Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: exclusive royal palaces & tigers of rajasthan tour at Singapore

Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Exclusive Royal Palaces & Tigers of Rajasthan

Experience the regal life of a bygone day in India, along with some of the nation’s most beautiful natural scenery and wildlife, during this immersive, seven-night overland adventure. In Jodhpur, explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and exquisite Jaswant Thada, take a fun-filled tuk tuk-ride through the Old City, and browse the bustling Bazaar area. You will also enjoy a private, Rajasthani cooking demonstration with dinner at your hotel. Discover the tigers and diverse wildlife of India during captivating, early-morning and afternoon game-drives at panoramic Ranthambore National Park, then meet for cocktails and a private session with a local conservationist. The final stop on this unforgettable overland excursion is Jaipur. Explore the mesmerising City Palace, Jantar Mantar, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hilltop Amber Fort, and take an optional shopping excursion to the Bazaar. A special, private dinner arranged in your honour at a surprise location rounds out your Indian adventure in grand style.

FULL DESCRIPTION:

(07MIDSIN-B) Royal Palaces & Tigers of Rajasthan

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights

Departs from: Singapore at approximately 1:00am

Re-join ship: Trincomalee at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for India. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indian Rupee; however, US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during this program).

Experience the regal life of a bygone day in India, along with some of the nation’s most beautiful natural scenery and wildlife, during this immersive, seven-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE – Friday, February 7, 2025 – Singapore

Disembark the ship, meet your guide, and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi

After disembarking the ship, meet your escort and transfer to Singapore Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 6-hour, afternoon Singapore Airlines flight (#SQ406), departing at approximately 4:25 p.m. and arriving in New Dehli at approximately 8:00 p.m., with dinner served in-flight.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and the evening at leisure

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport and after visa and customs formalities, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and the evening at leisure.

A late dinner is at the hotel.

Please note: Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at the Taj Mahal – New Delhi

DAY TWO – Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Delhi/Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, transfer to the airport for your chartered flight to Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, transfer to Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour, 20-minute afternoon private, chartered flight, departing at approximately 9:40 a.m. and arriving in Jodhpur at approximately 11 a.m.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival to Jodhpur, depart for the brief transfer to your hotel for check-in. Constructed in the early-20th century, the spectacular Umaid Bhawan Palace features regal accommodations and a majestic architectural style best-described as ‘Indo-Saracenic-Art-Deco’.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel

After arrival at the hotel, proceed for a delicious lunch served at the hotel followed by check-in to your room.

About Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’

Welcome to Jodhpur, the historic capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. Jodhpur represents the legacy of fighters of the Mewar region. A popular tourist destination, Jodhpur is known as the ‘Blue City’, a name that is clearly befitting as most of the architecture in the old part of the city, including homes, temples, and havelis, are painted in vivid shades of blue.

Take a guided walking tour of the beautiful and majestic Mehrangarh Fort

This afternoon, meet your guide and begin your guided sightseeing tour of Jodhpur with a visit to the

majestic Mehrangarh Fort, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘work of giants’. Built in 1459 atop a steep hill by the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha, this grand, invincible fort of colossal proportions stands approximately 400 feet (about 122 metres) in height and offers breath-taking panoramic vistas overlooking the city. Despite its immense size, the Mehrangarh Fort exhibits a haunting beauty.

Marvel at the intricate carvings, expansive courtyards, exquisitely decorated palaces, and museum

Whilst the imposing walls of the Mehrangarh Fort are solid, they enclose intricate carvings, expansive courtyards, and several exquisitely decorated palaces. Included are Moti Mahal, the ‘Pearl Palace’, Phool Mahal, the ‘Flower Palace’, and Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’. The fort also houses a large museum with a fine collection of exhibits that include musical instruments, rare and interesting artefacts, textiles, and paintings.  

Visit Jaswant Thada, an exquisite, white-marble memorial

During your descent from the fort, see the Jaswant Thada Mausoleum to your left. An architectural landmark in Jodhpur, this exquisite, white-marble memorial was built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Experience the timeless elegance of Jaswant Thada, which was built from intricately carved sheets of thin, polished marble; the reflection of the sun’s rays falling on it make the Jaswant Thada a spectacular sight to behold. Following your visit, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur

Please note: Heavy local traffic, and long lines at the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, may impact the amount of time spent at each venue. Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

DAY THREE – Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jodhpur

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an off-road journey through Rajasthan’s Bishnoi Village

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a unique opportunity to experience a side of India not typically seen by travellers during an unforgettable, off-road adventure through the arid land of Rajasthan. Your journey begins with an approximately 45-minute morning drive into the countryside en route to Bishnoi Village. Upon arrival, take an approximately 2.5-hour, off-road safari through the Bishnoi Village.

About the Bishnoi Village

The villages and rural communities of Rajasthan comprise 75% of its population. Their lives are still determined by the age-old customs and traditions of yore, more than any other urban citizens. Like many countries throughout the world, India has a long history of nature worship, and that practice continues today, especially through the veneration of forest groves. The Bishnoi tribes manage sacred groves named ‘orans’ in the arid and desert regions of Rajasthan, in northwest India. Following this captivating journey through this traditional Indian village, transfer back to your hotel.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the hotel

Upon arrival, proceed for a sumptuous lunch at the hotel.

Explore the older part of Jodphur City via tuk tuk-ride and on-foot, and browse the Bazaar

After lunch and some free time to freshen-up, meet your guide and depart for a scenic and fun-filled journey to the older part of Jodhpur City via tuk tuk-ride and on-foot. Along the way, discover the hidden treasures of the Old City, and garner a unique insight into local life whilst soaking in the sights and sounds of the bustling alleyways of the traditional Bazaar. During your visit, some free time is made available to browse the narrow lanes of the Bazaar, which are dotted with tiny shops selling exquisite Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, pottery, curios, and silver Rajasthani jewellery. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the hotel.

Discover the cuisine of the Rajasthan region during a private Royal cooking demonstration

The cuisine of the rugged Rajasthan region was influenced by the warlike lifestyles of its inhabitants and availability of ingredients in an arid region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was favoured. Whilst game meat was preferred by Rajputs, the warrior class, a vegetarian diet was preferred by other sections of society. In a culinary experience organised especially for you this evening, discover the secrets behind the preparation of recipes straight from the Royal Kitchens during a private cooking demonstration of the Royal Recipes.

Savour a dinner consisting of lavish Rajasthani cuisine prepared by the Royal Chefs

Following this, proceed for a lavish dinner consisting of exquisite Rajasthani cuisine prepared by the Royal Chefs during your captivating private cooking demonstration.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur

Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

DAY FOUR – Monday, February 10, 2025 – Jodhpur/Ranthambore National Park

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airport for your chartered flight to Sawai Madhopur

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Jodhpur Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 75-minute morning private, chartered flight, departing at approximately 10:00 a.m. and arriving in Sawai Madhopur at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and a delectable lunch

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a delectable lunch at the luxurious Oberoi Vanyavilas.

Experience a captivating game-drive in search of tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat

This afternoon, meet your naturalist, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicle and depart for a panoramic, 3.5-hour afternoon game-drive at Ranthambore National Park, a wildlife sanctuary known for its tigers and as one of the best places to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur, the park was declared a game sanctuary in 1955, and, in 1973, came under the auspices of ‘Project Tiger’. In 1980, Ranthambore became a National Park.

Search for tigers and other diverse wild animals, mammals, reptiles, and bird species

In addition to tigers, search for a wide array of diverse and varied species of other wild animals, mammals, and reptiles at Ranthambore National Park. Due to its diverse terrain and numerous bodies of water, the park is also home to abundant bird species. Following your game-drive, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

This evening, proceed for cocktails and a private session with a local conservationist

This evening, proceed for cocktails and a private session with a local conservationist to learn more about the park and ongoing conservation efforts here.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Tent at The Oberoi Vanyavilas - Ranthambore

Please note: Game-drive timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions, permissions, and movement of wildlife with the game reserve. Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

DAY FIVE – Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Ranthambore National Park

Take an early-morning game-drive in search of Bengal tigers, and an abundance of other wildlife

Following an early-morning wake-up call, tea and coffee are served at the lodge. Afterward, meet your skilled ranger and tracker guides, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicles and depart for an early-morning game-drive in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and a host of other wildlife, mammal, and bird species. Ranthambore is amongst the best locations to enjoy up-close viewing of the tigers, sometimes as close as just 30 feet (about nine metres).

Search for antelope, deer, sloth bears, wild boar, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, crocs, and birds

Ranthambore National Park is also home to antelopes and various species of deer, including nilgai, sambhar, and chital. Down by the lake and at waterholes, you may spot sloth bears, wild boar, porcupines, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, and crocodiles. A vast number of birds roost and fly about the park as well; in fact, Ranthambore hosts more than 300 bird species.

Breakfast and time at leisure

Following your game-drive, return to the lodge for some free time to freshen-up before breakfast. After breakfast, the remainder of the morning is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your surrounds.

Lunch, afternoon tea and an afternoon game-drive, the best time to observe wildlife activity

After lunch at the lodge and some additional free time, meet your naturalist guide, then depart aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle for an afternoon game-drive, amongst the best times to see many of the wildlife species here at their most active. Following your game-drive, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the lodge.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Tent at The Oberoi Vanyavilas - Ranthambore

Please note: Game-drive timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions, permissions, and movement of wildlife with the game reserve. Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

DAY SIX – Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Ranthambore National Park/Jaipur

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airport for your private, chartered flight to Jaipur

After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to the Sawai Madhopur Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 45-minute morning private, charteredflight, departing at approximately 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Jaipur at approximately 10:30 a.m.

About Jaipur

Welcome to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, which glows with a singular beauty derived from the shimmering pink sandstone used everywhere in its construction. The effect of this glorious extravagance, especially at sunset, has enchanted visitors for centuries. Nestled in the Aravali Hills, the city was built in 1727 to the highest standards of city planning. Its founder was Jai Singh II, an extraordinary man who was not only a Prince, but also a military champion of his people and dedicated astronomer who built advanced observatories in Jaipur, Delhi, and elsewhere in India.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival, transfer to your home in the city, the beautiful Rambagh Palace. Over the years, the palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions; from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and, later, as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi.

Proceed for a delicious lunch at the Rambagh Palace

After check-in, proceed for a delicious lunch at the Rambagh Palace followed by check-in to your room.

Relax and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps with an optional spa treatment or garden stroll

This afternoon is at leisure to relax, unwind, and enjoy your regal and luxurious surroundings. You can further enhance your royal retreat a notch further by indulging at the spa at your own expense, or, perhaps, in the simple pleasure of a delightful stroll through the exquisite gardens, which are home to resident peacocks.

Alternatively, you may opt to take a guided stroll through the bustling alleyways of the Bazaar area

Alternatively, you may opt to take a guided stroll through the bustling alleyways of the local, Old World markets. Simply walking the streets of the Bazaar area is an unforgettable experience on its own. To counteract the drab hues of their desert surrounds, see how the inhabitants of Rajasthan have adopted a flamboyant style of dress; men in bright turbans and extravagant moustaches, and women in saris of day-glow colours. The bustling streets of the bazaar area are alive with pedestrians, cars, lorries, motorcycles, bullock and camel carts, meandering cows, and even an occasional elephant or two.

Shopping, Gems & Jewellery, Antiques & Artefacts, Carpets, Paintings, Blue Pottery, Souvenirs

Jaipur is also a shopper’s paradise, renowned for gems and jewellery, antiques and artefacts, carpets, Pichwai and miniature paintings on silk and paper, a unique type of blue pottery, and even glass bangles. Whilst at the bazaar area, you can browse the various alleyways and shopes for a variety of gift items and souvenirs. Leaving the bazaar area, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Enjoy a special, private dinner arranged in your honour

This evening, meet your guide and depart for a special, private dinner that has been arranged in your honour at a surprise location. After dinner, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace – Jaipur

Please note: Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

DAY SEVEN – Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a picturesque sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

Explore the mesmerizing City Palace, ornamental fountains, dazzling architecture, and museum

Your first stop is at the mesmerising City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. In an unending

series of delights, from its grand, aged entrance, courtyards, and gardens to its opulent palaces, halls,

temples, and ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal

architecture. Amongst the many highlights to be seen during your captivating stroll through the City

Palace is a museum with ample evidence of the elegance and splendour of Jaipur’s royal past.

Discover Jantar Mantar, a massive, unique Observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Leaving the City Palace, walk over to Jantar Mantar, a neighbouring Observatory. Constructed from 1728 to 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astrological instruments that was built on a grand scale and years beyond its time. The monument features the world’s largest stone sundial and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the hotel, with some free time to freshen-up.

This afternoon, visit the majestic Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Moata

This afternoon, meet your guide and depart for the drive to the majestic Amber Fort. Perched on the crest of a rugged hilltop overlooking Lake Moata, the fort evokes images of legends and fairytales. Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace – Jaipur

DAY EIGHT – Friday, February 14, 2025 – Jaipur/Colombo/Trincomalee

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airport for your private, chartered flight to Colombo

After an early breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Jaipur Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately four-hour morning private, chartered flight, departing at approximately 9:00 a.m. and arriving in Colombo at approximately 1 p.m., with lunch served on-board.

Upon arrival in Colombo, proceed to check-in for your private, chartered flight to Trincomalee

Upon arrival in Colombo, proceed to check-in and your scheduled, approximately four-hour morning private, chartered flight, departing at approximately 3:00 p.m. and arriving in Trincomalee at approximately 3:45 p.m.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival in Trincomalee, meet your guide and transfer to the pier and ship.

Please note: Flight timings are subject to change based on prevailing weather conditions and permissions.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 4.5 miles (about 7.25 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, dusty, gravelly, rocky, grassy, muddy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coaches and open-air, 4WD safari Jeep and board/de-board the airplane, and two steps at the Observatory, five-10 steps during the Bishnoi Village safari, 20 steps at the Old City, 50 steps at the Amber Fort, 52 steps at the City Palace, 80 steps at Jaswant Thada, and 250 steps at the Mehrangarh Fort. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing and safari wear (long-and-short-sleeved shirts and pants) with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a warm, weatherproof jacket, camera, binoculars, any necessary medication, and US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, local currency, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should never wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. No food may be taken into the reserve on the open-air, 4WD safari vehicles. Guests are advised not to wear jewellery on this excursion. This is a malaria-risk area; please make sure the necessary medication has been taken. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and bird sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the game reserve, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. Guests must carry their passports and ship’s ID at all times. Infrastructure in India may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours. For your added safety and protection, please leave jewellery, valuables, and large amounts of cash on board the ship. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Expect crowds and traffic at the sites visited. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence, and/or programme content. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.  

Programme Includes:

One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Taj Mahal – New Delhi   

Two-night stay in a Palace Room at the Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur

Two-night stay in a Luxury Tent at The Oberoi Vanyavilas – Ranthambore

Two-night stay in a Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace – Jaipur

Scheduled flights: Singapore/Delhi, Delhi/Jodhpur, Jodhpur/Sawai Madhopur, Sawai Madhopur/Jaipur, and Jaipur/Colombo/Trincomalee (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

Singapore Airlines restricts baggage allowance to one checked-in luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 66 pounds (about 30 kilograms). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter.

For chartered flights, baggage is limited to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) total for checked-in and carry-on luggage.

Seven breakfasts, six lunches (one in-flight), and seven dinners (one in-flight), with drinks included

Tour of the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada – Jodhpur

Off-road safari through the Bishnoi Village – Jodhpur

Tour of the Old City and Bazaar by tuk tuk and on-foot – Jodhpur

Private Royal cooking demonstration with dinner at the Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur

Early-morning and afternoon game-drives at Ranthambore National Park – Jodhpur

Cocktails and a private session with a local conservationist at the Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur  

Optional shopping excursion to the Bazaar area – Jaipur

Special, private dinner in your honour at a surprise location – Jaipur

Guided tours of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort – Jaipur

All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.