Rajasthan: Forts, Lakes & Tigers — 15 Days

Participants arrive in Delhi at any time. No activities are scheduled until an evening welcome meeting, allowing time to settle into Hotel Citi International or similar. For those arriving early, an optional half-day culinary tour offers an immersive introduction to Delhi's food culture. Led by an experienced foodie-guide, the tour navigates age-old markets and landmark food joints, revealing the intricacies of regional Indian cuisine. The route typically includes Chandni Chowk, the bustling heart of old Delhi, where you'll taste chai served in authentic terracotta cups and sample multi-generational kebab recipes. Stops at local sweet and flatbread vendors follow, as does a visit to a chaat street chef. The tour concludes at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, the Sikh House of Worship known for hosting the world's largest community kitchen—a working example of langar, the tradition of serving free meals to all visitors regardless of background.

Begin with an early morning walking tour of Delhi's streets, led by a local guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. This 2–3 kilometre walk offers an intimate perspective on the city from someone with firsthand knowledge of life in Delhi. Your guide, a former at-risk youth, benefits directly from tour proceeds that support their college or university tuition—a meaningful way to engage with the community you're visiting. After the tour, transfer by private vehicle to Mandawa, a desert town in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, situated 240 kilometres north. The 6-hour drive provides time to settle in and observe the changing landscape as you move toward the former trading hub. Established along ancient caravan routes, Mandawa earned its reputation as Rajasthan's "open air art gallery" through its remarkable architecture. Upon arrival, begin an evening walking tour of the old town to admire the havelis—traditional merchant townhouses distinguished by intricate frescoed facades. These lavish structures once housed wealthy traders whose fortunes were made along these historic routes, and their ornate courtyards and painted walls remain testaments to that prosperity. You'll stay at Mandawa Haveli or a similar property.

A morning drive covers 331 kilometres in approximately 6.5 hours to Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second-largest city. The landscape shifts as you approach; the city reveals itself gradually, its houses painted in shades of blue—the characteristic that earned Jodhpur its nickname, the Blue City. Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline from atop a cliff. A short climb rewards you with sweeping views across the city below. Inside, the fort's well-stocked museum documents centuries of Rajasthani royal life and the many battles fought within these walls. Courtyards, palaces, and chambers offer a tangible sense of what life was like for the region's rulers. As afternoon light softens, wander through the Old City to Sadar Bazaar, one of Rajasthan's oldest markets. The bazaar pulses with activity and colour. Glass bangles catch the light, carpets drape doorways, cutlery and marble goods fill stalls. The craftsmanship on display reflects generations of artisan skill—these are the items Jodhpur has been known for producing for centuries. You'll settle in for the evening at Treebo Megh Niwas or similar accommodation.

A private vehicle drive of 250 kilometres takes 6–7 hours to reach Udaipur, a lakeside city in southern Rajasthan. An orientation walk introduces central markets and key sites, including a view of Lake Pichola. In the evening, participants attend a cultural performance at Bagore-ki-Haveli Folk Museum, located on the waterfront at Gangaur Ghat. The haveli—a traditional private mansion—has been converted to a museum displaying costumes and art across more than 100 rooms. Accommodation is at Paras Raj or similar.

Begin your day in Udaipur at City Palace, Rajasthan's largest palace, where you'll witness how royalty once lived across centuries of architectural refinement. The palace's intricately decorated balconies offer views across the waters to the striking Lake Palace, a structure that has become synonymous with Udaipur's romantic reputation. After exploring the palace's ornate chambers and courtyards, visit the nearby Jagdish Temple, an intricately carved shrine dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Inside the temple's sanctum, you'll find a striking black stone image of Vishnu that draws both pilgrims and visitors seeking to understand the spiritual heart of this sacred space. The remainder of your day is unstructured, allowing you to wander Udaipur's narrow lanes, absorb the lakeside atmosphere, or retreat to rest before an optional evening activity. The city rewards those who visit without rigid schedules. Several optional experiences can enhance your time here, each revealing different facets of Udaipur. A boat ride on Lake Pichola (500 Indian rupees per person) allows you to experience the city from the water, drawing closer to the Lake Palace and understanding why it earned recognition as India's most romantic hotel. For sunset seekers, Monsoon Palace awaits atop a nearby hill—a summer retreat of the Maharajas offering sweeping panoramic views of Udaipur's lakes, surrounding countryside, and distant horizons. An auto rickshaw carries you there; sunset transforms the vista into something truly memorable. Early risers can pre-book the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour (3–3.5 hours, 20 kilometres), which departs Kalarohu village as dawn breaks across the lakes. The route carries you past agricultural workers tending lush farming communities in Badi and Hawala, loops around Monsoon Palace's hilltop perch, and continues through quieter villages toward Tiger Lake. There, the journey culminates with a picnic breakfast beside tranquil waters where birds congregate. The downhill return offers ample photography opportunities and moments to absorb local history before concluding at your starting point. Alternatively, pre-book a session at Udaipur Cooking School (2–3 hours) to learn directly from local cooks how to prepare authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The experience begins with masala chai as hosts guide you through the spices and ingredients that define the region's food culture. You'll observe demonstrations of rice, curries, and chapatis—or participate hands-on in the actual cooking. The morning or afternoon concludes with enjoying your own creations as lunch, a tangible reward for your culinary efforts. You'll spend the night at Paras Raj or a similar property.

Travel by private vehicle through 150 kilometres of rural landscape, a 3.5–4 hour journey to Khinwara, a small village that remains largely undiscovered by conventional tourism routes. Upon arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to village life and local residents, offering genuine insight into the rhythms of rural India. You'll stay at Mahal Khinwara, a heritage hotel property.

Travel by private vehicle through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, one of the world's holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. The 200-kilometre journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, an orientation walk with your CEO introduces you to the layout of the town, including the sacred lake, its ghats (stepped water access points), and practical information on finding ATMs and main squares. Visit the 14th-century Brahma Temple, the world's only temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, which draws pilgrims from across India and beyond. As evening approaches, ride a camel out into the desert surrounding Pushkar to watch the sunset descend across the sand dunes—a ritual locals know well. Settle into Hotel New Park or similar for the night.

A sunrise hike of 1–2 hours reaches Savitri Temple, which crowns a hilltop overlooking Pushkar and the surrounding landscape. The temple honours Savitri, consort of Brahma. Participants typically arrive near sunrise, accompanied by a warm beverage. The remainder of the day is free to visit the ghats and temples throughout the holy city independently. Accommodation is at Hotel New Park or similar.

A 150-kilometre drive across Rajasthan brings you to Jaipur, the state's capital and one of India's most significant heritage cities. The journey takes approximately four hours by private vehicle, offering time to settle into the landscape ahead. Upon arrival, you'll participate in a hands-on block printing session with women from the Anoothi Project, a collective based outside the city. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary'—a philosophy the group embodies by teaching traditional block printing techniques to women from marginalised communities, reclaiming what has historically been a male-dominated craft. You'll work alongside these artisans while enjoying local snacks prepared by your hosts. Following the workshop, a CEO-led orientation walk (1–2 hours) takes you through Jaipur's central markets. Here you'll begin to understand why the city earned its nickname: the Pink City, named for the distinctive rose-coloured buildings that define its streetscapes and architecture. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to wander independently, wandering the markets and discovering the layers of this heritage city at your own pace. If you wish, an optional evening activity awaits at Raj Mandir Cinema (200–400 Indian rupees per person), a spectacular Art Deco theatre where you can experience a Bollywood film—a distinctly Indian cultural moment. You'll stay at Utsav Niwas or a similar property.

Begin the morning with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds—an intricately carved structure. The guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated approximately 11 kilometres north of Jaipur, commands the landscape from a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. Built from red sandstone and white marble, the fort represents a masterful blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions. Its sandstone walls sit almost seamlessly into the surrounding terrain, their reflection shimmering across the lake's surface—a mirage effect that rewards photographers. Inside, wander through the fort's halls, courtyards, and palaces, observing the intricate details carved into walls and doorways, tracing the structure's long history as a significant site during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Afternoon free time in Jaipur offers space for independent exploration or optional activities customized to your interests. The bicycle tour of Jaipur's Pink City presents an intimate way to experience the city's rhythm. Pedaling through the organized lanes and walled city centre, you'll encounter sights, sounds, and smells that travel by vehicle cannot match. The tour typically begins with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of lassi, before navigating past architectural landmarks. You'll stop at City Palace to visit Govind Dev Temple, wander through the historical spices and sweets market (pausing for tea and pakoras), and conclude near the majestic Albert Hall Museum. Hotel transfers and an experienced guide are included. This option runs approximately 3–4 hours and costs 35 Indian rupees per person. Alternatively, visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. Guided tours visit the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, many dating from 1727. The visit typically lasts 1–2 hours and costs 202 Indian rupees per person. For those available during the season (September 1–April 30), the hot-air balloon ride offers a distinct perspective. Departing at dawn, you'll drift skyward as the sun rises, experiencing the silence and serenity of morning. From above, watch the landscape unfold: rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery drifting below. If fortune favours you, elephants may appear across the terrain. Accommodation for the night is at Utsav Niwas or a similar property.

A private vehicle departs for Ranthambore National Park, a protected wildlife reserve approximately 240 kilometres south, taking about 4 hours. Upon arrival in the afternoon, a guided walk through the ruins of Ranthambore Fort provides views across the park landscape. The fort was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur and contains historical structures including chhatris (domed pavilions), remnants of palaces, and hunting lodges. A sunset viewing takes place from the fort ruins. Accommodation is at Raj Palace Resort or similar, located outside the park boundary.

Begin with a morning safari through Ranthambore National Park, one of India's original Project Tiger Reserves. The 2.5–3 hour drive covers approximately 15 kilometres in a canter—an open-top vehicle seating up to 24 passengers, typically shared with other visitor groups. The landscape unfolds across lakes, scrubland, and atmospheric ruined palaces, home to Bengal tigers, deer, monkeys, and numerous bird species. Tiger sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The afternoon is yours to structure. Rest at Raj Palace Resort or similar—your accommodation situated outside the park—or opt for a second safari. An optional afternoon excursion (2.5–3 hours, 3,500 Indian rupees per person) offers another chance to visit the reserve and search for wildlife. Many visitors choose this option to maximise their time in the park, though the choice depends entirely on your energy and preference. Breakfast and dinner are included today. The resort provides a comfortable base to process the morning's sightings and prepare for whatever the afternoon brings.

A private vehicle journey of 6–7 hours covers approximately 240 kilometres northward to Agra. En route, a 30 to 60-minute stop at Abhaneri allows a guided walk around Chand Baori, a tenth-century stepwell (baori) descending 20 feet into the earth. The structure demonstrates an ancient Indian water-harvesting system designed to access groundwater and collect seasonal rainfall in an arid region. Accommodation is at Hotel Sahibs Lighthouse or similar.

The morning begins before sunrise to visit the Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The pre-dawn timing allows visitors to observe the monument during the clearest light conditions of the day. A guided tour of Agra Fort follows, covering the red sandstone and white marble structures within the walls. The fort was a Mughal imperial residence and military stronghold; it was a major site of conflict during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which marked the beginning of direct British Crown rule in India. A private vehicle departs in the afternoon for Delhi. Accommodation is at Hotel Citi International or similar, returning to the starting hotel.

Depart Delhi at any time that suits your schedule. Need help extending your stay or arranging onward travel? Our team can assist.