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India22 days

Rajasthan: Forts, Havelis & Desert — 22 Days

Delhi to Bharatpur through 16 destinations, including Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur

This 22-day route across Rajasthan moves through the state's principal cities and smaller heritage towns, beginning in Delhi and circulating through the Shekhawati fresco villages, the Thar Desert, and the fort-centered towns of the south and east. The itinerary includes Delhi's Mughal monuments, the haveli architecture of Nawalgarh, the sand dunes and fort system of Jaisalmer, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the marble Jain temples of Ranakpur, Lake Pichola in Udaipur, the medieval fortress at Chittorgarh, the stepwells of Bundi, the City Palace complex in Jaipur, and the wetlands of Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur. Throughout, the route integrates lesser-known stops — Khimsar, Devgarh, Dungarpur, Bhandarej, and Karauli — to balance major monument visits with stays in smaller palace hotels and heritage haveli accommodations. All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated English-speaking guide.

Highlights

  • Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi — Mughal architectural monuments from the 12th and 16th centuries
  • Fresco-covered havelis in Nawalgarh — 18th and 19th-century merchant houses in the Shekhawati region
  • Khimsar Fort and sand dunes — desert fortification and camel excursions near the Thar
  • Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli — 12th-century sandstone fort and carved merchant mansion
  • Camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes with evening cultural performance
  • Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur — 15th-century hilltop fortress overlooking the Blue City
  • Jain Temples of Ranakpur — marble temple complex with intricate column carving
  • Devgarh Palace — restored palace hotel in rural Rajasthan
  • Lake Pichola boat ride in Udaipur — evening excursion past lakeside palaces and ghats
  • Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur — 19th-century royal residence
  • Chittorgarh Fort — expansive medieval fortress complex with Kirti Stambh and Rana Kumbha Palace
  • City Palace and Maharao Madho Singh Museum in Kota
  • Taragarh Fort and stepwells in Bundi — hilltop fort and traditional baoli structures
  • Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur — 16th-century fort, palace, and five-story wind tower
  • 11th-century stepwell at Bhandarej — baori with geometric stonework
  • Painted havelis and City Palace in Karauli — heritage town architecture
  • Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur — UNESCO-listed wetland with rickshaw-based viewing

Day by day

1Arrival in DelhiDelhi International Airport · hotel
Welcome to India. Arrive at Delhi International Airport where you'll be received and transferred to your hotel. Check in, relax, and prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in Delhi.
2Delhi: Old City and Mughal MonumentsJama Masjid · Chandni Chowk · Raj Ghat · India Gate · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar · Parliament and President's House
Navigate Old Delhi's Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, then visit Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Pass Parliament and President's House. Overnight in Delhi.
3Delhi to Nawalgarh — Shekhawati FrescoesDelhi to Nawalgarh · Nawalgarh · heritage haveli property
270-kilometer drive to Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region, known for merchant havelis painted with frescoes dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Exploration of the haveli architecture and local bazaars. Overnight at a heritage haveli property.
4Nawalgarh to Khimsar — Fort and DesertNawalgarh to Khimsar · Khimsar Fort · surrounding sand dunes · desert setting
240-kilometer journey to Khimsar. Visits include Khimsar Fort, the surrounding sand dunes, and a traditional dinner in desert setting. Overnight in Khimsar.
5Khimsar to JaisalmerKhimsar to Jaisalmer · Jaisalmer
290-kilometer drive to Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City for its honey-colored sandstone architecture. Evening at leisure with sunset views over the desert landscape. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
6Jaisalmer: Fort, Havelis & Sam DunesJaisalmer Fort · Patwon Ki Haveli · Gadisar Lake · Sam Sand Dunes
Sightseeing covers Jaisalmer Fort (12th-century hilltop stronghold), Patwon Ki Haveli (a seven-story carved merchant mansion), and Gadisar Lake. Evening includes a camel ride to Sam Sand Dunes, a cultural performance, and dinner in the desert setting. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
7Jaisalmer to Jodhpur — The Blue CityJaisalmer to Jodhpur · Mehrangarh Fort · Jaswant Thada · Sardar Market
280-kilometer drive to Jodhpur. Visits include Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and a walk through Sardar Market. Overnight in Jodhpur.
8Jodhpur to Devgarh via Ranakpur TemplesRanakpur · Devgarh Palace
Route to Devgarh with a stop at Ranakpur to visit the Jain Temples, a marble complex. Arrival in Devgarh, a rural village setting with Devgarh Palace hotel accommodation. Overnight in Devgarh.
9Devgarh to Udaipur — City of LakesDevgarh to Udaipur · Udaipur · Lake Pichola
130-kilometer drive to Udaipur, set on the shores of Lake Pichola. A boat ride on the lake offers views of the lakeside palaces, ghats, and the romantic setting of the city. Overnight in Udaipur.
10Udaipur: Palaces, Temples & Handicraft MarketsUdaipur · City Palace · Jagdish Temple · Saheliyon Ki Bari
Sightseeing includes City Palace (a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture), Jagdish Temple, and Saheliyon Ki Bari (the garden of the maidens). Evening cultural performance. Overnight in Udaipur.
11Udaipur to Dungarpur — Lesser-Known PalacesUdaipur to Dungarpur · Udai Bilas Palace · Gaib Sagar Lake
120-kilometer drive to Dungarpur, a less-traveled destination. Visits cover Udai Bilas Palace (a 19th-century royal residence) and Gaib Sagar Lake. Overnight in Dungarpur.
12Dungarpur to Chittorgarh — Medieval FortressChittorgarh · Chittorgarh Fort
160-kilometer journey to Chittorgarh. The fort complex, among India's largest, encompasses Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame, a 12th-century structure), Rana Kumbha Palace, and numerous temples. Overnight in Chittorgarh.
13Chittorgarh to Kota — Palaces and MuseumsChittorgarh to Kota · City Palace · Maharao Madho Singh Museum · Chambal Garden
170-kilometer drive to Kota. Sightseeing includes City Palace, Maharao Madho Singh Museum, and Chambal Garden along the riverbank. Overnight in Kota.
14Kota to Bundi — Stepwells and FortKota to Bundi · Bundi · stepwells · Taragarh Fort · Chitrashala
Short drive to Bundi. Visit stepwells, Taragarh Fort, and traditional murals at Chitrashala. Overnight in Bundi.
15Bundi to Jaipur — The Pink CityBundi to Jaipur · local handicraft bazaars
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Evening at leisure or exploration of local handicraft bazaars. Overnight in Jaipur.
16Jaipur: Amber Fort, City Palace & Hawa MahalJaipur · Amber Fort · City Palace · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar
Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, and the well-known Hawa Mahal. Visit Jantar Mantar's astronomical instruments, then shop for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Overnight in Jaipur.
17Jaipur to Bhandarej — Rural Stepwell HeritageBhandarej · an 11th-century stepwell (baori) · Bhandarej Palace hotel
65-kilometer drive to Bhandarej, a rural retreat. The principal attraction is an 11th-century stepwell (baori) with geometric stonework. The village environment offers contrast to larger urban stops. Overnight in Bhandarej Palace hotel.
18Bhandarej to Karauli — Painted Havelis & TemplesBhandarej to Karauli · City Palace · heritage hotel property
80-kilometer travel to Karauli, a heritage town known for painted merchant havelis and sacred temples. City Palace visit and cultural programming included. Overnight in a heritage hotel property.
19Karauli to Bharatpur — Keoladeo Ghana Bird SanctuaryKarauli to Bharatpur · Bharatpur · Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
Drive 110 kilometers to Bharatpur. Visit the UNESCO-listed Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary by rickshaw, observing resident and migratory birds. Overnight in Bharatpur.
20Bharatpur to Delhi — Return JourneyBharatpur to Delhi · Delhi
220-kilometer drive back to Delhi. Rest in the afternoon with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Delhi.
21Free Day in Delhi
Unscheduled day at leisure. Optional activities include shopping or returning to favorite monuments from Day 2. Overnight in Delhi.
22Departure from Delhihotel · hotel to Delhi International Airport
Breakfast at hotel followed by transfer to Delhi International Airport for onward travel.

Where you go

Map: Rajasthan: Forts, Havelis & Desert — 22 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Delhi International Airport
  2. 2hotel
  3. 3Nawalgarh
  4. 4Jaisalmer
  5. 5Jaisalmer Fort
  6. 6Sam Sand Dunes
  7. 7Mehrangarh Fort
  8. 8Jaswant Thada
  9. 9Sardar Market
  10. 10Ranakpur
  11. 11Udaipur
  12. 12Lake Pichola
  13. 13Udaipur
  14. 14City Palace
  15. 15Jagdish Temple
  16. 16Saheliyon Ki Bari
  17. 17Chittorgarh
  18. 18Chittorgarh Fort
  19. 19City Palace
  20. 20Bundi
  21. 21Jaipur
  22. 22Amber Fort
  23. 23City Palace
  24. 24Hawa Mahal
  25. 25Jantar Mantar
  26. 26Bhandarej
  27. 27City Palace
  28. 28Bharatpur
  29. 29Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
  30. 30Delhi
  31. 31hotel

Included

  • Mineral Water Bottles
  • Lunch at 5 Star Hotel.
  • Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
  • Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
  • Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
  • Daily Breakfast at hotel.
  • Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
  • Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour. .
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