Rajasthan Palaces & Forts: Delhi, Agra, Udaipur & Jaipur - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive at New Delhi

Welcome to India! After a traditional swagat (welcome) at the airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. Take a short rest before starting an afternoon tour through the walled city of Old Delhi. This part of the city is crowded and buzzing with activity. It is still heavily influenced by the great "Mughals" (Muslim Emperors) who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. You'll visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the entire country!

Afterward, you'll enjoy a rickshaw ride across the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk Market. Then, you'll head to Rajghat, where you'll see the Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the famous  India Gate. The latter was built as a memorial for the 70,000 Indian soldiers who perished during World War I. Stop for a delicious local lunch. Food is very important in Indian culture, and this will be your introductory meal to the flavors of the country. Post-lunch, you'll drive past the Presidential Palace, the Secretariat Buildings, and down the ceremonial boulevard of Rajpath. The tour will end at Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Transfer to Agra

After breakfast, you'll start a five-hour drive to Agra. Once you've checked in and rested, you'll do a late-afternoon tour of Agra Fort. This beautiful landmark blends Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its distinct color comes from the red sandstone, brick, and makrana marble it was built with. Walk through this walled palatial city, learn about its history, and get gorgeous views of Agra.

Spend the evening at the city's bazaar, where artisans continue the tradition of fine marble-inlay work. The techniques of this craft are displayed at the Taj Mahal, and many of the artisans working today are descendants of those who worked in this famous Indian icon. You might like to consider catching the sunset at the Taj Mahal. Every day, locals and tourists sit on the banks of the Agra River at the Mehtab Bagh gardens. The view from here allows you to see the reflection of both the Taj and the sun! (Please keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

Day 3: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Transfer to Ranthambore

Rise early for an astonishing sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Even if you opted for a sunset visit last night, this is a completely different experience. The Taj Mahal—one of India's most famous landmarks—was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife. This white marble wonder is an everlasting symbol of love.

After your visit, you'll return to the hotel for breakfast and begin a late-morning drive to Ranthambore. En route, you'll stop by Fatehpur Sikri. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years before being abandoned. Once you've finished touring the abandoned city, you'll resume your journey to Ranthambore. On arrival, check in at your accommodation. The evening is free for you to rest or explore at your leisure.

Day 4: Ranthambore Game Drives

Get prepared for a safari at Ranthambore National Park. One of India's largest tiger reserves, it is considered one of the best places in the world to see these wild felines. 

You'll start early in the morning and track tigers and other wildlife like leopards, monkeys, cobras, and crocodiles. You'll return to your lodge for breakfast and to rest. Once you've recovered your strength, you'll head right back to the park for another game drive. Your guides will help you spot as many animals as possible, giving you information about the species that dwell here. At the end of this adventurous day, you'll return to the hotel and relax.

Day 5: Transfer to Bundi

This morning, you'll make your way to Bundi, a small sleepy town located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan. The town is known for its palaces which date to 1193.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the ornate Taragarh Fort, the Garh Palace, and the Step Wells. The latter are intricate steps built into the walls of long and deep wells. They were used as a water supply in ancient times and are an interesting sight to behold! The rest of the day is free. We recommend heading to the fruit and vegetable market and indulging in some delicious street food.

Day 6: Transfer to Udaipur

The morning and afternoon will be spent driving to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan's most famous cities. On the way, you'll stop by Chittorgarh, a well-preserved former fort city. Tour around the city and stop by the famous Kalika Mata Temple before continuing your journey.

Once you arrive at Udaipur, you'll immediately see why it is called "The Pearl of Rajasthan," the "City of Sunrise," and the "Venice of the East." This breathtaking destination is considered to be the most romantic city in India. You'll have a free evening to walk around the city, taking in its beauty.

Day 7: Udaipur Arts & Food Tour

Start a culture-packed day by visiting a master miniature painting artist. This unique experience will let you behind the scenes of this artisanal art. you'll also visit the Puppet Museum and Shilpgram, a local handicraft complex where you can explore colorful markets exhibiting batik prints.

The day continues with a food tour through this royal city and its delicious Mewari delicacies. you'll walk around local bazaars and visit some essential food joints to taste a large number of dishes like mirchi vada, different types of Kachauris, onion samosas, and daal baati choorma (the signature dish of Rajasthan). After the tour, you are free to explore the city on your own. We recommend walking by the lake or visiting the beautiful Udaipur Palace.

Day 8: Transfer to Jodhpur, the Blue City

Today you'll drive to Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before reaching your destination, you'll stop at Ranakpur, a small town situated in the hills of the Pali district. The town is home to one of the biggest and most important Jain temple complexes in India and one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism.

Continue your journey toward Jodhpur, known as the "Blue City" for the signature color of its walled Old City. Blue was once reserved for the Brahmin castes but eventually began to be used by other castes as well. The color is also believed to keep the houses cool and repel mosquitoes. 

Day 9: Transfer to Pushkar

In the morning, you'll visit the Meherangarh Fort, one of the most formidable structures in India. An architectural marvel that boasts a splendid palace with intricately carved latticed windows, the Fort was built in 1459 and overlooks the city of Jodhpur. It stands proudly on a hill as a reminder of the royal splendor of the city.

After the visit, you'll head to Pushkar, a small town located on the edge of the desert with a tranquil lake and hill temples. Once you've checked in, you'll have a free evening. Don't miss the exciting local bazaar!

Day 10: Explore Pushkar, Drive to Jaipur

Spend the morning visiting the Brahma Temple and Sacred Lake in Pushkar. This is an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, as it is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, who is considered the creator of the world in Hindu mythology.

After the visit, you'll start a journey to Jaipur. Popularly known as the "Pink City," Jaipur is the colorful capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It was established in 1727 and was the first planned city of its time. It boasts imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, and busy markets. In the evening, you'll have free time to explore the city's bazaars and other attractions.

Day 11: Jaipur Tour & Cooking Class

Get ready to see the grand city of Jaipur! After breakfast, you'll drive to the ancient capital of Amer, famous for its massive Amer Palace Fort. One of Rajasthan's most iconic sites, this is an absolute must-see while in Jaipur. Climb up through ancient walls and appreciate the beauty of the fort as well as the views it provides.

You'll then proceed to City Palace, which boasts an interesting mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continue to Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century solar observatory that measures time according to the movement of the sun within two seconds of modern devices. The tour ends at Hawa Mahal, the Wind Palace. This five-storied facade of pink sandstone was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch processions and festivities without being seen by the public.

In the late evening,  you'll have an exciting culinary experience at the home of an Indian family. Your hosts will teach you how to cook some local dishes and how to use Indian spices. For about 3 hours, you'll cook, learn, and laugh with your hosts before sharing a delicious meal that you contributed to.

Day 12: Return to Dehli

Prepare to say goodbye to Jaipur and get back on the road toward Delhi. On arrival, you'll check in at the hotel and then enjoy a free evening relaxing or buying souvenirs. If you want to make the most of your last night in India, there are plenty of things to do. Consider stopping by the Red Fort and catching the evening light show, party at Hauz Khas Village, or join a ghost tour through the city. 

Day 13: Depart Delhi

Enjoy one last breakfast in India before transferring to the airport to continue your onward journey.