Magical Journey of Udaipur

Arrive in Udaipur and transfer to your hotel, set on the shores of Lake Pichola and ringed by hills. Once the capital of the old Mewar state, the city's marble palaces and lakefront havelis, ghats, and temples set the tone immediately. Spend the day walking Palace Road for handmade art, jewellery, and leather goods, visit the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, and drive around Fatehsagar Lake. The afternoon is free for the bustling bazaars of the old city. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

A full day of city touring built around the City Palace and Museum — the largest palace complex in India, blending Rajput and Mughal architecture, with towers, domes, and hanging gardens overlooking Lake Pichola. Visit the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace, home to a rare, unused collection of crystal furniture ordered from England in 1877. The day continues with Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari (the "Courtyard of the Maidens") with its fountains and marble pavilions, Shilpgram craft village, and a vintage car museum where the Maharaja's classic collection is paired with a Rajasthani thali. The afternoon is left free for the bazaars. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

A full-day excursion covers Eklingji, an 8th-century temple complex of around 108 shrines carved in granite, sandstone, and marble; Nagda, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom, now home to the 10th-century Saas-Bahu temple ruins; and Haldighati, site of the famous 1576 battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal army, including the Maharana Pratap Smarak & Museum, Chetak Horse Samadhi, and Rakat Talai. The evening brings a boat ride on Lake Pichola, taking in its four islands including Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, before free time in the bazaars. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

A full-day excursion to Chittorgarh, said to have been originally built by Bhim of the Pandavas. Visit Rana Kumbha's Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace, the 37-metre Jaya Stambh (Tower of Victory) built to commemorate an 1440 victory, and the 22-metre Keerti Stambh (Tower of Fame). The fort's seven gates and imposing structures, including Rani Padmini's Palace, round out the visit. The afternoon is free for the bazaars. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

A day excursion to Ranakpur, home to India's largest Jain temple complex, dating to the 15th century and featuring 1,444 uniquely carved marble pillars dedicated to Adinath. From there, continue to Kumbhalgarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's finest defensive fortifications, with 36 kilometres of walls enclosing palaces, temples, and water storage, plus a wildlife sanctuary home to wolves, leopards, and sloth bears. The evening is free for the bazaars. Overnight stay in Udaipur.