Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Magnificent cities through which the caravans passed, palaces testifying to the splendour of the maharajas and Mughal emperors, the exquisite frescoes on the havelis of Shekhawati, the flamboyant colours of the turbans, the flavours of cardamom and ginger, the hospitality of the Rajput people.... it would be impossible to describe this state in a few words and the possibilities of itineraries are infinite.
One of the most arid deserts on the planet, through which caravans loaded with spices, rice or opium once passed, stands side by side with the exuberant vegetation of the Aravallis Mountains, the oldest mountain range in India. This journey through time via the forts and palaces of Rajasthan is a guaranteed change of scenery. This is your tailor-made individual tour to Rajasthan.
Rajasthan's palaces and forts
16 days / 15 nights
Stopovers at Delhi - Shekhawati - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Bundi - Jaipur - Agra
Day 1 • New Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi international airport. We meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2 • New Delhi
Visit the capital of the subcontinent and one of the world's largest megacities. Despite its size, Delhi remains a beautiful city. Modern and cosmopolitan, it offers many sites from its glorious past. From the India Gate to the Qutub Minar minaret built in the 12th century, the range is rich. From Chandni Chowk in the old city to Connaught Place, the area was created in the southern part of the city by the British and given the name New Delhi.
Day 3 • Delhi - Shekhawati
In the morning, you will take the road towards Shekhawati. Nearly forgotten, this province was once prosperous thanks to the dynamism of its merchants, the Marwaris. It is now famous for the frescoes that decorate the walls of the havelis and the mansions of the merchants of yesteryear. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and explore the village by walk.
Day 4 • Shekhawati - Bikaner
In the morning, you will drive on to Bikaner, which was founded in the 15th century by a prince of Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert. En route, you will explore some other beautiful havelis in Fatehpur.
Upon arrival in Bikaner, you will go to Deshnoke to visit a unique site in India: the temple of rats. Thereafter, you will return to the old town to discover the austere yet typical havelis of Bikaner, made of red sandstone.
Day 5 • Bikaner - Jaisalmer
In the morning you will visit Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century and renowned for the well-preserved rich decorations of its palaces. After the visit, you will take the long desert road towards Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the hotel and go to the royal cenotaphs to see the sun set.
Day 6 • Jaisalmer
Full day will be dedicated to the visit of the yellow city, including the fort, a former key stop-off on the caravan route and which houses the old palace and the finely-carved havelis that were built during the 19th century by merchants and bankers.
In the late afternoon, you will take the road to the desert to watch the sunset from the sand dunes before coming back to the hotel in the early evening.
Day 7 • Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
In the morning you will drive to the blue city of Jodhpur. On the way, you will visit the richly carved Jain and Hindu temples of Osian. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, you will check-in at the hotel before going for a stroll through the colourful alleys of Sardar Bazar around the Clock Tower.
Day 8 • Jodhpur - Rohet
In the morning, you will explore Mehrangarh Fort, a luxurious palace now turned into a museum. Thereafter, you will stop at Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial of Jaswant Singh II. You will then drive further South to the village of Rohet from where you will go to the neighbouring tribal villages by jeep. This is where you will get a glimpse of everyday life in rural areas.
Day 9 • Rohet - Ranakpur
Mid-morning departure towards Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and in the afternoon, visit the beautiful Jain temples built in the 15th century. Among those, the dome of the temple of Adinath is supported by some 1440 pillars of which only one is inclined! Late afternoon will be free for you to rest by the pool.
Day 10 • Ranakpur - Udaipur
In the morning, you will continue your journey towards the white city of Udaipur. On the way, you will explore the second largest fortress of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh. Located in the heart of the Aravalli hills, its ramparts are strangely reminiscent of those of the Great Wall of China. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11 • Udaipur
Full day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, starting with the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan whose balconies are reflected in the waters of Lake Pichola. The gigantic palace offers the visitor richly decorated halls and courtyards. Thereafter, visit of the nearby Jagdish Temple before taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola which will give you an excellent point of view on the city, especially the palaces and ghats bordering the lake. To end the day, you will go for a walk in the "Saheliyon-ki-Bari", the peaceful "garden of the maidens".
Day 12 • Udaipur - Bundi
In the morning, continue your journey to Bundi, a charming 17th century city. On the way, stop for a visit to Chittorgarh Fort, the most important fortress in Rajasthan and a Unesco World Heritage site since 2013. Formerly the capital of the Mewar kingdom, before Udaipur, the fortress was for a long time the bastion of Hindu resistance against the Muslim invaders, who, after several attempts, succeeded in acquiring it in the mid-16th century. On arrival in Bundi, check in at the hotel and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town which lies at the foot of the fort.
Day 13 • Bundi - Jaipur
In the morning, you will visit the fort, known for its magnificent murals painted in the 18th century. You will also discover the stepwell built around 1700 and into which it is given to descend by a huge staircase. After the visits, you will drive on towards the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day will be free to enjoy the pool or take a first look at the pink city.
Day 14 • Jaipur
This full day sightseeing will start with a stop in front of the astonishing Palace of Winds, a finely carved facade of pink sandstone behind which the ladies of the court used to hide when watching the parades in the street below. Later, you will leave for Amber Fort, the ancestral home of the Maharajas of Jaipur perched on a hilltop. You will then explore the palace, a fabulous maze of courtyards, interior gardens and rooms decorated with mirrors and mosaics.
In the afternoon, visit of the City Palace, the walls of which are home to a museum and the residence of today's royal family. End of visits at Jantar Mantar, an amazing observatory that Jai Singh II built, where astrolabes and sundials form a surreal landscape.
Day 15 • Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal emperors. On the way, you will explore Fatehpur Sikri, the very well preserved ancient capital of emperor Akbar that brings us back to the past glory of the Mughal Empire. Built in the 16th century, it was abandoned 15 years after its completion. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16 • Agra - Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Agra starting with the jewel of the Mughal Empire: the Taj Mahal. Ranked one of the seven wonders of the modern world, it is a universally admired masterpiece of the world's heritage. While visiting it, you will appreciate the genius of the architects and the work of the thousands of craftsmen who worked to achieve it in a record time of 16 years. Next on the agenda will be Red Fort, a powerful and magnificent fortress whose interiors form like a city with palaces, mosques and gardens, offering various architectural styles. Finally, you will explore Itimad-ud-Daulah's mausoleum that was built before Taj Mahal. Its main interests are the frescoes on the interior walls and the marquetry of polychrome marbles on the outer walls.
You will drive back to Delhi that you will reach at the end of the day, on time for your transfer to the international airport.
This tour is only a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as is or used as a starting point to create your own tailor-made tour in India. This tour is also available in a high-end version with 4* and/or 5* hotels.
IDEAS FOR A CUSTOM-MADE RAJASTHAN TOUR
- Do the tour the other way round.
- Climb Amber Fort or participate in activities with the elephants.
- Walk in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer on camels or carts.
- Discover old Udaipur and/or the surrounding area on foot or by bicycle.
- Go for a walk in the Aravallis mountains.
- Extend your stay with Gwalior, Orchha and/or Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and/or Varanasi, the holy city.
- The best time to go there: all year round with two high seasons in October-November and February-March.
1340 US$ / pers.
(base 2 pax)
1020 US$ / pers.
(base 4 pax)
Season: Summer 2024 (April - September). . Price per person including accommodation on double occupancy in 3* and 4* (Delhi and Ranakpur) hotels with breakfasts, travel in a private air-conditioned chauffeur-driven Toyota Innova Crysta vehicle and the visit of a Vishnoi village. . The price does not include international flights, entrance fees to monuments, guides, meals, visas and insurance. . Prices are indicative only. May vary according to tax and exchange rate fluctuations.
Other ideas for tours in Rajasthan
11 D / 10 N
12 D / 11 N
