a suggested tour for you..
Palaces, Forts & Legends of Rajasthan
Start your unforgettable journey through India, where history, culture, and spirituality blend seamlessly. Explore Rajasthan, a land of royal palaces, vibrant traditions, and majestic forts, offering a glimpse into India’s regal past. Marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra, an eternal symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Then, experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi, where the sacred Ganges River and ancient rituals create a profound connection with the soul. This journey combines the grandeur of royalty, the beauty of timeless monuments, and the serenity of sacred traditions, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.
Tour Experiences..–
- Traditional welcome upon arrival at Delhi airport with a garland and a bottle of water.
- Experience Delhi metro train ride with locals.
- Visit one of Delhi’s iconic Sikh temples, witness a prayer ceremony, and learn about Sikh religion and traditions, followed by a walk around the holy water pond.
- See the colourful paintings on the roof / wall of havelis & old mansion in Shekhawati region.
- Excursion to impressive Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur followed by walking tour through blue city.
- Enjoy a shared motorboat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, taking in the stunning views of forts and palaces at sunset.
- Admire the intricate stone carvings and architecture of the remarkable Ranakpur Jain temple complex.
- Visit the famous Brahma Temple in Pushkar, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.
- Enjoy through the colorful bazaars of Old Jaipur city on a vibrant e-rickshaw, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
- Take brief photo stops at the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal.
- Explore the vibrant spice and vegetable markets in Jaipur, immersing yourself in the local culture and flavors.
- Excursion to Amber fort by jeep ride, one of Jaipur’s most famous attractions.
- Visit the world-famous monument of love Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel.
- Visit to Indian family and experience Indian cooking demonstration followed by an interacting with the host.
- Experience Indian train journey from Agra to Varanasi.
- Enjoy early morning boat ride on river Ganges and see the traditional Hindu rituals that have been practiced for centuries.
- Enjoy the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges, an unforgettable cultural experience.
- Souvenir Gift: At the end of your journey, receive a special souvenir to remember this incredible tour.
Day 01 Arrive in Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Traditional welcome with garland at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a unique and fascinating blend of two very different cities, each with its own distinctive flavour and character. No visit to India is complete without visiting these two complementary halves of its capital, Delhi, both old and new. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning proceeds for the sightseeing of Old Delhi.
Board Delhi metro train and get down at station in Old Delhi and then take a bicycle rickshaw / e-rickshaw ride through the colouful and narrow lanes of Chandi Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Visit Jama Masjid which is one of the largest mosques in India. Drive past magnificent Red Fort, – a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).
Continue the sightseeing of New Delhi. Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. On the way to hotel, visit Sikh temple (Bangla Sahab Gurudwara) where you will witness prayer ceremony and walk round the holy pond. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Delhi – Shekhawati (approximately 4-5 Hour Drive)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, drive to Shekhawati region, at the route stop in the typical Indian village and local colourful market for photo stop. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
In the heart of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region lies the beautiful small towns, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place recall one of the cultural and social places where this place used to be in the past. Shekhawati region is also famously known open art gallery of Rajasthan.
Later this afternoon visit few colourful havelis and old mansions to see the famous colourful paintings of Shekhawati.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 Shekhawati – Jodhpur (Approximately 6-hour drive)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Jodhpur, upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions, especially those of Mehrangarh which have been witness to many battles and were associated closely with the history of the region. The years of peace that followed resulted in the building of palaces that were laid on open grounds and spread out in an elaborate European manner.
After taking short rest, take a short walking tour through the “Blue City,” every corner is adorned with houses painted in varying shades of blue, creating a mesmerizing sight against the desert landscape. On the way to hotel, visit the local spice market of Jodhpur, Blue city & Clock tower. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (Approximately 4-5-hour drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses – the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur.
Later drive to Udaipur, en-route visiting the famous Ranakpur Jain temple complex.
Ranakpur, the wonderful 3 temples of the Jain sect dating back to the 14th/15th century. The unforgettable main Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took 65 years to complete. It is one of the five holy Jain pilgrimage centres, and has one of the best temple complexes.
Continue drive to Udaipur, upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
If Jaipur is the pink city, and Jodhpur the blue city, then Udaipur is a dazzling study in white. Famous for its palaces, temples, gardens, lakes and museums, this charming Rajasthani city is a relaxed, picturesque city, set amidst the stark Aravali hills. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and contains an outstanding museum. Udaipur is dotted with a series of beautiful lakes and important temples, including the 17th century Jagdish Temple.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entrance steps inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
Later enjoy sharing motor boat ride on Lake Pichoala affords unforgettable views of the hills that surround Udaipur, as well as the palaces, temples and bathing ghats that make up this picturesque city. Visit the island palace of Jag Niwas and enjoy the scenic beauty. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur (Approximately 6 hour drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning start your drive towards Pushkar, a picturesque town nestled in the Aravalli hills. Enjoy the rural landscapes as you drive through the beautiful countryside. En Route: Stop at Pushkar Upon arrival in Pushkar, you will visit the famous Pushkar Lake and the revered Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Pushkar is known for its spiritual significance, vibrant bazaars, and relaxed atmosphere. You may also take a brief walk around the town and explore its lively streets, filled with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Rajasthani art.
After your visit to Pushkar, continue your drive to Jaipur.
As you drive towards the “Pink City,” enjoy the changing landscapes, transitioning from serene rural settings to the bustling urban environment of Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. Jaipur is known for its majestic palaces, forts, and rich history, and the evening will give you a chance to relax and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead in this magnificent city. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 08 Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning excursion to Amer (Amber) fort by Jeep ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds & Jal Mahal.
Continue the sightseeing tour with visiting city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
Enjoy bicycle/ e-rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes & colourful bazaar of Old Jaipur‘s bustling bazaar is like diving into a sea of colors and sounds. The narrow lanes are alive with vendors selling spices, textiles, and trinkets, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (5 hour drive)
Breakfast at Hotel. Late morning drive to Agra, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to water shortages. Visit the elegant and remarkably well-preserved buildings within the “Ghost City”, including the Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak to the greatness and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power. Continue drive to Agra, upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Agra
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit the world-famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ‘ Love Poem in Marble’. (The Taj Mahal will be closed on Friday).
Later visit the majestic Agra fort and see the public and private audience halls including see the glimpse of Taj Mahal overlooking the river Yamuna. Return to hotel for short rest.
This evening visit over to an Indian family’s house to learn how to cook delicious curry dishes! You’ll join in the cooking and get to try making one dish yourself. Then, we’ll all enjoy the meal together for dinner. It’s a fun way to learn about Indian cooking! After dinner, you can chat with the family to learn about their daily life in India. And we’ll finish off with some tea or coffee together. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11 Agra – Varanasi by train
Early in the morning, transfer time to the train station to board the train to Varanasi. Breakfast will be served on board the train. (The train doesn’t run on Friday). Upon arrival at Varanasi station transfer to the hotel and take a short break.
This evening witness the Aarti of the Ganges at sunset in the Ghats of Varanasi is a truly divine experience. As the sun sets, the priests perform a fascinating ritual with rhythmic chants, lit lamps and fragrant incense, in honor of the sacred river. The air fills with spiritual energy, leaving visitors with a deep sense of peace and connection to ancient Indian traditions. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Varanasi – Delhi by flight
An early morning enjoy boat ride on the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi offers a fascinating view of ancient Hindu traditions. As the sun rises, contemplate deep morning rituals, from meditative chants to sacred river dives. It is a rare and unforgettable experience that immerses you in the spiritual essence of India.
On the way to the hotel, enjoy a walking tour through the narrow alleys of old Varanasi, passing by numerous Hindu temples.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel.
Later drive around the campus of the Varanasi Hindu University, followed by a visit to Sarnath, the revered Buddhist site where the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the famous Buddha temple complex and have a quiet time there.
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to Delhi international airport to board your flight for onward destination.
Day 13 Departure from Delhi