Empires Of Rajasthan

Arrival in Delhi, where you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and escorted to your hotel.

After settling in, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your discovery of Old Delhi.

This fortified city, founded in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan—the visionary behind the Taj Mahal—reveals a fascinating glimpse into India’s Mughal past.

Visit the grand Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, and wander through the bustling Chandni Chowk bazaar, a maze of vibrant alleys brimming with spices, silks, and centuries of tradition.

Glimpse the imposing Red Fort, once the opulent seat of the Mughal dynasty until its fall in 1857.

Continue your exploration with a drive past the stately Government Buildings, the Presidential Palace, and the ceremonial India Gate—a reminder of the city’s colonial and modern heritage.

Then, visit the serene Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, one of Delhi’s most revered spiritual sites. Here, witness the extraordinary community kitchen that serves over 10,000 free meals each day, a moving symbol of universal brotherhood and compassion.

After your visits, return to your hotel for a relaxing dinner.

Overnight Stay: Delhi

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Shekhawati (255 km / approximately 5 hours). This enchanting region of Rajasthan is a hidden gem, celebrated for its lesser-known sites and secret treasures.

Arrive in Mandawa, a historic town renowned for its magnificent havelis—the grand mansions of wealthy merchants and Rajput nobility.

Built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these ornate residences are adorned with vibrant frescoes, painted in both sacred and secular themes.

The walls come alive with scenes from Hindu mythology, everyday life, and even glimpses of colonial influence, creating an open-air gallery unlike any other. Lunch will be enjoyed en route.

Later, take a leisurely stroll through Mandawa’s old quarters, where time seems to linger in the richly decorated facades and intricate courtyards of these opulent homes. Each haveli tells a story of prosperity, devotion, and artistry, making Shekhawati a true open-air museum of Rajasthani heritage.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a dinner setting that reflects the charm of the region.

Overnight Stay: Mandawa

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Bikaner (193 km / approximately 3.5 hours).

En route, discover the extraordinary Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, more famously known as the Temple of the Sacred Rats. Home to nearly 25,000 revered black rats, this unique shrine is a place where legend, faith, and curiosity intertwine. Spotting one of the rare white rats is considered a blessing of immense good fortune.

Arrive in Bikaner and enjoy lunch at your hotel before setting out to explore the city.

Visit the impressive Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a distinguished general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Encircled by nearly a kilometer of ramparts with 37 bastions and two grand gateways, the fort is an architectural jewel. Enter through the Suraj Pol, or Sun Gate, and discover a dazzling ensemble of palaces with ornate courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and towers—each a testament to Rajput artistry.

Continue to the Ganga Jubilee Museum, which houses fascinating collections belonging to the Maharajas of Bikaner.

Later, experience the city’s vibrant spirit with a lively tuk-tuk ride through Bikaner’s old market.

Navigate narrow, bustling lanes lined with colorful bazaars, traditional shops, and artisan workshops. Surrounded by the scent of spices and the energy of daily life, this journey immerses you in the living heritage of the desert city, leaving memories both vivid and authentic.

Return to your hotel for your dinner.

Overnight Stay: Bikaner

After breakfast at your hotel, depart by road for Jaisalmer (331 km / approximately 6 hours).

Lunch will be enjoyed en route.

Arrive in Jaisalmer, a desert jewel encircled by massive ramparts and crowned with 99 bastions of golden sandstone, earning it the evocative name of the “Golden City.”

Once a vital stop on the ancient spice and opium trade routes between India and Central Asia, Jaisalmer still radiates the aura of its caravan past.

Check in at your hotel upon arrival.

At sunset, experience the magic of Vyas Chhatri, where the sky over the Thar Desert transforms into a painter’s canvas of amber, rose, and violet hues.

From its perch atop intricately carved sandstone cenotaphs, the panoramic view offers a breathtaking contrast between the vast desert expanse and the delicate artistry of Rajput architecture.

The atmosphere is serene, timeless, and utterly enchanting.

Overnight Stay: Jaisalmer

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore the enchanting fortified city of Jaisalmer, a living citadel rising like a golden mirage from the desert sands.

Walk along its majestic ramparts, visit the royal palace, admire the exquisitely carved Jain temples, and wander through the bustling bazaars and ornate havelis, their finely chiselled balconies masterpieces of sandstone artistry.

Continue to the serene Gadhi Sagar Lake, a 14th-century reservoir built to harvest the monsoon rains.

Beyond the shimmering waters, discover graceful yellow sandstone havelis, Hindu temples, and elegant chhatris—pavilions that stand as timeless symbols of Rajput architecture.

Lunch will be enjoyed during your visit.

Following your explorations, transfer by road to Dechu (155 km / approximately 3 hours).

On arrival at the Thar Oasis Camp, embrace the desert spirit with an exhilarating jeep safari, visiting remote villages and experiencing the authentic rhythm of life in the Thar Desert.

As twilight falls, gather around a campfire beneath the desert sky.

Be captivated by a vibrant Rajasthani cultural dance performance, a celebration of music, rhythm, and tradition followed by your dinner.

Overnight Stay: Dechu

Awaken to the stillness of the desert and enjoy breakfast at your camp.

Begin the day with a jeep safari across the dunes, visiting remote villages and discovering the rhythms of local life in Rajasthan’s desert heartland.

Later, continue your journey to Jodhpur (129 km / approximately 2.5 hours), the famed Blue City and former capital of the Marwar kingdom.

Savor lunch at your hotel before visiting the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most magnificent citadels. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort soars 120 meters above the plain, its colossal red sandstone walls sheltering a series of splendid palaces.

The contrast between its rugged exterior and the delicate refinement of its interiors is striking. Wander through its richly ornamented courtyards and galleries, home to exquisite collections of miniature paintings, arms, palanquins, royal cradles, and precious artifacts.

Continue to the elegant Jaswant Thada, a luminous white marble mausoleum built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (1629–1680). Surrounded by tranquil gardens, its intricately carved cenotaphs form a poetic tribute to Jodhpur’s rulers.

As the sun begins to set, immerse yourself in the charm of Jodhpur’s old city.

Stroll through labyrinthine lanes lined with houses painted in vivid indigo hues, spreading out beneath the watchful presence of Mehrangarh. Discover the lively Sardar Market, a bustling square at the foot of the Clock Tower, where 19th-century colonial architecture blends seamlessly with the colors and vibrancy of local life.

Return to your hotel for relaxing dinner.

Overnight Stay: Jodhpur

After breakfast at your hotel, set out by road toward Udaipur, the fabled White City (250 km / approximately 5 hours).

Along the way, pause in the tranquil valley of Ranakpur, nestled at the foot of the Aravalli Hills—an emerald ribbon of mountains stretching across Rajasthan at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,500 meters.

Here stands the magnificent Adinath Temple, one of the crowning jewels of Jain architecture. With its forest of intricately carved marble pillars—no two alike—this sanctuary exudes an ethereal harmony, blending architectural brilliance with the quiet devotion of centuries of faith.

The romantic aura of this secluded site, bathed in light and silence, leaves an indelible impression.

Enjoy lunch in Ranakpur before continuing your journey.

Arrive in Udaipur, often hailed as Rajasthan’s most romantic city.

Unlike the region’s great warrior citadels, Udaipur enchants with refinement rather than might: its monumental palaces rise above the serene waters of Lake Pichola, their graceful silhouettes mirrored in the shimmering expanse.

In the soft glow of twilight, the city reveals itself as the very embodiment of elegance and romance.

Overnight Stay: Udaipur

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration with the majestic City Palace of the Maharana, a sprawling complex of courtyards, mirrored salons, and ceramic-adorned chambers that houses fascinating collections of arms and delicate miniature paintings.

Continue with a visit to the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, before wandering through the vibrant old city and bazaar, alive with artisan workshops and colorful stalls.

Later, stroll through the enchanting Sahelion-ki-Bari—the Garden of the Maidens of Honour.

Adorned with marble pavilions, a lotus-filled pool, and elegant fountains guarded by marble elephants, it was originally commissioned in the early 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh and later restored by Fateh Singh in the 19th century. This serene retreat remains a timeless symbol of grace and refinement.

Enjoy lunch at your hotel’s restaurant.

Later, should you wish, embark on a boat ride across Lake Pichola, where the shimmering waters reflect the city’s palaces and temples. At sunset, the skyline of the old town, framed by the rolling green Aravalli Hills, creates a magical panorama that lingers in memory.

Delight in an immersive culinary experience led by a passionate local chef.

Learn the secrets of traditional Rajasthani cuisine, preparing dishes rarely found in today’s kitchens, before gathering around the table to share a generous feast with your host.

Overnight Stay: Udaipur

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Bundi (264 km / approximately 4½ hours), another of Rajasthan’s celebrated Blue Cities, once the proud capital of a princely Rajput state at the heart of the Haravati region.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch before setting out to explore this picturesque princely town.

Rising above the city is the imposing Taragarh Fort, built in the 14th century, and the enchanting Chitra Mahal, a Rajput palace graced with exquisite 18th-century murals.

Bundi is famed for its captivating school of miniature painting—an art form inspired by Persian traditions yet uniquely Rajasthani, blending sacred themes with everyday life against richly detailed backdrops.

Stroll through the charming lanes of the old town and its bustling bazaar, before visiting the beautifully adorned Rani-ki-Baori, an intricately sculpted stepwell that reflects both function and artistry.

Return to your hotel for dinner, savoring the quiet charm of this timeless city.

Overnight Stay: Bundi

After breakfast at your hotel, depart by road for Jaipur (321 km / approximately 6 hours).

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is encircled by crenellated walls and stands as the vibrant capital of Rajasthan.

A city of regal splendor, Jaipur captivates with its opulent palaces, monumental scientific instruments crafted by a visionary maharaja, and the fantastical Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds—a dreamlike façade of delicate lattices and whimsical beauty.

On arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch.

Later, continue your exploration with a visit to a temple in the heart of Jaipur’s Old City, where centuries of devotion linger in the air, blending spirituality with heritage.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel.

Overnight Stay: Jaipur

After breakfast at your hotel, set out for an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort, located 10 kilometers north of Jaipur and dramatically perched on the hillside, protected by its crenellated ramparts.

Ascend to the citadel—traditionally possible on the back of an elephant—for a regal arrival befitting the grandeur of this former royal stronghold.

For seven centuries, Amber was the capital of the kingdom, long before Jaipur was established in the plains in 1727. At the foot of the fort, the old town still preserves a constellation of splendid havelis and temples, some still vibrant with worship, others resonating with the quiet dignity of history.

Enjoy lunch during your tour before exploring the resplendent City Palace, its rose-tinted courtyards still serving as the symbolic seat of royalty and backdrop to ceremonial festivities.

Continue to the Jantar Mantar, the extraordinary astronomical observatory conceived by Maharajah Jai Singh II, where monumental instruments reveal the precision and ambition of ancient Indian science.

Pause for a view of the enchanting Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)—a soaring pink façade pierced with 593 latticed windows and delicate balconies. Built in 1799, it allowed the women of the royal harem to observe life in the city below while remaining unseen, its honeycomb design a masterpiece of lightness and grace.

As twilight descends, experience Jaipur’s charm with a delightful rickshaw ride through the Pink City. Glide past rose-hued facades glowing in the evening light, bustling markets alive with color, and centuries-old architecture that tells the story of Rajasthan’s regal past. This immersive journey allows you to sense the city’s rhythm through its sights, sounds, and aromas—a vivid encounter with Jaipur’s living heritage.

Overnight Stay: Jaipur

After breakfast, depart by road for Agra (238 km / approximately 4 hours).

En route, pause to marvel at the extraordinary stepwell of Abhaneri, known as Chand Baori. Dating back to the 9th century, this awe-inspiring feat of architecture is among the largest and deepest stepwells in the world.

With over 3,500 perfectly aligned steps arranged in intricate geometric precision across 13 levels, it is both a masterpiece of engineering and a cultural gathering place.

Originally designed to conserve precious water in this arid region, Chand Baori also served as a communal hub, where devotion and daily life intertwined.

Continue your journey toward Agra (165 km / approximately 3 hours), with lunch along the way.

Upon arrival, explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the grandest Mughal strongholds. Often referred to as the Red Fort of Agra, this palatial citadel once served as the imperial residence of the Mughal dynasty.

Within its mighty ramparts, discover a constellation of architectural gems: the luminous Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the elegant Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khaas audience halls, the romantic Musamman Burj, the stately Jahangir’s Palace, the refined Khaas Mahal, and the dazzling mirrored chambers of the Sheesh Mahal.

Arrive in Agra and check in at your hotel followed by dinner.

Overnight Stay: Agra

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the legendary Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays).

More than just a monument, it is a timeless ode to love—an immortal tribute from Emperor Shah Jahan to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Rising gracefully on an eight-meter high platform, the mausoleum shimmers in semi-translucent white marble, its surface adorned with exquisite floral carvings and thousands of semi-precious stones set into delicate inlays. Black marble calligraphy, inscribed with verses from the Qur’an, adds to its solemn poetry.

Its great central dome, flanked by four smaller cupolas, crowns this masterpiece of Mughal architecture, overlooking elegant ornamental gardens.

Return to your hotel for lunch before your transfer to Delhi (204 km / approximately 4 hours). On the way, stop to admire the Qutub Minar, India’s tallest and oldest minaret. Built in the late 12th century to commemorate the foundation of the first Sultanate in the Ganges valley, this soaring tower of red sandstone is both a triumph of engineering and a sentinel of history.

Arrive in Delhi and check in at your hotel followed by dinner.

Overnight Stay: Delhi