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Trip	Rajasthan Experience by Intrepid Travel 4.5 \| Great 4324 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	15 Day Classic India with Ranthambore by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	15 days	15 days
Price From	$ 2,565	$ 2,939
Price Per Day	$ 171	$ 196
Highlights	You may have seen hundreds of photos of it already but laying eyes on the Taj Mahal for yourself during a guided tour is bound to leave a deep impression. From hitting up a local cinema for a Bollywood movie to desert camping – this trip will show you Rajasthan from every angle. In addition to your local leader, connect with local guides at historical sites and upon arrival in cities to add unmatched regional knowledge to your experience. Enjoy two home-cooked meals with local families and sample Jain cuisine at a temple while sharing local culture, stories and traditions with new friends. Taste the snack highlights of Jaipur and get to know your female driver on a tour with the eco-friendly Pink City Rickshaw Company, a non-profit providing employment and economic independence to women from low-income households. By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.	View the imposing India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi Raj Ghat, cremation site and memorial to Mahatma Gandhi Qutub Minar Victory Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Taj Mahal, one of the most perfect architectural monuments in the world Safari in Ranthambore National Park, former hunting grounds of the Maharajas Visit the Amber Fort with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors View the Mehrangarh Fort, called the "Citadel of the Sun" Tour Udaipur's spectacular City Palace, a creation of marble and granite Stand before the commanding Gateway to India Arch in Mumbai †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Premium
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural Local Immersion & Homestays High Adventure	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	India	India
Cities and Attractions	Agra Delhi Jaipur Jodhpur Rajasthan Taj Mahal Udaipur	Agra Amber Fort Delhi Jaipur Jodhpur Mumbai Rajasthan Udaipur
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Colourful and chaotic, vibrant, and romantic – welcome to Rajasthan. Explore India’s captivating northwest on this 15-day tour, taking in immense desert cities, the treasures of the maharajah, and forts with fascinating histories. Marvel at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, camp under the stars in the Thar Desert and immerse yourself in romantic Jodhpur. This tour doesn’t just cover Rajasthan’s many bucket-list-worthy sites but it also immerses you in the thrum of daily life through village walks, market explorations and plenty of memorable meals. Add a touch of comfort and some very special heritage property accommodation for a true Rajasthani travel adventure.	2 New Delhi, 2 Agra, 2 Ranthambore, 2 Jaipur, 1 Jodhpur, 2 Udaipur, 1 Mumbai

Itinerary: Rajasthan Experience

Day 1 Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare, perhaps pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar. After meeting your leader and fellow travellers, you may like to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Agra

Today you will travel by air-conditioned train to the Mughal city of Agra. After arriving, meet your local guide who will show you around two Agra icons. First, visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. Take in the beauty of this 17th-century masterpiece of white marble set amid beautiful formal gardens. Next, visit the nearby Agra Fort, a huge complex built originally as a military structure of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565. In your free time, perhaps enjoy a drink or meal at Sheroes Hangout, a social enterprise that employs women affected by acid attacks.

Day 3 Jaipur

Today you will rise early and leave via private vehicle for Jaipur. Your first stop is the deserted Mughal kingdom of Fatehpur Sikri. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. With a local guide, tour the stunning mosque, Jama Masjid, striking a lovely pose within the settlement, combining Persian and Hindu aesthetics. See its staggering 54-metre-high main entrance called Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory) which commemorates Akbar’s great victory in Gujarat. Arrive this afternoon in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and said to be one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India. Meet your local guide to put that to the test among bustling, brightly-coloured bazaars filled with hand-crafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches will make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks, and bicycles.

Day 4 Jaipur

Start your day with some free time in Jaipur. If you’re up for it, go for an optional hot air balloon experience over the city, which is a highlight for many travellers. Later, join a local guide and travel out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort not far from the city. This 16th-century marvel is a great example of Rajput architecture. Take your time, as you'll need several hours to explore this massive fortification. Back in Jaipur, continue to indulge in the delights of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood film of action, romance, drama or music (sometimes all rolled into one) at the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema. Then it’s time to do as the locals do and eat your way around the city on a rickshaw tour! The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a non-for-profit organisation that employs more than 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. Your first stop is to pick up some kachoris, a delicious fried snack, followed by sweet lassis. Continue to a shop serving kulfis, a popular frozen dessert, before finishing up at an establishment offering cardamom tea, the perfect way to round off the day. If you’re still peckish for dinner, ask your leader for some recommended dining spots.

Day 5 Mandawa

Today you will drive from Jaipur to the Shekhawati region. Mandawa is a remote town in the centre of the region, an old trading outpost between the Middle East and China known for its forts and havelis that offer a glimpse of the the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be. Our lunch stop today will be in Nawalgarh at a local restaurant that will allow you to explore more of the region’s different dishes. On arrival in Mandawa, check into your resort before joining your leader for a walking tour of the town. If time permits later in the day, kick back at the resort’s pool, spa or bar.

Day 6 Mandawa

Enjoy a day of exploring this amazing town, which is often referred to as an outdoor museum. Mandawa is famous for its ornate havelis (private residences). A local guide will lead you on a haveli tour where you'll notice that some are faithfully restored while others are crumbling. The havelis of this particular part of India are recognised around the country for their lavishly painted walls and art. This evening, share a meal of spicy Northern Indian food with your fellow travellers at Castle Mandawa before retiring for the night back at our resort.

Day 7 Bikaner

Travel into the Thar Desert to the fortified town of Bikaner, which was an important staging post along some of history’s great caravan routes, and thus houses a multitude of bazaars along with an impressive fort and palace. We’ll visit the massive 16th century Junagarh Fort with a local guide to learn about its impressive history. Later this afternoon, visit the museum at the National Camel Research Centre, established to understand and protect these hardworking desert animals. Don’t miss the camel milk parlour where you can try out ice creams and beverages. This evening, we’ll venture out for an auto rickshaw ride through the town and its market to enjoy some tea, samosas and Indian treats.

Day 8 Thar Desert

Today forge deeper into the Thar Desert on a desert camp safari. Drive through the dunes to a stunning campsite with spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner as the sun sets and spend the evening around a campfire under a sea of stars before falling asleep to the desert ambiance in your comfortable permanent tent.

Day 9 Jaisalmer

Emerge from the desert this morning and travel along a desert road to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. Watch as this ‘living fort’ rears its head in the arid, flat desert. Our local guide will lead you through the snaking alleyways of Jaisalmer, which are filled with markets and intricately carved houses. This evening perhaps ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat.

Day 10 Jaisalmer

Enjoy further time exploring the immense Jaisalmer fort with the group on a guided walking tour this morning. Within the fort itself is a maze of houses, temples, shops and restaurants, not to mention some 3,000 permanent residents. Track down some dazzling Rajasthani fabrics, marvel at the spectacular facades of the Patwa ki Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. This afternoon is yours to spend as you’d like. You may wish to simply wander the labyrinthine paths and soak up the atmosphere, or visit the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum on the banks of Garsisar Lake in the Mehar Bagh Garden. As night falls you will join a local family in their home for a delicious thali-style dinner. Tuck into pakoras, vegetable curries, chapatis and a very sweet treat to round out the meal.

Day 11 Jodhpur

Today you drive across the desert to discover Rajasthan's second-largest city, the frenetic Jodhpur. Jodhpur abounds in antique shops and, according to many locals, has the best lassi in India. While you are here you will explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. This 15th century fort sits 125 metres above the city. Inside the walls, enjoy the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards, but don’t forget to take a look out over the expansive views from the fort’s ramparts.

Day 12 Udaipur

From Jodhpur, you will travel through the beautiful hamlet of Ranakpur. Ranakpur is the home of a host of beautifully carved white marble Jain temples. These staggering complex temples attract Jain pilgrims from all over India, making Ranakpur one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Jains in India. We enjoy a Jain lunch at a temple today. Jain vegetarian cuisine is noteworthy for not including anything grown underground, to prevent harming small insects and microorganisms and to prevent killing the entire plant, unlike foods harvested from plants that grow above ground. From here you will continue on your journey to gorgeous Udaipur.

Day 13 Udaipur

Enjoy some time exploring the atmospheric laneways of Udaipur with your leader. Watch out for elephants and cows! You will be joined by a local guide to visit the City Palace while you're here, one of the largest royal palaces in India. This structure took 400 years to build and hosts a range of treasures and antiquities, from vivid murals to royal utensils. Join a local family in their home for a home-cooked lunch, savouring local lentil, potato and paneer dishes. This afternoon, take a boat ride across Pichola Lake, the largest body of water in Udaipur, to get a totally different view of this charming townscape.

Day 14 Delhi

After a free morning, take a flight back to Delhi, arriving late in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you may like to join your fellow travellers for an optional farwell dinner or enjoy an evening of free time.

Day 15 Delhi

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no other activities planned for the day and you can depart the hotel at any point this morning. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability).

Itinerary: 15 Day Classic India with Ranthambore

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 3, Monday - Old & New Delhi
Wake up this morning to the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Begin with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Later, continue on to the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Drive past the massive Red Fort, a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Then, ride a cycle rickshaw along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. Travel along the winding streets to Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation. The tour continues to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the 20th-century Birla Temple, honoring the Hindu goddess of wealth. Drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - New Delhi to Agra
Morning visit to Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7,000 sculptors out of pink sandstone and white marble with over 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stone that epitomizes the spirituality and beauty of the country's rich Hindu culture. This architectural masterpiece, built along the river Yamuna, lies in an area of over 100 acres with beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions. Afterwards, on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural treasures. En route, stop at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen. This is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22-year period; regarded as the finest example of Mughal design in the world. Afterwards, stop at a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, and intricate inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Afterwards, you'll be able to browse their decorative items. Later, visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Thursday - Agra to Ranthambore National Park
Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Here, you visit the Chand Baori step well, fortified on all sides, one of the oldest and largest in India dating back to the 8th or 9th century. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is situated adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness. After lunch, drive to the Ranthambore National Park region, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Time to enjoy the beautiful new surroundings. Dinner together tonight is at the hotel
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Ranthambore National Park Safari
Set out this morning on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your park-assigned Jeep or Canter vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds you of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger." The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer's dream, most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Have lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari that is sure to thrill you. Return to the lodge in time for dinner together - a great opportunity to compare your wildlife stories
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Travel to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this glorious city, with its colorful stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it's nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted this unique color in 1876 to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces en route to the hotel. Visit the world-famous Raj Mandir Cinema, a popular symbol of Jaipur with its astonishing meringue-shaped auditorium, ever-changing colored lighting and a symmetrical shaped exterior, afterwards visit a local jewelry store
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Amber Fort and Highlights of Jaipur
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. On the way, drive past the Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive to the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake. Enjoy some refreshments while shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at a store, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. This afternoon's tour includes the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments, and the opulent City Palace, a former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of paintings, costumes and armory. Stroll through Jaipur's bargain-filled bazaar bursting with treasures. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant where you'll be entertained by performers in traditional attire performing dance moves to the rhythm of accompanying musical instruments
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Monday - Jaipur to Jodhpur
Arrive in the blue-hued old city of Jodhpur, which lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline. Begin with a visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, built in 1899 out of the finest marble in honor of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Afterwards, ascend to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 of burnished red sandstone, often called the "Citadel of the Sun." This fort, one of the most impressive in all of Rajasthan, is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in all of India. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - Ranakpur en route to Udaipur
This morning, depart Jodhpur for Udaipur. On your drive, stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the Jain's holiest pilgrimage centers and the Jain Temple, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, crafted of pure white marble with more than a thousand columns. See the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before departing to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes" and celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces that seem to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Arrive at your hotel in Udaipur late in the evening. Tonight, explore the city's culinary scene
Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Wednesday - Udaipur City Tour & Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Begin the day with a tour of Udaipur. Visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake's edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. The serene setting of the Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens is your next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Spend the afternoon at leisure before departing on an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola
Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Thursday - Flight to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Explore Mumbai
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival begin your tour of Mumbai at the commanding Gateway to India Arch, built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V. Ironically, 24 years later, the last British regimen marched through the Arch while leaving India following the country's independence. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought to a massive open-air laundry and painstakingly hand washed by the "dhobis" (washermen) in endless rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city and unlike anything you have ever seen. Stop at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum, where Gandhi's movement was launched in 1942 and the serene ISKCON Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai with its many buildings, structures and historical monuments still remaining from the colonial era. Tonight, attend dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Depart India
Free time this morning for individual explorations. Later transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Day Use: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Saturday - Return Home