Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Tiger Country — 15 Days
Delhi to Udaipur via Agra, Jaipur, and Ranthambhore National Park, with rail travel and heritage stays
Rajasthan's landscape moves between dense urban bazaars, fortified hilltops, and open desert—each with its own historical layer and visual register. This 15-day itinerary begins and ends in Delhi, moving south and west through the state's major cities and reserves by a combination of express train, private vehicle, and local transport. The route passes through Agra's Mughal monuments, Jaipur's bazaars and hilltop forts, the tiger reserves of Ranthambhore, the step wells and narrow streets of Bundi, and the lakeside palaces of Udaipur. A local guide leads throughout, providing context on architecture, local craft traditions, and daily life. Accommodation ranges from heritage properties (former royal residences) to a permanent tented camp on a lakeshore. Meals are included selectively; vegetarian options are available throughout.
Highlights
- Walk through Jaipur's Amber Fort, a hilltop Rajput structure overlooking Maota Lake, with the mirror-lined Sheesh Mahal interior
- Evening 4WD safari through Ranthambhore National Park in search of Bengal tigers, alongside hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, and marsh crocodiles
- Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra and visit the Red Fort, built in the 16th century as the imperial city of Mughal rulers
- Spend a night in a permanent tented camp on the lakeshore at Paangarh Lake, with views of a 15th-century fort
- Walk through Udaipur's City Palace, the largest royal palace in Rajasthan, set among hills, lakes, and white marble structures
- Share a meal with a local family in Pushkar, on the border of the sacred lake and Thar Desert
- Navigate Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk marketplace by cycle rickshaw, visit Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), and experience the communal kitchen at Sheeshganj Gurudwara
- Observe traditional bangle-making by hand in Madhogarh, a craft practiced by the Lakhera community for centuries
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi
The itinerary begins in Delhi with a welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm. Travellers arriving early have the option to join urban walking tours of the city before the group convenes. After the meeting, the group may dine together to begin acquainting themselves.
2Old Delhi: Bazaar, Mosque & Templemetro system · Chandni Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara
A walking tour of Old Delhi begins with navigation of the metro system. The route passes through Chandni Chowk marketplace via cycle rickshaw, then visits Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple with a communal kitchen open to all visitors. A simple meal is available at the temple. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing independent exploration of the city.
3Agra: Taj Mahal & Red FortAgra · Taj Mahal · Red Fort · Akbar's Mausoleum · Sheroes Hangout
An express air-conditioned train carries the group to Agra, a city layered with Mughal heritage, gardens, temples, and rooftop vistas. Upon arrival, the Taj Mahal is visited—a sandstone monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal and designated a Wonder of the World. The Red Fort follows, a 16th-century structure enclosing the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Akbar's Mausoleum may be visited if time permits. Sheroes Hangout, a social enterprise supporting survivors of acid attacks, is an optional dinner venue.
4Madhogarh: Bangle-Making & Heritage FortMadhogarh village
A private bus journey leads to Madhogarh village, where a walking tour observes local craftspeople from the Lakhera community at work making resin bangles—a traditional practice rooted in Hindu mythology. The process of heating resin and shaping it with handmade tools is demonstrated. The evening is spent at Fort Madhogarh, a heritage property that has belonged to one of Rajasthan's royal families for centuries.
5Jaipur: Pink City Bazaar & Amber FortJaipur · Amber Fort · Jaipur's bazaars
Private vehicle transport leads to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. A walking tour moves through the city's bazaars, where artisan goods and semi-precious stones are sold. Amber Fort, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, exemplifies Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal within the fort features walls entirely covered in small mirrors, creating an illuminated interior from a single light source. Free time follows for independent exploration.
6Jaipur: Optional Activities & Independent ExplorationJaipur's skyline · Hawa Mahal · City Palace · Jantar Mantar · Raj Mandir Cinema
The day is unscheduled, allowing for optional activities or self-directed sightseeing. A hot air balloon ride over Jaipur's skyline is available as an optional activity. Hawa Mahal, the five-storey pink sandstone Palace of the Winds, is accessible by rickshaw. The City Palace and Jantar Mantar, an observatory housing astronomical instruments, are alternative sites. Raj Mandir Cinema offers the option to view a Bollywood film in the evening.
7Ranthambhore National Park: Tiger SafariRanthambhore National Park
Travel to Ranthambhore National Park, formerly a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. An evening 4WD bus safari searches for Bengal tigers and other wildlife including hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, and birds. Note: Ranthambhore is closed from July 1 to September 30 each year. During this period, the itinerary substitutes Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary, located 16 km away. Due to its hilly terrain, Sawai Mansingh is less affected by monsoon flooding and offers favorable tiger sightings as animals migrate from inundated areas of Ranthambhore.
8Bundi: Step Wells, Market & PalaceBundi · Bundi Palace · Bundi downtown market
Private vehicle transport leads to Bundi. A walking tour navigates the town's narrow streets, including the downtown market where jewellery merchants, street dentists, and fabric dealers operate. A local chai master demonstrates traditional chai preparation, and a fresh brew is tasted. The town's step wells (baori)—architectural structures that once supplied water—are visited. Bundi Palace, dating to the 16th century and known for its murals, precedes the evening's heritage accommodation.
9Paangarh Lake: Train Journey & Lakeside CampPaangarh Lake · Bassi · permanent tented camp on the lakeshore
A local train departs for Bassi, crossing Chittorgarh countryside en route to Paangarh Lake. Upon arrival, views extend to a 15th-century fort across the water. A cup of chai is taken while watching the sunset. The night is spent in a permanent tented camp positioned on the lakeshore.
10Bijaipur: Jeep Safari & Village LifeBijaipur · the countryside · a heritage property
An open-top jeep journey through the countryside passes quiet villages and offers opportunities to spot native wildlife such as jackals, langurs, foxes, and hares. Upon arrival in Bijaipur, villagers are met, and henna tattoos—temporary traditional souvenirs—may be applied. The evening is spent at a heritage property where a meal of local specialties is served, featuring seasonal vegetables such as baingan masala (eggplant with tomatoes), okra, kadhi (tangy gravy), and chicken curry.
11Udaipur: City of Lakes & PalacesUdaipur
A private vehicle carries the group to Udaipur after breakfast at the heritage stay. A city walk with the local guide takes in Udaipur's hills, lakes, white marble palaces, and the twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods, and miniature paintings. The city is known as a centre for artists, dancers, and musicians. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, with the guide available for dinner recommendations.
12Udaipur: City Palace & Cultural PerformanceUdaipur · Udaipur's City Palace · Lake Pichola
Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, is visited. Free time follows for independent exploration. An optional boat ride on Lake Pichola (seasonal) provides views of the island palaces Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. A cultural performance combining seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances is an optional evening activity.
13Pushkar: Sacred Lake & Local Family DinnerPushkar · Ajmer · Pushkar Lake · Brahma Temple · a local family home in Pushkar
An air-conditioned train departs for Ajmer, followed by private vehicle transport to Pushkar. A walking tour visits the ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, where devotees worship at the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, a meal is shared with a local family, providing insight into life in this desert city. The evening remains free for further exploration.
14Pushkar to Delhi: Sunrise Hike & Return TrainPushkar to Delhi · Savitri Temple · hotel
Early risers may hike to Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town; a leisurely morning is also available. In the afternoon, the Shatabdi Express train departs for Delhi, arriving late in the evening. A transfer to the hotel follows for the final night of the trip.
15Delhi: Departure
No activities are scheduled on the final day. Departure from accommodation may occur at any time. Extensions in Delhi are available upon prior arrangement with the booking agent.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Agra
- 3Taj Mahal
- 4Red Fort
- 5Sheroes Hangout
- 6Jaipur
- 7Amber Fort
- 8Hawa Mahal
- 9City Palace
- 10Jantar Mantar
- 11Bundi
- 12Udaipur
- 13Lake Pichola
- 14Pushkar
- 15Brahma Temple
- 16Savitri Temple
- 17hotel
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Permanent tent (1 night), Heritage Property (3 nights), Hotel (10 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 3
- 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.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.