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A couple of years ago, we went to India on a trip that was all-encompassing. Even as a seasoned traveller, it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible ways. We experienced so much that I’ve never quite managed to write it all down here. But I wanted to share the route we took through Rajasthan, the hotels we stayed in, and a few of the highlights, because I did a lot of research before we went, and I know how useful that can be when planning a family trip to India.

Planning Our Rajasthan Itinerary

We booked everything through a local Indian travel agent (Sameer, details at end of post), recommended by a friend who had used him just a month before. True to form, we only finalised our itinerary the week before departure, we are last-minute travellers, even for big trips like this.

This was one of our last adventures while living in Singapore, and I’m so glad we did it then. We wanted to expose our kids to as much of Asia as possible first, and India was the ultimate challenge, they took to it brilliantly.

First Stop: Delhi (1 night)

We flew into Delhi on a late flight, arriving after dark into a post-Covid airport that still felt at little uneasy. At that moment, I honestly thought about turning back, I was anxious and on the verge of a panic attack and not sure I could do the trip. But I’m glad I pushed through, because what doesn’t break us really does make us stronger.

Driving into the city, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Dual carriageways, armed men patrolling the sidewalks, and hardly a soul in sight. To my slight disappointment, only one cow.

The Imperial Dehli felt like stepping back into the 1920s… hunting scenes on the walls, deep leather sofas, and big chandeliers, that was somehow comforting. The next morning brought our first taste of chai tea, masala omelettes, and India’s incredible hospitality.

Delhi was sweltering and shrouded in summer haze (air pollution), so we kept our exploring to the hotel grounds. This was just a short one-night stop before the real adventure began.

Agra: The Taj Mahal (1 night)

Our driver picked us up in Dehli for the journey to Agra, home of the Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal. This was one of our splurge stops, so we stayed in The Oberoi Amar Vilas in Agra hotel overlooking the Taj Mahal, it was honestly worth every penny. The food here was another level and my kids still remember the flute player belting out Harry Potter for them as they walked down the stairs to breakfast.

We rose before dawn and travelled by golf cart over to the Taj Mahal, we were one of the first people inside that morning. No queues, no crowds, just the breathtaking marble monument and a knowledgeable guide who answered our endless questions as we also obsessed over the cutest chipmonks. By breakfast, we were back at the hotel, pinching ourselves that we’d really been there.

Ranthambore: Safari Dreams (2 nights)

From Agra, we headed to Ranthambore National Park. It had long been a dream of mine to see a tiger in the wild. We stayed in an old hunting lodge The Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge once visited by the late Queen, the pictures of her trip still hung on the walls.

We did two safaris during our stay. No tigers were spotted this time, but we did see a sloth bear (apparently even rarer), countless peacocks, camels, and the friendliest magpies I’ve ever met. The countryside itself was a joy to experience.

The Aravalli Hills at The Amanbagh (1 night)

The Aravalli mountains and one of my all-time favourite hotels, The Amanbagh. I would honestly return to India just to stay here again.

Sadly, my husband was unwell from food he’d eaten the stop before, but the experience was still magical. Candlelit dinners under the stars, an early morning yoga session, and a “cow dust tour” where a staff member took us out to his village to meet his family and see rural life up close. We also squeezed in a sunrise hike. Even with just one night here, it was unforgettable.

Jaipur: The Pink City (3 nights)

From the mountains, we drove into Jaipur, arriving just as the sun was setting and were greeted by an elephant ambling home through rush hour traffic – a surreal welcome! The hotel staff met us at the roadside, carried our luggage through the chaotic lanes, past the man making bombay mix, another fixing shoes, and ushered us into our boutique stay at The Johri.

The hotel was exquisite, every detail thoughtfully designed. I loved being right in the bustle of town. My standout memory? Watching the “sandwich man” from our window, making what felt like hundreds of sandwiches in perfect rhythm.

We explored Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), and the city’s lively markets. The kids even had clothes tailor-made, they thought it was brilliant.

Jodhpur: The Blue City (2 nights)

From Jaipur, we travelled to Jodhpur, the Blue City, and stayed in a truly extravagant palace hotel, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the last palaces ever built and still partly home to the Maharaja of Jodphur.

Here we had the chance to ride the Maharaja’s polo ponies, explore Mehrangarh Fort, and shop for home furnishings. The city itself, with its sea of blue-painted houses, was mesmerising.

Udaipur: The White City (3 nights)

Our final stop was Udaipur, the White City, where we stayed at the newly opened Raffles Hotel. From our room overlooking the lake, we could watch water buffalo swimming past each day, the kids adored it.

Udaipur felt like a regal finale. Boat rides across the lake to James Bond film locations, fort visits, impeccable service at the hotel, and the most delicious food. My favourite dish of the whole trip? A watermelon curry, surprising, refreshing, and unforgettable.

Reflections on Our Rajasthan Route

And that was our route around Rajasthan. From Delhi to Agra, Ranthambore, the Aravalli Hills, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, it was an incredible circuit that left my heart yearning for more of India.

Even now, I think about the colours, the chaos, the warmth, and the rhythm of life there. I’d love to return, this time to explore Kerala in South India, lush backwaters, houseboats, and another chapter in India’s endless story.

If you’re considering a Rajasthan itinerary with kids, know this: it’s intense, it’s magical, it’s unforgettable, and yes, it’s worth every moment.

Exotic Escapes India

Our contact was Sameer Mahajan, he patiently booked all our transfers, drivers, hotels (made sure kids were in our room), tour guides, and our internal flight. He was a saint.

Tel: +91 11 35728584
http://www.exoticescapesindia.com