Discover the best of Rajasthan on this 10-day journey into the fascinating medieval history and vibrant culture of North India. Stroll through the bustling streets of Delhi, where old and modern worlds collide, and experience authentic India with a local train ride to Ajmer, a sacred pilgrimage center for both Muslims and Hindus. Marvel at Rajasthan’s kaleidoscope of colors as you visit Udaipur, the romantic “Venice of the East,” and Jaipur, the enchanting Pink City. The journey culminates with the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, a breathtaking love poem in stone. This tour reveals the true gems of Rajasthan, a journey designed to delight your senses and exceed your expectations.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: Delhi is a combination of the cities that were founded between 900 BC and 1930 AD. An elegant capital city brimming with history.
Pushkar: A small town blessed with the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, creator of the cosmos.
Udaipur: The city of unmatched beauty with a rich history, known as the city of lakes.
Ranakpur: A Jain temple in white marble in the Aravalli mountains.
Jodhpur: Known for its majestic and impregnable Mehrangarh Fort.
Bikaner: Famous for the stunning Junagarh Fort.
Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan, famous for its pink sandstone buildings.
Fatehpur Sikri: Admire the ghostly sandstone buildings of this abandoned city.
Agra: The ancient capital of the Mughal dynasty, one of the most visited cities in India.
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. On arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport by an English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel. Delhi is a city where centuries of history blend with rapid modern growth, land said to have witnessed seven different cities rise and fall, where the old and the new coexist in a captivating panorama.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, the historic Friday Mosque and one of the largest in India. At the end of the day, we recommend a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – AJMER (6.5hrs by train) / AJMER – PUSHKAR (14kms – 30min)
In the morning after breakfast, hop on your transfer to Delhi railway station to board your train that departs for Ajmer. This city of the valiant king Prithvi Raj Chauhan is surrounded by the hills of Mount Aravali. It is also called 'Ajay Meru' (‘Invincible Hill’), giving the name 'Ajmer' to the city. For hundreds of years, Ajmer has been a pilgrimage center for Hindus and Muslims who visit the mausoleum of Saint Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Hasan. Upon arrival in Ajmer, a tour representative will meet and greet you, and then your journey to Pushkar continues with a drive to the city that lies on the edge of the Thar Desert. At its heart is one of India's most sacred lakes, Pushkar Lake. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its camel fair, held every year in the festival month of Kartik (October and November). Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is taboo. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and then go on a sightseeing tour to the Hindu temple of Lord Brahma. At this house of worship surrounded by Pushkar Lake, witness the devotees taking a dip in the holy waters and offering prayers on the banks of the lake.
Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 3: PUSHKAR – UDAIPUR (280km – 5hrs)
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and continue the journey driving to Udaipur. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan, surrounded by rolling hills, serene lakes, and palatial splendor. The city has often been hailed as the ‘Venice of the East’. In the afternoon, delve into the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu house of worship in the heart of the city, and marvel at the grand Maharana Palace, a fusion of medieval European and Chinese architecture. End your day, before returning to the hotel, with a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, the spectacular views are sure to impress.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 4: UDAIPUR – JODHPUR (240km – 5hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur and en route visit the Jain Temple of Ranakpur. Also known as Chaturmukha ‘Four Faces’, this temple is a masterpiece by the architect Deepa. It represents the beauty of the marble carving and is a truly impressive construction. Continue to Jodhpur, known both as the ‘City of the Sun’ and the ‘Blue City’, the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. Famous for its impregnable and majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Upon your arrival check-in to your hotel and explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 5: JODHPUR – BIKANER (260km – 5hrs)
After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada. The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most majestic forts in Rajasthan: invincible, massive, home of the Rathore clan, who were descended from the Sun God. It is a magnificent fusion of different styles and influences. Known for his carvings in dark red sandstone, which tell the stories of brave royal women. The Jaswant Thada, on the other hand, is a royal cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A memorial made from white marble, built with perfectly carved marble pieces. These marbles are extremely thin and shiny, and the result gives the outer surface of the monument a warm light when the sun's rays illuminate it. Later, continue to Bikaner, the ‘Red City’, named due to the color of its impressive royal palaces and public buildings. It is an oasis in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its imposing palaces, beautiful and richly carved, and red-and-yellow sandstone temples show some of the most beautiful creations of the Rajput civilization.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 6: BIKANER – JAIPUR (360km – 7hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Junagarh Fort before taking a tuk-tuk ride through the old part of the city. The fort was built in red sandstone and houses a collection of old and beautiful buildings, wherein you can admire the beauty and frescoes of the recently restored paintings. Passing through all the doors, one has the sensation of participating in a royal procession as it was used in the past. The tuk-tuk ride (motor-rickshaw) in the old part of Bikaner allows you to better see the features of this place. You can admire the early 20th-century richness of this city by driving by its magnificent Havelis (the large, beautiful houses of old merchants trading in jewellery, fabrics, spices, etc.). Afterwards, continue to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, founded about 300 years ago and today a well-organised, colourful and attractive destination. The capital of Rajasthan, famous for its pink sandstone palaces, was founded by the astronomer king Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II who built it according to Vastu Shastra (a science that helps maintain the harmony of nature with urban planning rules). Upon your arrival in the late afternoon, check into your hotel and explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7: JAIPUR
Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a morning tour of Amber Fort. Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside, but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples, and landscaped gardens. Bedazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. En route, make a photo stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of the Winds’, the colorful façade of which has hundreds of windows, built in the pure style of Rajasthan. In the afternoon, visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal Residence, part of which has been reconverted into a museum. A private portion of it is still used by the Royal Family of Jaipur. Then visit the Jantar Mantar, the world-famous observatory made from stone and marble that’s still in working condition.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (240km – 5hrs)
In the morning, after breakfast drive to the spellbinding city of Agra, stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri along the way. Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted capital city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 AD. It was abandoned 15 years later due to a severe water shortage. Today, it is listed as a World Heritage Monument. After this short visit, continue to Agra and check in at the hotel. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses, and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 9: AGRA – DELHI (225km – 4hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a sightseeing tour of the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th century by the heartbroken Shah Jahan following the death in childbirth of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, you can admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy to build this astonishing monument (closed on Fridays). To learn even more about Agra, enjoy a visit to Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide many majestic Mughal palaces. Explore the delightful Diwan-i-Am (‘Hall of Public Audience’), where the emperor once sat on his throne to address his subjects, and the Diwan-i-Khas (‘Hall of Private Audience’), where he hosted kings and foreign dignitaries. In the afternoon depart for Delhi, where you’ll check in and spend the night.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 10: DEPARTURE DELHI
After breakfast in the hotel, hop onto your transfer to the international Airport of Delhi, where you’ll catch your flight to your next destination.
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.
