New Delhi Trip Overview
Travel back in time to the 17th century, when the Maharajas used to rule all over Rajasthan. By visiting the Palaces and Forts of these ruling families, we will make you feel how it was to live during these golden times. You will experience the unique camel rides and lavish parties, and feel like a Maharaja yourself when overnighting in charming havelis. From birthplace at the City Palace, to tomb (such as the Taj Mahal), relive the greatness of these ancient rulers of India. A private certified guide will take you through this journey.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 days
Starts: New Delhi, India
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore New Delhi Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Travel back in time to the 17th century, when the Maharajas used to rule all over Rajasthan. By visiting the Palaces and Forts of these ruling families, we will make you feel how it was to live during these golden times. You will experience the unique camel rides and lavish parties, and feel like a Maharaja yourself when overnighting in charming havelis. From birthplace at the City Palace, to tomb (such as the Taj Mahal), relive the greatness of these ancient rulers of India. A private certified guide will take you through this journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant Indian capital
Stop At: Swaminarayan Akshardham, Nh 24 Akshardham Setu, New Delhi 110092 India
The amazing Akshardham temple is considered by locals as the temporal home of God on earth, each element of which echoes with spirituality. Officially opened in 2005, it reflects millennia of traditional and modern Hindu culture and architecture.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Humayun’s Tomb, Mathura Road Opp Nizamuddin Mosque, New Delhi 110013 India
The majestic Humayun’s Tomb is considered as the prototype of the famous Taj Mahal, built one century earlier (16th century). You will have the opportunity to compare this 2 architectural masterpieces during your Rajasthan trip and find out what makes the Taj Mahal more important and well-known than Humayun’s Tomb.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan), Connaught Place, New Delhi 110002 India
The Birla Mandir temple, inaugurated in 1939 by Mahatma Ghandi is a symbol of social equality in India. It was one of the first temples of India where people of all casts were allowed to enter.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Red Fort, Netaji Subhash Marg, New Delhi 110002 India
Explore the Red Fort and discover how this fortress became the starting point for the Indian army to revolt against the British colonization. The compound, built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is today the symbol of Independence of India (the building is closed on Mondays).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid), 6 km North of Connaught Pl. across from Lal Qila, New Delhi India
In Delhi, you will discover the striking Jama Masjid Mosque, which was intended to dominate the world. Visit this stunning architectural gem to feel the fervor of its thousands of devotees.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Chandni Chowk, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi
Explore the district of Chandi Chowk, to discover the typical Indian lifestyle in this bazar with hundreds of colors and flavors. Discover the heritage that silver merchants of 17th century left to today’s tradesmen.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Delhi. Your hotel: Tree of Life.
Day 2: The charming havelis of Mandawa
Stop At: Mandawa, Mandawa, Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan
Today we will take you to the Shekhawati region, traveling back in time to the 18th century. Strolling in the quiet streets of Mandawa, you will feel the pleasent atmosphere of this small authentic city of Rajasthan. You will have the opportunity to spend the night in one of its charming havelis, feeling like a Maharaja in the 19th century. On the way to Mandawa, you will make different stops to discover the semi-arid landscapes of Rajasthan.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Saraf Haveli, Sadabahar Mohalla, Pabana, Mukundgarh, Rajasthan Sadabahar Mohalla, Pabana, Mukundgarh,, Mandawa 333705 India
Havelis are typical of Rajasthan’s Heritage. They are amazing mansions built by wealthy merchants from 17th to 19th century. Explore them, and discover why most of these beautiful havelis were abandoned by their owners and are threatened today by irreversible damage.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Mandawa. Your hotel: Radhika Haveli.
Day 3: The worshiped rats of Shri Karni Mata
Stop At: Bikaner, Bikaner, Bikaner District, Rajasthan
It’s a little animal that makes the stop in Bikaner a must-do. Some like them, some don’t. But you will see something you will never forget.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Karni Mata Temple Rd, Deshnoke 334801 India
The unusual temple of Shri Karnimata also known as “Rat Temple” will surely be the main reason for your stop in Bikaner. Here, the 25000 rats are the most honored guests. However visitors and rats mingle in prefect harmony in this temple.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner 334001 India
Would you like to know how to protect a fort not being built on a hilltop? Visit the Junagarh fort and learn about the amazing features of its architectural design from the 16th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Bikaner. Your hotel: Harasar Haveli.
Day 4: Camel safari in Thar desert
Stop At: Pokaran, Pokaran, Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan
Today you will take the road to Khuri village located in Thar desert to discover the authentic desert life. Along the way you can make a stopover in Pokaran Fort dating back to the 14th century to admire this beautiful fort transformed into a luxury heritage hotel.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Khuri, Khuri, Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan
Experience the real desert life in Khuri and make a private camel safari in sand dunes. End your day by the traditional desert dinner prepared by the villagers. According to your preferences you can have an overnight in sand dunes under the night’s sky or in huts.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Khuri. Your hotel: Mangalam Resort.
Day 5: The fortified city of Jaisalmer
Stop At: Jaisalmer Fort, Fort Road, Jaisalmer 345001 India
Do you wonder how it was living in an Indian fort in the 12th century? This is exactly what you will discover in Jaisalmer, as the “Golden Fort” is still inhabited by thousands of locals. However, what are the main issues that threaten the fort to be deprived of its UNESCO World Heritage site status? Visit the fort and you will get all the answers.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Bada Bagh, Ramgarh Road 6 Km North of Jaisalmer on the road to Ramgarh, Jaisalmer 345001 India
Your driver will take you to Bada Bagh, the garden complex near Jaisalmer where you will discover cenotaphs of maharajas, dating back to the 18th century. You may also attend a typical Indian wedding photo-shoot.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Kothari’s Patwaon-Ki-Haveli, Near Patwa Complex, Patwa Haveli, Jaisalmer 345001 India
Having already discovered the charming havelis of Shekhawati region in Mandawa, you will have the opportunity to discover also some beautiful havelis in Jaisalmer such as Kothari’s Patwaon-Ki-Haveli. You will discover what are the specific features of Jaisalmer havelis, compared to those of Mandawa.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jaisalmer. Your hotel: Hotel The Royale
Day 6: The ‘’blue city’’ of Jodhpur
Stop At: Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Jodhpur District, Rajasthan
Take the road to the ‘’blue city’’ of Jodhpur to discover why it’s considered as one of the most extraordinary sites of Rajasthan and its heritage. Make a stopover on the way, to admire the beautiful jain temples in Osian.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Circuit House Road, Jodhpur 342006 India
In Jodhpur, you can admire the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which still belongs to Jodhpur’s Maharaja. You will be impressed by this magnificent architectural masterpiece, seemingly frozen in time. And maybe you will have the opportunity to meet the Maharaja Gaj Singh, driving his cabriolet around the palace. The Umaid Public Museum is a private museum next to the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Visit the Lifestyle Galery exhibition of the museum, and immerse into the palace’s life of the ’40s and ’50s.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jodhpur. Your hotel: Mandore Guest House.
Day 7: Breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort
Stop At: Mehrangarh Fort, Fort Rd., Jodhpur 342006 India
The Maharaja Man Sing must have been quite a man! When he died, his many wives immolated themselves. Explore the impressive Mehrangarh fort and learn about this sati ritual (immolation) and the meaning of the mural handprints on the fort’s Iron Gate.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Jaswant Thada, Near Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur India
Next to the Merangarh Fort, you will discover the small Jaswant Thada temple. You might get a chance to meet a snake charmer. One of the few ones remaining, as this ancient Indian practice slowly disappears.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ghanta Ghar, Nai Sarak, Ghantaghar Market, Jodhpur 342001 India
The well known Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) is located in the old city of Jodhpur. Exploring the Clock Tower Bazar is another great opportunity to discover what makes the local lifestyle so typical.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mandore Garden, Jodhpur 342007 India
At the end of your magnificent visits, you can relax in the picturesque Mandore garden located near Jodhpur. It’s a good opportunity for a delightful retreat.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jodhpur. Your hotel : Mandore Guest House.
Day 8: To Jaipur via Holy Pushkar
Stop At: Pushkar, Pushkar, Ajmer District, Rajasthan
Pushkar is one of the holy cities of India, where you can watch Hindu people washing and bathing by the Ghats. Here time seems to be frozen. Since the 18th century, local people practice the same rituals. Learn about the local customs and traditions.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Ganahera Brahma Temple Rd, Pushkar 305022 India
One of the few Brahma temples in the world (14th century) is located in Pushkar. Why are there not more temples dedicated to the creator god in Hinduism? And why do the gods Shiva and Vishnu get all the attention? Learn all about it during your visit.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jaipur, Jaipur, Jaipur District, Rajasthan
Today you will take the road to the capital city of Rajasthan. You will be impressed by the rich cultural and historical heritage of the “Pink City”.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Jal Mahal, Amer Road, Jaipur 302002 India
Located in the middle of a lake, the Jal Mahal palace seems to float on the water. Upon your arrival to the capital of Rajasthan by the evening, you will admire this magnificent palace at sunset. Discover with your private driver why it is not allowed to enter this idyllic palace or even to make a boat tour around.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jaipur. Your hotel: Anuraag Villa.
Day 9: The historical heritage of Jaipur
Stop At: Amber fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001 Amer Jaipur, Jaipur 302021 India
Are you curious to know why the locals rush to Amber Fort every day after their morning prayers? Although the history of this fort from the 16th century is of great interest to travelers, the monument remains important to locals for other reasons as well. Here the Maharaja of Jaipur welcomes the locals in person every day in a specially equipped room, to discuss about the different issues people have. Visit the fort and learn what this charitable maharaja has done for his people.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Jaigarh Fort, Cheel ka Teela, Jaipur 302013 India
The Jaigarh fort is closely linked with the famous Amber Fort. Discover what the main role of this place was and why it was key to defending the city in the 18th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Hawa Mahal – Palace of Wind, Hawa Mahal Tripolia Bazaar Road Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur 302002 India
Take your time to discover another original Maharaja palace of the 18th century: the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind). This architectural gem was built for the Maharaja’s wives. But was this place rather a palace or a golden prison? Learn about women rights in the times of Maharajas.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: City Palace of Jaipur, Tripolia Bazar Near Jantar Mantar, Jaipur 3023002 India
The City Palace actually houses many palaces, and still belongs to the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 2019, the family of the Maharaja went on AirBnb, and is now offering a Suite of the Palace for holiday renting. Fancy a breakfast with the King of Jaipur?
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Galtaji Temple, Jaipur India
If you would like to wash away your sins, your next stop will be the temple of Galtaji. It’s an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site, where you will discover how people are taking their holy bath. The site is well known also as Monkey Temple, as there are tens of monkeys living there.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jaipur. Your hotel: Anuraag Villa.
Day 10: The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri
Stop At: Chand Baori (Step well), Jaipur-Agra Road, Abhaneri 303313 India
The impressive Chand Baori stepwells of Abhaneri dating back to the 8th century will be one of your stopovers on the way to Agra. You will discover why and how this mysterious huge stepwell was built in this region.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Fatehpur Sikri India
The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, perfectly preserved since it was abandoned, was the one-time capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th century. But why would one abandon this remarkable testimony to the Indian architecture? Discover all about it during your visit.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Agra, Agra, Agra District, Uttar Pradesh
Having explored the stunning Fatehpur Sikri you will reach your final destination: Agra, sheltering the most famous monument of India, the incredible Taj Mahal.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mehtab Bagh, Nagla Devjit Etmadpur, Agra India
Upon your arrival to Agra you will have free time at your leisure. You can walk and relax at Mehtab Bagh from where you will admire the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset before discovering it at sunrise the next day.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Agra. Your hotel: Maple Grand.
Day 11: Taj Mahal, the legacy of love
Stop At: Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra 282001 India
Be one of those who had the chance to admire the unique beauty of the Taj Mahal by visiting the greatest symbol of love in the world. And maybe you would like to take an iconic photo on the same bench as the Princess Diana did? (If this day is a Friday and the Taj Mahal is closed, you will visit it the previous day at sunset).
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Agra Fort Rakabgani, Agra 282003 India
After he built the stunning Taj Mahal (17th century) as a mausoleum for his wife gone too soon, the emperor Shah Jahan was put to jail at Agra Fort. He spent the rest of his life watching the Taj Mahal from his cell. Can you guess who put him to jail?
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra Road, Sikandra India
Have you noticed what main architectural element is missing at the Akbar’s mausoleum, also called Sikandra Fort? Maybe you could guess, if you knew about the radical step the emperor Akbar took. Visit the monument and learn about the beautiful history of life of this great Mughal emperor.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Delhi. Your hotel: Tree of Life.
Day 12: Ancient and modern Delhi
Stop At: Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi Road, New Delhi 110002 India
Today your private driver will help you explore other attractions of Delhi that you have not managed to visit at the beginning of your trip. You can have a walk through the Sanctuary of Mahatma Ghandi, also called Raj Ghat, and see the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. What was India before and after Ghandi? Learn about his significant role in India’s history by visiting his museum.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji Near Kalkaji Temple, East of Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019 India
Explore the Lotus temple that symbolizes purity and equality of all religions. It’s a place of worship for everyone, independent of their beliefs. It typically represents India where many religions live in harmony.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: India Gate, Rajpath Near Connaught Place New Delhi, New Delhi 110001 India
Take some time to mingle with locals around India Gate and pay tribute to the Unknown Soldier near the eternal flame. Does this monument look like something you may have seen in Paris?
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
