Rajasthan: Forts, Deserts & Cities — 15 Days
Delhi to Jaisalmer and back, spanning Mughal monuments, desert camps, and 15th-century fortified cities across India's northwest.
Rajasthan occupies the northwest of India with a landscape defined by desert, fortified cities, and the architectural remnants of Mughal and Rajput dynasties. This 15-day itinerary moves from Delhi through Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur before reaching the sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar Desert, then returns eastward through Bikaner and Mandawa. The route includes UNESCO-listed sites—the Taj Mahal, the fort at Fatehpur Sikri—alongside lesser-known palaces, walled towns, and local food traditions. Accommodation mixes heritage properties with one night of glamping in the desert. The itinerary incorporates guided market walks, boat rides on mountain lakes, and meals with local families; it also includes a night at a Bollywood cinema and a desert camp safari with views across dunes at sunset.
Highlights
- The Taj Mahal in Agra: a 17th-century marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, set within formal gardens.
- Fatehpur Sikri: an abandoned Mughal kingdom built under Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, featuring the Jama Masjid and Buland Darwaza gateway.
- Amber Fort near Jaipur: a 16th-century Rajput fortification overlooking the city, combining Hindu and Muslim architectural elements.
- Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur: a 15th-century fortress rising 125 metres above the city, with intricate interior carvings and panoramic views across the blue-washed settlement.
- Jaisalmer Fort: a 'living fort' in the Thar Desert with permanent residents, shops, temples, and intricately carved havelis within its sandstone walls.
- Desert camp safari in the Thar with overnight glamping and traditional Rajasthani dinner at sunset.
- Jain temples at Ranakpur: white marble structures with elaborate carvings, a major pilgrimage site in northern Rajasthan.
- Haveli architecture in Mandawa: ornately painted merchant mansions from the 16th century and later, many undergoing restoration.
- Rickshaw food tour in Jaipur with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, a nonprofit employing women from low-income households, sampling regional snacks and sweets.
- Local family meals and home-cooked dinners in Jodhpur and elsewhere, offering insight into regional cuisine and daily life.
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar · a local restaurant
The tour begins with a welcome meeting in Delhi at 6 pm. Those arriving with time beforehand can visit Humayun's Tomb, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Qutub Minar, a 12th-century minaret in the city's south. An optional dinner with the group is available in the evening at a local restaurant.
2Agra: Taj Mahal and FortTaj Mahal · Delhi to Agra · Agra Fort · Sheroes Hangout
An air-conditioned train carries the group from Delhi to Agra, a city at the heart of the Mughal empire. Upon arrival, a local guide leads a tour of two major sites: the Taj Mahal, a 17th-century white marble mausoleum set within formal gardens, and Agra Fort, a sprawling complex of red sandstone built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 originally as a military stronghold. The afternoon remains free; the Sheroes Hangout, a social enterprise providing employment to women affected by acid attacks, is nearby for dining or refreshment.
3Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur BazaarsFatehpur Sikri · Jaipur bazaars
An early departure by private vehicle heads toward Jaipur. The first stop is Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned Mughal kingdom built during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and abandoned shortly after his death due to water scarcity. A local guide tours the Jama Masjid, a mosque blending Persian and Hindu aesthetics, and the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), a 54-metre-high entrance commemorating Akbar's victory in Gujarat. The route passes through small towns and rural terrain. Arrival in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, occurs in the afternoon. The city is organised on a grid plan and known for pedestrian accessibility. Bustling bazaars display hand-crafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones; streets accommodate cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks, and bicycles alongside traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans.
4Amber Fort, Bollywood Cinema & Jaipur Street FoodAmber Fort · Jaipur · Raj Mandir Cinema · Jaipur city streets
The morning is free in Jaipur. An optional hot air balloon flight over the city can be arranged. In the afternoon, a local guide leads a visit to Amber Fort, a 16th-century Rajput fortress standing on hills outside the city. The fort requires several hours to visit fully, with expansive courtyards and intricate carvings. The evening includes a screening of a Bollywood film—typically featuring action, romance, drama, or music—at the Raj Mandir Cinema, a well-known venue in the city. After the screening, a food tour via local rickshaw operates through the city streets. The Pink City Rickshaw Company, a nonprofit employing over 200 women from low-income households, provides the rickshaws and guides. The tour stops at vendors selling kachoris (fried snacks), sweet lassis, kulfis (frozen desserts), and cardamom tea. Dinner recommendations from the tour leader are available for those wishing to dine at a restaurant.
5Travel to Udaipur via the Aravalli HillsAravalli Hills · Jaipur · Pichola Lake
The group departs Jaipur by road toward Udaipur in the Aravalli hills. The drive passes through small towns, rural stretches, and hilly terrain; occasional palaces and forts appear on distant hillsides, and fields of camels and cattle line sections of the route. Upon arrival, a boat ride crosses Pichola Lake, Udaipur's largest body of water, offering views of the town and surrounding hills from the water.
6Udaipur: City Palace and Old Town WalksCity Palace · Udaipur's atmospheric laneways
The morning includes a guided walk through Udaipur's atmospheric laneways with a local guide. The route may encounter elephants and cows moving through the town. A visit to the City Palace, one of India's largest royal palaces, follows; the structure took 400 years to complete and houses royal treasures and antiquities including vivid murals and royal utensils. The rest of the evening remains free for independent exploration or rest.
7Ranakpur Jain Temples and JodhpurRanakpur · Jodhpur · Mandore Gardens
The drive from Udaipur passes through Ranakpur, a town known for elaborately carved white marble Jain temples. These temple complexes attract pilgrims throughout India, making Ranakpur a major site in the Jain tradition. The journey continues to Jodhpur. In the evening, free time allows a stroll through the Mandore Gardens, which contain ancient royal cenotaphs.
8Mehrangarh Fort and Jodhpur's Blue CityMehrangarh Fort · Jodhpur's central streets · local vendors in Jodhpur · a local family's home in Jodhpur
A local guide leads a morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, a 15th-century structure rising 125 metres above Jodhpur. The fort's interior contains intricate carvings and expansive courtyards; views from the ramparts extend across the blue-washed city below. After descending, a walk through Jodhpur's central streets showcases antique shops and street life. The city is known for lassi (a yoghurt drink) served at local vendors. In the evening, a vegetarian dinner with a local family provides context on regional cuisine, the area, and daily life in the city.
9Jaisalmer: Desert Citadel ArrivalJaisalmer
A desert road leads the group to Jaisalmer, a yellow sandstone fort rising from flat, arid terrain. A local guide leads a walk through the narrow, winding alleyways within the fort, which contain markets and intricately carved houses. The evening is free; the tour leader can recommend local restaurants.
10Jaisalmer Fort and Thar Desert CampJaisalmer Fort · Thar Desert · Thar Desert campsite
The morning continues exploring Jaisalmer Fort, which houses approximately 3,000 permanent residents within its walls alongside a maze of houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can search for Rajasthani fabrics and examine the carved facades of the Patwa ki Haveli and Salim Singh-ki Haveli. A Thali lunch (a traditional multi-dish meal) with a local family occurs in the early afternoon. The group then departs for the Thar Desert on a safari, driving through sand dunes to a campsite with expansive views. A traditional Rajasthani dinner is served as the sun sets, followed by the evening spent around a campfire.
11Bikaner: Caravan Town and Street FoodBikaner · Kheechan
The group departs the desert toward Bikaner, a fortified town that served as an important staging post on historical caravan routes connecting trade networks across Central Asia and China. The town contains numerous bazaars along with an impressive fort and palace. Lunch occurs at Kheechan, a location known for migratory birds including Eurasian cranes. The evening includes an auto rickshaw ride through the town and its markets, stopping for tea, samosas, Indian sweets, and sharbat (a traditional drink) from a local vendor, Chunni Lal. Dinner consists of a street food tour through the town, sampling local vendors rather than dining at a restaurant.
12Junagarh Fort and MandawaJunagarh Fort · Mandawa · Bikaner to Mandawa
A morning visit with a local guide visits Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century structure with detailed history. The group then departs Bikaner for Mandawa, a remote town in the region's centre. Mandawa was historically a trading post on routes between the Middle East and China; it is known for forts and havelis providing glimpses into its former role as a cultural and commercial centre. Upon arrival, check-in occurs at the resort with time to rest, have lunch, use the pool, or visit the spa.
13Mandawa: Haveli Architecture and Painted MansionsMandawa · Castle Mandawa
A full day visits Mandawa, often referred to locally as an outdoor museum. The town is famous for ornate havelis—traditional merchant mansions—many of which display lavishly painted walls and art that distinguishes this region throughout northern India. Some havelis are faithfully restored; others remain partially deteriorated. A local guide leads a haveli tour highlighting architectural and decorative details. The evening brings a dinner of spicy Northern Indian food with fellow travellers at Castle Mandawa, followed by return to the resort.
14Return to DelhiDelhi · countryside
After breakfast, the group departs the countryside and returns to Delhi by road or air. The afternoon and evening are free to rest and recharge. The tour leader can provide recommendations for dinner out with the group to reflect on the journey.
15Departure
The tour concludes after breakfast. No activities are scheduled, and guests may depart the hotel at any time during the morning. For those wishing to remain in Delhi for further exploration, the tour operator can assist with accommodation bookings subject to availability.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Taj Mahal
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Sheroes Hangout
- 5Fatehpur Sikri
- 6Amber Fort
- 7Jaipur
- 8City Palace
- 9Ranakpur
- 10Jodhpur
- 11Mehrangarh Fort
- 12Jaisalmer
- 13Jaisalmer Fort
- 14Thar Desert
- 15Bikaner
- 16Junagarh Fort
- 17Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Glamping (with facilities) (1 night), Hotel (13 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 14, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 4
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Airport Transfers
- Arrival Only
- An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.