17 Nights / 18 Days Rajasthan with Varanasi Tour Package
Embark on a captivating 18-day journey through the cultural and historical wonders of India with our Rajasthan & Varanasi Tour Package. Discover the architectural marvels of Delhi, the breathtaking fresco-painted havelis of Mandawa, and the majestic forts of Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi and witness the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Each destination offers a unique blend of tradition, history, and local flavours, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience.
Detailed Program
Day 1: Delhi Arrival:
Morning or evening: Arrival at Delhi IGI International Airport. Welcome by our local representative and transfer to your hotel to start your Rajasthan and Varanasi tours with us.
A visit to Delhi will be proposed according to your arrival schedule at Delhi International Airport.
Day 2: Delhi to Mandawa:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel depart for Mandawa, a hidden gem in the Shekhawati region famous for its intricate frescoes and grand havelis.
Afternoon: On arrival check into a heritage hotel, followed by a tour of the iconic Murmuria Haveli and Jhunjhunwala Haveli, both adorned with stunning paintings and historical artefacts.
Late Afternoon: Dive deeper into the history of the Mandawa with a walking tour of the village and its local markets.
Day 3: Mandawa to Bikaner:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel drive to Bikaner, a city rich in culture and history and also known as the gateway to the Thar Desert.
Afternoon: On arrival check into your hotel and, drive to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke about 40kms from Bikaner, also known as the Rat Temple. Learn about its intriguing history and why rats are considered sacred here.
End of the Afternoon: Explore the majestic havelis of Bikaner, such as the Rampuria Haveli, and marvel at the intricate Jain temples. Wander through the vibrant bazaars where traditional Rajasthani attire and crafts are on full display.
Day 4: Bikaner to Jaisalmer via Ramdeora :
Morning: In the morning after breakfast at your hotel, depart to visit Junagarh Fort in Bikaner. Constructed between 1589 and 1593, this fort offers a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Don’t miss the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Karan Mahal, known for their intricate carvings and lavish courtyards.
Late in the morning: Drive to Jaisalmer. En route, stop at Ramdeora Temple, dedicated to the local deity Baba Ramdev. The temple is a blend of Rajput and Muslim architectural styles and attracts millions of devotees annually.
End of Afternoon: On arrival in Jaisalmer check into your hotel. In the late afternoon, head to Bada Bagh, a garden complex about 6 km north of Jaisalmer. Here, you’ll find a series of royal cenotaphs made of yellow sandstone. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Thar Desert.
Day 5: In Jaisalmer;
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, head to explore the Golden Fort (Sonar Kila), built in 1156 by Rajput ruler Jaisal. The fort is a living monument, housing shops, hotels, temples and ancient havelis. Visit the Patwa-ki-Haveli, a collection of five havelis, each one more ornate than the other. Continue your visit with the visit of Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, recognized for its peacock-shaped roof and intricate latticework.
Afternoon: In the afternoon drive to Khuri village, 40 km from Jaisalmer, for an authentic desert experience. Take a camel ride or a Jeep safari to explore the vast sand dunes. Enjoy a mesmerising sunset over the Thar Desert.
End of Afternoon: As the sun sets, sit around a bonfire to enjoy a cultural evening featuring Rajasthani music, dance, and a sumptuous local dinner. Night in the desert camp.
Day 6: Jaisalmer to jodhpur:
Morning: After the breakfast drive to Jodhpur, also known as Blue City, for its blue houses, which were traditionally painted to signify the home of a Brahmin.
Afternoon: On arrival check in to your hotel. In the afternoon head to visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The fort’s museum showcases royal palanquins, costumes, and intricate miniature paintings. Nearby is the Jaswant Thada, a milky-white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, featuring intricate carvings and a serene lake.
End of the Afternoon: Meander through the Sardar Market near the Clock Tower, famous for spices, hand-embroidered fabrics, and silver trinkets.
Day 7: Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel depart for Udaipur. On the way visit the extraordinary Ranakpur Jain Temple. This temple is an architectural marvel with 1,444 uniquely carved columns and intricate sculptures that narrate Jain scriptures.
Afternoon: Arrive in Udaipur check into your hotel and have time to relax.
End of Afternoon: Attend a captivating traditional dance and puppet show at Bagore ki Haveli, a historic residence that offers a peek into royal life with its museum and cultural performances.
Day 8: In Udaipur:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, head to explore the Grand City Palace, a complex of palaces on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. The museum inside the palace offers a range of artefacts, from royal costumes to antique weapons. Continue your visit with the visit of Jagdish Temple, a large and artistically important Hindu temple.
Afternoon: Roam the bustling local markets of Udaipur famous for miniature paintings, silver jewellery, and Rajasthani fabrics.
End of the Afternoon: Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola, which offers splendid views of the city and the sunset.
Day 9: Udaipur to Bundi Via Chittorgarh :
Morning: In the morning after breakfast drive to Bundi. On the way visit the largest fort in Rajasthan, The Chittorgarh Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a symbol of the bravery and chivalry of Rajputs. The fort houses several historical palaces, gates, temples, and two prominent commemorative towers.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Bundi, check into your hotel. Then visit the old town, where you can explore “Raniji ki Baori,” an intricately designed stepwell adorned with sculptures.
Evening: The evening free time to stroll in the streets of Bundi to explore the local markets.
Day 10: Bundi to Jaipur:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, visit Bundi Palace and Taragarh Fort, both of which offer panoramic views of the city below. The palace is renowned for its traditional murals and frescoes.
Afternoon: Upon arrival check into your hotel. Visit the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. This five-story building in pink sandstone features a honeycomb of latticed windows that allow royal women to observe street festivals without being seen from outside.
End of Afternoon: Visit the Laxminarayan Temple, commonly known as Birla Temple. This modern marvel made entirely of white marble, contrasts with the historic temples you’ve seen so far. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi, and you can see various carvings depicting mythological events. If time permits, you can assist with the evening puja ceremony at the temple.
Day 11: In Jaipur:
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel dead to visit the Amber Fort, a fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal, a room adorned with thousands of mirror tiles and coloured glasses. The fort also houses Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, featuring a double row of columns with elephant-head brackets.
On the way back to Jaipur, a brief halt to visit from outside the Jal Mahal situated on Lake Mansagar.
Afternoon: Later explore the City Palace complex, which includes the Mubarak Mahal, now converted into a costume gallery displaying royal attires, and the Chandra Mahal, offering panoramic views of the city. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory that houses 19 architectural astronomical instruments.
End of the Afternoon: Walk around the local bazaars of Jaipur, such as Johari Bazaar, famous for precious gemstones, and Tripolia Bazaar, known for its ironware, utensils, and trinkets.
Day 12: Jaipur to Agra Via Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri :
Morning: In the morning after breakfast at your hotel, set out for Agra, making a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned Mughal city. Highlights include Buland Darwaza, the 54-meter high entrance, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti, adorned with intricate marble screens.
Afternoon: After reaching Agra, check in to your hotel and visit Agra Fort, a red sandstone edifice with a mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Explore the Jahangiri Mahal, an impressive blend of Persian and Mughal architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal, known for its mirrored mosaics.
End of Afternoon: Dive into the shopping scene at Kinari Bazaar, perfect for shopping for local artefacts and a great place to find fabrics, saris, and spices.
Day 13: Agra to Varanasi (train):
Morning: Early in the morning depart to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise to capture its marble facade reflecting the evolving hues of the sun. The monument is a symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Back to hotel for the breakfast.
Afternoon: Visit the Itmatudualla’s Tomb, also known as the “Baby Taj,” and the Mehtab Bagh Gardens, which offer a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
Evening: Transfer to the railway station for a night train to Varanasi (air-conditioned class). Overnight on the train.
Day 14: Varanasi
Morning: Upon arrival in Varanasi, welcome by our local representative at the railway station and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Sarnath Temple, a significant Buddhist site where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment.
Evening: Witness the Ganga Aarti at the Ghats of the Ganges. This is a spectacular ceremony that offers insight into Hindu rituals and beliefs.
Day 15: In Varanasi:
Morning: Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River. Visit various Ghats including the Manikarnika (cremation ghat) and Dasahwamedha (main ghat).
Afternoon: Wander through the ancient city and explore the bustling Chowk market. The maze-like streets offer everything from trinkets to textiles.
Evening at leisure at your hotel.
Day 16: Varanasi to Delhi (by flight/Train)
Morning: Leisure time at your hotel.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.
Evening: Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for free time to relax.
Day 17: In Delhi:
Morning: In the morning explore Old Delhi starting at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India capable of holding up to 25,000 devotees. Continue to visit the Chandni Chowk market and Khari Baoli, a bustling marketplace offering everything from spices, and jewellery to traditional Indian clothes.
Afternoon: Visit Humayun’s Tomb, often considered the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Next, see Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall tower built in 1193, known for its intricate carvings and verses from the Quran.
End of the Afternoon: Visit the India Gate, a memorial of Indian Soldiers who died during the First World War and the presidential palace (from outside).
Day 18 – Delhi Departure:
Transfer to Delhi’s International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable trip to Rajasthan and Varanasi.
END OF OUR SERVICES
