Highlights Of Rajasthan

21 Days / 20 Nights

The title of this itinerary takes a few liberties, as it actually takes in 3 states.But the reality is that ‘Highlights of Rajasthan’ could describe almost any tour to this most compelling of states. This 20 day tour covers many of the most well-known places in Rajasthan along with cultural the hotspots of Amritsar and Varanasi and covers a lot of ground in 3 unforgettable weeks.

Detailed Itineary

Day 1 : Arrival at Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel; overnight in Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi Sightseeing

A full day around the national capital, Delhi. There’s too much to see in Delhi for it to be comfortably covered in one day, but highlights include Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar- Asia’s tallest minaret tower, various monuments and buildings of New Delhi, the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, and the iconic Red Fort. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 : Delhi – Amritsar

Morning walking or cycle-rickshaw tour in Old Delhi, before transferring to the airport for a flight to Amritsar, the main city of Punjab state. In the evening, make your first visit to the stunningly beautiful Sikh Golden Temple. Overnight in Amritsar
Day 4 : Amritsar

Even if the Golden Temple was the only thing to see here it would still be worth visiting Amritsar- this holiest of Sikh places is truly one of the most beautiful temples in the world. There are also interesting markets to explore, other, smaller, Sikh temples and, in the late afternoon, the unforgettable sight and sound of the nightly closing ceremony at Wagah on the India-Pakistan border, a riot of pomp and bluster for the ages! Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 5 : Amritsar - Varanasi

Transfer to Amritsar airport and fly to Varanasi, via Delhi. You’ll be met on arrival in Varanasi and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 6 : Varanasi

Day of activities and sightseeing around the ancient and sacred city of Varanasi, beginning with a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn. Later explore the old city on foot, and if you wish, make an excursion to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site not far from the city. Wrap up the day with a second boat ride, to see the nightly Aarti rituals as they unfold on the river’s edge before you. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 7 : Varanasi

With a second day in Varanasi, and no set programme, you will be able to explore this most compelling city at your own pace. We can include more walking tours and/or a village visit if you wish. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 8 : Varanasi – Delhi- Agra

Transfer to Varanasi airport and fly to Delhi (occasionally there are direct flights from Varanasi to Agra but these operate sporadically). On arrival in Delhi you’ll be met and introduced to your driver who will now be with you for the remainder of your trip. Depart direct from Delhi airport and drive 4 hours or so to Agra. Overnight in Agra.
Day 9 : Agra

Most tours skip quite quickly through Agra, but by spending a bit more time (a full day) here, you’ll have the opportunity to dig a little deeper into the city’s past, perhaps tour the countryside for a totally different view (literally and figuratively) of the Taj Mahal, and sample some of the best street food the city has to offer. But sightseeing, and plenty of time at the Taj Mahal, will be at the centre of the day’s programme. Overnight in Agra.
Day 10 : Agra – Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, with a couple of very worthwhile stops en route- the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, and Abhaneri, one of the biggest and certainly most beautiful and intricate stepwells in all of India. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 11 : Jaipur

The Pink City of Jaipur is Rajasthan’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city. Sightseeing focuses on Amber Fort, the City Palace, Palace of the Winds and Jantar Mantar observatory, but the markets in the old, walled city are not to be missed either. Overnight in Jaipur
Day 12 : Jaipur - Ranthambore

Morning drive to Ranthambore with your first wildlife safari into Ranthambore National Park in the afternoon (note- the Park is closed from mid-June to mid-October each year). Overnight at Ranthambore.
Day 13 : Ranthambore

Morning and evening safaris into the National Park- Ranthambore has a growing tiger population (relocation will soon be necessary to reduce the pressure of numbers on the environment) and sightings are good, but there is also a variety of other wildlife including nilgai (blue blue), langur and macaque monkeys, various deer and antelope species, crocodiles and a wealth of bird species. Overnight at Ranthambore
Day 14 : Ranthambore - Udaipur

This is a long drive of over 7 hours- if time permits then adding a night’s stop at Bundi or Chittorgarh is recommended. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 15 : Udaipur

Built around a series of manmade lakes, the picturesque city of Udaipur is atmospheric and, if you’re staying in the old city as we recommend, eminently walkable. The majority of the city’s sights are within a short distance of one another and can be comfortably covered in the morning, allowing time in the afternoon for unstructured exploration, or your choice of a walking tour, cooking class, Lake Pichola boat ride etc. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 16 : Udaipur- Ranakpur - Jodhpur

A full day’s journey, with en route stops at Kumbhalgarh- one of the most imposing forts of Rajasthan- and the beautiful Jain temples at Ranakpur. You’ll reach Jodhpur only by late afternoon. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 17 : Jodhpur

The Blue City, Jodhpur, is dominated by the vast bulk of Mehrangarh Fort, the city’s defining landmark. Tour the fort in the morning, with options in the afternoon for a jeep tour to visit Bishnoi tribespeople outside the city, or a walking tour in the hugely historic old city area. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 18 : Jodhpur- Jaisalmer

Morning drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival check in at your hotel with free time to walk in the area around the fort in the afternoon; overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 19 : Jaisalmer

Full day in Jaisalmer to visit the fort and other places in the Golden City; overnight in Jaisalmer
Day 20 : Jaisalmer- Delhi

Transfer to Jaisalmer airport and fly to Delhi. You’ll be met on arrival in Delhi and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day free. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 21 : Delhi – Departure

Depending on the timing of your departure flight, you may have some free time today before you leave India.