Palaces, Deserts & Divine Ganges

Destination

Delhi –Mandawa –Bikaner–Jaisalmer –Jodhpur –Jaipur –Ranthambore –Bharatpur –Agra –Delhi–Varanasi–Delhi

Duration

18 Days & 17 Nights

Trip overview

Experience Rajasthan’s timeless palaces, havelis, desert landscapes, and wildlife sanctuary, along with the spiritual essence of Varanasi. This immersive journey takes you through Mandawa’s painted havelis, the desert charm of Bikaner and Jaisalmer, the royal forts of Jodhpur and Jaipur, tiger safaris in Ranthambore, the bird paradise of Bharatpur, the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and finally the sacred ghats of Varanasi. A blend of history, culture, wildlife, and spirituality.

Trip Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day - 01

Arrive in New Delhi

On arrival at New Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist with your hotel transfer and check-in. A short briefing on travel documents and the tour schedule will be provided.
Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day - 02

Delhi Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for a full-day tour of Delhi.Explore Old Delhi with visits to:
  • Red Fort – a 17th-century fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan
  • Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India
  • Raj Ghat – the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi
Later, visit New Delhi highlights:
  • India Gate – a national war memorial
  • Connaught Place – a central business and shopping hub.
Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day - 03

Delhi to Mandawa (Approx. 260 km / 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa in Shekhawati, famous for its painted havelis. Evening heritage walk through Mandawa village. Overnight in Mandawa. Mandawa is a small town in Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan which used to lie on the old silk route. It used to be hub for rich merchants trading through the silk route and spice route. The Shekhawati Region is known as “open art gallery” of the fascinating havelis that have lavishly painted walls, Mandawa itself has 125 havelis with walls having frescos dating back to 18th century.

Day - 04

Mandawa – Bikaner (Approx. 190 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast leave for Bikaner. Upon arrival at Bikaner, Check in at the resort. In the late afternoon visit famous Karni Mata Temple. The temple was originally constituted 500 years ago, around 1530 CE, after the mahaprayan of Karni Mata. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be very careful while entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for the lost life. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day - 05

Bikaner – Jaisalmer (Approx. 330 km / 6 hrs)

After breakfast visit Junagarh Fort. Junagarh Fort is one of the most decorated forts in India and houses opulent palaces that give you a peek into the lives and times of the maharajas of Bikaner. Later start for Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Enjoy the sunset view from sunset point. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 06

Jaisalmer – Desert Camp

After breakfast check out and start checking out this fairytale city with your senses and through your lenses. This will include the fascinating Jaisalmer Fort from both outside and in. The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the major attractions in the city. In the afternoon, we head out to a private and pristine desert location. The safari guides will ensure that they’ve delivered their guests to the perfect sundowners spot which offers prime viewing of the most idyllic sunset scenes. There, guests can jump off the Camels and bask in the glow, whilst toasting another perfect day in the Thar Desert. These sundowner Spots allow for amazing photographic opportunities too. As darkness settles in and the stars rise, dinner will be cooked over a crackling fire while men in white wearing bright turbans play ancient Rajasthani ragas. Dinner and overnight at camp

Day - 07

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (Approx. 280 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is commonly known as the “Blue City” because of the blue- painted houses in the old part of the city. Jodhpur is also known for its impressive forts, palaces, and temples. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Later visit blue city and local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 08

Jodhpur

After breakfast visit Mehrangarh Fort, which is a massive fort built in the 15th century and is located on a hill overlooking the city. Afternoon Jeep safari to visit Bishnoi Villages and tribes. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 09

Jodhpur – Jaipur (Approx. 340 km / 6 hrs)

After start for Jaipur. Upon arrival check into the hotel. In the evening enjoy an authentic Rajasthani dinner at Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village resort. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day - 10

Jaipur

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Jaipur – the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan.
Visit:

  • Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
  • City Palace – the royal residence
  • Jantar Mantar – an astronomical observatory
  • Drive past Jal Mahal – a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day - 11

Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park (Approx. 170 km / 3 hours)

After breakfast, depart for Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife destinations.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy lunch.
Post lunch, embark on an exciting jeep safari through the national park, where you may spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ranthambore.

Day - 12

Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris at Ranthambore National Park for the best chance to witness wildlife activity. All meals will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ranthambore.

Day - 13

Ranthambore - Bharatpur (Approx. 250 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Bharatpur. Afternoon visit Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (UNESCO site). Overnight in Bharatpur.

Day - 14

Bharatpur - Agra (Approx. 55 km / 1.5 hrs)

Morning birding at the bird sanctuary. After breakfast start for Agra. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later visit to:

  • Agra Fort – a magnificent red sandstone fort on the Yamuna River
    Evening visit to:
  • Mehtab Bagh – a riverside garden offering breathtaking sunset views of the Taj Mahal

Overnight stay in Agra.

Day - 15

Agra - Delhi (Approx. 220 km / 4 hours)

Start your day with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal – India’s most iconic monument (closed on Fridays). Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, start for Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day - 16

Delhi- Varanasi (By air)

Early in the morning, transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and holds immense cultural and religious significance. The name Varanasi is traditionally derived from the two tributaries of the Ganges that mark the city’s boundaries—Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, near Assi Ghat. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, visit the sacred ghats of Varanasi. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. You may also choose to offer small floating candle bowls as part of the ritual. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 17

Varanasi

Begin your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges. In the afternoon, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Sarnath Buddhist Temple and Museum, which houses remarkable artifacts and relics. Though many of the ancient temples now lie in ruins, the site remains one of the most significant pilgrimage centers for Buddhists worldwide. Conclude your day with a sunset boat ride on the Ganges. Sunset is one of the most tranquil times to be on the river.

Day - 18

Varanasi – Delhi (By air)

After breakfast drop at the airport to catch flight for Delhi.

**End of our services**

Note: The driving hours given above from one city to another are based on the normal conditions of the roads and may vary. Any break for Food / Tea / Toilets / Sightseeing on the way will take extra time than the above given hours

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