The Journey at a Glance
Embark on an extraordinary 15-day private journey through North India, combining the timeless monuments of Delhi and Agra with Rajasthan's magnificent forts, royal palaces, sacred towns, tranquil lakes, historic trading cities and spectacular desert landscapes.
Beginning in Delhi, the journey introduces you to India's fascinating history before continuing to Agra and the incomparable Taj Mahal. In Jaipur, discover the grandeur of Rajput royalty, colourful bazaars and magnificent hilltop forts. Experience the spiritual character of Pushkar, the blue-painted lanes of Jodhpur and the extraordinary marble craftsmanship of Ranakpur.
The journey then moves into the quieter and more authentic side of Rajasthan. Discover Udaipur's romantic lakes and Mewar heritage, explore the painted palaces and stepwells of Bundi, and uncover the legendary history of Chittorgarh. Continue into the desert kingdom of Bikaner before arriving in Jaisalmer, where golden sandstone architecture, ancient havelis, a living fort and the vast landscapes of the Thar Desert create an unforgettable finale.
More than a sightseeing tour, this journey is designed to introduce travellers to the many faces of Rajasthan — royal and rural, spiritual and colourful, historic and contemporary.
Where possible, the itinerary can be enhanced with private guides, heritage experiences, local cuisine, artisan encounters, village visits, traditional performances and carefully selected luxury or heritage hotels.
Signature Experiences
Unforgettable highlights and private encounters included in this journey:
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Carefully paced for immersion, personal comfort, and private discovery:
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where your private representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
After check-in, enjoy time to relax and settle into India at your own pace.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a gentle introductory drive through New Delhi, passing landmarks such as India Gate and the ceremonial avenues surrounding Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In the evening, a private welcome dinner can be arranged featuring carefully selected Indian specialities.
After breakfast, drive by private vehicle to Agra.
Your first major experience is the extraordinary Taj Mahal, one of India's most recognisable monuments and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Explore its white-marble façade, intricate stone inlay, elegant gardens and architectural details with your private guide.
Continue to Agra Fort, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with generations of Mughal emperors.
Subject to interest and timing, visit a traditional marble-inlay workshop to see artisans demonstrating techniques that have been practised in Agra for generations.
After breakfast, depart for Jaipur.
An optional visit to Fatehpur Sikri can be incorporated into the journey, subject to available time and monument opening hours.
Arrive in Jaipur, Rajasthan's famous Pink City, and check into your hotel.
Later, explore the historic centre, including an exterior view of Hawa Mahal, followed by time in Jaipur's vibrant bazaars.
Discover colourful textiles, jewellery, block printing, blue pottery and traditional handicrafts.
Begin with Amber Fort, dramatically positioned in the Aravalli Hills. Explore its grand gateways, courtyards, palaces and ornate interiors.
Continue to Jal Mahal for photographs from the permitted viewpoint.
Later, visit City Palace, followed by Jantar Mantar, the remarkable historic astronomical observatory.
Return to the old city to explore the architectural beauty of Hawa Mahal and Jaipur's traditional markets.
In the evening, consider a private or curated Rajasthani dining experience accompanied by traditional music and folk performance.
Travel to Pushkar, one of India's most atmospheric pilgrimage towns.
Explore Pushkar Lake, its sacred ghats and the surrounding old streets. Visit the Brahma Temple area, subject to opening hours and visitor access.
Take time to browse the colourful local markets, where textiles, jewellery, handicrafts and spiritual items create a distinctive atmosphere.
Enjoy regional vegetarian cuisine and experience the slower rhythm of this historic town.
Travel to Jodhpur, the historic capital of the Marwar region.
Visit magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, rising dramatically above the old city. Explore its courtyards, royal apartments, galleries and museum collections.
Continue to Jaswant Thada, an elegant marble memorial set within peaceful surroundings.
Depending on timing, enjoy an exterior view of Umaid Bhawan Palace before exploring the colourful markets of the old city.
A private heritage walk can be arranged for travellers wishing to discover Jodhpur's hidden lanes, traditional homes, local food and everyday life.
Depart Jodhpur and travel through the scenic Aravalli landscape towards Ranakpur.
Visit the remarkable Ranakpur Jain Temple, celebrated for its intricate marble architecture, extraordinary pillars and finely carved details.
Continue through rural Rajasthan towards Udaipur.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking the lakes or historic surroundings.
Discover the magnificent City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola and offering spectacular views across the historic city.
Continue to Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari, a historic garden associated with the royal women of Mewar.
Explore the old city's lanes and traditional shops.
Later, enjoy an optional boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to operating conditions.
The evening can be reserved for a romantic lakeside dinner or sunset photography.
Travel to Bundi, one of Rajasthan's atmospheric heritage towns.
Discover Raniji Ki Baori, an impressive historic stepwell reflecting Rajasthan's traditional water architecture.
Explore Bundi's old streets and traditional havelis. Depending on access and opening hours, visit the Garh Palace, known for its distinctive murals and painted interiors.
Bundi offers an opportunity to experience a quieter and less-touristed side of Rajasthan.
Continue to Chittorgarh and explore its enormous hilltop fortress.
Discover Vijay Stambh – the Tower of Victory, historic palaces, temples, water structures and other important monuments within the fort complex.
Your guide will introduce the history of Mewar and the important events associated with the fortress.
Evening at leisure.
After an early breakfast, begin the long journey towards Bikaner.
Planned comfort stops can be arranged during this road journey.
On arrival, visit Junagarh Fort, subject to arrival time and opening hours. The fort is renowned for its richly decorated palaces, courtyards and historic collections.
Later, explore Bikaner's markets and sample some of the city's famous local delicacies.
Depart Bikaner and travel west through the changing landscapes of the Thar Desert.
Arrive in Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City, and check into your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, visit Gadisar Lake or enjoy a gentle introduction to the sandstone lanes surrounding the fort.
The evening offers an opportunity to experience Jaisalmer's golden architecture as the desert light changes.
Begin with Jaisalmer Fort, one of India's remarkable living forts. Explore its narrow lanes, homes, temples, shops and historic sandstone architecture.
Continue to Patwon Ki Haveli and other historic merchant residences.
In the afternoon, travel towards the Sam Sand Dunes.
Choose from optional experiences including
- Camel ride through the desert
- Private jeep safari
- Sunset at the dunes
- Traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance
- Dinner beneath the desert sky
- Overnight luxury desert camp
For travellers seeking a more immersive experience, an overnight desert camp can replace the city hotel.
After breakfast, transfer for your return journey to Delhi.
A flight from Jaisalmer may be arranged depending on the operating schedule and availability for your travel date.
On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Depending on your departure schedule, a farewell dinner or final shopping experience can be arranged.
Tour Concludes
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Your Grand Rajasthan journey concludes with memories of royal palaces, ancient forts, sacred towns, desert landscapes, local flavours and the people who make Rajasthan unique.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 14 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels, heritage properties, luxury hotels or palace-style properties according to the chosen category.
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Desert camp accommodation where specifically selected and confirmed.
- Special dining experiences can be added on request.
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for the complete journey.
- Experienced and professionally appointed chauffeur.
- All scheduled intercity transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- Airport and railway-station transfers where applicable.
- Fuel, driver allowance, tolls, parking and applicable vehicle expenses.
- Comfortable rest stops during longer road journeys.
- Personal airport meet-and-greet at Delhi.
- Private arrival and departure transfers.
- Assistance with hotel check-in and departure arrangements.
- Local support throughout the journey.
- Professional English-speaking local guides at selected destinations, where included in the final quotation.
- Assistance with arranging local cultural experiences.
- Traditional handicraft and artisan experiences where available.
- Village and local-life experiences where specifically selected.
- Assistance with desert activities and cultural programmes.
- Vacation Trip India Travel Facilitator / local assistance at destinations where specified.
- 24×7 emergency assistance throughout the journey.
- Assistance with restaurant recommendations, local experiences and practical travel arrangements.
- Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and road journeys, where specified in the final package.
- Applicable government taxes and service charges included in the final quotation.
- Any additional inclusions will be clearly mentioned in the personalised proposal.
- International flights to and from India.
- Domestic flights, including Jaisalmer–Delhi.
- Visa fees and visa-related services.
- Travel insurance.
- Monument, fort, palace, museum and attraction entrance fees unless specifically included.
- Local guides unless specifically mentioned as included.
- Camera/video fees wherever applicable.
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically included.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Room service, minibar and special dining requests.
- Camel rides.
- Jeep safaris.
- Desert camp upgrades.
- Folk performances unless specifically included.
- Boat rides unless specified as included.
- Elephant/jeep experiences at Amber Fort unless specifically confirmed.
- Cooking classes and private dining experiences unless selected.
- Additional cultural experiences not included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Laundry and dry cleaning.
- Telephone and internet charges where applicable.
- Shopping and souvenirs.
- Spa and wellness treatments.
- Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, hotel staff and other service providers.
- Early check-in or late check-out.
- Room upgrades.
- Additional nights.
- Additional sightseeing outside the agreed itinerary.
- Additional vehicle usage or route changes requested by guests.
- Expenses resulting from flight delays, cancellations or schedule changes.
- Any expenses arising from circumstances beyond the control of Vacation Trip India, including significant weather events, natural disruptions, road closures, strikes, flight cancellations, government restrictions or other unforeseen situations.
- Any service not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions" should be considered excluded unless confirmed in writing in the final quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The itinerary is designed as a private journey with dedicated transportation and can be customised around your travel dates, interests, preferred hotels and pace.
Can the hotels be upgraded?
Absolutely. The journey can be arranged with premium hotels, luxury properties, heritage havelis, palace-style accommodation and carefully selected desert camps, subject to availability.
Is the desert camp included?
A desert camp can be included as part of the customised package. The exact camp category, meal plan and activities will be specified in the final quotation.
Can we add more authentic local experiences?
Yes. Village visits, artisan encounters, cooking experiences, local family dinners, traditional performances and other cultural experiences can be incorporated depending on availability.
Are guides included?
Professional local guides can be included in the final package for selected destinations. The exact guide services will be clearly mentioned in the quotation.
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted for families, including children, senior travellers and guests who prefer a slower sightseeing pace.
Does the itinerary involve long drives?
Yes. Rajasthan is a large region and some sectors, particularly Chittorgarh–Bikaner, involve a long road journey. The itinerary can be modified with additional overnight stops or alternative transportation where practical.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. This is a starting framework rather than a fixed programme. Hotels, sightseeing, travel pace, experiences, guides, meals and transportation can all be tailored.
