India22 days
Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Tiger Reserves — 22 Days
Delhi to Jaipur across 15 destinations: heritage sites, Ranthambhore wildlife, and Thar Desert landscape
This 22-day itinerary traces a path through Rajasthan's major heritage and natural landmarks, beginning in Delhi and moving south through Agra, then into the state proper via Bharatpur and Ranthambhore National Park. The route then sweeps west through a succession of medieval fortified cities — Kota, Bundi, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, and Jodhpur — before reaching the desert towns of Jaisalmer and Bikaner in the northwest. The final stretch moves through the Shekhawati region's painted havelis at Mandawa before arriving in Jaipur. The tour combines fort and palace architecture spanning several centuries, wildlife observation in a protected tiger reserve, sacred Jain temples, desert topography, and urban bazaar culture. Accommodation is in hotels at each stop, transport is by private vehicle, and a local guide is provided throughout.
Highlights
- Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary by cycle rickshaw in Bharatpur
- Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park
- Chittaurgarh Fort with its twin victory towers (Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh)
- Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dilwara Jain Temples in Mount Abu
- Mehrangarh Fort overlooking Jodhpur
- Jaisalmer Fort and camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes
- Junagarh Fort in Bikaner
- Fresco-painted havelis of Mandawa in Shekhawati region
- Amber Fort and City Palace in Jaipur
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · Delhi International Airport
Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, a representative meets passengers and assists with transfer to the hotel. The evening is unscheduled. Overnight in Delhi.
2Old and New Delhi SightseeingDelhi · Jama Masjid · Red Fort · Chandni Chowk · India Gate · Rashtrapati Bhawan · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar
A guided tour of Old Delhi includes Jama Masjid, the Red Fort's exterior, and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. The afternoon covers New Delhi's India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.
3Delhi to AgraDelhi to Agra · Taj Mahal · Agra Fort · Itmad-ud-Daulah
A 200-kilometer drive south arrives in Agra. The Taj Mahal is visited first, followed by Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Agra.
4Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, and RanthambhoreFatehpur Sikri · Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary · Ranthambhore
Visit the 16th-century fortress-city of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Bharatpur. Visit Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary by cycle rickshaw, then drive 270 kilometers to Ranthambhore for overnight.
5Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve SafarisRanthambhore · Ranthambhore National Park
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris traverse Ranthambhore National Park, a dry forest reserve where Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and crocodiles inhabit rocky terrain and water sources. Overnight in Ranthambhore.
6Kota: City Palace and Chambal RiverKota · City Palace · Chambal River · Government Museum
A 150-kilometer drive leads to Kota. The City Palace and Government Museum are visited, followed by a walk along the Chambal River's banks. Overnight in Kota.
7Bundi: Fort, Step Wells, and HavelisBundi · Bundi Fort · Taragarh
A 40-kilometer journey reaches Bundi. Bundi Fort and its inner palace Taragarh are explored, along with the town's distinctive stepwells (baoli) and frescoed havelis lining the old streets. Overnight in Bundi.
8Bundi to Chittaurgarh FortBundi to Chittaurgarh · Chittaurgarh Fort · Vijay Stambh · Kirti Stambh
Drive 130 kilometers to Chittaurgarh. Visit the sprawling fort, Vijay Stambh, and Kirti Stambh. Overnight in Chittaurgarh.
9Journey to Udaipur and Lake PicholaUdaipur · Lake Pichola
A 115-kilometer drive reaches Udaipur. An evening boat ride on Lake Pichola offers views of palaces and temples set into the shoreline. Overnight in Udaipur.
10Udaipur: Palaces, Temples, and MarketsCity Palace complex · Jagdish Temple · Saheliyon ki Bari · local bazaars
The City Palace complex is toured, along with Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Saheliyon ki Bari (the Garden of the Maids of Honor) is visited. The afternoon includes time in local bazaars. Overnight in Udaipur.
11Kumbhalgarh FortKumbhalgarh
An 85-kilometer drive leads to Kumbhalgarh, a 15th-century hilltop fortress. The massive circuit walls and intricate palace structures within offer views across the surrounding Aravalli hill country. Overnight in Kumbhalgarh.
12Mount Abu: Hill Station and Nakki LakeMount Abu · Nakki Lake
A drive reaches Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. Nakki Lake is visited, and sunset is viewed from the designated viewpoint. Overnight in Mount Abu.
13Mount Abu: Dilwara Temples and AchalgarhMount Abu · Dilwara Jain Temples · Achalgarh Fort
The Dilwara Jain Temples, constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries with intricate marble and stone carving, are explored. Achalgarh Fort and the lush forested surroundings are also visited. Overnight in Mount Abu.
14Mount Abu to JodhpurMount Abu to Jodhpur · Jodhpur · local market
A 260-kilometer drive reaches Jodhpur. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, with time for local market exploration in the evening. Overnight in Jodhpur.
15Jodhpur: Fort, Palace and Old CityMehrangarh Fort · Jaswant Thada · Umaid Bhawan Palace · blue-painted old city · Sardar Market
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Wander the blue-painted old city and Sardar Market. Overnight in Jodhpur.
16Jodhpur to JaisalmerJodhpur to Jaisalmer
A 285-kilometer drive crosses into the Thar Desert, arriving in Jaisalmer. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
17Jaisalmer Fort, Havelis, and Sam Sand DunesJaisalmer Fort · Sam Sand Dunes · Patwon Ki Haveli · Gadisar Lake
Visit Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli, then visit Gadisar Lake. An evening camel ride to Sam Sand Dunes catches the sunset, followed by cultural dinner and folk music.
18Jaisalmer to BikanerJaisalmer to Bikaner · Junagarh Fort · local bazaars
A 330-kilometer drive reaches Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Junagarh Fort and local bazaars are visited. Overnight in Bikaner.
19Bikaner to Mandawa HavelisBikaner to Mandawa · Mandawa
A 190-kilometer drive leads to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. The town's frescoed havelis, painted with intricate murals and geometric designs, are explored on foot. Overnight in Mandawa.
20Mandawa to JaipurMandawa to Jaipur · Jaipur
A 170-kilometer drive reaches Jaipur, the state capital. Check-in and the remainder of the day are unscheduled. Overnight in Jaipur.
21Jaipur: Amber Fort, City Palace, and Pink City BazaarsAmber Fort · City Palace · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar · Jaipur's bazaars
Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. Visit Jaipur's bazaars in the afternoon. Overnight in Jaipur.
22Jaipur to Delhi DepartureJaipur to Delhi · airport
A 280-kilometer drive returns to Delhi. Transfer to airport is provided for onward flights.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Delhi International Airport
- 3Delhi
- 4Red Fort
- 5Taj Mahal
- 6Agra Fort
- 7Fatehpur Sikri
- 8Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
- 9Kota
- 10City Palace
- 11Bundi
- 12Udaipur
- 13Lake Pichola
- 14Jagdish Temple
- 15Saheliyon Ki Bari
- 16Jodhpur
- 17Mehrangarh Fort
- 18Jaswant Thada
- 19Sardar Market
- 20Jaisalmer Fort
- 21Sam Sand Dunes
- 22Junagarh Fort
- 23Jaipur
- 24Amber Fort
- 25City Palace
- 26Hawa Mahal
- 27Jantar Mantar
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. .