Discover Rajasthan, a fascinating and captivating region of India. Immerse yourself in the rich history of legendary kingdoms, marvel at majestic palaces, and wander through the colourful lanes of lively cities. Rajasthan is a true cultural treasure. Experience magical moments and fall under Rajasthan’s enchanting spell!
You'll love:
- Discovering the traditions of the Bishnoi people and their respect for nature.
- Exploring Rajasthan’s magnificent forts, palaces and colourful historic cities.
- Experiencing local life through camel rides, tuk-tuk and rickshaw rides, vibrant bazaars and traditional folk-dance performances.
Day 1: DELHI ARRIVAL
Arrival in Delhi. Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – MANDAWA (270km – 5hrs)
Depart for the Shekhawati region in western Rajasthan. Enjoy lunch featuring North Indian specialities. Visit the charming village of Mandawa, dominated by a medieval fort that is still inhabited by the Raja’s family. The town’s many havelis, adorned with colourful frescoes, reflect its former prosperity. These traditional residences, often home to extended families, are decorated with paintings both inside and outside. Some feature elaborate frescoes depicting the Ramayana and scenes from the life of Krishna. Discover Mandawa’s beautiful havelis and temples.
Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 3: MANDAWA – BIKANER (190km – 4hrs)
Travel by road to Bikaner. After lunch, visit Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century fortress containing numerous palaces and temples. Its interior is a fascinating maze of corridors, stairways and courtyards. Discover the Coronation Hall, the Palace of Mirrors, the Maharaja’s Chambers, the weapons museum with its collection of elephant howdahs, the Conference Hall with its magnificent silver throne, and the nail-studded boards once used by fakirs.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 4: BIKANER – DECHU (220km – 4hrs)
Continue by road to Dechu. After lunch, enjoy a jeep excursion to discover the Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi are regarded as the world’s first environmentalists, with beliefs centred on respect for all forms of life and the protection of wildlife and vegetation. Later, enjoy a camel ride across the sand dunes. In the evening, dinner is accompanied by a traditional folk dance performance.
Overnight in Dechu.
Day 5: DECHU – JODHPUR (140km – 3hrs)
Drive to Jodhpur. After lunch, discover the city and visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Mehrangarh Fort is one of Rajasthan’s most impressive strongholds. Its courtyards are surrounded by palaces with intricately carved façades. The museum displays palanquins, elephant howdahs, weapons, swords, daggers and miniature paintings. Visit Mandore, the former capital of the princes of Marwar, known for its gardens, pink sandstone chhatris and unusual gallery of Hindu gods and heroes. In the evening, enjoy a walk through the old town and a tuk-tuk ride through Sardar Bazaar.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 6: JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – UDAIPUR (270km – 5hrs)
Depart for Udaipur. En route, visit the magnificent temples of Ranakpur. The most impressive temple is dedicated to Adinath and is supported by 1,444 marble columns, of which only one is tilted. The intricately carved marble ceilings overlook 29 halls containing statues of Jain saints. After lunch, continue to Udaipur.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 7: UDAIPUR
Visit the Maharana’s Palace, overlooking the city and the lake. The palace houses collections of weapons and miniatures, as well as a maze of courtyards, rooms and salons decorated with mirrors and ceramics. Continue to a temple dedicated to Vishnu. Stroll through the old town and its bustling bazaar, filled with artisan workshops and shops. Discover Saheliyon-ki-Bari, a beautiful garden with lotus ponds and fountains. After lunch, transfer to the jetty and, subject to water levels, enjoy a short cruise on Lake Pichola. Admire the façade of the City Palace and stop for photographs at Jag Mandir Island.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 8: UDAIPUR – PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (460km – 8hrs)
Continue by road to Pushkar. Situated beside a sacred lake on the edge of the desert, Pushkar is one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. Visit the Brahma Temple and enjoy a walk around the ghats and colourful market. After lunch, continue to Jaipur, the famous Pink City, whose distinctive pink-painted walls gave the city its name. In the evening, enjoy a short Bollywood film screening at the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9: JAIPUR – AMBER – JAIPUR (25km – 1hr)
Discover Jaipur, beginning with a photo stop outside the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), famed for its remarkable façade. Continue to Amber Fort, situated beside a lake at the entrance to a rocky gorge. Its extensive network of walls and towers once formed an effective defensive system. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old city and explore its vibrant bazaar. After lunch featuring Rajput specialities and accompanied by a puppet show, visit the City Palace, residence of the Maharaja and home to an impressive collection of Mughal miniatures. Continue to the Birla Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 10: JAIPUR – ABHANERI – AGRA (250km – 5hrs)
Visit Abhaneri, renowned for its remarkable stepwells and the beautiful Harshat Mata Temple. According to legend, the village takes its name from the goddess Harshat Mata, who is believed to spread light, or "abha", throughout the region. Continue to Agra for lunch. Enjoy a traditional horse-carriage ride before beginning your sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, the iconic monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, visit a marble workshop specialising in intricate inlay work with semi-precious stones. Continue to Agra Fort, an immense red sandstone fortress on the banks of the Yamuna River, renowned for combining military strength with architectural elegance.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 11: AGRA – DELHI DEPARTURE (210km – 4hrs)
Drive to Delhi, India's capital city. En route, enjoy lunch. Discover Old Delhi, including Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and view the walls of the Red Fort. Continue with a panoramic tour of New Delhi. Later, transfer to a hotel where day-use rooms will be available for freshening up before departure. Enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in formalities.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
