India8 days

Royal Rajasthan and Mughal India: Forts, Palaces & Havelis — 8 Days

Delhi to Agra via Shekhawati's frescoed mansions and Jaipur's Amber Fort

This eight-day journey traces the architectural and political lineage of royal India, moving from the Mughal capital of Delhi through the painted towns of Shekhawati to Jaipur and concluding at the Taj Mahal. The route connects three distinct periods of Indian dynastic power: Mughal monuments in Delhi and Agra, Rajput military architecture in the forts of Shekhawati and Jaipur, and the civilian palatial tradition preserved in the havelis of Mandawa, Dundlod, and Nawalgarh. Each site carries material evidence of its era—inscriptions, structural technique, decorative program, and urban placement. The itinerary assumes moderate interest in architectural history and regional politics; walking and guided observation form the bulk of daily activity, with vehicle transfers between towns.

Highlights

  • Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — Islamic monuments and Mughal-era architecture
  • Mukundgarh Fort — Shekhawati-region defensive structure with domestic quarters and exterior bastions
  • Mandawa, Dundlod, and Nawalgarh havelis — merchant mansions with frescoed interior walls and courtyards
  • Amber Fort, Jaipur — hilltop Rajput palace complex overlooking the Pink City, with courtyards and ceremonial chambers
  • Hawa Mahal and City Palace, Jaipur — civic monument and functioning royal residence
  • Fatehpur Sikri — Mughal capital en route to Agra, with palace complexes and mosque
  • Taj Mahal, Agra — white marble mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Agra Fort — Mughal fortress with palatial interior chambers overlooking the Yamuna River

Day by day

1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · Delhi International Airport · hotel
Arrival at Delhi International Airport. A tour representative greets passengers and transfers them by air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing for rest after travel. Overnight in Delhi.
2Delhi — Mughal and Colonial MonumentsRed Fort · Jama Masjid · Chandni Chowk · Raj Ghat · India Gate · President's House · Humayun's Tomb · Qutub Minar
A guided tour spanning Old Delhi and New Delhi. Morning: Red Fort exterior, Jama Masjid, rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, and Raj Ghat. Afternoon: India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.
3Delhi to Mukundgarh FortDelhi to Mukundgarh Fort · Mukundgarh Fort · Mukundgarh
A 250-kilometer drive to Mukundgarh in Shekhawati. Visit the fort's Rajput architecture, then settle into the town's rustic heritage atmosphere. Overnight in Mukundgarh.
4Shekhawati Towns — Painted Havelis and FortsMukundgarh · Mandawa · Dundlod · Nawalgarh
A day excursion across three major Shekhawati towns from Mukundgarh. Mandawa showcases merchant havelis with elaborate frescoes. Dundlod continues with its fort and mansions. Nawalgarh holds the grandest palatial structures and mythological fresco work. Return to Mukundgarh for overnight.
5Mukundgarh to Jaipur — The Pink CityMukundgarh to Jaipur · hotel · local bazaar areas
A drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, laid out in a grid plan. The city's pink-coloured buildings (repainted regularly) define its visual character. Arrival allows time for hotel check-in and an optional evening walk through local bazaar areas. Overnight in Jaipur.
6Jaipur — Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa MahalAmber Fort · City Palace · Hawa Mahal · Jantar Mantar Observatory · the city's lively bazaars
Visit Jaipur's royal landmarks: Amber Fort with its optional elephant ride, the functioning City Palace, and the well-known five-storey Hawa Mahal. Visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, then browse the city's lively bazaars. Overnight in Jaipur.
7Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri · Agra Fort · Taj Mahal
Drive to Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal capital. Upon arrival, visit Agra Fort, then watch sunset from the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
8Agra to Delhi — DepartureAgra to Delhi · local markets · Delhi International Airport
A 200-kilometer return drive to Delhi. Depending on flight departure time, passengers may visit local markets or remain at the hotel until transfer to Delhi International Airport for onward travel. Tour ends in Delhi.

Where you go

Map: Royal Rajasthan and Mughal India: Forts, Palaces & Havelis — 8 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Delhi
  2. 2Delhi International Airport
  3. 3hotel
  4. 4Red Fort
  5. 5Nawalgarh
  6. 6hotel
  7. 7Amber Fort
  8. 8City Palace
  9. 9Hawa Mahal
  10. 10Fatehpur Sikri
  11. 11Agra Fort
  12. 12Taj Mahal
  13. 13Delhi 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.