Compare Rajasthan and Varanasi: Bike Tours & the Taj Mahal by G Adventures vs Rajasthan Fort And Palace by GeTS Holidays

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Day 2 Delhi/Bīkāner

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner.

Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.

Day 3 Bīkāner/Rāisar

Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Explore 100 year old looms, the old water system and the rural life before a 3 km walk along a farm trail. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 2-3 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.

Day 4 Rāisar/Bīkāner

Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren't squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.

Day 5 Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun's reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.

Day 6 Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.

Day 7 Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.

Day 8 Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake.

Day 9 Udaipur

Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions. Or opt to visit the Jagdish Temple, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir folk museum, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens), the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.

Day 10 Udaipur/Pushkar

Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.

Day 11 Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar

Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

Day 12 Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur

Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at Tordi Garh. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.

Day 13 Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink on us to cheers to the new adventures you've just shared.

Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above — or stay closer to the ground with a Cycle Tour.

Day 14 Jaipur/Āgra

Take a morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.

Day 15 Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous — but no less impressive — sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.

Day 16 Varanasi

Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burials as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.

Day 17 Varanasi

Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.

Day 18 Varanasi/Delhi

Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth before boarding an overnight train to Delhi.

Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Day 19 Delhi

Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city.

Day 20 Delhi

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi

On arrival at New Delhi airport, our GeTS Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and enjoy a day of leisure.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Udaipur (by flight)

Post breakfast check out from hotel for half day sightseeing tour and visit two of Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Firstly, you will visit the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory. Its construction was commenced in 1193 under the supervision of Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top. Proceed towards the Humayun’s Tomb - an early example of Mughal architecture in India that was built in the year 1565. Humayun's Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Then, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Udaipur.

Upon arrival in Udaipur get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and enjoy a day of leisure.

Note: Sightseeing depends on flight schedule

Day 3: Udaipur sightseeing

After breakfast, get ready for sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Visit City Palace built in 1559, a small palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan; with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose, and visit Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution with a museum, which exhibits collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening in an adjacent open air theater. Next stop will be at Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening is free to relax, optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Ghats at lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola.

Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 4: Udaipur - Pushkar via Ajmer (287 kms; 7hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Pushkar – the Holy City of Rajasthan. En-route visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Dargah Sharif that marks the grave of the revered Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The 13th century shrine displays fine Muslim architecture. People of all faith throng at this holy site to get their wishes fulfilled.

Later, continue your pleasant drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.

Day 5: Pushkar - Jaipur (145kms; 3hrs drive approx.)

This morning after breakfast, head out to see the famous Brahma Temple – the only temple in the world dedicated to Hindu God Brahma.

Then, drive to the Jaipur - the Pink City of India. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravali Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red and pink sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles with fortified walls built for protection from the invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (235kms; 5hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast drive to Agra; en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its center, the Panch Mahal palace and other important buildings and structures. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Agra.

Day 8: Agra - Delhi (205kms; 4hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, get ready for Agra sightseeing tour. The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Pay a visit to this beautiful edifice, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife. It is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Then, visit the massive Agra Fort, a historical red sandstone fort and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, that reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers.

Proceed towards Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check into hotel and relax. Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Delhi.

Day 9: Delhi Departure

Post breakfast check out for airport to catch your flight for onward destination.