Rajasthan with Varanasi
16 nights / 17 days
Starting from USD 1794 / person
Detailed program
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (morning or evening), you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may rest after your journey or enjoy a first discovery of India’s lively capital.
Day 2 – Delhi / Mandawa (290 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, depart by private vehicle towards Mandawa, a charming town in the Shekhawati region. Known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, this region is famous for its ornate havelis — merchant mansions with richly painted frescoes. En route, you will stop to visit the sacred Rani Sati Temple in Jhunjhunu, an important site of devotion.
Afternoon: On arrival, check into a traditional haveli-style hotel full of character. After some time to relax, begin exploring Mandawa’s finest havelis, including Goenka Haveli, Rampuria Haveli, and the beautifully symmetrical Double Haveli, all showcasing intricate frescoes and architectural grandeur.
Evening: Stroll through the local market where artisans display colorful bangles, embroidered textiles, and antique treasures. A perfect introduction to Rajasthan’s rich craftsmanship.
Day 3 – Mandawa / Bikaner (190 km / 4 hrs)
Morning: Following breakfast, drive westward through semi-arid landscapes to reach Bikaner, the desert gateway of Rajasthan. This princely city is renowned for its striking red sandstone palaces and lively bazaars.
Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your hotel. Then visit the majestic Junagarh Fort, one of India’s few major forts not built on a hill. Inside, discover splendid halls such as the Anup Mahal and Ganga Mahal, adorned with gold leaf, carved stone, and mirror work.
Evening: Wander through the colorful bazaars of Bikaner where local artisans sell traditional sweets, camel-leather goods, and handwoven fabrics.
Optional: Visit the unique Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, where thousands of sacred rats roam freely – a curious and fascinating spiritual tradition.
Day 4 – Bikaner / Jaisalmer (330 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, journey deeper into the Thar Desert towards Jaisalmer, the legendary Golden City. Along the way, pause to visit the Baba Ramdev Temple, a site of pilgrimage dedicated to a beloved local saint.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer and check into a charming heritage haveli hotel. After some rest, head to Bada Bagh, a peaceful complex of intricately carved royal cenotaphs (chhatris) surrounded by wind turbines and desert views.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the old city’s sandstone streets. Admire the honey-colored façades, carved balconies, and traditional latticework glowing in the soft desert light. Jaisalmer is truly a living museum.
Day 5 – Discovering Jaisalmer & the Thar Desert
Morning: After breakfast, visit the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s last living forts. Within its walls, explore winding alleys, Jain temples, artisan shops, and ancient havelis such as Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for their stunning façades. Then, enjoy the peaceful Gadisar Lake, once the city’s main water source.
Afternoon: Experience the desert like never before with a camel or jeep safari into the Thar Desert. Ride across sweeping dunes and observe the changing colors of the sands.
Evening: As the sun sets, enjoy a magical folk dance performance, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music and a local dinner under the stars. Return to Jaisalmer for the night.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer / Osian / Jodhpur (310 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, the “Blue City” of Rajasthan. En route, stop at Osian, an ancient desert town known for its remarkably preserved Jain and Hindu temples, dating back to the 8th century.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jodhpur and check into your hotel. Then, visit the serene Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph surrounded by tranquil gardens. Continue to the majestic
Mehrangarh Fort, towering above the city. Walk through royal palaces, museums, and ramparts offering panoramic views over Jodhpur’s blue rooftops.
Evening: Take a stroll through Jodhpur’s traditional markets, where you’ll find vibrant textiles, antique jewelry, and local spices. The city’s old-world charm and energy are captivating.
Day 7 – Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Kumbhalgarh / Udaipur (280 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, begin your journey toward Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s most romantic cities. On the way, visit the remarkable Jain Temples of Ranakpur, a 15th-century marble masterpiece famous for its 1,444 intricately carved pillars — no two alike. A haven of serenity in the Aravalli Hills.
Afternoon: Continue to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dramatically perched on a ridge. Its 36-km long wall is second only to the Great Wall of China. Explore its palaces, temples, and scenic ramparts offering breathtaking views of the forested valley below.
Arrive in Udaipur by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax.
Evening : Attend a captivating folk dance and puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli, a royal mansion overlooking Lake Pichola. Enjoy traditional music, colorful costumes, and Rajasthani culture brought to life.
Day 8 – The Lakes and Palaces of Udaipur
Morning: After breakfast, explore the grand City Palace, an imposing lakeside complex blending Mughal and Rajput architecture. Visit its courtyards, museums, and marble balconies with sweeping views of the lake. Then visit the Jagdish Temple, an ornately carved Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Afternoon: Stroll through the lively local markets where artisans sell miniature paintings, silver jewelry, and colorful fabrics unique to the region.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Watch the golden light reflect off the water as Udaipur reveals its poetic beauty.
Day 9 – Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bundi (265 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Chittorgarh, a city steeped in heroism and legends. Visit the massive Chittorgarh Fort, India’s largest fort complex. Wander among ruined palaces, temples, and the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), evoking tales of Rajput valor and sacrifice.
Afternoon: Continue on to Bundi, a lesser-known gem famed for its palaces, stepwells, and peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a short rest.
Evening: Enjoy free time to explore Bundi’s old town at your own pace. Discover hidden temples, quiet alleys, and beautiful baoris (stepwells) carved into the sandstone.
Day 10 – Bundi / Jaipur (200 km / 5 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, visit Taragarh Fort, perched above Bundi. Explore its ancient ramparts, faded frescoes, and the celebrated Chitrashala, a gallery of exquisite murals depicting scenes from mythology and daily life.
Then depart for Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant capital city known as the Pink City.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check into your hotel or guesthouse and rest. Then visit the Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), a gleaming white-marble sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
Evening: Take part in an authentic Indian cooking class at a local family home. Learn to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor over a shared dinner — a warm and flavorful cultural exchange.
Day 11 – Jaipur, the Pink City
Morning: After breakfast, depart for the majestic Amber Fort, an iconic hilltop fortress overlooking Maota Lake. Explore its opulent halls, mirror palace (Sheesh Mahal), and scenic courtyards. Ascent options include jeep, walk, or (subject to conditions) elephant ride.
A photo stop will follow at the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a serene structure floating on Man Sagar Lake.
Afternoon: Visit the City Palace, home to Jaipur’s royal family and a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Continue to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its 953 intricately latticed windows, designed for royal ladies to observe the street below unseen.
Evening: Take a fun and eco-friendly electric rickshaw tour through the old city’s bazaars. Discover a kaleidoscope of spices, silks, bangles, and leather goods in this sensory delight.
Day 12 – Jaipur / Abhaneri / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (255 km / 6 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. En route, stop at Abhaneri to see the Chand Baori, one of India’s oldest and deepest stepwells, featuring 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps.
Afternoon: Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone ghost city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Discover its palaces, mosques, and courtyards frozen in time.
Arrive in Agra and check into your hotel. Then visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with palatial rooms and views of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
Evening: Free time to wander Agra’s lively markets — a bustling mix of marble inlay work, spices, and street snacks.
Day 13 – Agra / Delhi / Varanasi (by flight)
Morning: Begin the day with an unforgettable early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, the crowning jewel of Mughal architecture. Witness the ethereal glow of the white marble monument as the sun rises — a breathtaking tribute of eternal love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Return to your hotel for breakfast, then transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India.
Evening: Upon arrival in Varanasi, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax or explore the surroundings. Dinner at your hotel.
Day 14 – Varanasi: Sacred City on the Ganges
Morning: After breakfast, embark on a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals performed on the ghats — a powerful spiritual experience. Observe pilgrims taking holy dips, priests performing prayers, and the city slowly coming to life.
Then explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple (from the outside as access is restricted to non-hindus), one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Visit Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, home to a remarkable collection of miniature paintings and Hindu sculptures.
Afternoon: Discover the narrow lanes of the old city, filled with ancient temples, sacred cows, and colorful street life. Visit Sarnath, the revered site where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Evening: Witness the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats — a symphony of fire, chanting, and devotion that will stay with you long after you leave.
Day 15 – Varanasi / Delhi (by flight)
Morning : After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel or take a short walk along the ghats for a final glimpse of this timeless city.
In the afternoon, transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.
Evening: Free at your hotel.
Day 16 – Delhi
Morning: After breakfast, begin your discovery of Old Delhi with a visit to the 17th-century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then enjoy a thrilling cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the bustling heart of Old Delhi.
Afternoon: Visit the serene Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, where thousands of free meals are served daily. Then explore Humayun’s Tomb, the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Late afternoon : Visit the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO site from the 12th century. Return to your hotel for your final night in India.
Evening : Visit the India Gate, a majestic war memorial in the heart of New Delhi, built in honor of Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Stroll along the wide boulevards surrounding this iconic monument, a symbol of national pride and sacrifice.
Day 17 – Departure from Delhi
Morning: Transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward or return flight. Our team will ensure your departure is smooth and timely. Depending on your flight time, additional sightseeing can be arranged.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Price Includes:
- Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably.
- English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
- Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
- Licensed local English-speaking guides for sightseeing in Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bundi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi (one full day in each city).
- Camel ride or jeep safari in the Thar Desert, with traditional dinner and folk dance performance on the dunes.
- Admission to the dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur.
- Electric rickshaw ride through the historic lanes of Jaipur.
- Indian cooking class with a local family, including dinner.
- Cycle rickshaw tour through the narrow streets of Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk).
- Flight Delhi / Varanasi / Delhi on economy class.
Price Does Not Include:
- International flights to/from India.
- Lunches and dinners (except those mentioned in the “Price Includes” section).
- Entrance fees for monuments and sites.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips (guides, drivers, hotel staff, etc.).
- Travel insurance and visa costs.
Your Hotels or similar
- Delhi : City Star***
- Mandawa : Chobdar Haveli (heritage)
- Bikaner : Chirag Hotel***
- Jaisalmer : Pleasant Haveli***
- Jodhpur : Devi Bhawan (heritage)
- Udaipur : Boheda Palace (heritage)
- Bundi : Bundi haveli (heritage)
- Jaipur : V Sarovar****
- Agra : The Retreat***
- Varanasi : Banaras Haveli (Guest House)
