Palaces, Forts & Deserts: Journey Through Rajasthan tour

On the first day of the journey through the Rajasthan tour, you will arrive in Delhi and settle into your peaceful hotel in the city centre. Over two days, explore Old and New Delhi with your private guide. Ride a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s lively historic market. Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. In New Delhi, see India Gate, a war memorial, Humayun’s Tomb, a grand Mughal tomb, and Qutub Minar, a 73-metre-tall ancient tower. Admire the Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president’s residence. For a different view, join a Salaam Baalak Trust walk with young people who have experienced street life. Or try a street food tour sampling spicy chaats (snacks), kebabs and sweets.

Enjoy dinner at Haveli Dharampura, a 200-year-old mansion, with traditional dishes and Kathak dance, a classical Indian storytelling dance.

Accommodation: The Claridges, a period hotel in the heart of Delhi, blends colonial charm with modern elegance.

Travel to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. Begin with Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone fortress that once served as the Mughal emperors’ seat. Explore its grand palaces, ornate halls and lush gardens while learning about its rich history.

No visit is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset, when the white marble shimmers in soft light. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a monument of love by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Wander through the manicured gardens, admire the intricate marble carvings and delicate inlay work, and enjoy views of the Yamuna River nearby.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal, a first-class modern hotel inspired by Mughal architecture, combines heritage elegance with modern comfort.

The tour continues to Jaipur, the “Pink City” and capital of Rajasthan. On the way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted 16th-century city built by Emperor Akbar, known for its beautiful sandstone palaces and Persian-style courtyards. In Jaipur, explore the impressive Amer Fort, perched on a hill and famous for its blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Wander through opulent halls decorated with mirror mosaics and frescoes.

Visit the City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s royal family, and Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory with huge astronomical instruments. Pause at Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds,” known for its delicate pink sandstone lattice façade.

Spend time browsing Jaipur’s lively markets, filled with block-printed textiles, handcrafted jewellery and traditional blue pottery.

Accommodation: Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur – A lovingly restored 18th-century royal mansion, now an intimate boutique heritage hotel.

Travel into Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, a historic area once known for its wealthy merchant families and location on the old Silk Route. Arrive in Mandawa, famous as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, for its grand havelis adorned with frescoes telling stories of gods, daily life and local legends.

Explore the town with your private guide, wandering narrow lanes where these elegant mansions reflect the faded grandeur of the past. Take a camel cart ride through nearby villages to glimpse rural life beyond the town. In the evening, enjoy traditional folk music and watch artisans create delicate miniature paintings, a craft handed down through generations.

Accommodation: Castle Mandawa – A historic Rajput fort turned heritage hotel, offering regal charm, frescoed walls, and traditional hospitality in the heart of Shekhawati.

Journey to Bikaner, a desert city that once thrived as a vital stop on ancient caravan routes. Explore the impressive Junagarh Fort, standing boldly on the desert plains with richly painted interiors and intricately carved balconies that tell tales of royal grandeur.

Stroll through the old town’s narrow lanes, lined with ornate havelis and bustling markets, where the echoes of a vibrant trading past linger. Experience the unique charm of a city that blends royal splendour with the rugged beauty of the desert.

Accommodation: Narendra Bhawan – Once the residence of Bikaner’s last Maharaja, now a chic heritage hotel that blends regal nostalgia with contemporary flair.

Travel across the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer, known as the “Golden City” for its warm sandstone glow. Explore the living fort, where families still reside among bustling bazaars and carved temples.

Visit Patwon Ki Haveli, a grand complex of five ornately decorated mansions. Outside town, the peaceful royal cenotaphs of Bada Bagh stand quietly among desert dunes.

Wander quiet lanes filled with ancient temples and frescoed havelis that whisper stories of Silk Road traders and desert journeys.

Accommodation: Suryagarh – A regal desert sanctuary echoing the spirit of Rajasthan’s frontier, combining traditional craftsmanship with understated luxury.

Travel to Jodhpur, the dazzling ‘Blue City’ of Rajasthan. Stay in a beautifully restored haveli at the base of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, blending heritage charm with modern comfort.

With a private guide, explore the fort’s grand halls, courtyards, and museums, and enjoy sweeping views over the sea of indigo rooftops below. Wander around the old town’s vibrant lanes and Sardar market, vibrant with colour, spices and handcrafted treasures.

Venture beyond the city for a heartfelt encounter with the Bishnoi community, known for their deep respect for wildlife and nature. Visit their village, learn about their sustainable way of life and meet artisans preserving centuries-old pottery and weaving traditions.

Accommodation: RAAS Jodhpur, a converted 18th-century haveli offering heritage charm, contemporary luxury, and a privileged location beneath Mehrangarh Fort.

Travel to the peaceful village of Narlai, nestled in the Aravalli hills. Stay in a restored heritage property that reflects traditional Rajasthani architecture. Explore rural village life on a guided walk, meeting local artisans and experiencing age-old customs. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting leopard safari in the nearby wilderness, where you may spot elusive wildlife such as leopards, deer and birds. In the evening, enjoy a unique stepwell dinner beside an ancient water reservoir that once served as a social gathering place.

Accommodation: Rawla Narlai – A heritage haveli transformed into a boutique lodge in a serene rural setting.

Travel from Jodhpur to Udaipur, pausing to visit the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur. This stunning marble complex features 1,444 intricately carved pillars, each one unique.

Arrive in Udaipur, a city of timeless romance set beside the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Explore the sprawling City Palace with its ornate chambers, museums and breathtaking balconies that tell the story of Mewar’s royal heritage. Visit the intricately carved Jagdish Temple, alive with daily rituals and the scent of incense. Then stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari, the historic garden retreat of royal maidens, where lotus pools and marble pavilions provide a peaceful pause.

As evening falls, enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, drift past the ethereal Lake Palace and centuries-old bathing ghats as the sunset casts a golden glow over the cityscape.

Accommodation: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace – A lakeside palace hotel, combining royal grandeur with impeccable service and panoramic views of Lake Pichola.

Fly back to Delhi, reflecting on the timeless architecture, vivid culture, and intimate encounters that shaped your journey through the Rajasthan tour. Check into a stylish hotel near the airport for a relaxed final night before your onward flight.

Accommodation: Pullman Aerocity – A modern, contemporary hotel near the airport, offering upscale comfort and convenience.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your return flight, carrying with you lasting memories of Rajasthan’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.