outstanding palaces, including the City Palace in Jaipur’s old city, made up of pretty courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace’s outer walls were built by Jai Singh II but, as the palace has adapted over the centuries, the inside is an eclectic mix of styles, adding to its charm and character. Afterwards, be sure to discover the City Palace in Udaipur. With its facade overcome with balconies and towers, its grandiose stature looms over Lake Pichola. The City Palace’s construction began in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh II (the city’s founder) and is the largest palace in Rajasthan.
Lakes
Alongside its fascinating history and striking palaces, Rajasthan also boasts magnificent lakes and mountain scenery. A particular highlight is Lake Pichola in Udaipur, which reflects the marvellous mountains like a mirror on the water’s surface. Boat trips are regular and offer a brilliant vantage point over the city, perfect for budding photographers. Just one kilometre north of Pichola is the stunning Fateh Sagar, an artificial lake that was dammed in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, and reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1888. This tranquil lake is encompassed by the picturesque Aravalli Hills and is a glorious place for a day trip.
Forts
Rajasthan, or the ‘Land of Kings’, boasts an extraordinarily rich history; its medieval society witnessed many battles and, to protect it against ravaging armies, built many forts throughout the region. Today, some of these forts still stand, offering a brilliant insight into Rajasthan’s fascinating past. Amber Fort in Jaipur is an extensive palace complex built from vibrant yellow and pink sandstone, complete with glorious marble features. Alternatively, visit Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, one of the most magnificent forts in India. Carved from the very rock it sits on, this alluring structure rises 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Flight Information
London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai, with onward connecting flights to Goa, Cochin, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Kerala.
Please contact our Travel Consultants for flight details.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Visas are required prior to arrival and can be obtained on line at Indian Visa Online Alternatively, you can contact CIBT on 0845 800 4650 or Newland Chase Global Immigration Services
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.