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13 Days / 12 Nights October "“ Marchheritagewildliferuralphotography

Echoes of Forts & Forests

A 13-Day Journey through the Full Arc of Rajasthan "” Tigers, Lakes, Palaces and the Thar

DelhiAgraBharatpurJaipurRanthamboreBundiUdaipurRawla NarlaiJodhpurDelhi

Overview

About This Journey

This is Rajasthan at full stretch "” a journey that moves from the imperial Mughal symmetry of the Taj Mahal through the layered royal history of Jaipur, into the wild tiger forests of Ranthambore, and down to the step-welled, miniature-painted lanes of Bundi before the lake palaces of Udaipur and the boulder-strewn leopard country of Rawla Narlai. The journey ends in Jodhpur, where Mehrangarh Fort rises 125 metres above a sea of sapphire-blue houses. Photographers will find the light, the scale and the variety exceptional at every stage.

Highlights

Journey Highlights

Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
Keoladeo Ghana National Park (UNESCO) at Bharatpur "” 370+ bird species
Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri "” 9th century, inverted pyramid
Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur
Two jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park
Bundi: Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace and the Chitrashala miniature paintings
Dhabhai Kund and Rani Ji Ki Baori stepwells, Bundi
City Palace Crystal Gallery, Bagore Ki Haveli folk dance show and Lake Pichola cruise "” Udaipur
Sunset leopard safari in the Aravalli terrain at Rawla Narlai
Mehrangarh Fort and the Blue City of Jodhpur

Festival Timing

Time Your Journey

Diwaliperfect match

Udaipur's City Palace lights up for Diwali — one of the most spectacular settings in India.

Gangaurperfect match

Gangaur's colourful procession through Jaipur and Udaipur is Rajasthan at its most vivid — women in traditional dress, decorated palanquins and festive music.

Dussehragood match

Dussehra in Rajasthan is celebrated with Ravan Dahan — the ceremonial burning of effigies marking the victory of good over evil.

Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, you will be warmly received by our representative and assisted with luggage and travel documents before being transferred to your hotel for a seamless check-in, leaving the rest of the day at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time and jet lag recovery, relaxed afternoon or evening activities can easily be arranged, such as exploring the magnificent art and architecture of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex or taking a short drive to India Gate to honour the legacy of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

Activities

  • Airport welcome
  • Private transfer to hotel
  • Day at leisure
  • Optional: Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex
  • Optional: India Gate
Private air-conditioned car

Experience a refreshing morning like a local by starting your day in the verdant Lodhi Garden. Afterward, drive past the landmark sites along Kartavya Path "” such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House "” before exploring the magnificent Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Dive into the captivating chaos of Chandni Chowk with a walking tour covering Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar. Following a delicious local lunch, pay your respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat and visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to experience its remarkable community kitchen. Conclude your evening at Khan Market, enjoying its premium shopping, world-class dining and relaxed urban atmosphere.

Activities

  • Lodhi Garden morning walk
  • Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House along Kartavya Path
  • Jama Masjid
  • Chandni Chowk walking tour "” Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar
  • Raj Ghat "” Mahatma Gandhi memorial
  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib "” community kitchen
  • Evening at Khan Market
Private car + walking

Spend your morning exploring the Qutub Complex to admire Delhi's iconic Qutub Minar, marvelling at its staggering height and intricate carvings. Continue to the stunning, marble-clad Lotus Temple, renowned for its lotus-inspired architecture and welcoming atmosphere for all faiths. Following lunch, explore Humayun's Tomb "” the magnificent precursor to the Taj Mahal. Conclude your day at leisure or with an optional evening visit to the breathtaking Akshardham Temple complex.

Activities

  • Qutub Complex and Qutub Minar (UNESCO)
  • Lotus Temple
  • Humayun's Tomb "” precursor to the Taj Mahal
  • Optional: Akshardham Temple complex
Private car

Board the Gatimaan Express early in the morning for a high-speed journey to Agra, a premier gateway to Mughal architectural excellence and home to the majestic Taj Mahal. Explore the city's rich historical trail "” featuring the Red Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri "” before checking into your hotel. Head out afterward to tour the massive walled imperial stronghold of Agra Fort, followed by an afternoon visit to Mehtab Bagh for crowd-free, majestic views of the Taj Mahal at dusk. Conclude your evening by experiencing the cultural show "Taj-e-Mohabbat".

Activities

  • Train Delhi → Agra
  • Agra Fort
  • Sunset at Mehtab Bagh
  • Evening cultural show "Taj-e-Mohabbat"
Train to Agra

Experience an unforgettable morning with a sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Afterward, journey toward Bharatpur, stopping en route to explore the magnificent administrative and architectural marvels of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, visit the world-renowned Keoladeo Ghana National Park "” a UNESCO World Heritage Site and premier bird sanctuary "” and conclude your afternoon with a fascinating sunset safari across its diverse wetlands.

Activities

  • Sunrise Taj Mahal
  • Drive to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri (optional)
  • Sunset safari at Keoladeo Ghana National Park (UNESCO)
Private car

Begin your day with a refreshing morning sunrise visit to Keoladeo National Park for exceptional birdwatching and wildlife photography. Following breakfast at your hotel, journey toward Jaipur, stopping en route to explore the ancient stepwell of Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri. Upon arrival and check-in in Jaipur, discover the global heritage artefacts at the Gyan Museum and admire the architectural elegance of the Patrika Gate and Toran Dwar. Conclude your day by participating in an evening Aarti ceremony at the striking white marble Birla Temple.

Activities

  • Sunrise birdwatching at Keoladeo National Park
  • Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri
  • Drive to Jaipur
  • Gyan Museum "” global heritage artefacts
  • Patrika Gate and Toran Dwar
  • Evening Aarti at Birla Temple
Private car

Immerse yourself fully in the authentic heartbeat of the Pink City with a morning walking tour blending local life, heritage, spirituality and breakfast, followed by a journey to Amber Town for an enchanting tour of the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort and Palace. On your return, stop by the picturesque Jal Mahal in Man Sagar Lake before enjoying a delicious local lunch at a handpicked restaurant. Spend your afternoon shopping for traditional crafts "” such as block-printed textiles and blue pottery "” or taking a vibrant rickshaw ride through the old city's bustling bazaars. Conclude your evening by preparing and sharing a home-cooked dinner with a local Indian family.

Activities

  • Morning walking tour of old walled city
  • UNESCO-listed Amber Fort and Palace
  • Jal Mahal in Man Sagar Lake
  • Shopping: block-printed textiles, blue pottery
  • Evening home-cooked dinner with a local family
Private car + walking

Spend your morning exploring the heart of the Pink City, anchored by the City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour through the palace's multi-layered courtyards, halls and the seven-storey Chandra Mahal, which has served as the residence of the Royal Family since 1729. Following a relaxing afternoon break at your hotel, head out late in the day to the Aravalli hills to explore the early 20th-century palace retreat of Nahargarh Fort. An exclusive dinner night is planned at Samode Haveli or 1135 AD in Amber Fort.

Activities

  • City Palace Complex "” Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace
  • Seven-storey Chandra Mahal (Royal Family residence since 1729)
  • Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory (UNESCO)
  • Nahargarh Fort "” panoramic Aravalli views
  • Exclusive dinner at Samode Haveli or 1135 AD at Amber Fort
Private car

Following breakfast, embark on a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most celebrated sanctuaries for spotting Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an enthralling evening safari deep into the wilderness. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure, relaxing with the resort's amenities and enjoying dinner at your convenience.

Activities

  • Drive Jaipur to Pushkar (~2 hrs) → Ranthambore (~3 hrs)
  • Evening jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park
Private car (~3 hrs)

Set out on an early morning safari to experience prime wildlife viewing and ideal photography conditions before departing for Bundi, the historic city of stepwells. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and head out after lunch to explore the atmospheric Taragarh Fort and the magnificent Bundi Palace, home to the celebrated miniature paintings of the Chitrashala. Continue your afternoon by visiting the architectural marvels of Dhabhai Kund and Rani Ji Ki Baori before concluding your day with a leisurely stroll through the old town's charming, art-adorned lanes.

Activities

  • Morning jeep safari in Ranthambore
  • Drive to Bundi (~3 hrs)
  • Taragarh Fort (14th century)
  • Bundi Palace and Chitrashala miniature paintings
  • Dhabhai Kund stepwell
  • Rani Ji Ki Baori (Queen's stepwell)
  • Evening walk through Bundi's old town
Private car (~3 hrs)

Embark on your day by exploring the striking architecture of Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri, featuring its 84 intricately carved pillars and meticulous design as an exceptional display of Rajasthani prowess. Afterward, journey toward Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes, stopping en route to explore the massive hilltop citadel of Chittorgarh Fort "” India's largest fort complex, spanning across 700 acres and comprising 65 historic structures including palaces, temples and victory towers that epitomise the indomitable Rajput spirit. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check in to your hotel to relax and unwind after a full day of travel.

Activities

  • Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri (84-pillared cenotaph)
  • Optional: Chittorgarh Fort
  • Drive to Udaipur (~4.5 hrs)
Private car (~4.5 hrs)

Optional Chittorgarh detour adds ~1.5 hrs to travel time.

Begin your morning with the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu at the architectural marvel of Jagdish Temple before exploring the sprawling courtyards, pavilions and galleries of the magnificent City Palace on the shores of Lake Pichola. Discover the royal heritage of the Marwar Royal Family at the City Palace Museum's Crystal Gallery before enjoying lunch at the 1559 AD Restaurant. Spend your afternoon exploring the delicate art of miniature paintings at an artisan workshop, followed by a late-afternoon sunset cruise on Lake Pichola past the scenic Jag Mandir. Conclude your evening by experiencing a vibrant Dharohar folk dance show at the historic Bagore Ki Haveli.

Activities

  • Jagdish Temple
  • City Palace and Crystal Gallery
  • Artisan miniature-painting workshop
  • Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola past Jag Mandir
  • Evening Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Private car + boat

Following breakfast, journey toward the charming hamlet of Narlai, renowned for its 17th-century heritage hotels and a large leopard population that coexists harmoniously with the local Rabari community. En route, stop to explore the architectural masterpiece of the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a sacred three-story pilgrimage site featuring 27 halls supported by intricately carved marble pillars. Upon arrival at Narlai, check in to your hotel and prepare for a thrilling sunset leopard safari across the rugged terrain of the Aravalli Hills. Conclude your evening with a romantic candlelit dinner on the banks of a centuries-old stepwell. The following morning, take a guided walking tour with a local expert to meet the Rabari community before journeying to Jodhpur. Explore the dramatic heights of Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's finest immaculately preserved fortifications, offering sweeping views of Jodhpur's famous blue-hued old city. Nearby, visit the striking white marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, before a scheduled flight back to New Delhi for your onward journey home.

Activities

  • Ranakpur Jain Temple (1,444 carved columns, white marble)
  • Sunset leopard safari in the Aravalli terrain
  • Candlelit dinner by a centuries-old stepwell
  • Morning walk with Rabari pastoralist community
  • Drive to Jodhpur (~2.5 hrs)
  • Afternoon walking tour of Jodhpur's old blue city
  • Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada
  • Flight to Delhi for onward connection
Private car + flight to Delhi

Kumbhalgarh Fort is an optional additional overnight stop between Udaipur and Narlai.

Flexibility

En-Route Options

Optional Stop

Chittorgarh Fort

Optional detour on the Bundi"“Udaipur leg.

Optional Stop

Kumbhalgarh

Optional detour on the Udaipur"“Narlai leg.

Optional Stop

Ranakpur Jain Temple

Highly recommended stop on the Udaipur"“Narlai leg.

Optional Stop

Fatehpur Sikri

Optional on the Agra"“Bharatpur leg.

Add-Ons

Optional Experiences

Optional

Chittorgarh Fort

The largest fort complex in India "” 240 hectares on a plateau above the plains "” with tales of Rajput resistance and the Jauhar sacrifice. An optional detour on the Bundi"“Udaipur leg.

Optional

Kumbhalgarh Fort

The second-longest fortified wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. An optional overnight stop on the Udaipur"“Narlai leg.

Responsible Tourism

“Taking into consideration the well-being of animals, we as a responsible tour operator do not encourage the ride nor any activities related with the animals.”

Journey at a Glance

Duration13 Days / 12 Nights
Best SeasonOctober "“ March
Destinations10 Cities
PricingRequest a Quote
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