Rajasthan Fort & Palaces with Temple Town Khajuraho & Varanasi
This thoughtfully designed journey combines India’s most celebrated heritage circuits with remarkable temple towns, wildlife sanctuaries, and sacred river cities. Begin in Delhi with its Mughal monuments and colonial landmarks, then move to Agra for the timeless Taj Mahal. Continue through Rajasthan, discovering the royal legacy of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bundi, and Pushkar, each offering its own blend of forts, palaces, stepwells, and colorful local life. Experience wildlife adventures in Ranthambore and Panna National Parks, then travel onward to Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, where architectural brilliance, spiritual traditions, and riverfront ceremonies bring the journey to a memorable close. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a complete India experience filled with history, culture, heritage, and spirituality.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Delhi, the capital of India, offers a fascinating introduction with its blend of old-world heritage and modern city life. The rest of the day is free for leisure, allowing you to acclimatize and prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Start with Old Delhi by visiting Jama Masjid and the historic Red Fort, followed by a rickshaw ride through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, before exploring New Delhi. Visit India Gate, drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House, and explore Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to the hotel after a day rich in history and culture. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra covering approx. 210 kms / 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Later, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Continue to Agra Fort, a grand UNESCO-listed fortress with palaces, courtyards, and historic halls. End the day with a visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, admired for its delicate marble inlay work. Overnight at hotel in Agra.
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur covering approx. 245 kms / 5–6 hours. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital known for Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the tomb of Salim Chishti. Continue to Abhaneri to see the famous Chand Baori stepwell, a stunning example of ancient engineering and design. Proceed to Jaipur, the Pink City, and check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may explore the colorful local markets. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your Jaipur city tour with a visit to Amber Fort, a magnificent hilltop fortress known for its courtyards, mirror work, and scenic views. Continue to the City Palace, where royal artifacts and elegant architecture reflect Jaipur’s regal past. Visit Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory, and stop for photographs at the iconic Hawa Mahal. Later, visit Sisodia Rani Garden and Birla Temple. Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars offer an excellent opportunity for shopping in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 6: Jaipur to Jodhpur via Pushkar
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur covering approx. 330 kms / 6–7 hours. En route, stop in Pushkar, a sacred town famous for its Brahma Temple and holy Pushkar Lake, where pilgrims perform rituals and take sacred dips. Continue your journey to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. The evening is free to unwind or explore the local surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 7: Jodhpur Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin the city tour of Jodhpur with a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s greatest forts, offering panoramic views of the blue-painted city below. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a serene marble cenotaph with intricate carvings. Later, visit Mandore Gardens, known for its royal memorials and peaceful setting. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring local markets or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur covering approx. 260 kms / 5–6 hours. En route, visit the renowned Ranakpur Jain Temple, admired for its 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars and peaceful atmosphere. Continue through the scenic Aravalli landscapes to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to time and conditions. Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing in Udaipur with the grand City Palace, a magnificent complex overlooking Lake Pichola. Continue to Saheliyon ki Bari, a beautifully landscaped garden with fountains, marble kiosks, and lotus pools. Visit Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and later enjoy panoramic views from the Monsoon Palace. In the evening, witness the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli, which beautifully presents Rajasthan’s cultural traditions. Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur to Bundi via Chittorgarh
After breakfast, drive to Bundi covering approx. 275 kms / 6–7 hours. En route, visit Chittorgarh Fort, a legendary symbol of Rajput bravery and sacrifice, famous for its massive gates, towers, and historic structures. Continue to Bundi and check in at the hotel. Later, explore the town’s stepwells, palaces, and hidden heritage lanes that reflect its old-world charm. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Bundi.
Day 11: Bundi to Ranthambore
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore covering approx. 150 kms / 3–4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax in the natural surroundings. In the evening, visit Ranthambore Fort, which offers sweeping views of the tiger reserve and a glimpse into the region’s royal past. The fort’s location inside the park adds a unique historical dimension to the wildlife experience. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore.
Day 12: Ranthambore Safaris
Begin the day early with a jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park, accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Explore the park’s forests, grasslands, and lakes while keeping an eye out for tigers, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some leisure time. In the afternoon, proceed for another safari to increase your chances of wildlife sightings. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore.
Day 13: Ranthambore to Orchha via Shivpuri
After breakfast, drive to Orchha covering approx. 300 kms / 6–7 hours. En route, stop at Shivpuri to enjoy its serene lakes and natural surroundings. Continue your journey to Orchha and check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the River Betwa, with scenic views of the historic town and riverside monuments. Orchha’s calm atmosphere offers a refreshing change from the wildlife circuit. Overnight at hotel in Orchha.
Day 14: Orchha to Panna National Park
After breakfast, explore Orchha’s historic monuments, including its forts, temples, and cenotaphs, each reflecting the grandeur of Bundela architecture. Later, drive to Panna National Park covering approx. 200 kms / 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the resort and relax amidst the forest surroundings. The region is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Spend the evening at leisure in the wildlife-rich environment. Overnight at hotel in Panna.
Day 15: Panna National Park to Khajuraho
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Panna National Park, guided by an expert naturalist. Search for tigers, leopards, deer, and birdlife in the park’s forested terrain. After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho covering approx. 35 kms / 1 hour. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy the light and sound show that highlights the artistic and historical significance of the Khajuraho temples. Overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 16: Khajuraho to Varanasi
After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho, renowned for their detailed sculptures and extraordinary architectural craftsmanship. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges, a spiritual ritual filled with devotion, music, and lamps. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 17: Varanasi Sightseeing
Start the day early with a boat ride on the River Ganges, where you can witness the morning rituals, prayers, and daily life unfolding along the ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum to explore the Buddhist heritage of the region. Later, enjoy a guided city tour of Varanasi, discovering its temples, narrow lanes, and spiritual atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 18: Varanasi to Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, board your connecting flight for your onward journey. Your tour concludes with unforgettable memories of royal Rajasthan, wildlife adventures, sacred temples, and spiritual riverbanks, creating a truly complete India experience.
- Assistance on arrival at airport
- 17 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per program
- English-speaking local guides during sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
- 3 jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park with naturalist
- 1 jeep safari in Panna National Park with naturalist
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle
- All applicable government taxes
Hotels used or similar for 17 nights accommodation
Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott
Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Holiday Inn City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur
Jodhpur x 2 nights
3* - Devi Bhawan/ Pal Haveli
4* - The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place
5* - Welcome Hotel/ Ajit Bhawan
Udaipur x 2 nights
3* - Jaiwana Haveli/ Hotel Amar Kothi
4* - Hotel Lakend/ Amet Haveli
5* - Aurika Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels/ Trident Udaipur
Bundi x 1 night
3*/4/5* - The Hadoti Palace/ Nawal Sagar Palace
Ranthambhore x 2 nights
3* - Tiger Machan Resort/ Sher Vilas
4* - Ranthambhore Regency/ WH Ranthambore Mount Valley Resort
5* - Nahargarh Ranthambore/ Dev Vilas
Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centre x 1 night
Panna National Park x 1 night
3* - Greetoe Resorts
4* - Tuli Tiger Corridor/ Pench Jungle Camp
5* - Sarai at Toria/ Pugdundee Safaris Pench Tree Lodge
Khajuraho x 1 night
3* & 4* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj
- Khajuraho – Varanasi and Varanasi – Delhi flight fare approx. INR 9,500 per person in economy class
- Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
- Camera charges at monuments, if applicable
- Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, liquor, telephone, fax, internet, and shopping
- Gratuities and optional activities
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions