The Marigold Hotel Rajasthan Tour

India: To coincide with the release of new British movie, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Wild Frontiers has put together this new and exciting private journey that not only takes in some of the sites of this much-talked about film, but also has you staying at locations where the movie was shot. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, is in fact Rawla Khempur, a charming rural palace hotel situated about an hour to the north of Udaipur. Combining this with more famous sites in Delhi, Agra – including the Taj Mahal – Jaipur and Udaipur will give you a great blend of both the mainstream and the offbeat, in one of India’s most colourful locations.

Highlights:

  • Sunrise and sunset at the iconic Taj Mahal
  • Visit to Delhi’s Old Town
  • Elephant Ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur
  • Two nights at the charming Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, AKA Rawla Khempur
  • Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur


Departures: Daily

Flight Inclusive Price:
Based on return economy class flights with Jet Airways from London Heathrow to Delhi. This will add 1 day onto your itinerary. UK Airport Passenger Duty and airport taxes are also included.

Tour Prices:
Whilst all best endeavours are made to ensure the prices for private journeys on our website are accurate - given the nature of peak season air supplements and fuel surcharges - prices given above may vary depending on departure date and availability.

How to book your Private Journey

The Marigold Hotel Rajasthan Tour

The Marigold Hotel Rajasthan Tour

Day 1: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. After you are settled your guide will take you on a tour of India's capital, first visiting the New Town before continuing on to the bustling Old Town. Here you can take a wander from the Red Fort down Chandi Chowk, through the narrow alleyways of Shahjehanabad, to emerge at the beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque. (B)

Day 2: Delhi - Agra
After breakfast drive south-east to Agra (approx 5 hours). After checking into your hotel and freshening up, you will head to the mighty riverside Agra Fort comprising of exquisite palaces and mosques, and then visit the iconic Taj Mahal. (B)

Day 3: Agra - Jaipur
This morning, after a second visit to the Taj, you'll depart Agra and visit the magnificent fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a truly amazing place- it's an enormous palace complex built by the Emporer Akbar the Great, only to be deserted 10 years later. After spending time at the site you will then be transferred to Jaipur, the 'Pink City' where most of the movie was filmed, where you will be taken to your hotel. (B)

Day 4: Jaipur
You will have a morning visit to the great palace at Amber, the Rajput masterpiece perched on a hillside, overlooking the city. Rather than walking up to the fort, we can ride up there on an elephant! After exploring the palace, you return to Jaipur and visit the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II. (B)

Day 5: Jaipur
This morning you'll be taken on a walking tour of the bazaars of Old Jaipur. From its creation in 1727 the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronised the craftsman and artisans of the city and the traditions continue to this day making Jaipur the crafts capital of India. You'll be able to observe the artisans at work and visit a local resident in his private haveli, which is beautifully decorated with gold paintings, rich tapestries, carpets and artefacts. After the walking tour with your guide you will then be taken to visit the Marigold flower market and the Kanota Fort, which was used as the Viceroy Club in the film. (B)

Day 6: Jaipur - Pushkar
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Jaipur and transferred to the mystical town of Pushkar, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Made famous by its Camel fair, which takes place for a week in October/November, Pushkar is a beautiful lake-side town and, as it is home to India's only Brahma temple, an important pilgrimage site. (B)

Day 7: Pushkar - Khempur
After breakfast you'll depart for Khempur, a journey of about 5-6 hours, where you will check into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, AKA Ravla Khempur. And don't worry although not super luxurious this charming converted palace hotel is a lot more comfortable than the film depicts. Once a famous stud, the palace is still home to some fine Marwari horses and the village and landscape around about offer India at its most sublime and colourful. (B)

Day 8: Khempur
Today you will be able to enjoy the activities offered at Rawla Khempur. (B)

Day 9: Khempur - Udaipur
You'll be picked up from Rawla Khempur and transferred the short distance to Udaipur, the Lake City, where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy this beautiful lakeside town. Staying at the lovely Jagat Niwas offers the perfect location, overlooking Lake Pichola and the famous Lake Palace Hotel. Just wondering this beautiful town's narrow streets or sitting on a rooftop enjoying a quiet G&T is fun enough! (B)

Day 10: Udaipur
This morning you'll be able to enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur starting at the City Palace, located on the banks of Lake Pichola. This massive series of Palace were built at different times commencing from 1559 A.D. - the balconies of which provide a panoramic view of "Jag Niwas", the famous Lake Palace. Later on you will be taken on a boat trip on Lake Pichola. (B)

Day 11: Udaipur
Today you will be transferred to the airport. End of our services. (B)

How to book your Private Journey

The Marigold Hotel Rajasthan Tour

Without flights

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Apr 12 - 31 Dec 12Adult Price£1,275 £375 Make an Enquiry

With flights from the UK

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Apr 12 - 31 Dec 12Adult Price£1,975 £375 Make an Enquiry

* Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

The Marigold Hotel Rajasthan Tour

Please select the regions you are interested in.

Claridges Hotel

Delhi

A treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's, Claridges has been refurbished to create an elegant, timeless and...

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Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel

Udaipur

The Jagat Niwas Palace is a dream come true for those seeking a true Rajasthani experience.Categorised as a...

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Khandela Haveli

Jaipur

Khandela Haveli is a fine heritage haveli with a roof top pool and restaurant. The ambience of the property specializes...

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The Trident Agra

Agra

A reliable contemporary option in Agra, this four star hotel is built from red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era, it...

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Rawla Khempur

Udaipur

Rawla Khempur (AKA the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) is a charming heritage hotel situated in the countryside about an...

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How to book your Private Journey

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More useful information when travelling to:
Rajasthan & the North

Flight Information

Flight time to Delhi from London is 8:30hrs, with a host of airlines including Jet, BA and Virgin. The same airlines also fly direct to Mumbai in around 9hrs. If flying to regional airports Jet are likely to offer the simplest connection.

Useful Tips

Depending on where you are travelling you can use the following to help you:

Kashmir & the Himalayas:
• If flying to Ladakh, rest on arrival. You might not feel the need, but you will if you don't and then it can be too late
• Staying in Srinagar, take a shakara through the old town, along the Bund. It’s not on the normal tourist circuit and its fascinating
• Be sure the visit the floating veg market
• If you want any clothes made, ask 95-year-old Tailor Tim - he's been doing it since British times
• In Amritsar check out the lassi, just behind the Golden Temple " joint best (with Varanasi) in the whole of India

Rajasthan & the Northwest:
• In Delhi, take the Metro: it’s clean, efficient and saves hours when sightseeing
• Again in Delhi if looking for general shopping - rather than souvenirs - try Khan Market
• Don’t take cash - use ATMs… they're everywhere
• Don't get caught up with guides shopping trips. Only go to the emporiums if you really want to
• Always carry plenty of small notes - getting change for a 5,000 rupee note is impossible

Kerala & the South:
• If staying in Cochin try the Brunton Boatyard for dinner - the open-air seafood restaurant is great
• Go for a walk along Covolum Beach " it’s one of the best the subcontinent can offer
• On the rice barge use candles. It's much more romantic and your ceiling won’t get covered in insects
• If travelling with kids, take the tree houses at Wayanad, they'll love them

Goa & Central India:
• Check out the veg market in Mysore - great place for photography
• If visiting Hampi, take your trunks, a swim in the river at sunset is awesome
• Take your driving licence - getting around Goa and Hampi is best on a moped
• Don’t miss the Hyderabad bazaar " it’s as good as Lahore
• Be warned, if in Goa on New Year’s Eve take care - the locals go a little crazy!

Kolkata & the Northeast
• Enjoy a lassi in Varanasi - jont best in the country!
• Try the Thali at the Peerless Inn in Kolkata - its delicious
• Also in Kolkata, take a tram - it’s a great way to get close to local life
• If travelling in October - just after the monsoon - take plenty of mosquito repellent
• In Jan and early Feb be prepared for early-morning fog on the Ganges - it can get pretty thick
• Make sure you have the right permits - some parts of this region you'll need special permission

When To Go

Travelling through Rajasthan from October to March you will generally experience warm days with plenty of sunshine and mild evenings. The same can broadly be said of travelling in the south.

If visiting Kashmir or the HImalayan regions then the main thing to remember, especially if travelling up from the Indian plains, is that weather-wise, anything can happen. There is the potential for chilly conditions on the high mountain passes. Therefore, as with so many of Wild Frontiers’ mountain trips, you need to come prepared for any eventuality.

Packing List

Below is a list of general items you might take with you on a Wild Frontiers trip to India. With your booking confirmation you will receive a packing list specific to your tour, so please treat this as a general guideline only.

Luggage:
It is best to use a soft bag - rucksack/hold-all/duffel bag - so it can be transported and stored more easily.
On all our trips a small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

Clothing:
In general you should bring clothes you feel comfortable with. However, you should be aware of certain cultural sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Therefore as a guide we suggest a packing list like this:
• 4 x Light cotton shirts or T-shirts, short sleeved and long
• 2 x Lightweight jumpers or sweatshirts
• Good quality fleece or warm jumper
• 2/3 Pairs of cotton trousers. If preferred, women can wear dresses and skirts
• An extra “outfit” if you’d like to dress up a bit on occasion
• Sun hat or cap
• Head scarf for ladies when visiting mosques
• Swim suit or trunks
• Pair of recreational shoes
• Pair of adventure sandals, trainers or pumps
• Flip flops/sandals for showers

Equipment:
The following is useful extra equipment for you trip:
• Travel towel, travel soap and toiletries
• Torch (LED head-torch keeps your hands free)
• A bandanna or large handkerchief is useful for dusty tracks
• Pair of good quality sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Plug adapter (see ‘Electricity’ section)

Personal First Aid Kit:
While we do carry a large medical kit on all our group tours, we would still advise that you take some of the basics with you. This should include:

• Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
• Antibacterial dry hand wash
• Painkillers: paracetamol & ibuprofen
• Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
• Malaria Tablets (if necessary)
• Travel motion-sickness tablets if required (e.g. natural ginger tablets)
• Diarrhoea remedies
• Antihistamines
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Laxatives
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips/Blister pads
• Sunscreen (30+ factor)
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Contact lenses and solution if required
• Tweezers
(A kit with most of this in is available at www.nomadtravel.co.uk)

Optional Extras:
• Ear plugs (if sharing a room / camping)
• Alarm clock
• 3-4 plastic carrier bags are very useful for dirty washing, dirty shoes and rubbish
• Binoculars
• Small packs of tissues
• Money belt or secure pouch for money and passport etc.
• Eye patches if light affects your sleep
• Sewing kit/scissors
• Writing materials
• Spare batteries/camera memory cards
• Swiss Army knife
• Universal bath plug
• Calculator (for currency conversion)
• Trekking poles

NB: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are rare. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Hand Luggage:
Although it is very rare that luggage goes missing on flights, it has been known to happen and so it’s a good idea to carry a spare top, toothbrush, wash kit, underwear and any other essentials in your hand luggage so that you can at least freshen up while waiting for your bags to catch you up. If you wear your sturdy shoes/boots it will also reduce weight in your luggage and keep them safe.

Practical Information

Time:
India is 5.5hrs ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com

Food and Alcohol:
One of the great myths about travelling in India is that the food is poor. We are delighted to inform you this is definitely not the case. Indeed many people find the delicious food to be one of the highlights of a visit to India, there is endless variety " it’s not all spicy " and can cater for any specific needs.

In terms of Alcohol, everything is available but often hard to get hold of and the quality is sometimes questionable.

Electricity:
Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a two-pin, continental style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug, in India they use 230 volts.

Money:
In India the unit of currency is the Rupee.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com

A few points to help you plan:
• Payments are mainly made in cash.
• Some hotels and banks accept credit cards.
• There are ATM’s in the large towns and cities although you may incur a charge. It is unwise to rely on this as a means of accessing cash due to unreliability.
• If using ATM machines, be sure to notify your bank before you travel.
• Pounds Sterling, Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged in Delhi and some large towns
• Travellers Cheques can only be changed in the city during business hours, not ideal.
• It is useful to bring lots of small denomination notes.

Language & Religion:
In India, the major language is Hindi, with 17 other official regional languages and English as a common language for all. Religion is mainly Hinduism alongside Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity.

The Kashmiri’s are mostly all Muslim and dominate the northern section of the Jammu and Kashmir state. They speak Urdu which if you know any Hindi, you’ll notice some similarities.

In the Himalayan Mountains of Ladakh the locals show a strong resemblance to the Tibetans in both appearance and language and were Buddhists until a few hundred years ago. Most Ladakhi’s in Leh District and Zanskar are Tibetan Buddhist

Cultural Sensitivity:
At Wild Frontiers we are very aware of the ethical impact tourism can have on ancient cultures. We realise that taking a group of tourists through such a region can have a negative impact on the lives of those who live there and on all our tours we therefore go to great lengths to minimise the negative and accentuate the positive…after all, there are also many good things that the tourist can bring.

To help this process we ask that our clients do not hand out pens or sweets to children. As one sign in Egypt emphatically put it, ‘Please don't make beggars out of our children!' No matter how well intentioned, in our opinion the dolling out of free gifts fosters a ‘beggar mentality' that is ultimately extremely destructive to a society. In addition we do not condone giving out money to beggars or ‘students'.

However, we also realise that we are exceptionally privileged to be travelling in areas where most of the people have far less than us and that the desire to ‘help' can be very powerful. As a result we ask that you refer to your trip dossier for information on the Wild Frontiers Foundation which supports specific projects in the areas where we travel.

Photography:
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Photographing members of the army, police or official personnel can lead to your equipment being confiscated and bridges, borders or government buildings are usually the strictest.

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