Four Corners of Rajasthan

Your first full day in India will be an enriching guided sightseeing experience, exploring the diverse cultural tapestry of Old and New Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Qutab Minar, Tomb of Humayun and the Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays). You can also drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and some of the grand colonial buildings of Luyten’s Delhi. There’s also an option to take a walking tour in one of the many bustling markets of Old Delhi, such as Chandni Chowk.

Depart Delhi and drive 5 hours west into Rajasthan, reaching Mandawa by mid-afternoon. This town in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is famous for its brightly Painted Havelis which were built by successful merchants and traders over several centuries. Mandawa is a small town, largely free of vehicle traffic which lends itself to on-foot exploration.

Overnight in Mandawa

Morning guided sightseeing of Mandawa, and later drive to Bikaner (4 hours), a true desert outpost boasting one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Explore Junagarh Fort and Camel Breeding Centre in the afternoon.

Overnight in Bikaner

Optional morning visit to the famous Karnimata temple at Deshnok. This truly unique place is universally known as the ‘Rat Temple’ due to the feeding of rodents which live here and are revered as sacred deities. Later in the day drive to Jaisalmer (6 hours) in the far west of Rajasthan, and in the late afternoon head out to a sunset point just outside the city to watch as the sun sets and casts a golden light across the dunes and Jaisalmer Fort.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

The ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer is dominated by its eponymous Fort, a fairy-tale structure which seems to rise directly from the endless expanse of desert surrounding the city. Explore Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) with a guide and afternoon visit the magnificent havelis and the Old City area.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

Your next stop will be in the Blue City, Jodhpur, around 6 hours drive from Jaisalmer This ancient trading post is dominated by its famous fort - Meherangarh - which sits high atop a ridge above the bustling markets and bazaars of the Old City.

Overnight in Jodhpur

Sightseeing in the morning includes an extensive tour of Meherangarh Fort and the nearby royal cenotaphs including Jaswant Thada. Afternoon options include a jeep safari into the desert to visit Bishnoi tribal encampments, or a walking tour in the Old City.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

In the morning, embark on a scenic drive from Jodhpur to Jojawar, a charming small town nestled amidst the scenic Aravalli Hills of southern Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering glimpses of rural Rajasthan's beauty along the way. Jojawar is known for its unique ambiance, cantered around a beautifully restored palace that dates back over 300 years, now serving as a hotel. Check in at the hotel on arrival and later head out on a jeep ride to visit local places of interest, remote temples and perhaps spot some wildlife as darkness falls.

Overnight in Jojawar

In the morning take a scenic train ride in the Aravali Hills then Drive to Ranakpur  (1.5 hours) which is the most sacred site in Jainism, visit the magnificent Jain Temple - The complex includes several temples and shrines spread over a vast area, all adorned with detailed carvings depicting Jain mythology, deities, and motifs. Continue drive to Udaipur (2 hours). Evening relax and enjoy a cool drink on a roof terrace overlooking picturesque Lake Pichola.

Overnight in Udaipur.

Udaipur - spend the day around the most romantic city in India, beginning with a guided visit to the City Palace and Jagdish Temple and possibly a heritage walking tour in the afternoon or a boat ride on Lake Pichola incorporation time at the manmade island of Jag Mandir. While each major city in Rajasthan boasts markets which are unique and enthralling, those in Udaipur are particularly noteworthy, with major areas of interest including the many silversmiths and painters who still produce miniature works in the centuries’ old tradition.

Overnight in Udaipur.

Morning drive to Pushkar (5.5 hours), a small and very sacred town clustered around the shores of a lake. Explore the town on foot in the afternoon.

Overnight in Pushkar.

Depart Pushkar and head to Jaipur (3 hours), the ‘Pink City’ and capital of modern-day Rajasthan. In the afternoon you’ll be free to explore the bazaars of the walled city area and maybe take in a Bollywood blockbuster at Raj Mandir, perhaps the most ornate cinema in India.

Overnight in Jaipur.

The historic city of Jaipur has many great sights which will be included in your Guided sightseeing today - these include Amber Fort on the city’s outskirts, the vast and sumptuous City Palace, the much-photographed Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar and more. We also strongly recommend exploring the old, walled city or another of Jaipur’s historic neighbourhoods by means of a walking tour this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Drive to Karauli (4 hours), enroute explore Abhaneri Stepwell also known as Chand Baori, one of the largest and deepest stepwells in India, known for its intricate architecture and precise geometric design. Continue drive to Karauli, here you can walk in the markets, view local craftsmen at work and tour the spectacular City Palace which is still owned by the descendent of its founders.

Overnight in Karauli.

Spend a day in and around Karauli where you will have an option to visit nearby Kalai Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a part of the same forest system as nearby Ranthambore National Park. This is low-key park is home to all the same animals as Ranthambore, except tigers, meaning you can walk in the Sanctuary, something not possible in many places in India. Karauli is also a great place to relax in the surroundings of your hotel, engage in conversation with your hosts whose family historic is a rich trove of enthralling stories or shop for bargains in the genuinely local markets nearby.

Overnight in Karauli.

Depart Karauli and drive via Fatehpur Sikri to Agra (3.5 hours). The abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur is one of the world’s ultimate ‘ghost towns’ having been occupied for only a very short time in the late 17th century and despite 300 years of exposure to the elements it remains in a remarkable state of preservation. Tour the area with a guide and later proceed to Agra and relax rest of the day.

Overnight in Agra.

Morning spend your complete time in visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, what is generally regarded as the most beautiful manmade structure in India, the Taj Mahal. It’s important to allow ample time at this wonderful place from 6:00am onwards. Later refresh yourself and checkout the hotel and then visit Agra Fort which is also an UNESCO monument. After Lunch, depart Agra and drive 4 hours to Delhi.

Overnight in Delhi.

According to your international departure time, you will have free time in Delhi prior to transferring to the airport. We will bid you farewell as you depart, perhaps with dreams already forming of your next visit!