15-Day Grand Rajasthan: Tigers, Havelis & Desert

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative, who will assist with your luggage and escort you to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven vehicle. Once you are comfortably settled, they will provide an overview of tomorrow’s itinerary, and ensure all your arrangements are in order for a relaxing evening.

Your exploration begins in Old Delhi, the historic capital of the Mughal Empire during the 17th and 19th centuries. You will visit the impressive Red Fort, built in 1648 as the seat of Mughal rule, known for its massive red sandstone walls stretching over a mile.

Next, hop into a cycle rickshaw for a ride through the busy alleys of Chandni Chowk, taking in the lively local markets, historic homes, and neighborhood shrines. You will also visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, completed by Shah Jahan in 1658 as a great example of classic Mughal architecture. Before leaving Old Delhi, stop at Raj Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River to pay your respects at the peaceful memorial marking where Mahatma Gandhi was laid to rest.

In the afternoon, you will head to New Delhi, the city built by the British to serve as their capital. You will visit the Qutub Minar, a soaring 234-foot sandstone tower built in 1193, and Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent red sandstone garden tomb that later inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.

From there, drive past India Gate—the 138-foot stone arch honoring fallen Indian soldiers—with its eternal flame for the Unknown Soldier. You will then drive along the wide avenues of Lutyens' Delhi, passing grand government buildings and the Diplomatic Enclave, with visits to the peaceful Sikh house of worship, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and the detailed Hindu Birla Temple.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for Agra on a smooth drive of about four hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in.

In the afternoon, you will visit the sprawling Agra Fort, built from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD as a military fortress. Under Shah Jahan, it was transformed into a royal palace, and it later served as his place of confinement when his son seized power in 1658. Inside, you can walk through its quiet courtyards, private chambers, and white marble mosque. Across the Yamuna River, you will also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father. It was the first Mughal structure made entirely of white marble and decorated with intricate pietra dura stone inlay work.

Later in the afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble mausoleum took 22 years and over 20,000 artisans to complete. As the late sun hits the monument, you can admire its perfect symmetry, four soaring corner minarets, and the detailed floral patterns inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Optional: If time permits and you wish to see more, visits to Mehtab Bagh across the river can be arranged based on your preference.

Optional: An early morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, as well as an excursion to the historic deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri—often referred to as the "Ghost City"—can easily be arranged based on your preferences.

Check out of your hotel by noon and begin your drive toward Jaipur. En route, stop at the village of Abhaneri to explore Chand Baori, one of Rajasthan’s oldest, deepest, and most impressive stepwells. Dating back to the 8th century, this architectural marvel plunges 20 meters down across 13 tiered levels of symmetrical stone staircases, accented by delicate stone carvings throughout.

After your visit, continue on to Ranthambore and check into your hotel. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravalli hills on the edge of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore National Park is widely regarded as one of India's premier tiger reserves and a standout success of Project Tiger. What makes the park truly distinct is its dramatic landscape—towering over the jungle is a 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage fortress, where Royal Bengal tigers are often spotted roaming among ancient stone pavilions, ruined palace arches, and centuries-old banyan trees.

After an early breakfast, proceed for an exciting wildlife safari in the sanctuary during the early morning. Spread across an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore National Park is renowned for its significant population of tigers and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings.

The park is also home to a diverse range of animals including leopards, chital (spotted deer), nilgai, jackals, wild boars, hyenas, sloth bears, and jungle cats.

Following the morning safari, return to the hotel for a relaxing break and lunch. Later in the afternoon, head out once again for the second safari, giving you another chance to explore the rich wildlife of the park.
After the afternoon safari, return to the hotel and enjoy its services, relaxing and unwinding in preparation for the next day.

Note: As safaris are typically booked well in advance, a third visit to the park can be arranged prior to your tour upon request. We highly recommend booking all three safaris to maximize your chances of spotting a tiger.

Set out for an additional early morning safari to catch the wildlife at first light. Following the drive, return to your resort to freshen up and check out in the late morning before departing for Jaipur. You will arrive in Jaipur by late afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to relax at your own pace and recharge for the full day of sightseeing ahead.

After breakfast, head north of the city to visit the historic Amber Fort and Palace, the ancient stronghold of the Jaipur state. You will ride an elephant up to the fort’s main gate, which perches high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Completed in the early 18th century, the fort offers a glimpse into the lavish lives and martial heritage of the Rajput rulers. While the outer walls look rugged and formidable, the interior reveals exquisite royal quarters, highlighted by the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), decorated entirely with delicate glass mosaic work.

In the afternoon, head back into the city to tour the City Palace complex, which blends Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles across a series of sprawling courtyards, gardens, and museums—part of which is still home to Jaipur’s titular royal family. Next door, explore Jantar Mantar, an open-air 18th-century astronomical observatory filled with massive geometric stone instruments built to track the stars and planets.

Later in the day, visit the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds. Rising five stories above the lively streets of the old quarter, this pink sandstone facade is decorated with nearly a thousand small, lattice-worked windows. They were designed specifically so the women of the royal court could watch street festivals and everyday life below without being seen themselves.

Check out from your hotel in the morning and drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.

Afternoon: Proceed for a guided tour of Mandawa, a charming town renowned for its beautifully painted havelis. These traditional Rajasthani mansions are known for their intricate frescoes, ornate architecture, and artistic detailing. Developed and fortified by wealthy merchant families in the 18th century, Mandawa is often referred to as the “Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan” due to the abundance of stunning wall paintings that adorn its buildings. Explore some of the most notable havelis in the region, including Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, and Bhagchandika Haveli, each showcasing unique artwork and historical charm.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Check out from your hotel in the morning and drive through the historic towns of Fatehpur and Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region. Along the way, admire the exquisite 19th-century havelis, renowned for showcasing some of the finest frescoes in Rajasthan, depicting mythological themes, colonial influences, and daily life scenes.

Afternoon: Continue your journey to Bikaner, a vibrant desert city located in northwest Rajasthan, set amidst the vast expanse of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. En route, visit the Camel Breeding Farm at Jorbeer, the largest of its kind in Asia, known for breeding some of the fastest riding camels in India. Upon arrival in Bikaner, check in to your hotel and relax, enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your sightseeing with a visit to the impressive Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh, a general of Emperor Akbar, between 1588 and 1593. The fort is surrounded by a 986-meter-long wall with 37 bastions and features a remarkable complex of courtyards, palaces, balconies, kiosks, and towers. Unlike many forts in Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort was never conquered and is encircled by a protective moat.

The fort’s interiors are particularly notable for their exquisite stone carvings, intricate paintings, and finely carved marble panels. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), and Rang Mahal (Palace of Pleasure), each reflecting the opulence of the royal era.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of art and artifacts. Among its prized exhibits are the silk robe of Mughal Prince Salim, sculptures dating back to the Harappan civilization, traditional Rajasthani weaponry, and lithographic prints from the British era.

Afternoon: Proceed on a scenic drive further southwest to Jaisalmer, passing through the vast and captivating landscape of the Thar Desert. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer—famously known as the “Golden City” due to the yellow sandstone that gives the city its golden hue—check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, perched atop the 262-foot-high Trikuta Hill amidst the vast expanse of the desert. Built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, this living fort is one of the very few in the world where a significant portion of the local population still resides. Constructed from golden-hued sandstone, the fort takes on a magical glow at sunrise and sunset, resembling a grand sandcastle rising from the desert.

The fort is fortified with 99 bastions and houses a complex network of narrow lanes, a large central courtyard, and the impressive seven-story Rajmahal (Royal Palace). From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer. During your visit, also explore the Ganga Sagar Tank and the fort museum, which provide insights into the region’s rich history and heritage.

Late Afternoon: Proceed to the Sam Sand Dunes for an unforgettable camel safari experience across the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert. A camel ride is one of the most authentic ways to explore the desert landscape. As the day draws to a close, witness a breathtaking sunset over the golden sands—a truly mesmerizing sight and a highlight of your journey.

Check out from your hotel in the morning and drive to Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan, located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.

Late Afternoon: Drive through the narrow, winding alleys of the old city to reach the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky hill rising approximately 400 feet above the city. Dominating the skyline, this massive fort spreads over an area of about 5 sq. km and is built from striking red sandstone, making it one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan.

Inside the fort, explore a series of magnificent palaces and museums that house an exceptional collection of royal artifacts, including palanquins, ornate furniture, vessels, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes, and armory. Visit the beautifully adorned Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), each showcasing the grandeur of royal life.

Continue your tour with a visit to Jaswant Thada, a stunning 19th-century marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Known for its intricate carvings and serene surroundings, it is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar.” Enjoy a leisurely exploration of this peaceful monument.

After completing your sightseeing, return to your hotel.

Check out from your hotel in the morning and drive to Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes, renowned for its palaces, temples, and elegant havelis.

En route, visit Ranakpur, celebrated for its magnificent 15th-century Jain temples, nestled in the scenic Aravalli Range, approximately 37 miles from Udaipur. The main temple, Chaumukha (Four-Faced Temple), is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath. This architectural marvel features 1,444 exquisitely carved marble pillars—remarkably, no two pillars are alike. You may also explore other beautifully adorned temples within the complex, including those dedicated to Neminath and Parasnath, as well as the Sun Temple.

Late Afternoon: Arrive in Udaipur and check in to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the tranquil ambiance of this romantic city.

After breakfast, set out to explore the grand City Palace complex, an expansive architectural marvel built over four centuries by successive Maharanas. A sprawling network of palaces within a palace, each section features distinct artistic themes highlighted by mirror inlay work, vibrant wall murals, ornamental tilework, peacock mosaics, and intricately carved ivory doors. You will also tour the famous Crystal Gallery, home to an extraordinary private collection of custom 19th-century European crystal. Throughout the palace, ornate balconies, private courtyards, and rooftop cupolas offer panoramic vantage points overlooking Lake Pichola.

In the afternoon, head to Saheliyon-ki-Bari, or the "Garden of the Maids of Honor," an elegant 18th-century landscaped retreat designed with marble pavilions, lotus pools, and rain fountains for the royal ladies and their attendants. Your afternoon exploration also includes a visit to the local museum to discover more of the region's royal artifacts and history.

As evening approaches, enjoy a scenic sunset boat cruise across the calm waters of Lake Pichola. The lake features two prominent island palaces: Jag Niwas (now the Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir. You will step ashore at Jag Mandir, a 17th-century island palace flanked by a row of colossal carved stone elephants. Known for its sweeping views back toward the city skyline, the island carries royal intrigue—it served as a refuge for Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan), whose stay here is widely believed to have inspired his later design of the Taj Mahal.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, making the most of its facilities and amenities. By noon, you will be assisted with your check-out from the hotel.

Thereafter, you will be transferred to the Udaipur airport in time to board your mid-afternoon flight to Delhi.
(End of Tour)