India14 days
Rajasthan: Palaces, Forts & Desert — 14 Days
Delhi to Jaisalmer via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner
This 14-day itinerary traces the principal cities and monuments of Rajasthan, moving east to west across the state's geography of Mughal capitals, hill forts, and desert settlements. The route opens in Delhi with its layered Islamic and British architecture, continues through Agra's Taj Mahal and Mughal strongholds, passes through the geometric palace complex of Jaipur, descends to the lake-set city of Udaipur, and concludes in the desert towns of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Mandawa — each holding distinct architectural and cultural records. Days combine guided city tours with independent exploration of markets, temples, and havelis. Transfers between cities are by private vehicle; accommodation is in established hotels throughout.
Highlights
- Taj Mahal at Agra — the marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum
- Amber Fort near Jaipur — a hilltop Rajasthani fortress with palace and courtyards
- Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur — built by Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son
- Ranakpur Jain Temple — a 500-year-old structure with 1,444 stone pillars
- Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur — a sandstone fortification overlooking the old city
- Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila) — a 12th-century sandstone stronghold with havelis
- Camel riding in Sam village near Jaisalmer and in the Bikaner desert
- Painted havelis in Mandawa — merchant mansions with frescoed facades
- Qutub Minar in Delhi — a 12th-century Indo-Islamic tower
- City Palace in Udaipur — a royal residence overlooking Lake Pichola
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi Airport
Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, a representative meets the group and transfers them to their hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled.
2Delhi: Old and New CityQutub Minar · India Gate · Lakshmi Narayan Temple · the President's residence · Parliament House · Raj Ghat · Shanti Vana · Jama Masjid · Red Fort · Chandni Chowk bazaar
A guided city tour encompasses both the Old City and New Delhi. Sites include Qutub Minar, a 12th-century Islamic tower; India Gate; Lakshmi Narayan Temple; the President's residence; and Parliament House. The itinerary continues to Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and Shanti Vana. Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, is visited alongside the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk bazaar before returning to the hotel.
3Delhi to Agra: The Taj Mahal and Imperial FortsDelhi to Agra · Taj Mahal · Sikandra · Agra Fort · Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
After breakfast, the group departs for Agra by road. En route, a stop is made at Sikandra, the tomb of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra, after hotel check-in and rest, visits begin at the Taj Mahal — the white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum The itinerary includes Agra Fort, which contains the Pearl Mosque and the Dewan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), as well as Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, built by Nur Jahan in honor of her father.
4Agra to Jaipur: Fatehpur Sikri and the Pink CityJaipur · Fatehpur Sikri
The journey to Jaipur includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a fortified city founded by the emperor Akbar in 1569 to commemorate the birth of his son. Though abandoned due to water scarcity, the complex preserves the Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, and the Jama Masjid The group arrives in Jaipur in the evening with time at leisure before overnight accommodation.
5Jaipur: Forts, Palaces & ObservatoriesAmber Fort · Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) · Jantar Mantar · City Palace
Local sightseeing in Jaipur includes Amber Fort, a hilltop fortress built by Raja Man Singh that was never breached during the Mughal era. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) stands at the heart of the old city Jantar Mantar and the City Palace complete the day's itinerary
6Jaipur to Udaipur: Ranakpur TempleJaipur to Udaipur · Ranakpur Jain Temple
The drive to Udaipur, set on the shores of Lake Pichola, includes a stop at Ranakpur Jain Temple. Built approximately 500 years ago, the temple complex contains 29 halls supported by 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, no two of which are identical. The structure remains among the most significant pilgrimage sites for Jains in Rajasthan. The group arrives in Udaipur by evening.
7Udaipur: Palaces, Temples & Lakeside CityCity Palace · Jagdish Temple · Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir · Pratap Memorial · local art and craft markets
A guided city tour of Udaipur encompasses the City Palace, portions of which remain the residence of the royal family; the Jagdish Temple, a sandstone shrine dedicated to Vishnu; Sahelion ki Bari, an ornamental garden complex built for the queen and her attendants; Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a museum of folk arts; and Pratap Memorial, dedicated to the ruler Maharana Pratap. The evening allows independent exploration of local art and craft markets.
8Udaipur to Jodhpur: Desert TransitionUdaipur to Jodhpur
The transfer to Jodhpur traverses Rajasthan's landscape of rugged, wooded hills with alternating brown and green terrain. The group arrives in the evening with time at leisure.
9Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort & CenotaphsMehrangarh Fort · Moti Mahal · Phool Mahal · Jaswant Thada · Umaid Bhawan Palace · Umaid Public Garden
A morning city tour includes Mehrangarh Fort, a sandstone stronghold rising from a low hill overlooking the old city. Within the fort, the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) contain intricate carvings and inlay work. Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built around 1899 in memory of Raja Jaswant Singh II, stands nearby. Umaid Bhawan Palace and Umaid Public Garden are also visited.
10Jodhpur to Jaisalmer: Desert GatewayJodhpur to Jaisalmer · Jaisalmer
A full day's drive carries the group westward to Jaisalmer, the desert city at the edge of the Thar Desert. Hotel check-in is followed by an evening at leisure.
11Jaisalmer: Fort, Havelis & Desert ExperienceJaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila) · Patwaon Ki Haveli · Salim Singh Ki Haveli · Gadisar Lake · Sam village
The morning begins at Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila), the 12th-century sandstone stronghold within the old city. Inside the fort, a Jain temple and several historic havelis are visited, notably Patwaon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, both notable for intricately carved facades and windows designed to allow residents to observe street life from within. Gadisar Lake, the main water body of the city, is also explored. The afternoon proceeds to Sam village, where a camel ride ascends the dunes to a sunset point. Local musicians perform traditional desert melodies.
12Jaisalmer to Bikaner: Desert Dunes & Fort TownJaisalmer to Bikaner · desert landscape surrounding the town · Junagarh Fort · Lal Garh Palace · Karni Devi Temple
The drive to Bikaner crosses sandy terrain. Upon arrival, the afternoon includes a camel ride through the desert landscape surrounding the town. City sightseeing visits Junagarh Fort, a well-preserved sandstone fortification with multiple gateways and palace complexes; Lal Garh Palace, a red sandstone structure; a museum; and Karni Devi Temple, a shrine associated with protection and fertility. The temple is known for its population of rats, which devotees believe embody ancestral spirits; according to local accounts, food left as an offering (called prasad) is consumed first by the rodents before being distributed to worshippers.
13Bikaner to Mandawa: Painted HavelisBikaner to Mandawa · your hotel · the old city · the painted havelis
After breakfast, transfer to Mandawa. Check in to your hotel, then walk through the old city to visit the painted havelis — ornate merchant residences decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting religious and mythological scenes.
14Mandawa to Delhi: ReturnMandawa · Delhi Airport or railway station
After breakfast, the group departs Mandawa for the drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer is provided to Delhi Airport or railway station for onward travel.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Taj Mahal
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Jaipur
- 5Fatehpur Sikri
- 6Amber Fort
- 7Jantar Mantar
- 8City Palace
- 9Jagdish Temple
- 10Mehrangarh Fort
- 11Jaswant Thada
- 12Jaisalmer
- 13Junagarh Fort