India · Private & Tailored Tour
Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Delhi · Mandawa · Bikaner · Jodhpur · Jaipur · Agra
Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations
Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra
Travel Style
Private & Tailored Tour
Covering
1 Country · 6 Cities
Overview
Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Experience the royal grandeur and architectural wonders of northern India on this comprehensive eleven-day journey through the heart of Rajasthan and the classic Golden Triangle. Beginning in Delhi, explore the capital’s heritage landmarks, including the ceremonial boulevard of Rajpath, the historic Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, and the magnificent Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex. The tour travels northwest into the semi-arid Shekhawati region to Mandawa, celebrated for its open-air gallery of painted merchant havelis and intricate frescoes. Continuing into the desert outpost of Bikaner, discover the unconquered Junagarh Fort, the national camel breeding farm, and the rolling dunes of Raisar Camp for an authentic desert safari, sunset camel trek, and traditional Rajasthani folk dance performance.
The route advances south to the Blue City of Jodhpur, dominated by the clifftop ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, the Clock Tower bazaar, and an open-top Jeep safari into traditional Bishnoi villages. In Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City, attend the evening Aarti at Birla Mandir, tour the illuminated city by night, and explore the hilltop Amber Fort, City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar Observatory, and Hawa Mahal. Journey east via the deserted sixteenth-century Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri to Agra, taking in sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an unforgettable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal itself, and a tour of the historic Agra Fort before concluding the journey in Delhi.
Highlights
What You Will Experience
- Delhi Capital Heritage: Explore India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Birla Temple, Qutub Minar Complex, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham Temple.
- Frescoed Havelis of Mandawa: Discover the historic merchant mansions and century-old painted murals of the Shekhawati region.
- Bikaner Fort & Desert Culture: Tour the ornate palaces of Junagarh Fort and visit the National Research Centre on Camel.
- Raisar Desert Camp Safari: Enjoy a deep-desert safari, sunset camel trek, and traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance at camp.
- Sacred Temples: Visit the revered Karni Mata Temple near Deshnoke and attend the devotional evening Aarti at Birla Mandir in Jaipur.
- Jodhpur Citadels & Memorials: Take in panoramic city vistas from Mehrangarh Fort and admire the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada.
- Bishnoi Village Safari: Embark on an open-top Jeep expedition into indigenous desert communities to observe local wildlife and crafts.
- Jaipur Royal Monuments: Ascend to the hilltop Amber Fort and tour the City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal.
- Jaipur by Night: Experience the illuminated avenues, gates, and royal monuments of the Pink City on an evening Jeep tour.
- Deserted Mughal Capital: Walk through the preserved sixteenth-century red sandstone courtyards and gateways of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Riverside Sunset: Catch panoramic Taj Mahal vistas across the Yamuna River from the historic gardens of Mehtab Bagh.
- Taj Mahal at Sunrise: Admire early morning light across the white marble domes of the world-famous monument of love.
- Agra Fort Citadel: Explore the imperial halls, courtyards, and riverside pavilions of Agra Fort.
The Route
Your Journey
Delhi · Mandawa · Bikaner · Jodhpur · Jaipur · Agra
Itinerary
Day by Day
Day 01 – Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Airport or Railway Station by domestic flight or train, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Following check-in and time to freshen up, proceed in the afternoon for an orientation tour of the capital.
Visit India Gate, take a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan along the central ceremonial axis, and visit the Birla Temple (Lakshmi Narayan Mandir).
Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals: As per plan
Day 02 – A Day in Delhi
Following breakfast at the hotel, set out for a full day of sightseeing across Delhi.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar Complex, home to the 73-metre-high red sandstone victory tower constructed from 1193.
Continue to the Lotus Temple, the world-renowned Bahá’í House of Worship (closed on Mondays).
In the afternoon, discover the intricate stone carvings, sprawling gardens, and cultural exhibitions of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals: As per plan
Day 03 – Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast, check out and depart Delhi by road for Mandawa in the semi-arid Shekhawati region, covering approximately 260 km (approx. 6 hours).
Arrive in Mandawa and complete check-in formalities at your hotel.
In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour through this historic trading town, admiring the vibrant wall frescoes, courtyards, and painted archways of its centuries-old merchant havelis.
Overnight: Mandawa
Meals: As per plan
Day 04 – Mandawa to Bikaner & Raisar Desert Safari
Depart Mandawa after breakfast on a 240 km drive across desert terrain to Bikaner, taking approximately 5.5 hours.
In the late afternoon, journey out to Raisar Camp for an authentic Thar desert experience.
Take a camel ride across the rolling dunes, pause to witness the sunset over the desert, and return to camp for a traditional Rajasthani folk dance performance followed by dinner at the campsite.
Return to your hotel in Bikaner.
Overnight: Bikaner
Meals: As per plan
Day 05 – A Day in Bikaner
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a morning visit to Junagarh Fort, celebrated for its ornate composite architecture spanning royal suites, mirror-work halls, and courtyards.
In the late afternoon, proceed to the government camel breeding farm to learn about camel research and desert ecology.
Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Bikaner
Meals: As per plan
Day 06 – Bikaner to Jodhpur via Deshnoke
Leave Bikaner after breakfast for the Sun City of Jodhpur, travelling approximately 240 km over roughly 5.5 hours.
En route, stop to visit the unique Karni Mata Temple near Deshnoke (also known as the Rat Temple), near Nagore Goshala.
Arrive in Jodhpur in the afternoon, complete check-in formalities at your hotel, and spend the evening relaxing.
Overnight: Jodhpur
Meals: As per plan
Day 07 – A Day in Jodhpur & Bishnoi Safari
Begin your morning in the historic Blue City with an excursion to Mehrangarh Fort, towering over the city from a perpendicular cliff.
Explore its royal palanquins, weaponry, and latticed apartments, followed by a visit to the nearby white marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, the Clock Tower, and the bustling local bazaars.
In the afternoon, head into the surrounding countryside for an open-top Jeep safari visiting traditional Bishnoi villages to observe indigenous wildlife conservation and rural crafts.
Overnight: Jodhpur
Meals: As per plan
Day 08 – Jodhpur to Jaipur
Following breakfast, depart for Jaipur, covering a distance of 330 km across the Rajasthani plains (approx. 5 hours).
Upon arrival in the Pink City, check in at your hotel.
In the evening, attend the prayer ceremony (Aarti) at the white marble Birla Mandir, followed immediately by an exhilarating Jaipur by Night city tour by open Jeep to view illuminated palaces and historic facades.
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: As per plan
Day 09 – A Day in Jaipur
Dedicate the day to exploring Jaipur’s classical heritage after breakfast.
Travel first to the ancient Kachwaha capital of Amer to visit the hilltop Amber Fort, including its mirror-inlaid Sheesh Mahal and grand courtyards.
In the afternoon, tour the City Palace complex, featuring museums, royal regalia, and ceremonial courtyards.
Continue to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory and make a photo stop before the honeycomb façade of the Hawa Mahal.
Conclude the afternoon with dedicated leisure time to browse Jaipur’s renowned craft markets and jewellery bazaars.
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: As per plan
Day 10 – Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Set out after breakfast towards Agra, a surface journey of 260 km taking around 7 hours including sightseeing stops.
En route, pause to tour Fatehpur Sikri, the grand fortified red sandstone capital built by Emperor Akbar and later abandoned.
Arrive in Agra, check in at the hotel, and in the late afternoon visit Mehtab Bagh, the historic riverside charbagh garden providing sunset views across the Yamuna River toward the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Agra
Meals: As per plan
Day 11 – Sunrise at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Depart via Delhi
Early in the morning at sunrise, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal to experience the symmetry and fine inlay craftsmanship of the white marble monument in the early morning light.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and complete check-out formalities.
Proceed to tour the grand Agra Fort, exploring its imperial palaces, audience chambers, and riverside courtyards.
Following the visit, transfer by road back to Delhi Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey home.
Meals: As per plan
Stays & Travel
Accommodation & Transport
Where You Stay
- Delhi – 2 nights
- Mandawa – 1 night
- Bikaner – 2 nights
- Jodhpur – 2 nights
- Jaipur – 2 nights
- Agra – 1 night
Your Tour
What Is Included
Included
- Assistance & Transfers: Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure by Kanishka Holiday Makers representatives.
- Accommodation: Accommodation in the hotels mentioned, or similar, on a double-sharing basis for 10 nights.
- Taxes & Policies: Presently applicable government taxes (subject to change), with standard hotel check-in at 14:00 hrs and check-out at 12:00 hrs.
- Guide & Escort Services: English-speaking guide during sightseeing for groups of 15 persons and above, along with an accompanying company escort throughout the tour.
- Monument Entries: All currently applicable monument entrance fees to the places of visit in the itinerary.
- Private Transport: Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle as per group size: 2 Pax: Maruti Dzire, 3–5 Pax: Toyota Innova, 6–12 Pax: Tempo Traveller, 15 Pax: Mini Coach / Tempo Traveller.
- Tour Operations: Professional and service charges for the preparation and operation of the tour program.
- Special Activities & Safaris:
- Shared Jaipur-by-Night Jeep Safari.
- Camel ride at Raisar Desert Camp.
- Bishnoi Village Jeep Safari.
- The rates include only the services listed above and those mentioned in the enclosed itinerary.
Not Included
- GST and any new or applicable government taxes unless specifically included.
- Airfare, airport taxes, visa fees, travel insurance and other travel-related charges unless specified.
- Hotel upgrades, early check-in, late check-out and additional accommodation.
- Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, beverages, tips, porterage, shopping and photography.
- Expenses arising from delays, cancellations, weather, road closures, strikes or other circumstances beyond the company’s control.
- Medical, emergency and hospitalization expenses.
- Any activity, service or expense not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Before You Go
Good to Know
Essential Information
Starts from: Delhi
Booking Terms
Cancellation Policy
Read the cancellation policy
- Cancellation requests must be made in writing.
- Cancellation charges will apply as per the terms of the hotels, airlines, transport providers and other service providers involved.
- Non-refundable bookings and advance payments are non-refundable.
- No refund will be provided for unused services, missed services or voluntary changes after commencement of the tour.
- Refunds, where applicable, will be made after deduction of applicable cancellation charges and non-refundable costs.
- Any additional costs arising from itinerary changes requested by the traveller will be payable by the traveller.
- In case of circumstances beyond the company’s control, refunds will be subject to amounts recoverable from the respective service providers.
- The cancellation policy applicable to the confirmed booking will prevail.
Our standard booking terms and website disclaimer: Terms & Conditions.
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