India14 days
Rajasthan Village Routes: Shekhawati, Desert Forts & Stepwells — 14 Days
Rural Rajasthan across five heritage fort-hotels, from Shekhawati's painted havelis to Abhaneri's five-story stepwell, with camel safaris and village crafts.
This 14-day journey moves through Rajasthan's rural heartland — a route anchored in five heritage fort-hotels rather than city centres, each positioned to access the surrounding village landscape. The itinerary traces the Shekhawati region's painted haveli towns (Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Mukundgarh), descends into the Thar Desert to Bikaner and Khimsar for camel safaris and Bishnoi village visits, then sweeps back east through Roopangarh, Pushkar, Samode, and finally Abhaneri — where the five-story Bari Baoli stepwell built in 1732 stands as the route's architectural anchor. Days incorporate camel rides at dusk, visits with local artisans in Tilonia and Kishangarh, temple complexes at Pushkar and Abhaneri, and stays in converted forts where the building itself carries the weight of Rajasthani history. Meals are prepared by hotel kitchens with regional specificity; most days include a mix of driving between towns, guided village walks, and afternoon leisure. The route assumes no previous experience with rural India and no special trekking ability — accessibility is managed through vehicle transfers and moderate walking distances.
Highlights
- Shekhawati region haveli towns of Nawalgarh, Mandawa, and Mukundgarh with painted interior walls and merchant-class architecture
- Junagarh Fort, Bikaner: 15th-century sandstone fort with adjoining camel research and breeding facility
- Camel safari and Bishnoi village visits from Khimsar in the Thar Desert
- Abhaneri's Bari Baoli stepwell: five-story structure built in 1732 with attached Balaji Temple
- Pushkar Ghats and Brahma Temple: sacred pilgrimage site on the edge of the Thar Desert
- Samode Palace: former royal residence converted to a hotel, showcasing Mughal and Rajputana architectural idioms
- Artisan workshops in Tilonia and Kishangarh: textile and craft work in active village settings
- Sambhar Lake: migratory bird habitat accessible as a day excursion from Kuchaman
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi International Airport · your hotel
You'll be met by our representative upon arrival at Delhi International Airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to rest and adjust to India Standard Time.
2Delhi: UNESCO monuments and governmental architectureQutub Minar · Jama Masjid · Humayun's Tomb · India Gate · Parliament House · Bahai Temple · President's residence
Guided tour of Delhi divided between two regions. The morning covers Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi): Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid (India's second-largest mosque), and Humayun's Tomb — all three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The afternoon moves to Lutyen's Delhi (New Delhi) with views of India Gate, Parliament House, Bahai Temple, and a drive past the President's residence.
3Nawalgarh: Shekhawati haveli townsNawalgarh · heritage hotel
Morning drive to Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region, known for its merchant havelis and distinctive interior frescoes. Check-in at a heritage hotel. Afternoon local sightseeing begins; overnight at the heritage property.
4Nawalgarh and surrounding Shekhawati painted townsNawalgarh · Mandawa · Mukundgarh
Full day of sightseeing in Nawalgarh and nearby towns Mandawa and Mukundgarh, focusing on preserved Shekhawati frescoes and haveli architecture. Overnight at heritage hotel.
5Bikaner and Junagarh FortBikaner · Junagarh Fort · camel research and breeding facility · heritage hotel
Morning drive into the Thar Desert region to Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort (15th century) and the adjoining camel research and breeding facility. Overnight at heritage hotel.
6Khimsar: Nagaur Fort, Bishnoi villages, and desert wildlifeKhimsar · Nagaur · Bishnoi villages · Panchala Black buck reserve
Morning drive towards Khimsar with a stop en route at Nagaur to visit its colourful markets and fort. Arrival in Khimsar and check-in at a heritage fort-hotel. Afternoon option for jeep or horse safari to nearby Bishnoi villages or Panchala Black buck reserve. Evening at leisure at the resort. Overnight at heritage hotel.
7Kuchaman: village and regional attractionsKuchaman · nearby colourful villages · heritage hotel
Drive to Kuchaman. Day spent visiting nearby colourful villages and local sites. Overnight at heritage hotel.
8Sambhar Lake Bird Watching from KuchamanSambhar Lake · Kuchaman
In the morning, venture out on an excursion to Sambhar Lake for bird watching among its migratory populations. Return to Kuchaman and settle into your heritage hotel for the night.
9Roopangarh: textile and craft workshopsRoopangarh Fort heritage hotel · Tilonia Village · Kishangarh
Drive to Roopangarh and check-in at Roopangarh Fort heritage hotel. Afternoon visits to Tilonia Village and Kishangarh to observe local artisans at work in textile and craft production. Overnight at heritage hotel.
10Pushkar: Sacred Temples and Desert GhatsPushkar · Pushkar Ghats · Brahma Temple · Savitri Temple
Drive to Pushkar after breakfast and check in at your hotel. After a brief rest, visit the holy Pushkar Ghats, where pilgrims bathe in the sacred lake, then visit the Brahma Temple and Savitri Temple. Overnight at your hotel.
11Samode Palace and Desert SunsetSamode Palace · nearby sand dunes · Samode village
Drive to Samode and check in at Samode Palace, a fairytale former royal residence that recreates the nostalgia of its princely past. After settling in, choose between a walking tour through the village or a camel ride at nearby sand dunes. If you opt for the dunes, experience the desert landscape from camelback as the sun sets across the horizon. Overnight at the palace hotel.
12Bhangarh village and Abhaneri stepwellBhangarh village · Bhandarej · palace hotel · Bari Baoli · heritage hotel
Morning drive to Bhandarej through a sequence of fields, small towns, and villages. Check-in at a palace hotel with Mughal and Rajputana architectural elements. After leisure, visit Bhangarh village with its 11th-century temples and historical sites. The primary afternoon focus is Abhaneri village and its famous stepwell — the Bari Baoli, a five-story structure built in 1732 by Kumbhani rulers Deep Singh and Daulat Singh. The stepwell once connected to the adjacent Abhaneri Fort; today an annual fair is held at the adjoining Balaji Temple, drawing local attendance. Overnight at heritage hotel.
13Neemrana Fort and stepwellNeemrana Fort · Neemrana village
Transfer to Neemrana and check-in at Neemrana Fort. Afternoon includes exploration of Neemrana village and a stepwell on the fort grounds. Overnight at hotel.
14Delhi DepartureDelhi International Airport
Check out from your hotel at an appropriate time and transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey home. The tour concludes here.
Where you go
- 1Delhi International Airport
- 2Nawalgarh
- 3Bikaner
- 4Junagarh Fort
- 5Khimsar
- 6Kishangarh
- 7Pushkar
- 8Brahma Temple
- 9Savitri Temple
- 10Bhangarh village
- 11Bhandarej
- 12Delhi 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