Welcome to Rajasthan, the land of vibrant colors, rich history, and royal splendor! As an expert Rajasthan Travel Designer, I am here to take you on a mesmerizing journey through the magnificent cities of Rajasthan. During this adventure, you will have the opportunity to experience cultural immersion, explore architectural marvels, and visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Rajasthan!
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Your journey begins in India’s capital New Delhi, where you’ll arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the new sights, sounds, and aromas of India, taking in the hustle and bustle of Delhi’s chaotic streets. Try some local cuisine for dinner—butter chicken and naan is a great introduction to Indian food.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Start your 15-day Rajasthan Tour with breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day tour of Delhi. Begin by driving past the grand India Gate war memorial and the diplomatic enclave. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th-century monument that is said to have inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal. Next, visit the towering Qutub Minar, a 73-meter-high minaret built in the 13th century. After a delicious lunch, make your way to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which is an important Sikh temple. Take an exciting rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk market. Finally, end your day with a scrumptious dinner at Karim’s, an iconic Old Delhi restaurant that serves mouth-watering Mughlai cuisine.
Day 3: Delhi to Mandawa
Today you will leave the bustling city of Delhi and head towards rural Rajasthan. After having breakfast, you will be driven for six hours to Mandawa, where you will arrive in time for lunch at your heritage hotel. During the afternoon, you can explore the narrow streets of this small 18th-century town and visit its many havelis – ornate mansions adorned with colorful frescoes. Don’t miss the striking murals at Mandawa Haveli and Gulab Rai Haveli. You can dine at your hotel this evening.
Day 4: Mandawa to Bikaner
After breakfast, say goodbye to Mandawa and start your journey towards Bikaner, which is a 4-5 hour drive through the arid desert landscapes. Once you reach Bikaner, head straight to Junagarh Fort, an impressive complex of palaces, temples, and pavilions built in the 16th century. Admire the beautiful interiors and intricate stone carvings of the fort. Later, explore some of Bikaner’s intricately carved Jain temples, such as Bhandsa Oswal and Laxminath Temple. Finally, enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel in the charming old city of Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After having breakfast, you will embark on a 5-6 hour drive to Jaisalmer, arriving midday. Known as “The Golden City” for its yellow sandstone architecture, Jaisalmer is a desert citadel that looks like it came straight out of an Arabian Nights tale. In the afternoon, you can explore Jaisalmer Fort, which rises over 99 meters above the city. It is still inhabited by around 3000 people and contains ornate Jain temples and havelis. In the evening, you can enjoy a camel safari in the evocative Sam sand dunes and spend the night at a desert camp.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
Start your day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the desert while enjoying a calming camel ride. After returning to your camp and having breakfast, take a 45-minute drive to Lodhruva, an ancient village that was once the capital of the Bhati Rajput rulers. Spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of homes, temples, and cenotaphs. Finally, head back to your hotel in Jaisalmer for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Embark on your journey across the desert landscapes of Rajasthan today. Enjoy your breakfast and then, drive for around 5-6 hours to reach Jodhpur by midday. Jodhpur, also known as the “Blue City” for its houses painted in indigo, is home to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Spend your afternoon exploring the vast 15th-century fort, marveling at the ornate palaces adorned with intricate carvings and mosaics. Later, visit the Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble memorial dedicated to a former maharaja. Finally, retire for the night at your hotel in Jodhpur after dinner.
Day 8: Jodhpur
Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then embark on a thrilling Jeep safari to the nearby Bishnoi villages. The Bishnoi people are known for their 29 principles that focus on preserving nature. You will get the opportunity to witness the rural village life and learn about the local handicrafts. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Sardar Market to browse and purchase antiques, textiles, and handicrafts. You can find a variety of Rajasthani handicrafts like metal curios, embroidered leather shoes, lacquer bangles, and tie-dye textiles that make excellent souvenirs. Spend another night at your hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 9: Jodhpur to Udaipur
Start your day early today and enjoy the scenic 6-hour drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur. Make a stop at the beautifully carved 15th-century Jain temple, Ranakpur Temple, which is made of white marble and stretch your legs. You will arrive in Udaipur by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing by Lake Pichola. Admire the sparkling lake waters, City Palace, and Jag Mandir Palace. Dine at a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the lake.
Day 10: Udaipur
Start your day by exploring the key attractions of Udaipur, beginning with the magnificent City Palace. It is an impressive complex of courtyards, gardens, and palaces built over 400 years by the Mewar dynasty rulers. After that, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and visit Jag Mandir Palace, a 17th-century palace that appears to be floating atop the water. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the historical streets of Udaipur, and explore its shops and cafes. Don’t forget to visit the Shilgram Museum to learn about the diverse crafts of Rajasthan. Finally, end your day with a relaxing dinner by Lake Pichola.
Day 11: Udaipur to Pushkar
After having breakfast, you will embark on a 6-hour drive to reach Pushkar, which is considered to be one of the holiest cities in India due to its temple dedicated to Brahma. Once you arrive, you will take a walking tour in the afternoon around Pushkar Lake, where you will see the ghats and temples. In the evening, you can witness the beautiful sunset over the lake. You will also get the chance to taste the unique Pushkar cuisine, such as pandit ke pakode – deep-fried vegetable balls served with spices and chutneys. After a day full of activities, you will spend the night at a hotel in Pushkar.
Day 12: Pushkar to Jaipur
Today, you will leave Pushkar behind and embark on a three-hour drive to reach the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Once you check into your hotel, head over to the iconic Hawa Mahal Palace, which boasts a stunning pink facade made of delicately honeycombed sandstone. After that, take some time to explore the vast City Palace museum complex, which houses an impressive collection of royal texts, costumes, and artworks. Finally, wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at 1135 AD, a restaurant located in a historic haveli, where you can enjoy the flavorsome Rajasthani thalis.
Day 13: Jaipur
Wake up early in the morning to explore Amber Fort, a vast hilltop fortress adorned with beautiful gardens and palaces showcasing intricate paintings, tiles, and carvings. Embark on an elephant ride for a truly royal experience that you’ll never forget. After lunch, head to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory featuring enormous stone instruments. Then, capture a photo of the iconic Water Palace floating peacefully in the center of Maota Lake. End your day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Jaipur.
Day 14: Jaipur to Agra
After having breakfast, embark on a 6-hour drive to Agra, which is renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal. During the journey, take a break at Fatehpur Sikri, a fortified Mughal city that dates back to the 16th century. Once you arrive in Agra, visit the Agra Fort – a red sandstone fortress that served as a residence for the Mughal Emperors for centuries. Just before sunset, head to the Taj Mahal to witness its breathtaking beauty in the magical late afternoon light. Don’t forget to capture some photos! Spend the night at a hotel in Agra.
Day 15: The Taj Mahal
To make the most of your trip to India, it is highly recommended to wake up early and witness the stunning sunrise view of the Taj Mahal. This is a unique and unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. It is hard to describe in words the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal when it is glowing pink and gold in the first light of dawn. Take your time to walk around the grounds and capture amazing photos from different angles.
After breakfast, head to Agra for some shopping and pick up some souvenirs to remember your tour to Rajasthan. In the late afternoon, you can transfer to the Delhi airport for your departure flight, bidding farewell to the incredible India that you have experienced.
Conclusion
Embark on a tailor-made itinerary to Rajasthan through its vibrant cities, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history. The majestic Taj Mahal will be the perfect finale, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. As an expert Rajasthan Travel Designer, we can help customize this itinerary according to your preferences and make your dream holiday a reality. Feel free to contact me for more information and to start planning your unforgettable journey.
