FEATHERS & FORTS – A LUXURY BIRDING JOURNEY
Hotels
- Maidens
- Imperial
- Haveli Dharampura
Activities
- Explore majestic Red Fort, Mughal imperial residence
- Discover grand Humayun’s Tomb
- vibrant Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Hotels
- Laxmi Vilas Palace
Activities
- Exclusive access to Keoladeo UNESCO wetlands
- Private naturalist-led birding across diverse habitats
- Elegant heritage palace stay near sanctuary
- Rickshaw and boat safaris through serene wetlands
- Curated gourmet experiences within the park
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Hotels
- Samode Haveli, Jaipur
- Raas Raj Mahal Palace, Jaipur
- Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Activities
- Private access to Amber Fort and landmarks
- Royal heritage stays with refined hospitality
- Aravalli birding with expert naturalists
- Cultural immersion with curated home dining
- Bespoke city tours with luxury guiding
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Hotels
- Gajner Palace
Activities
- Lakeside palace stay with serene surroundings
- Exclusive wetland birding and sunset photography
- Desert heritage exploration with private guide
- Intimate wildlife encounters in tranquil landscapes
- Elegant royal retreat away from crowds
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Hotels
- Manvar Desert Camp
Activities
- Exclusive luxury desert camp in Thar wilderness
- Guided birding for rare desert species
- Camel safaris and curated sunset experiences
- Stargazing with expert ecological insights
- Immersive cultural and conservation interactions
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Hotels
- Balsamand Lake Palace
- RAAS Jodhpur
Activities
- Luxury heritage stays overlooking Mehrangarh Fort
- Private guided exploration of iconic landmarks
- Curated market visits and cultural storytelling
- Refined dining with panoramic fort views
- Seamless blend of desert and royal elegance
Concierge Services
VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support
Highlights
Cities Covered
Delhi – Bharatpur – Jaipur –
Bikaner – Manvar Desert – Jodhpur
Best Time To Visit
October – march
Activity Level
Moderate
- 5-star accommodation
- Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades
-
Express train travel in air conditioned executive class
-
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
Itinerary
Day 01 : ARRIVAL IN DELHI | PRIVATE WELCOME
Arrive in Delhi, where a discreet meet-and-greet ensures a seamless arrival. You are escorted to your awaiting chauffeur-driven vehicle and transferred to your chosen luxury or heritage hotel, an oasis of calm set amid the capital’s vibrant energy.
Delhi reveals itself as a city of remarkable contrasts—where Mughal grandeur, colonial elegance, and contemporary sophistication coexist effortlessly. Yet within your hotel’s tranquil gardens, the atmosphere is one of refined stillness.
The remainder of the day is yours to unwind at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a gentle stroll through landscaped grounds, where resident birdlife offers a quiet introduction to India’s rich avian diversity, or retreat to the spa for a restorative treatment.
As evening falls, settle into the timeless comfort of your residence, where understated luxury and impeccable service set the tone for the journey ahead.
Hotels
The Imperial
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Haveli Dharampura
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Maiden Hotel
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Day 02 : DELHI | EXCLUSIVE URBAN BIRDING
Begin the day with a privately guided birding experience at one of Delhi’s premier biodiversity reserves, accompanied by an expert ornithologist. These protected habitats offer a surprising sanctuary within the city, attracting an impressive variety of resident and migratory species.
Return to your hotel for a leisurely gourmet breakfast, followed by time to relax within your serene surroundings.
In the afternoon, explore the elegant Lodhi Gardens, where historic tombs rise among shaded pathways alive with birdlife. The experience is both tranquil and culturally enriching.
Later, enjoy an engaging private lecture introducing India’s diverse avifauna and migratory patterns, offering deeper context to your journey.
The evening is at leisure—perhaps complemented by an optional private dining experience or a curated cultural encounter.
Hotels
The Imperial
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Haveli Dharampura
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Maiden Hotel
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Day 03 : DELHI | SULTANPUR WETLAND EXPERIENCE
This morning, depart early for Sultanpur National Park, enjoying exclusive access to this renowned wetland sanctuary. Carefully positioned hides allow for intimate observation of waterfowl, cranes, storks, and raptors in their natural habitat.
A beautifully arranged picnic breakfast is served within the reserve, enhancing the sense of quiet exclusivity as you observe the rhythms of the wetlands undisturbed.
Your expert guide ensures a tailored experience, sharing insights into species behavior, migration routes, and conservation efforts.
By early afternoon, return to Delhi, where the remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation. Indulge in a signature spa treatment, unwind by the pool, or simply enjoy the calm of your surroundings.
The balance of immersive exploration and refined leisure defines the day’s experience.
Hotels
The Imperial
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Haveli Dharampura
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Maiden Hotel
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Day 04 : DELHI – AGRA – BHARATPUR | HERITAGE & WETLANDS
Depart Delhi at dawn for Agra, arriving in time to witness the Taj Mahal bathed in the soft light of sunrise—an experience of rare serenity and beauty. Accompanied by your private guide, explore this architectural masterpiece before continuing your journey.
Travel onward to Bharatpur, where landscapes transition from Mughal grandeur to tranquil wetlands. On arrival, check into your heritage palace hotel, where regal architecture and lush gardens evoke a bygone era.
In the evening, enjoy a gentle birding walk around the lodge’s surrounding wetlands, offering a peaceful introduction to the region’s rich biodiversity.
The day seamlessly blends iconic heritage with immersive nature, setting the tone for your exploration of India’s most celebrated bird sanctuary.
Hotels
Laxmi Vilas Palace
A heritage hotel offering royal architecture, spacious rooms, lush gardens, warm hospitality, and close proximity to Keoladeo Ghana National Park for nature lovers.
Day 05 : BHARATPUR | KEOLADEO GHANA NATIONAL PARK
Today is dedicated to the extraordinary Keoladeo Ghana National Park, explored in the company of a private expert naturalist. This UNESCO-listed sanctuary offers one of the richest birding experiences in Asia.
Traverse its diverse ecosystems by cycle rickshaw and on foot, allowing for unhurried and intimate wildlife encounters. Observe elegant sarus cranes, painted storks, pelicans, and vast congregations of migratory waterfowl.
A serene boat ride through the wetlands offers a unique perspective, gliding silently past flocks of birds in their natural environment.
A specially curated lunch within the park ensures uninterrupted immersion in this tranquil setting.
The day concludes with a return to your palace retreat, where comfort, heritage, and exceptional service provide a fitting contrast to the wild beauty of the sanctuary.
Hotels
Laxmi Vilas Palace
A heritage hotel offering royal architecture, spacious rooms, lush gardens, warm hospitality, and close proximity to Keoladeo Ghana National Park for nature lovers.
Day 06 : BHARATPUR – JAIPUR | COUNTRYSIDE & ARAVALLIS
Begin with a final morning birding session in Bharatpur before departing for Jaipur. The journey unfolds through rural landscapes, with carefully selected stops offering additional birding opportunities along the way.
Arriving in Jaipur, the atmosphere shifts to regal splendour. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur enchants with its palaces, vibrant culture, and timeless elegance.
In the late afternoon, venture into the Aravalli hills for a guided birding experience, where dry-zone species and raptors inhabit this rugged terrain.
As evening falls, you are welcomed into a local family home for an intimate cooking demonstration and dinner—an authentic yet refined cultural experience.
Retire to your heritage hotel, where traditional architecture and personalised hospitality create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Hotels
Rambagh Palace
An iconic luxury hotel that once served as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Combining regal architecture with modern elegance, it features opulent rooms, lush gardens, fine dining
Samode Haveli
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Raas Raj Mahal
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Day 07 : JAIPUR | DRY FOREST & ROYAL HERITAGE
Start the day with a private birding walk in Nahargarh Biological Park, guided by a specialist naturalist. The park’s dry forest ecosystem offers a distinct contrast to previous landscapes, with unique species adapted to arid conditions.
Later, discover Jaipur’s architectural and cultural treasures in the company of your private guide. Enjoy curated access to Amber Fort, followed by visits to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the iconic Hawa Mahal. Each experience is tailored, with unhurried pacing, insightful storytelling, and exclusive vantage points.
In the evening, review your sightings with a photographic critique session, enhancing both your understanding and appreciation of the journey.
The day blends wilderness, heritage, and refined exploration in perfect harmony.
Hotels
Rambagh Palace
An iconic luxury hotel that once served as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Combining regal architecture with modern elegance, it features opulent rooms, lush gardens, fine dining
Samode Haveli
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Raas Raj Mahal
Thoughtfully crafted for the modern-day traveller, Luxury Suites beautifully marry Lutyens’ architecture with contemporary sophistication
Day 08 : JAIPUR – BIKANER | DESERT TRANSITION
Depart Jaipur for the desert landscapes of Rajasthan, journeying towards Bikaner. En route, explore the region’s rich heritage before arriving at the tranquil lakeside setting of Gajner.
Your residence, a former royal palace, offers an atmosphere of quiet elegance surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, explore the nearby wetlands with your naturalist, where migratory birds gather in peaceful abundance.
As the sun begins to set, the landscape transforms into a photographer’s dream—soft golden light illuminating the water and its avian inhabitants.
The evening is spent within the refined comfort of your palace retreat, where history, nature, and luxury converge in an intimate and serene setting.
Hotels
Gajner Palace
A majestic heritage hotel located on the serene Gajner Lake near Bikaner. Set amid landscaped gardens, it features elegant rooms, royal architecture, a pool, and offers wildlife sightings
Day 09 : BIKANER – MANVAR DESERT | THAR WILDERNESS
Begin the day with birding in the desert scrublands before continuing into the heart of the Thar Desert. Arrive at your exclusive luxury camp, where traditional design meets refined comfort.
Set against a backdrop of sweeping dunes, the camp offers a truly immersive desert experience. As the heat softens, embark on a guided walk in search of elusive desert species.
The landscape reveals its quieter rhythms—adapted wildlife, shifting sands, and a profound sense of space.
As night falls, gather beneath a canopy of stars for an elegant dining experience, accompanied by the stillness of the desert.
This is luxury redefined—raw, remote, and deeply atmospheric.
Hotels
Manvar Desert Camp
An immersive luxury desert retreat in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Featuring traditional-style tents, cultural performances, camel safaris, and starlit dining, it offers an authentic desert experience with comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and breathtaking sand dune landscapes.
Day 10 : MANVAR | DESERT SPECIALISTS
Set out early in search of the desert’s most elusive bird species, guided by expert naturalists. The experience is both focused and immersive, revealing the subtle complexities of this unique ecosystem.
Return for a relaxed gourmet breakfast, followed by a leisurely afternoon at camp. Perhaps enjoy a wellness treatment, or simply take in the vastness of the surrounding dunes.
In the evening, experience a camel-assisted excursion through the desert, offering a timeless perspective on this ancient landscape.
As the sun sets, the dunes glow in shifting hues, creating an unforgettable backdrop for both wildlife observation and quiet reflection.
The day balances exploration with indulgent relaxation in a truly unique setting.
Hotels
Manvar Desert Camp
An immersive luxury desert retreat in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Featuring traditional-style tents, cultural performances, camel safaris, and starlit dining, it offers an authentic desert experience with comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and breathtaking sand dune landscapes.
Day 11 : MANVAR | DESERT ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION
This morning, explore the delicate balance of desert life through a guided walk across villages and oases. Accompanied by conservation experts, gain insight into traditional practices that sustain both communities and wildlife. The experience offers a deeper understanding of the region—where ecology, culture, and survival are intricately connected.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether relaxing within your elegant surroundings or reflecting on the journey thus far. As evening descends, gather for an intimate stargazing experience. With minimal light pollution, the desert sky reveals itself in extraordinary clarity.
Engage in thoughtful discussions on desert ecology and nocturnal wildlife, creating a meaningful and memorable conclusion to your time in the Thar.
Hotels
Manvar Desert Camp
An immersive luxury desert retreat in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Featuring traditional-style tents, cultural performances, camel safaris, and starlit dining, it offers an authentic desert experience with comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and breathtaking sand dune landscapes.
Day 12 : MANVAR – JODHPUR | BLUE CITY ELEGANCE
Travel to Jodhpur, the Blue City, where indigo-hued streets cluster beneath the imposing Mehrangarh Fort.
On arrival, check into your carefully selected heritage hotel, offering panoramic views and refined comfort. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the city’s architectural and cultural highlights.
With your private guide, visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s most impressive strongholds, followed by the serene Jaswant Thada and vibrant local markets. Each moment is curated, offering both insight and exclusivity.
As evening falls, return to your residence to enjoy the city’s magical ambiance, with the fort illuminated against the night sky—a fitting finale to your Rajasthan experience.
Hotels
Balsamand Lake Palace
A serene heritage retreat overlooking Balsamand Lake. It offers luxurious rooms, tranquil gardens, royal architecture, fine dining, personalized service, and an immersive blend of desert and palace charm.
RAAS Jodhpur
A luxury heritage hotel overlooking the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Featuring elegantly designed rooms, a rooftop pool, fine dining, and personalized service, it offers a blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and modern comfort
Day 13 : JODHPUR – DELHI | DEPARTURE
Begin your final day with a gentle morning birding experience within the tranquil gardens of your hotel, offering a peaceful conclusion to your journey.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi, where seamless assistance ensures a smooth international departure.
As your journey comes to a close, reflect on an experience defined by rare access, refined comfort, and meaningful discovery—from vibrant cities and iconic heritage to remote wilderness and intimate cultural encounters.
This has been India, reimagined through a lens of quiet luxury and thoughtful curation—leaving you with lasting memories shaped by both place and experience.
Contact an India specialist
The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.
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What They're Saying
Susan Kind
United Kingdom, Tailor made Tiger Safari tour
We are home now after our wonderful tiger safari holiday. We were very pleased with all the aspects of the arrangements. The hotels, the drivers and the care you took to make sure it all went smoothly – everything was excellent.
Kim OppenHeim
Switzerland, Tailor made Kerala Group Tour
My husband and I, along with our 2 daughters and a group of 5 students from the international high-school where we teach in Switzerland, just returned from a two-week tour of Kerala organized by Newton Singh at Royal India Holidays.
Hannah Oustroumoff
United Kingdom, Tailor made tour of North India
The itinerary as perfect, two nights in each and 1 night in Pushkar gave us enough time to see the interesting sites and places and gave us enough time to relax.