INDIA: Boutique Rajasthan Small Group Cultural & Textile Tour - 11 days
INDIA: Boutique Rajasthan Small Group Cultural & Textile Tour - 11 days
Our 11 day boutique tour offers an immersive experience into the cultural and textile heritage of Rajasthan, exploring the grandeur of its historical cities while delving into its rich tradition of handmade crafts and fabrics.
Beginning in Delhi, the capital of India, visitors will explore Mughal architecture at sites like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, and wander through bustling bazaars such as Chandni Chowk, where textiles and handicrafts from across India are showcased.
The tour then proceeds to Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal, where travellers will also visit local markets known for exquisite marble inlay work and traditional zardozi embroidery.
En route to Jaipur, stop a fabulous stepwell and discover its history. Arriving in the “Pink City” of Jaipur, participants will visit the majestic Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace while learning about block printing techniques and gemstone polishing, both integral to Jaipur’s craft traditions. Visits to local workshops offer a hands-on experience of these crafts, particularly the famed blue pottery and hand-printed textiles.
Next, in Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” travelers will explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the traditional textile markets known for Bandhani (tie-dye) fabrics and leheriya (wave-patterned textiles). A visit to the Bishnoi villages offers a glimpse into sustainable rural crafts and textile production.
The final leg of the tour brings visitors to the romantic city of Udaipur, often called the "Venice of the East." Here, the highlights include the stunning City Palace and Lake Pichola, alongside local workshops where artisans craft Pichwai paintings and fine zari (gold thread) embroidery.
Join our journey as a solo traveller, a couple or more and enjoy stays in heritage hotels, dining on regional Rajasthani cuisine, and have the chance to interact with master artisans preserving centuries-old textile traditions. The tour blends the history and grandeur of Rajasthan’s cities with an in-depth appreciation for its world-renowned textiles and cultural heritage.
Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Jodhpur | Udaipur | (Mumbai / Delhi)
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TOUR DATES
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Destination: INDIA. Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Jodhpur | Udaipur | Mumbai / Delhi
Tour Commences In: Delhi
Tour Concludes in: Udaipur
Number of Days: 11 days / 1 nightd
Tour Style: Small Group Tour (2 -12)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 10: Lunches; 1: Dinners; 4:
Leaders: Professional guides
Transportation: Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Grading: Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an above average level of fitness and mobility
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• Experience New & Old Delhi
• Discover Raj Gath, Qutab Minar
• Visit Red Fort, one of the oldest monuments of India
• Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
• Be overwhelmed by the Taj Mahal,
• Discover the history of Agra Fort
• Visit a “stepwell’ and be in awe
• Explore the wonderful sites of the ‘pink city’ bazaars
• Be in awe of magnificent Hawa Mahal façad (Palace of Winds)
• Visit the Meherangarh Fort and gaze down on the ’blue city’ of Jodhpur
• Perhaps experience an elephant ride to Amber Fort
• Enjoy a special ‘cocktail’ moment at one of India’s glorious Palaces
• Walk Jaipur’s old city and immerse yourself in the buzz of the bazaar
• Be in awe of a brilliant architectural monument comprising of haa, domes and 1444 intricately carved pillars
• Be captivated by Fateh Prakash Palace and visit the unique Crystal Gallery
• We offer a variety of wonderful hotel experiences
• Enjoy fabulous regional cuisine
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Day 1: Saturday 25th October 2025: Arrive Delhi:
Namaste ! Welcome to Delhi; India’s vibrant and chaotic capital city. Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be there to greet you and ensure your comfortable transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have some free time to begin your exploration of Delhi. Your knowledgeable guide is ready to offer you a range of options, be it sightseeing or shopping.You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need to make the most of your stay even more enjoyable in this exciting city.
Day 2: Sunday 26th October 2025: Delhi: (B/D)
This morning after a breakfast we embark on the sightseeing of Delhi. Delhi is the melting pot of different cultures. Whatever is found in East, West, North & South of India can be found in Delhi’s markets. (Both in original and almost original duplicates)
Today, you will explore the Old City and beyond. The walled city of Old Delhi the former Imperial capital is a maze of lanes crowded with shops, crumbling havelies (mansions), in the midst of which lies one of the country’s largest mosques. We will take a rickshaw ride and a walk through the narrow lanes of the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market. It is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – buttons, beads, silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian. Your rickshaw ride will be planned in such a way that you get to witness the narrowest alleys of Old Delhi selling, textiles, Kinari’s (or Decorative borders), saris, home decor etc. It would be a glimpse into the textile traditions that have been prevalent in this area from over five hundred years or more. You will disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan’s last architectural legacy.
Lunch can be enjoyed at any of the local famous restaurants.
Continue onto the Humayun’s Tomb. One of the earliest examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, this mausoleum was designed by a Persian architect, and provided the prototype for future tombs, including the Taj Mahal. Recently taken over by the Agha Khan Trust, the gardens have been restored to their former glory, and the tomb and surrounding monuments restored.
From Humayun’s Tomb we drive along the tree lined avenues of the New City built by the British. The drive takes us past the houses of Parliaments, the India Gate and the jewel of this architectural collection – the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential Palace. Time permitting we shall also visit the Delhi Haat market.
Later this evening, we will gather at the hotel lobby to meet your fellow travelers and enjoy our welcome dinnerDay 3: Monday 27th October 2025: Delhi - Agra: (B)
This morning after breakfast, check out and we drive to Agra. Drive time approx. 3.5 to 4 Hours.
On arrival check in to our Hotel. Post lunch you will visit the Red Fort.
Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name of Dar – ul – Khilafat (seat of the emperor).Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow gullies and quaint buggies and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of Mughals still preserves, so delicately.
When the Mughal emperor established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughals ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life.
Agra is famous for Marble inlay works & Zari Zardozi works. Zardozi is formulated by combination of two persian words, Zar or Zarin (meaning Gold) & Dozi meaning sewing. Designs are often created using gold or silver or other metal threads and can incorporate pearls, beads, and precious stones. We shall visit a crafts place to see the artisans at work. We will also have time to see artisans who are descendants of those who worked at Taj Mahal, creating magic on Marble. It is a fading art and can only be seen in Agra.
The Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna opposite the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. It is noted that Emperor Shah Jahan had identified a site from the crescent-shaped, grass-covered floodplain across the Yamuna River as an ideal location for viewing the Taj Mahal. It was then created as "a moonlit pleasure garden called Mehtab Bagh."
Built as the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630 AD by Indian artisans and artisans from neighbouring Islamic countries who worked for over 22 years (1631 AD
Later in evening, witness sun set from Mehtab Bagh or Moonlight Gardens with the setting sun casts a magnificent glow on the Taj Mahal across the river.Day 4: Tuesday 28th October 2025: Agra - jaipur: (B/D).
Early this morning we visit the Taj Mahal at sun rise, the monument built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to build this sublime garden tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise. It’s perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship was the work of artisans from both India and overseas. The Taj Mahal represents the wealth and luxury of Mughal art.
Return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check out & drive to Jaipur. Drive time approx. 5 Hours, arriving in Jaipur by late afternoon.
Jaipur is famous for its precious & semiprecious Jewellery, hand block printed textiles, hand embroidered home furnishings, hand woven silk, camel wool rugs, hand embroidered shawls, blue pottery, ‘go to’ tailors and many more. It is a shoppers paradise.
This evening we will visit a local family home where you have an option of indulging in the evening cooking. Under the guidance of the host, you can try your hands on Indian cooking learn different recipes and spices. You may also try to make chappatis (Indian bread), an integral part of a Rajasthani meal.
Before proceeding to the cooking place, you may also visit the local markets to buy vegetables and spices and also learn the art of bargaining, a hereditary art of Indian housewives. You will have dinner with the family.Day 5: Wednesday 29th October 2025: Jaipur: (B)
This morning after breakfast we shall visit the Block printing factory. The art of block printing was developed approx 400 years back in a small town of Sanganer right on the out skirts of present Jaipur. The blocks are carved out of teak wood and colours derived from natural substances. We visit the factory for some hands-on printing skills. This is a brain child of third generation women entrepreneurs Tanu & Shilpa. Combining the age old techniques developed by master craftsman over the centuries with some modern chic designs, Tanu & Shilpa create ecofriendly magic on cloth.
They take special care of all the artisans and their families who are associated with them. We shall be enriched by their heartwarming stories which are classic example of community development and women empowerment.
This morning activities include, learning the art from block making to colour mixing with ‘Ustads’ and then proceeding to hands on printing our own handkerchiefs/ ccarfs.
Lunch can be enjoyed at any of the famous local restaurants.
Post lunch we shall visit the sprawling City Palace which is a superb marriage of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection.
From the City Palace you enter the extraordinary “Jantar Mantar”, the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Roughly translated the name means “The Formula of Instruments”. This is one of five observatories he built in northern India. The instruments resembling massive futuristic structures are actually highly sophisticated instruments which are accurate even today.
After Observatory we shall visit lwho are famous for ‘Go To Tailors”. Satguru’s is run by two brother Rajnish & Romy. They did all the tailoring for the movie cast of ‘Best Exotic MariGold Hotel’. There is a huge collection of cotton, silk and other fabrics to choose from and with tailors that can skilfully stitch western dresses in a few hours, we will have the opportunity to get some dresses made to order.
We shall also visit a Blue Pottery School and learn the art of blue pottery making. This 300 year old art is native to Jaipur.
Stop for photos at the iconic Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of the Winds”, before entering the busy markets of the Old City. We later return to our hotel.Day 6: Thursday 30th October 2025: Jaipur: (B)
This morning after breakfast we shall visit the Amer fort and Palace Hill forts they were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana that “a fort is the strength of a king”. They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts.
After lunch we shall embark on a crafts tour of Old Jaipur.
Jaipur is also very famous for its sari’s. You shall visit the wedding market in old Jaipur which presents huge sari options. You can also visit a designer well known for the hand painted designer sari’s
Making our way through narrow alleys in Pink city we shall visit the tie and die artisans. Our paths shall lead us through beaders street, lacquer bangle makers, incense makers, jaipur’s famous spice markets etc.
Later we shall visit the famous cooperative to learn the art of rug weaving. Rulers of Amer while lading battles in northwest frontier provinces brought back the art of rug weaving. Now it has become a thriving industry where magical medieval as well as modern designs are woven by artisans. The most impressive of the methods is the burning of rug to check its authenticity! 500 artisans families work here. Every carpet woven has a story behind itself as every artisan is encouraged to weave in their creative intuition with modern patterns. Use of Camel wool for making rugs is what the are highly skilful in. Jaipur, the crafts city is also very famous for cutting and polishing of gem stones. The Johri Bazaar in Pink City has live auctions of stones every day. Time permitting we shall visit a gem design and cutting workshop where everything is done by hand.Day 7: Friday 31st October 2025: Jaipur – Jodpur: (B/D).
This morning after breakfast we drive to Jodhpur. Drive time approx. 6 Hours. On the way we shall visit Bagru village. Bagru is famous for its textile workers and block makers communities. Later we shall continue driving to Jodhpur.
On arrival in Jodhpur we shall check in to our hotel.
Later you shall be escorted to a private and exclusive presentation of an ancient art form of Bhopa performance. This is a unique cultural performance that combines singing, dancing and painting all in one.
You will have dinner at roof top restaurant in the old city.Day 8: Saturday 1st November 2025: Jodhpur: (B).
Of all the many forts in Rajasthan, very few compare to majesty of the Mehrangarh Fort. Almost impregnable, the fort is entered through seven fortified gateways. The fort is divided into three sections – the public areas, the Maharajas palaces, and the zenana, or queens’ palaces. The zenana is decorated with exquisite sandstone filigree work. Within the fort is the museum which among its varied exhibits has an excellent collection of royal palanquins and the howdah section which has perhaps the finest collection of old ornate elephant howdahs in the world.
Next we visit Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (1873-95) sitting above a small lake 1km northeast of Mehrangarh. It is an array of whimsical domes. It’s a welcome, peaceful spot after the hubbub of the city, and the views across to the fort and over the city are superb. Built in 1899, the cenotaph has some beautiful jalis (carved marble lattice screens) and is hung with portraits of Rathore ruler going back to the 13th century. Look out for the memorial to a peacock that flew into a funeral pyre.
After lunch we shall visit a famous textile house. The owners revolutionised thw textile making industry in the desert districts of Rajasthan. Here is the largest collections of textiles and home furnishings in entire North India. The owners work for fashion houses like, Hermes, Kenzos, Loro Piana etc. We shall take an appointment and one of the owners will speak to us on textiles of Rajasthan. He knowledge about textiles is exceptional. Later we shall return to our hotel for a relaxed evening.
Day 9: Sunday 2nd November 2025: Jodhpur – Udaipur: (B/L).
After Breakfast we drive to Udaipur. On our way we shall stop at the Salawas village and visit an internationally acclaimed cotton Durry weaver to see his works. We shall also see how the Bishnoi community thrives on weaving of doors from medieval ages.
En route to Udaipur, we visit the fantastic Ranakpur Temple which is one of the most important Jain Temples in India. It lies in a remote and peaceful valley of the ancient Aravali hills range. The main temple is the Chamukha Temple, or Four Faced temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, beautifully crafted and well-kept marble temple is supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. Within the complex there are two other Jain Temples, Neminath and Parasnath.
Lunch today will be arranged for you at a beautiful countryside Hotel near Ranakpur Jain Temples.
After lunch we continue driving through beautiful Aravali landscape, arriving at our hotel by late afternoon.Day 10: Monday 3rd November 2025: Udaipur: (B/D).
Today we visit the City Palace. The detailed art and workmanship is a tribute to the skills of local artisans and craftspeople. Built as a stepped palace encompassing a hill, the four places illustrate various architectural styles, reflecting prevailing influences, mostly Mughal and Rajput. In keeping with the claim of the royal family that they are “Surya vansh” – descendants of the Sun, the whole structure faces east, and a stunning bejewelled image of the sun greets you at the entrance. Also of interest here is the remarkable collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery with its rather eccentric collection of Object d’art, household items and furniture.
After visiting the City Palace we walk in the old city with our guide, sharing space with cows, elephants, people. The walk through the winding lanes is an interesting insight into lifestyles in what is referred to as “small town India”. Shops selling a variety of items, unexpected folk art decorating the walls of houses and small architectural gems like a latticed work Haveli window.
Later we shall visit a painting school to learn about the Mewar School of Painting. Run by Harendra Pujari it is one of the leading art places in North India. They work closely with state government in preservation of miniature paintings, antiques and object d’art. Mr Harendra is an active priest in Jagdish Temple (one of the largest and most respected temple) of Udaipur. It is quite interesting to learn about the Squirrel hair brushes and Crystallised Cow Urine Colours.
This afternoon is at your leisure.
In evening we shall drive short distance to a famous roof top restaurant for our farewell dinner.Day 11: Tuesday 4th November 2025: Depart Udaipur: (B)
Our small group tour concludes on after breakfast. For most guests today it is time to say farewell to new-found friends and India.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.
Transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.Please advise to arrange flights to Delhi / Mumbai (Costs not included in Tour)
Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out and we often can find some wonderful surprises. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for this spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Flexibility
The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.A 3 day tour of Mumbai is also available.
Or join our
INDIA: Boutique Gujarat Foodie & Textile Tour – 13 days: TBC
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A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel
A Small Group Tour (2- 12 Guests)
Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests
Hand selected modern & boutique hotel accommodation
Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:
Internet Access where possible
Private services of local bilingual cultural foodie & textile tour guide
Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour
24 hour on call support service
Private chauffeur driven air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing
Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary
Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle
Porterage, tipping and gratuities
An exclusive BT&T Travel Information App
Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available
Not Included:
International airfares
Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges
Internal Domestic flight ; departing Udaipur
Passport & Visa Fees
City Taxes for hotels if required
Personal Travel Insurance
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services
Late check-out at hotels
Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time
Extra gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.
Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary
Expenditure of personal nature
Optional activities not included in tour
‘Book Now’ and pay your deposit to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with some of the best experiences. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided small group tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Flexibility
The itinerary may sometimes be flexible for site visits or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible. The weather may change our plans too
Interested in this tour?
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Contact Details:
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Address:
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AUSTRALIA
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Boutique Tours & Travel
ABN: 37 252 109 834