Rajasthan

Wake up early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and enjoy the sun’s golden hue rising behind the dome, undoubtedly the best time of day to visit. The Taj Mahal was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. It is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail.  

Visit Jaipur and discover the many Colours of Rajasthan. This vibrant Pink City is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh abandoned his nearby fortress and palace at Amber in 1727 and laid out a planned city of broad avenues, built of sandstone and later painted pink. Key places to visit in Jaipur are the City Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja and now a fascinating museum, and the Hawa Mahal landmark known as the Palace of the Winds. 

Regarded as one of India’s most iconic and revered species, the Bengal tiger is the national animal of India, representing strength, grace, and resilience while embodying a symbol of power that’s deeply ingrained in Indian mythology and folklore. Tigers also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the forest and grasslands, so it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see one in the wild. Enjoy game drives in search of tigers on the Taj Mahal and Tigers – Premium Adventure.  

Join a street food tour around the colourful streets of Jaipur, where every corner presents a different delicacy. Our expert guide will introduce you to snacks such as Pyaaz Kachori, a pastry stuffed with a spicy onion mixture, or Mirchi Vada, a deep-fried chilli pepper filled with spiced potato. If you have a sweet tooth don’t miss the refreshing Kulfi Faluda, a traditional frozen dessert topped with vermicelli, rose syrup, and nuts. Street food tours to discover Rajasthan’s cuisine feature on India’s North and South -Premium Adventure.  

Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage town on a holy lake, surrounded by desert. Legend says the lake was created from petals that fell from the divine hands of the creator god Brahma. In Pushkar you can see one of the few Brahma temples in the world, dotted with 52 ghats (flights of steps) and around 400 milky-blue temples. The town is also known for hosting the annual Pushkar Fair, when it transforms into a bustling market. Join a special departure of Cycle through Rajasthan and visit Pushkar during the festival.