14 Day Rajasthan Desert Tour - From Taj Mahal to Thar Desert

Traveler Reviews

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  Sharon

  March 27th, 2026
  Fantastic trip. Sonia had organised our agenda all of the guides, we chose our own hotels. Communication was timely...
  Fantastic trip. Sonia had organised our agenda all of the guides, we chose our own hotels. Communication was timely and everything worked like clockwork. Drivers and guides were all on time and excellent.Show more
  Traveled in March 2026
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  KAILASH

  April 7th, 2025
  This trip was organised as a Birthday Trip for my Wife. The Tour of Rajasthan was amazing with amazing places that...
  This trip was organised as a Birthday Trip for my Wife. The Tour of Rajasthan was amazing with amazing places that we visited from the Taj Mahal, Red Forts, Temples, visiting the blue city and Havelis. Coming face to face with those amazing craftsmanship is beyond real. Staying in a really nice Haveli at Chobday was really a nice experience which we both very much enjoy. Everyone who visit India should at least one time stay in one of the haveli. We also had an amazing driver (Mr Ram Pal) who stayed with us from Day 1 to day 14. It was like having another guide with us, he was very knowledgeable by pointing out places when driving, attending to our last minute request straight away and he was very friendly. Joyful Holidays are very lucky to have him. The downside of the tour was that at each places we visited, we had a different tour guide, some were very good while others not so much. Some tour guide will take us to Artisan shop which are not on the Itinerary, there we got pressured to buying expensive items (Carpets, Jewelleries, old artifacts as well as decorations made out of precious stones). No matter what we said ( cannot afford it, do not have money) was not enough to stop the hassle. We even had 2 tour guides who made us give large donations. One of them informed us that we could make any donation at the temple if we wanted but it had to be done at the donation office. When at the office, we were informed that there were 4 types (amount) for the donation and nothing else. We agreed to make a $100 donation but the guide started pressurising us to make a higher donation. When we stood our ground and paid $100, he informed us that we only paid for rice pudding! he was a tour guide and he told us that he only work at the temple but informed and showed us that he had the latest and expensive phone on him (Samsung s25 Ultra). The other one asked us to make an offering at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah which we agreed for a small one but he organised the offerings which was expensive and later on collected the money from us. Most of the hotels were Vegetarian only and not Licenced. I wished that we had been informed of this as we would have made the necessary arrangements. As Foreigners, when we go on holiday, we want to relax , enjoy ourselves and have a drink or too! My wife's birthday was a sober one, which we were not too happy. One hotel that we believe that all visitor should avoid will be Hotel Tokyo Palace. The hotel closed their restaurant when we were there so we could not have any meals on the day at the hotel and there was nothing close by which would be safe. Thanks to our driver, Mr Ram Pal, he came immediately when we called him and he took us to this amazing restaurant (1156 Ad Jaisalmer). we loved it so much that we had Lunch and dinner there. At night around 11pm, we were disturbed by loud shouting, screaming and door banging as if there was a fight outside our room. we did not sleep at all as the noise continued all night and morning. The next morning again the restaurant was closed thus no breakfast. When checking out , we asked the manager of the hotel about it and just told us that there were few drunk people on both side of our room. They advertise as having a swimming pool but it is next the entrance door, near the reception and the water is very dirty.Show more
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  Traveled in March 2025
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Dear Kailash Sir, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review. We're truly honored that you chose Joyful Holidays to celebrate your wife's birthday with a tour of Rajasthan, and we're thrilled to hear that many aspects of your journey—from the breathtaking sites to the craftsmanship and the haveli stay—left a lasting impression. A very special thank you for your kind words about Mr. Ram Pal. He’s indeed a gem in our team, and we’re so glad he was able to support you throughout the trip with warmth, flexibility, and deep local knowledge. We’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation to him—he’ll be delighted to hear it! We also want to sincerely acknowledge the concerns you raised. Regarding the hotel arrangements, we understand how important it is for travelers to feel informed and comfortable. Your experience at Hotel Tokyo Palace is especially concerning, and we appreciate your honest account. We have written and taken action about the Tokyo Palace. We will never use that hotel again. Thank you again for your thoughtful review—it helps us grow and serve our guests better. We hope the beauty of Rajasthan and the warmth of people like Mr. Ram Pal made your journey memorable. We’d love the opportunity to welcome you again and make your next experience truly seamless and celebratory. Warm regards, Ms. Sonia Handa Team Joyful Holidays

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• K

  KAILASH

  April 7th, 2025
  This trip was organised as a Birthday Trip for my Wife. The Tour of Rajasthan was amazing with amazing places that...
  This trip was organised as a Birthday Trip for my Wife. The Tour of Rajasthan was amazing with amazing places that we visited from the Taj Mahal, Red Forts, Temples, visiting the blue city and Havelis. Coming face to face with those amazing craftmanship is beyond real. Staying in a really nice Haveli at Chobday was really a nice experince which we borth very much enjoy. Everyone who visit India should at least one time stay in one of the haveli. We also had an amazing driver (Mr Ram Pal) who stayed with us from Day 1 to day 14. It was like having another guide with us, he was very knowledgeable by pointing out places when driving, attending to our last minute request straight away and he was very friendly. Joyful Holidays are very lucky to have him. The downside of the tour was that at each places we visited, we had a different tour guide, some were very good while others not so much. Some tour guide will take us to Artisan shop which are not on the Itinerary, there we got pressured to buy expensive items (Carpets, Jewelleries, old artifacts as well as decorations made out of precious stomes). No matter what we said ( cannot afford it, do not have money) was not enough to stop the hassle. We even had 2 tour guides who made us give large donnations. One of them informed us that we could make any donation at the temple if we wanted but it had to be done at the donation office. When at the office, we were informed that there were 4 types (amount) for the donation and nothing else. We agreed to make a $100 donation but the guide started pressurising us to make a higher donation. When we stood our ground and paid $100, he informed us that we only paid for rice pudding! he was a tour guide and he informed us that he only work at the temple but informed and showed us that he had the latest and expensive phone on him (Samsung s25 Ultra). The other one asked us to make an offering at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah which we agreed for a small one but he organised the offerings which was expensive and later on collected the money from us. Most of the hotels were Vegetarian only and not Licenced. I wished that we had been informed of this as we would have made the necessary arrangements. As Foreigners, when we go on holiday, we want to relax , enjoy ourselves and have a drink or too! My wife's birthday was a sober one, which we were not too happy. One hotel that we belive that all visitor should avoid will be Hotel Tokyo Palace. The hotel coled their restaurant when we were there so we could not have any meals on the day. Thanks to our driver, Mr Ram Pal, he came immidiately when we called him and he took us to this amazing restaurant (1156 Ad Jaisalmer). we loved it so much that we had Lunch and dinner there. At night arounf 11pm, we were disturbed by loud shouting, screaming and door banging as if there was a fight outside our room. we did not sleep at all as the noice continued all night and morning.The next morning again the restaurant was closed thus no breakfast. When checking out , we asked the manager of the hotelShow more
  Traveled in March 2025
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Dear Kailash Sir, Thank you for sharing such an extensive and honest review of your experience with us. We're delighted to hear that you and your wife enjoyed the tour of Rajasthan, with its stunning landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Red Forts, temples, and the enchanting blue city. The craftsmanship and historic charm of the Havelis truly do make for an unforgettable experience, and we're thrilled you enjoyed your stay at the Haveli in Chobday. A special shoutout to Mr. Ram Pal for going above and beyond throughout your trip—it’s wonderful to hear that he played such an integral role in making your journey enjoyable. He is indeed a valued member of our team, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. We were also happy to upgrade your vehicle to an SUV at no extra cost to make your travel more comfortable. We truly appreciate your constructive feedback as well. We deeply regret that some aspects of the trip fell short of your expectations. The issues with certain tour guides about the pressure for donations are unacceptable, and we will take immediate steps to ensure that such practices are strictly addressed. To clarify, we had informed you in advance, multiple times, not to give donations at religious sites—such practices occur globally, and we strive to ensure our guests are well-prepared. We also apologize for the challenges you faced with some of the hotel accommodations and for the lack of advance information regarding vegetarian-only options. Your input will help us ensure better communication and planning for future travelers. We are particularly disheartened to learn about your experience at Hotel Tokyo Palace and the distress you endured there. This feedback will be addressed promptly with the management to prevent such incidents from happening again. Thank you for highlighting both the positive and areas for improvement in your review. We value your insights and will strive to provide an even better experience for our guests in the future. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and make your next journey truly exceptional. Regards Ms. Sonia Handa

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  Viktor

  January 12th, 2025
  We were first-time visitors to India for 3 weeks and this was our first trip to the country. Overall, we had a very...
  We were first-time visitors to India for 3 weeks and this was our first trip to the country. Overall, we had a very nice experience through the trip, which served as a great intro to the country. The tour was well organised, and had a good balance of sightseeing, guided tours, safari and nature - all with smooth transportation and nice hotels. Our driver Sonu took good care of us, was extremely friendly and polite. He was an excellent driver, smoothly navigating the busy streets of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, as well as the hillside roads of Ranthambore and introduced us to the local culture. The schedule was well structured, with days well spread out and plenty of nice sightseeing at each stop, making the longer drives feel not that long and totally worth it. We chose the 4 star hotels option, which proved to be of good quality, ensuring good sleep and rest. Communication from Sonia (organiser) prior to and during the trip was also very clear and professional - pleasant being in her hands. If I would make one recommendation to the organizer, it would be around the Ranthambore stop - It would be good to ensure adequate English proficiency of the actual safari tour guide. Potentially, the safari team could split the visit groups more in locals only, vs. mostly foreigners. In addition, if there could be a way to ensure a good zone allocation, that would also help the tour a lot. Overall, would very much recommend the tour!Show more
  Traveled in January 2025
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Dear Viktor Sir, Thank you for your detailed review! We're delighted to hear that your first trip to India was a memorable experience and that our well-organized tour provided a great introduction to the country. It's wonderful to know that Sonu took good care of you and that the balance of sightseeing, guided tours, safari, and nature made your journey enjoyable. We appreciate your feedback regarding the Ranthambore stop and will work on improving the English proficiency of the safari guides. Your kind words about our team's clear and professional communication and the quality of the 4-star hotels mean a lot to us. Thank you for recommending our tour. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future! Best regards, Ms. Sonia Handa

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  D

  January 4th, 2025
  I recently embarked on a 14-day journey with Joyful Holidays, which included a five-day Golden Triangle tour, five...
  I recently embarked on a 14-day journey with Joyful Holidays, which included a five-day Golden Triangle tour, five days exploring Mumbai, and four days in Delhi. Overall, it was an extraordinary experience! **Golden Triangle Tour (5 Days)** Our adventure began with the Golden Triangle, where Ram was our driver. He was fantastic, expertly navigating the bustling traffic and ensuring our comfort throughout the trip. Each city we visited had a different guide, which provided us with diverse perspectives and insights into the history and culture of the region. While we didn’t have a specific guide for the entire Golden Triangle, the drivers were knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing our experience. **Mumbai Tour (5 Days)** In Mumbai, we had the pleasure of having Ajaz as our guide. He brought the city to life with his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of its rich culture and history. Sunjay, our driver in Mumbai, was also excellent, skillfully handling the city’s chaotic traffic while ensuring we felt safe and comfortable. **Delhi Tour (4 Days)** Lastly, our time in Delhi was equally rewarding, with Ajay as our driver. He was adept at navigating the city and made sure we reached all our destinations without a hitch. Interestingly, we felt we didn’t need a guide in Delhi, as we were comfortable exploring the city on our own and appreciated the flexibility to tailor our itinerary. **Accommodations** I highly recommend opting for 5-star hotels for this trip. The 3-star accommodations differ significantly from what you might expect in other countries, and the extra comfort of 5-star hotels added to our overall enjoyment of the trip. **Overall Experience** Everything was planned wonderfully, and we appreciated the flexibility to make adjustments to fit our preferences. While it would have been helpful to know the entry fees for certain attractions in advance, this was a minor detail in an otherwise fantastic experience. Joyful Holidays provided us with a memorable journey through India. From the Golden Triangle to the vibrant streets of Mumbai and the historical sites of Delhi, I wholeheartedly recommend them for your travels. I’m already looking forward to booking my next adventure with them!Show more
  Traveled in December 2024
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Dear Dana, Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review of your journey with Joyful Holidays! We’re thrilled to hear that your 14-day adventure was extraordinary, with each leg of the trip offering unique and memorable experiences. Ram, Ajaz, Sunjay, and Ajay all played a vital role in ensuring your travels were seamless, comfortable, and enriching. It’s fantastic that their professionalism and knowledge enhanced your journey across India. We appreciate your insights on accommodations, and we’re glad that everything was planned with flexibility to suit your preferences. Your wholehearted recommendation means the world to us, and we’re truly grateful for your kind words. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next adventure. Ms. Sonia Handa

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  Sheila

  November 6th, 2024
  Sonia and her team at Joyful holidays did in reality put together a joyful holiday. Before departure they were very...
  Sonia and her team at Joyful holidays did in reality put together a joyful holiday. Before departure they were very prompt at answering any questions, organising any itinerary extras and conveying instructions about transfers. We had large new air conditioned car and an excellent English speaking driver "Ram" who looked after us beautifully, helping us with everything we needed to do and anything we might have been concerned about. All the travel days had regular well organised stops at suitable establishments. We had knowledgeable guides at all the tourist sites we visited, who also could take you to recommended arts and crafts galleries, restaurants and cultural shows.Show more
  Traveled in October 2024
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Dear Sheila Joyce, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Sonia and her team at Joyful Holidays delivered a truly joyful travel experience for you. It’s fantastic that every detail from pre-departure arrangements to itinerary adjustments was handled smoothly and efficiently. Your kind words about Ram are greatly appreciated! His attentiveness, professionalism, and thoughtful care truly embody our commitment to providing a seamless and comfortable journey. We’re also thrilled that our knowledgeable guides enhanced your experience by sharing insights and introducing you to the rich artistic and cultural scene. We’re grateful for your support and recommendation. Your experience means the world to us! We’d love to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure. Ms. Sonia Handa

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  Marion

  October 15th, 2022
  I did tour with Joyful Holidays for 10 days. I got in touch with Sonia and originally was going to do the tour solo...
  I did tour with Joyful Holidays for 10 days. I got in touch with Sonia and originally was going to do the tour solo (female) but had stated I would like to have someone else to do the tour with if possible. Sonia then linked me in with another female of similar age. She was wanting to do similar tour. I spoke with the other female before going on tour and we agreed we would like to do it together. We had a driver Raj who could not have been more helpful who supported us along the way and ensured out safety. He also ensured we ate at good restaurants along the way that were clean. We had tour guides along the way. Tour was completely catered to what we wanted to do. Sonia also checked in along the way regarding how the tour was. Overall a great experience. We covered a lot of cities and could not have done it without Joyful Holidays 😊Show more
  Traveled in October 2022
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Hi Marion Mam, We are incredibly grateful that you took the time to leave us a 5-Star review. We will share this with the entire team to let them know to keep up the amazing work. When the tour begins, Our team is on the toes to make sure the tour goes well, and keep communicating with our “Valued Guests” 24*7 to help out with the slightest issue our guests might face. I will pass on your compliments about our services to the Team. We are quite passionate about our work! We hope that in future visits we’ll have an opportunity to serve you, your family, & your friends once again. Kind Regards Sonia Handa

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  Anouk

  October 15th, 2022
  After deciding to book a tour with Joyfull holidays, Sonia matcht me with another female solo traveler, so that the...
  After deciding to book a tour with Joyfull holidays, Sonia matcht me with another female solo traveler, so that the trip would be more enjoyable and also more affordable for me. A really nice service and we enjoyed a lovely trip together. Sonia did everything she could to accommodate us perfectly. Our driver was the sweetest (thank you Raj!) and took good care of us. Thank you so much Sonia!Show more
  Traveled in October 2022
  

  Reply from: Joyful Holidays

  Hi Anouk Mam, Thank you for taking the time for the wonderful review. We as a team are so glad to hear that we were able to make your experience with us memorable and that you enjoyed all of the tour planning. When the tour begins, Our team is on the toes to make sure the tour goes well, and keep communicating with our “Valued Guests” 24*7 to help out with the slightest issue our guests might face. I will pass on your compliments about our services to the Team. We are quite passionate about our work! We hope that in future visits we’ll have an opportunity to serve you, your family, & your friends once again. Kind Regards Sonia Handa

  Show more