Magnificent Rajasthan Tour: The Complete 15-Day Heritage Journey

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi & Commencement of Your Rajasthan Tour

Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by the ITS representative at the arrival hall. Following the reception, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. The remainder of the day is for you to relax and acclimate. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi - A Fascinating Blend of Old & New

Today is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Delhi's contrasting historical and modern personas.

Morning Tour of Old Delhi:

• Visit the majestic Red Fort (Lal Qila), a historical fort in the city of Delhi.
• Explore the bustling lanes and vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.
• Pay respects at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
• Visit Shanti Vana, the memorial of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Afternoon Tour of New Delhi:

• Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India).
• Visit the iconic India Gate, a war memorial arch.
• Explore the modern Hindu temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).
• Marvel at the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a towering minaret.
• Visit the serene Bahai Temple, also known as the Lotus Temple, famous for its distinctive flowerlike shape.

The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi – Agra (Approx. 200 kms / 4 hours) - Journey to the City of the Taj

Experience Mughal grandeur as you travel to Agra.

• After breakfast, complete your morning checkout from the hotel and drive to Agra.
• En route, visit the magnificent Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra.
• Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to your hotel.
• Later in the day, embark on a sightseeing tour of Agra, covering:
  • The historic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site reflecting Mughal architectural prowess.
  • The exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, often referred to as the 'Baby Taj' or a 'jewel box'.
  • Spend quality time to witness the ethereal beauty of The Grand Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum and a universal symbol of love.
• The evening is free for you to visit the famous Inlay Handicraft Market of Agra, renowned for its marble artifacts.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

Day 04: Agra – Jaipur (Approx. 230 kms / 3 hours) - Towards the Pink City, Rajasthan's Capital

Travel to Jaipur, stopping at a historic ghost city.

• Enjoy your morning checkout from the hotel and drive to Jaipur.
• En route, visit the Old Deserted Town of Mughal Dynasty – Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its key structures:
  • Panch Mahal, a five-story palatial structure.
  • Buland Darwaza, the imposing Victory Gate.
  • The sacred Shrine of Shaikh Salim Chisti.
• Proceed to Jaipur. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The day is free for you to relax.
• Later in the evening, visit Galta Temple, also known as the Valley of Monkeys, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site.
• Enjoy a drive past the picturesque Sisodia Gardens.
• If you wish to enjoy a traditional dinner with the ethnic ambiance of a Rajasthani village, complete with live folk dance and music, then a visit to Chokhi Dhani Resort is highly recommended (expenses to be paid directly).
• Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur - Exploring Royal Forts & Palaces

A full day dedicated to the architectural splendors of Jaipur.

• Morning: Take an excursion tour to the majestic Amber Fort. Here, you can enjoy an elephant ride to ascend this great Fort (subject to availability and direct payment by guest).
• Later, take a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Jaipur, visiting:
  • The opulent City Palace Complex, which houses several museums and courtyards.
  • The fascinating Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar), a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.
  • The iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), renowned for its intricate facade, built for the royal ladies to observe street processions without being seen.
• Evening: You can visit the bustling handicraft, gems, and textiles markets of Jaipur, offering a wide variety of local crafts.
• Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur - Pushkar (Approx. 131 kms / 3 hrs) - Journey to the Sacred Town

Drive to the holy town of Pushkar, famous for its Brahma Temple and vibrant fair.

• After breakfast, drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Later in the day, visit The Only Temple of Lord Brahma in the world, a significant pilgrimage site, situated by the sacred Pushkar Lake.
• You will also see people worshipping on the banks of the lake and taking a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake.
• The other side of the lake is the site for the world-renowned Pushkar Fair, which is held annually in the month of November and attracts tourists and livestock traders from all over the world.
• Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Day 07: Pushkar - Chittaurgarh – Udaipur (Approx. 275 kms / 5 hrs) - To the City of Lakes via a Historic Fort

Experience early morning spirituality in Pushkar before heading to Udaipur, with a stop at the formidable Chittorgarh Fort.

• Early morning, visit the Ghats of Pushkar to observe devotees offering prayers to the Sun God and taking a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar.
• After breakfast, checkout from your hotel and drive to Udaipur.
• En route, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the magnificent Chittaurgarh Fort. This fort is spread over an expansive 13 square kilometers and is interestingly shaped like a ship. You can explore this vast fort by your own car you will be travelling in. Key sites within the fort include The Museum, Padmini's Palace, Man Palace, and the historic Towers of Victory & Peace. This fort is supposed to be the finest fort in Asia.
• Proceed to Udaipur. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• The evening is free for you to stroll near the beautiful Lake Pichola.
• Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 08: Udaipur - Discovering the Venice of the East

A full day exploring the romantic city of Udaipur.

• Morning: Take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace Complex, which comprises the Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Jagdish Temple, and the Museum.
• After lunch, visit:
  • Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace), offering panoramic views of the city and its lakes.
  • Sahelion ki Baari (Garden of the Maidens), a beautiful garden with fountains and kiosks.
  • Lok Kala Mandal, a folk art museum showcasing Rajasthani culture.
  • Shilp Gram, a rural arts and crafts complex.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 09: Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Jodhpur (Approx. 276 kms / 5 hrs) - Journey to Jodhpur, Gateway to the Desert

Drive to Jodhpur, visiting magnificent forts and temples en route.

• Morning checkout from your hotel and drive to Jodhpur.
• En route, enjoy sightseeing of Kumbhalgarh Fort, built by Rana Kumbha. This fort is renowned for its impressive 36-kilometer long wall (the second longest continuous wall in the world), which surrounds the fort and has over 360 temples inbuilt within its walls.
• Later, proceed to Ranakpur to see the stunning 12th Century carved Jain Temples. These temples stand on 1444 marble pillars, each intricately carved and different from the others.
• One can have lunch at Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat in Ranakpur (at your own expense).
• Proceed to Jodhpur, famously known as the Gateway to the Desert of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• The evening is free for you to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (Approx. 290 kms / 6 hrs) - Towards the Golden City & Sand Dunes

Explore Jodhpur's marvels before heading to the desert city of Jaisalmer.

• Morning: Take a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, visiting:
  • The imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India.
  • Jaswant Thada, a striking marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
  • The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, part of the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace.
  • Mandore Gardens, to see the royal cenotaphs (Chhatris).
• Afternoon: Checkout from your hotel and drive to Jaisalmer, the Sand Dunes Destination of Rajasthan.
• En route, you may visit the ruins of ancient Ossian Temples if you wish. You can also visit Fort Pokhran, where one can have Lunch at Fort Pokhran Hotel (at your own expense).
• Proceed to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• In the evening, visit the picturesque Gadisar Lake (Tank).
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 11: Jaisalmer - Exploring the Golden Fort & Experiencing the Desert

Discover Jaisalmer's city treasures and venture into the Thar Desert.

• Morning: Take a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer city, visiting the famous Havelis (mansions) of Salim Singh, Patwon, and Nathumal.
• Later, visit the 99 Bastion Golden Fort of Jaisalmer (Sonar Quila), a living fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Gadisar Lake.
• After lunch, relax at your hotel until approximately 16:00 hrs (4 PM).
• Then, drive to the Sam Sand Dunes for an unforgettable desert experience.
• En route to Sam, visit the ancient Jain Temple of Lodurwa and the picturesque Amar Sagar & Mool Sagar Lakes.
• Arrive at Kanoi – 3 kms before Sam Sand Dunes – and transfer to Camels.
• Enjoy a Camel ride that takes you to the Sam Sand Dunes, allowing you to experience the vastness of the desert.
• Witness a beautiful sunset over the golden sands. After sunset, drive back to Jaisalmer.
• Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 12: Jaisalmer – Bikaner (Approx. 333 kms / 6 hrs) - Journey to the Camel Country

Travel from the Golden City to Bikaner, known for its forts and camel breeding farm.

• Morning: Checkout from your hotel and drive to Bikaner.
• Upon arrival in Bikaner, transfer to your hotel.
• The day is free for you to relax.
• In the early evening, visit a Camel Breeding Farm. Here, you can see different breeds of camels.
• You may also have the opportunity to taste fresh Camel Milk if you wish.
• Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 13: Bikaner - Forts, Havelis, and the Unique Rat Temple

Explore Bikaner's heritage and a truly unique temple.

• Morning: Take a sightseeing tour of Bikaner, visiting:
  • The formidable Junagarh Fort, an unbreached fort that has never been conquered.
  • The intricately carved Rampuria Haveli (from outside).
  • The Bhanwar Vilas Palace.
• Evening: Take an excursion tour to the Deshnok Temple (Karni Mata Temple) on Nagaur road. This temple is famously known as the Temple of Rats, as rats are held sacred here and you will see them in good numbers roaming freely within the temple precincts.
• It is believed that spotting a white rat at this temple is very lucky. In case a rat is accidentally killed by stamping on it, then one has to replace the rat by making a rat replica in Gold or Silver.
• Drive back to Bikaner for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Bikaner – Mandawa (Approx. 175 kms / 4 hrs) - The Open-Air Art Gallery of Shekhawati

Journey to Mandawa, renowned for its beautifully frescoed havelis.

• Morning: Checkout from your hotel and drive to the frescos town of Mandawa.
• Receive a traditional welcome upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel.
• For the rest of the day, visit the compact little town of the Shekhawati region, which comprises Forts and Havelis adorned with beautiful frescoes.
• While touring this town, notice a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows that leads to the bazaar. The town's Havelis still bear witness to the rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century.
• Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complexes, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli & Chokhani Haveli.
• In the evening, enjoy local folk dance and music.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandawa.

Day 15: Mandawa – Delhi (Approx. 275 kms / 5 hrs) - Return Journey & Departure

Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Mandawa before your departure.

• The morning is free for you to spend at your leisure, perhaps for some last-minute souvenir shopping or independent exploration.
• In the afternoon, checkout from your hotel and drive back to Delhi.
• Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to the International airport to board your flight back home, filled with cherished memories of your Magnificent Rajasthan Tour.