Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
India16 days

Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Desert — 16 Days

Delhi to Udaipur via Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, with heritage hotels and Thar Desert stops

This 16-day itinerary traces a path through Rajasthan's principal cities and monuments, beginning in Delhi and moving south and west through the state's forts, palaces, and desert towns. The route encompasses the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur's geometric streets and observatories, the painted havelis of Mandawa, Bikaner's vast camel breeding grounds, the fort-towns of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and the lake palaces of Udaipur. The itinerary includes stays in heritage properties and a night in a desert camp, ground transport by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide, visits to major forts and temples, and a camel ride on the Sam Sand Dunes with a folk performance. The route allows between 1 and 2 days per destination, with leisure time built into Delhi before and after travel.

Highlights

  • Taj Mahal in Agra — marble mausoleum
  • Amber Fort above Jaipur — approached by elephant or on foot, overlooking the Pink City
  • Fatehpur Sikri — abandoned Mughal capital
  • Havelis of Mandawa — mansions with hand-painted frescoes
  • Junagarh Fort in Bikaner — palace complex within desert fort walls
  • Camel Breeding Farm near Bikaner — Asia's largest camel breeding center
  • Jaisalmer Fort — 12th-century citadel in the heart of the Thar Desert
  • Sam Sand Dunes camel safari and folk dance performance
  • Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur — fortress perched above the city's blue-painted old town
  • Ranakpur Jain Temples — marble temple complex en route to Udaipur
  • City Palace and Lake Pichola boat ride in Udaipur
  • Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur — astronomical instrument collection

Day by day

1Arrival in DelhiDelhi International Airport · hotel
Arrival at Delhi International Airport, where a driver meets travelers and transfers them to a hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
2Delhi's Monuments and MarketsRed Fort · Jama Masjid · Chandni Chowk bazaar · Raj Ghat · India Gate · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar · Parliament House · President's House
A full-day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. The morning covers the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and a rickshaw ride through the historic Chandni Chowk bazaar. The afternoon includes Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar, with brief passes by Parliament House and President's House. Evening remains free.
3Delhi to Agra — Taj MahalDelhi to Agra · Taj Mahal · Agra Fort · Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb)
A 200-kilometer drive south reaches Agra. The day includes visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb). The evening is free.
4Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur SikriJaipur hotel
En route to Jaipur (235 kilometers), the route passes through Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th-century Mughal capital abandoned after the Mughal court relocated. Check-in to a Jaipur hotel in the late afternoon.
5Jaipur — Palaces, Observatories and BazaarsAmber Fort · City Palace complex · Jantar Mantar Observatory · historic bazaars · old town
A full day in Jaipur includes Amber Fort (reached by elephant or on foot), the City Palace complex, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. The afternoon visits the city's historic bazaars and the distinctive terracotta-colored architecture of the old town.
6Jaipur to Mandawa — Painted HavelisMandawa · merchant havelis · heritage property
A drive reaches Mandawa, a town in the Shekhawati region known for its merchant havelis decorated with hand-painted frescoes. Accommodation is in a heritage property.
7Mandawa to BikanerMandawa to Bikaner · Junagarh Fort · Lalgarh Palace · Asia's largest camel breeding farm
A 190-kilometer drive brings travelers to Bikaner. The evening includes visits to Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, followed by a stop at Asia's largest camel breeding farm.
8Bikaner to JaisalmerBikaner to Jaisalmer
A 330-kilometer drive across the Thar Desert reaches Jaisalmer, known for its golden-colored sandstone fort and havelis. The evening is free.
9Jaisalmer — Fort, Havelis and Desert SafariJaisalmer Fort · Patwon Ki Haveli · Salim Singh Haveli · local markets near the fort · Sam Sand Dunes
The day covers Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Haveli, along with the local markets near the fort. In the afternoon, travelers ride camels on the Sam Sand Dunes. A folk dance performance by local musicians accompanies the evening on the dunes. Accommodation is in either a desert camp or a hotel.
10Jaisalmer to JodhpurJaisalmer to Jodhpur · Mehrangarh Fort · Jaswant Thada · Clock Tower bazaar
A 280-kilometer drive reaches Jodhpur, where Mehrangarh Fort stands above the old town's blue-painted streets. The afternoon includes visits to Jaswant Thada and the Clock Tower bazaar.
11Jodhpur to Udaipur via RanakpurUdaipur · Ranakpur Jain Temples
En route to Udaipur (260 kilometers), the route includes a stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples, a marble temple complex set in a valley. Travelers reach Udaipur and check in to their hotel.
12Udaipur — Palaces, Gardens and Lake PicholaLake Pichola · City Palace · Jagdish Temple · Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens
A full day in Udaipur includes the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, and a crystal gallery. The afternoon concludes with a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.
13Udaipur to Delhi by FlightUdaipur airport · hotel
Transfer to Udaipur airport for a flight to Delhi. Travelers arrive in the afternoon and check in to their hotel. The evening is free for shopping, dining, or rest.
14Delhi — Leisure DayDelhi
A free day in Delhi for optional activities such as shopping, spa services, or revisiting any monuments from Day 2. Personalized experiences can be arranged on request.
15Delhi — Cultural Evening and FarewellDelhi · a fine-dining Indian restaurant
The day is at leisure or can include a selected cultural experience. The evening features a farewell dinner at a fine-dining Indian restaurant.
16Departure from DelhiDelhi International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Rajasthan journey with lasting memories.

Where you go

Map: Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Desert — 16 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Delhi International Airport
  2. 2hotel
  3. 3Red Fort
  4. 4Taj Mahal
  5. 5Agra Fort
  6. 6Amber Fort
  7. 7Junagarh Fort
  8. 8Jaisalmer Fort
  9. 9Sam Sand Dunes
  10. 10Mehrangarh Fort
  11. 11Jaswant Thada
  12. 12Udaipur
  13. 13Lake Pichola
  14. 14City Palace
  15. 15Jagdish Temple
  16. 16hotel
  17. 17Delhi
  18. 18Delhi International Airport

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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