Start and end in New Delhi! The Rajasthan Explorer is a 15-day tour package that takes you through New Delhi and 9 other captivating destinations across India. This comprehensive tour includes accommodation in carefully selected hotels, guided tours by expert guides, meals, transport, and more. Experience the vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and scenic beauty of Rajasthan as you explore this enchanting region.
Upon arrival in Delhi, one of our staff members will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, we'll go over the itinerary for the upcoming days and arrange a time to meet you tomorrow.
Start your day with a morning tour of New Delhi, where ancient and modern coexist beautifully. Visit India Gate, a 42-meter-high archway honoring 82,000 soldiers of the undivided Indian Army. Drive past significant government buildings, including the President's Palace and the Parliament of India. You'll also see Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first garden-tomb in India, along with the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Sikh Temple.
Next, hop on a metro train with locals at Connaught Place Station and travel to Old Delhi. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets, and Chawri Bazar, known for its brass, copper, and paper goods. Savor Old Delhi's unique street foods, getting a true taste of authentic Indian cuisine.
After your culinary adventure, enjoy a rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. In the evening, head to the train station for an overnight sleeper train to Udaipur, watching bustling Delhi life through the train windows as you depart the city.
This morning, travel to Agra, the home of the famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Sheroes Hangout Café, a unique establishment run by acid attack survivors. This café, set up by the Chhanv Foundation, empowers these women, providing them with a supportive community and a means of income. We are proud to support this initiative, which raises awareness and helps the Sheroes regain confidence and independence. Lunch is included at the café.
After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon on a Mughal Heritage Walk through the ancient village of Kachhpura and the surrounding farmland along the Yamuna River, opposite the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. This walk, designed by a local NGO, supports the community through employment and infrastructure development. A villager will guide you, showcasing village life, home layouts, and the local cottage industry of leather shoe-making, which contributes to Agra’s global exports. You’ll also explore some lesser-known Mughal-era monuments.
End the day with a stroll through Mehtab Bagh, a park originally built by Emperor Babur, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. This evening, you have the option to join a Hindu family for a vegetarian thali cooking lesson and meal.
Start the day early with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most magnificent monuments. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan over twenty-two years, this monument to love is breathtaking at sunrise as the changing light transforms its colors.
After breakfast, leave the popular tourist areas and head into the heart of rural Rajasthan to the town of Suroth. Stay at Suroth Mahal, a former palace now serving as a hotel, which retains its heritage charm with rooms adorned in murals.
In the afternoon, explore the village on a walking tour, interacting with locals and gaining insight into their way of life. The tour takes you past local shops, down narrow streets, and includes a visit to a small temple. You might even stop by a local barber shop for a shave or head massage. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with a stop at the Abhaneri step well, the largest and deepest of its kind, featuring 3,500 steps over 13 stories. This step well was featured in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you have free time to explore or join optional activities.
In the evening, choose between watching a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema or visiting a local family for a cooking demonstration and dinner.
Optionally, start your day with an early hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. If you prefer a later start, visit Amber Fort, a 16th-century fortress renowned for its pink sandstone and marble architecture. Continue with a city tour, including the Jantar Mantar astronomical instruments and the City Palace, once the seat of the rulers of Jaipur. Explore the walled city’s crafts markets and enjoy a block printing workshop and gemstone demonstration.
Depart Jaipur and journey to Ranthambore National Park, named after the historic Ranthambore fortress that lies within its boundaries. Established as a sanctuary in 1973, the park was created to protect the Bengal tiger and address human-wildlife conflicts in the region. On arrival, check in at your heritage hotel and prepare for your first game drive of the tour.
This afternoon, venture into the park in a shared canter to search for the elusive Bengal tiger, along with other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystem and rugged landscape offer an exciting safari experience.
Rise early for a morning game drive, which offers the best chance to spot tigers and other wildlife as they become more active with the cooler temperatures. The drive will take you through the park's diverse habitats, including dense forests, open grasslands, and picturesque lakes. Visit the ancient ruined fort within the park, which stands on a natural hummock and offers spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and adds a historical dimension to your wildlife adventure. After your morning drive, return to your hotel for breakfast. The afternoon is free for you to relax or take advantage of additional optional activities, such as booking a private jeep safari or joining another shared game drive to further explore the park’s wildlife.
Travel to Pushkar, an ancient city known for its spiritual significance and unique cultural heritage. Situated on the edge of the Thar Desert, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and a key pilgrimage site for Hindus. Upon arrival, check in to your heritage hotel and then head out to explore the sacred Pushkar Lake. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims come to bathe in its holy waters.
Visit the 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. If time allows, consider a sunset walk up to the Savitri Temple, located on the Ratnagiri Hill, which provides panoramic views of the town and desert landscape. Alternatively, take the cable car to the temple for a more leisurely ascent.
Continue your journey to Jodhpur, known as the "Blue City" due to its distinctive blue-painted houses. Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Upon arrival, settle into your heritage hotel and begin exploring this vibrant city. Jodhpur is home to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the cityscape and offers stunning views of the blue-hued buildings below.
The city is also renowned for its bustling bazaars, where you can find a variety of handcrafted goods including textiles, leather items, and intricate jewelry. Jodhpur’s colorful markets and historical sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Start your day with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. Perched on a steep hill, the fort offers breathtaking views of Jodhpur and houses a museum with an extensive collection of artifacts, including armor and paintings. Next, visit Jaswant Thada, a stunning white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Wander through the city’s narrow lanes to see the Lord Krishna Temple, known for its elaborate architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Continue your exploration to Ram Rasoda, a traditional community kitchen that has been serving the local community for centuries.
Visit the ancient Jetha Bera temple and the deep stepwell of Toor ji ka Jhalra, which is said to be as old as the sixth century. As you walk through the streets of Jodhpur, take the opportunity to explore local markets, where you can sample traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun (milk-based dessert) and Mawa Kachori (sweetened puff pastry). The afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or further explore the city at your own pace.
We begin our journey towards Udaipur today, making a noteworthy stop at Ranakpur to visit the Chaturmukha Jain Temple. This impressive 15th-century temple, dedicated to Lord Adinath, is renowned for its exquisite white marble carvings and intricate architecture. The temple’s detailed design includes over 1,000 beautifully sculpted pillars, each uniquely adorned with carvings. As you explore, you'll also encounter a large population of monkeys that inhabit the temple grounds.
After our visit, we continue our journey to Udaipur, often called the "Venice of the East" due to its picturesque lakes and regal architecture. Arriving in the afternoon, you will have some free time to begin exploring this enchanting city. Udaipur, founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh, is known for its stunning royal residences and serene lake views. Enjoy your evening at leisure, perhaps strolling through the local markets or relaxing at your hotel.
Today is dedicated to discovering the beauty of Udaipur. Start with a visit to the City Palace, a magnificent complex of palaces that was built over a period of 400 years. The palace is located on the edge of Lake Pichola and features a mix of architectural styles, including Mughal and Rajput. Explore its courtyards, terraces, and hanging gardens, all enclosed by impressive fortifications.
Next, visit the Jagdish Temple, an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located just outside the City Palace. Afterward, head to Lake Pichola for a boat ride to Jagmandir Island, where you’ll see a palace built by Maharana Karan Singh II. The island is adorned with stone elephants and features the ornate Gol Mahal tower.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Udaipur at your own pace. In the evening, consider visiting Bagore Ki Haveli, a historic palace turned museum on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. Here, you can enjoy a traditional dance and puppet show, showcasing local cultural performances.
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Udaipur, allowing time to visit any sites you may have missed or simply to unwind. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the train station for your overnight journey back to Delhi. We aim to take the Mewar Express (2nd class AC), which departs at 18:30 and arrives in Delhi around 07:00 the following morning.
The train journey offers a chance to reflect on your travels and experience the local way of life.
As the train arrives in Delhi, your Indian adventure comes to a close. If you wish to extend your stay in Delhi or explore other parts of India, such as Goa or the southern regions, we can assist with additional arrangements. Thank you for joining us on this memorable journey through Rajasthan!
