Compare Rajasthan Experience by Intrepid Travel vs Royal Rajasthan Tour by GeTS Holidays

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).

Day 1: Arrival at New Delhi

Our representative will welcome you on arrival at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Overnight 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 including 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.

Overnight in Udaipur.

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 - Jodhpur (268 kms; 6hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 5: Jodhpur

After enjoying breakfast at hotel, leave for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Start with visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. The walls of the fort surround the old city of Jodhpur, and the fort stands 100 feet on a perpendicular cliff and 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur. Fabricated with red sandstone, the fort is a sight to behold. Located close to the fort is Jaswant Thada - a serene white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone that is sculpted by genius artisans. Afterwards, visit the iconic landmark of the town - Clock Tower (otherwise called Ghanta Ghar); close to it is the vibrant and quaint Sadar Market selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 6: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (285 kms; 6-7hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast you will drive to Jaisalmer; en-route visit famous Osiya Mata Temple. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer you will check into your pre-booked hotel and relax.

Overnight at hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 7: Jaisalmer

After breakfast this morning, proceed for Jaisalmer sightseeing with first visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Named after Rao Jaisal who built this hill fort in 1156 AD, this fort attracts visitors from across the world to witness how beautifully it wears different hues of gold as the sun sets. This is why, it is also called the Golden Fort. The iconic yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort is perched high above the desert city of Jaisalmer.

Next, visit the Salim Singh ki Haveli. Built in 1805, it took almost 55 years to be completed. It consists of around 38 balconies differently designed from each other. Now head to Patwon Ki Haveli to witness the beautiful gateways, archways and architecture of this haveli.

Evening, proceed to enjoy a camel ride in the famous Sam Sand Dunes. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 8: Jaisalmer - Jaipur (by flight)

Post breakfast checkout for airport to board your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur. Check-into hotel and relax. Spend rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 9: 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 10: Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (235 kms; 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 11: Agra - Delhi (205 kms; 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.

Day 12: Delhi departure

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