The definitive in-depth Rajasthan journey — every major fort, desert dune, lake city, wildlife reserve, and off-the-beaten-track gem, arranged as a private circuit.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive into Delhi airport this morning and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore New Delhi, a complete contrast to the medieval Old Delhi. It's a city known for its formal parks, magnificent parliament building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate. Also visit Humayun's Tomb, architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal, and stroll through the tranquil Lodi Gardens nearby.
This morning you will get the chance to explore the vibrant streets of Old Delhi by foot and by rickshaw. Discover some of the capital's most fascinating hidden treasures as you step behind the scenes into some of the area's quieter temples and havelis, learning about the rich history of this old Mughal capital and observing daily life in the heart of the old city. Enjoy some culinary delights as you go, before being welcomed into one of the oldest family-run havelis in the city to enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch.
This morning you will transfer to Agra, where on arrival you will have lunch at the empowering Sheroes Hangout Café, an establishment which supports women who have been victims of acid attacks and are fighting to stop acid attacks in India. This afternoon your guide will take you to visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a colossal fort built of red sandstone and white marble in the 16th Century. After you will visit a different side of Agra and take a walk with a local guide through the farming community of Kachhpura, a visit set up by an NGO looking to provide sustainable livelihoods for women and young people in Agra. Your walk will end on the roof top of a local home to enjoy some snacks and drinks while you watch the sunset on the river with the Taj Mahal in the distance.
Rising early you will head to the Taj Mahal for sunrise where you can watch the white marble change hues in the morning sun. The iconic building is famous worldwide as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. After you will head towards Bharatpur, en route stop off at Fatehpur Sikri, this once great city was the Mughal capital for just a decade and a half before being abandoned. The impressive palaces, mosques and courtyards survive. At Bharatpur you will board your train for Sawai Madhopur where you alight and are transferred to Ranthambore.
Once a maharaja's hunting ground, Ranthambore is now a national park with a large population of tigers as well as jackals, mongooses, sloth bears, leopards and caracals and hundreds of species of birds. The park even has its own 10th Century hilltop fortress and ruined temples which have been taken over by the wildlife. Head out on morning and afternoon safaris to spot some of the elusive wildlife, take your time near the lakes to see some of the wading birds that make the park their home.
Today you will head to the home of some of Rajasthan's most iconic sights, the historic city of Jaipur. This afternoon you will head out on walking tour of the old city bazaar, these winding alleyways are home to a range of craftspeople whose families have been producing goods in these workshops for centuries. Stop and watch the artisans at work as well as visiting a traditional haveli or house, rich in antiques and architecture and trying some of the delicious food on offer.
Take in the city's sights today visiting the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory in the Old City. Each is beautifully crafted and in the rose hue from which Jaipur has received its second name of the Pink City. In the afternoon head to the Amber Fort on the edge of the city, take in the courtyards and apartments of this beautiful palace, built from sandstone and marble.
Travel to one of India's most sacred cities, Pushkar, set around the shores of a sacred lake and famous for the Camel Fair held each October/November. Pushkar is one of the few places where Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation, is worshipped. Explore the town's many temples and colourful bazaars.
Leave Pushkar and drive to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, a bustling metropolis dotted with the blue-painted houses of the Brahmin community which give the city its distinctive colour. Check into your heritage hotel within the old city walls.
Explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, looming 125 metres above the city, with its remarkable collection of royal artefacts, paintings and elephant howdahs. Descend into the blue-painted old city lanes and explore the traditional markets.
Drive west through the Thar Desert to the golden sandstone city of Jaisalmer — a living fort city rising from the flat desert plain. The 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort is one of the few living forts in the world, with thousands of people still living within its ancient walls.
Explore the extraordinary Jaisalmer Fort, its ornate Jain temples, havelis and bazaars, before driving to the Thar Desert dunes for sunset — a truly magical experience as the light changes across the vast sea of sand.
Drive northeast to Bikaner, the city of camels — home to the National Camel Research Centre and the remarkable Junagarh Fort, built in 1588 and never conquered. Bikaner is also famous for its extraordinary rat temple at Deshnoke.
Drive to the Shekhawati region — the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan — where the walls of elaborate merchant havelis are covered in extraordinary murals depicting scenes of mythology, courtly life and the arrival of modern technology.
Drive south to Bundi — one of Rajasthan's most charming and least-visited towns, with its magnificent fort, palace with famous murals, and remarkable stepwells. Bundi inspired Rudyard Kipling's descriptions of Indian architecture.
Visit Chittorgarh Fort — the largest fort in India — where the Rajput spirit of resistance is embodied in the towers, temples and palaces of this hilltop citadel with its dramatic history of siege and sacrifice.
Drive to romantic Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Udaipur is Rajasthan's most beautiful city, built around the shores of Lake Pichola with its magnificent palaces, temples and ghats.
Explore the magnificent City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple and the old city bazaars before a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola past the legendary floating Lake Palace hotel.
A free day in Udaipur — perhaps visiting the Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden, exploring the craft workshops, or simply enjoying the lakeside views.
Fly from Udaipur to Delhi. Free evening for shopping or independent dining.
A day trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal at its most peaceful.
After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers can be arranged.
About This Journey
This is the definitive Rajasthan journey — 22 days covering every major highlight of India’s most colourful state, from the Mughal grandeur of Delhi and the Taj Mahal to the remote desert fortresses, the wildlife of Ranthambore and the romantic lake palaces of Udaipur. This example tailor-made itinerary includes Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Bundi and Udaipur — the most comprehensive circuit of Rajasthan available.
Highlights
Track Bengal tigers at Ranthambore National Park. Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Explore the Pink City of Jaipur and its Amber Fort. The holy lake at Pushkar during the famous camel fair. Jodhpur’s magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and blue old city. The golden fort city of Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert. The painted haveli mansions of Shekhawati. Sunset on Lake Pichola in romantic Udaipur.
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
Trident Agra
A reliable contemporary option in Agra, this four-star hotel is built from red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era and is well placed for visits to the Taj Mahal. It has a stylish lobby with a great intimate bar and restaurant, a large outdoor pool in a courtyard surrounded by gardens, and 135 well-appointed rooms with views of the gardens and pool.
Khem Villas
An intimate jungle camp on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Khem Villas was created by the family behind the tiger conservation movement in Ranthambore. Accommodation ranges from luxury tents to stone cottages set in 12 acres of regenerated wilderness with its own lakes attracting birds, chinkara and the occasional leopard.
Suryagarh
A magnificent fort-hotel on the edge of the Thar Desert outside Jaisalmer, Suryagarh is built from golden Jaisalmer sandstone in the tradition of the great Rajput fortresses. Its courtyards, pools and rooftop terraces overlook the desert, and its kitchens preserve the lost recipes of the region.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
October to March is the most comfortable period, with clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures across North India. December and January mornings can be cold and foggy in Delhi and Agra. April to June is very hot; July to September is the monsoon.
Yes — this route is well-established with excellent hotels and infrastructure, and our experienced guides and drivers handle every practical detail. First-time visitors consistently find it a superb introduction to India.
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers throughout. For longer distances we use India's excellent express trains or domestic flights where they improve the journey.
Absolutely. Duration, hotels, route and experiences can all be tailored to your preferences and budget — this itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed product. Contact us to plan your ideal trip.
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