16 Nights / 17 Days

Forts & Palace of Rajasthan

New Delhi - Samode - Nawalgarh - Gajner - Bikaner - Deshnok - Jaisalmer - Rohetgarh - Udaipur - Deogarh - Pushkar - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - New Delhi

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The Forts & Palace of Rajasthan Tour from Tour Planner Rajasthan is the perfect way to explore the majestic palaces and forts of India’s largest state. This 16-day tour package takes you on a journey of discovery through some of Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations—Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. During your journey, you’ll have the chance to explore the historic Pink City of Jaipur, visit the majestic City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur, admire the imposing Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Experience the Red Fort in Delhi and Discover the “Living Fort “ Jaisalmer.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant culture of Delhi, India’s capital city.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Pink City of Jaipur.
  • Visit the majestic City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur.
  • Explore the imposing Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
  • Take in the breathtaking views from the fortresses of Jaisalmer.

Itinerary Details:

Welcome to India! You will be received at Indira Gandhi International airport by one of our executives and later shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Remaining time is completely at leisure.

After having a leisurely breakfast, move out for a daylong sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation, the iconic Qutub Minar, stunning Lotus temple and other attractions. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk— Old Delhi's most famous market—where you'll be able to shop for everything from saris to silver jewellery. Post noon, drive past India gate, Parliament house and President's house. By the evening return back to the hotel. Optional sound and light show tour at Akshardham temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Samode - a 475 year-old maharaja's mansion in a surreal setting, in the heart of Rajasthan. Home to mirror-tiled halls and mural-lined walls, marble swimming pools and regal, antique-filled suites, this walled desert wonderland is the stuff of legend. A splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. Exclusive and discreet, Samode Palace has been host to royalty, celebrities, artists, and the discerning traveller. Awaken to the quiet dawn, or have a cocktail on the terrace garden to the accompaniment of folk musicians. Run your fingers across the intricate story of an ancient mural on an uneven wall. Emerge from a gentle healing massage at the spa, or perhaps just sink into the lavish bed in your room. Samode Palace weaves its magic on you. Evening free to explore the Samode village and enjoy your stay here.

After having breakfast, drive straight to Shekhawati region. Arrive Nawalgarh - a vibrant town with a great blend of accommodation and painted havelis, which number in the hundreds. Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with colorful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture make it an interesting destination. There are a few prominent havelis that are to be visited, and so are the two forts and the palace hotel Roop Niwas that is a beautiful heritage property and is renovated with modern facilities. The Palace offers spacious painted rooms, Luxurious interiors, graceful hospitality and great thematic evenings with sumptuous cuisine. The registered painting in their Art Gallery is a treat to the visuals. Evening is at leisure.

Drive to Gajner and stay in Gajner Palace - an old royal abode standing at the edge of a beautiful lake, this is a typical Rajput mansion that is ornately carved from dark red sandstone. As soon as you drive through the gates of this beautiful palace, you will be enveloped in an ambience that is reminiscent of the bygone era. One of the best-known places to visit in Bikaner, the palace perfectly showcases the magnanimous culture and many shades of history that colour the entire state of Rajasthan. It was built by His Highness Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh and is located a mere 30-minutes’ drive from the city of Bikaner. The Maharaja used the palace as a summer home and it was often used as a hunting lodge during Edwardian times, where the Maharaja of Bikaner would entertain his guests. According to its history, Gajner Palace has played host to the Prince of Wales, Lord Mountbatten, Lord Elwin, and many more dignitaries. Though the palace has been refurbished, major aspects are still preserved in their old-fashioned ways to offer guests and visitors an authentic palace experience. This lakeside retreat also offers people the opportunity to go on game drives in the adjoining wildlife. Experience the old-time history and immerse yourself in the opulence of Gajner Palace.

Today, take an excursion to the historic city of Bikaner. Upon arrival, a half-day sightseeing tour of this beautiful city starts with a visit to the majestic Junagarh Fort, which was built by Raja Rai Singhji between 1571 and 1611. Inspired by his overseas trips, Junagarh Fort comprises palaces, temples, pavilions, monuments, and art. Also visit a Camel Breeding Farm and by the evening return back to Gajner for overnight stay.

Drive to Jaisalmer today and halt at Deshnok and visit Karni Mata temple also known as Rat temple along the way. Later drive to Jaisalmer, nicknamed as the "Golden City" for the yellow sandstone this fortified citadel is made of. Upon arrival, you will be driven straight to the Sam Sand Dunes to enjoy a camel ride and see the sunset. Evening folk dance performances followed by dinner at the camps. Overnight stay at the desert camps.

Drive to Jaisalmer city and visit the beautifully-carved Jain temples and the city's magnificent Havelis (merchants' mansions), including Patwon ki Haveli (the largest) and Nathmal Ki Haveli, built at the end of the 19th century. Also visit Bada Bagh, a garden complex with several royal cenotaphs. It's a great place to admire the sunset and photograph the walled city. You can also walk down to Gadisar Lake, a water reservoir located south of the fortress. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Rohetgarh today and stay in this classified heritage hotel. Since 1990 it has been nurtured and developed with great love and care by the family into one of the finest Heritage hotels in the country. No new building has been added in the renovation process, but rather, old edifices have been skillfully redesigned to create a heritage property that has few parallels. Situated on the banks of a lake and set in the midst of rural surroundings, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. Sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis where the bird song is the only sound you will hear. Often dinner is served by the poolside as folk musicians enliven the evening atmosphere. An elegant, beautifully appointed lounge, serene verandas, and terraces with breath-taking views, make perfect venues for relaxation. During your stay here, take a Village Safari and an array of activities - from an extensive equestrian program to culinary workshops, Rohet Garh has set the highest standards in quality and efficiency, offering its guests an experience beyond compare. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After having breakfast, checkout and we leave the arid desert behind and drive through the beautiful Rajasthani countryside and the Aravalli Hills on our way to the 'City of Lakes' Udaipur. Enroute, take a halt at the beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, supported by 1444 marble pillars, each of them intricately and artistically carved, yet no two of them are alike. We continue our drive to the lakeside city of Udaipur, also known as the most romantic city in India. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening you may stroll around the shores of Lake Pichola to watch the sunset over the city's beautiful temples, palaces, hills, ghats (stairs).

After having a leisurely breakfast, your tour of Udaipur begins with a visit to the beautiful City Palace on the shores of Lake Pichola. Comprising several different palaces built over the generations by various Maharanas (warrior kings), who ruled over Udaipur at the time, the complex has different architectural styles and elaborate detailing like the filigreed balconies, beautiful carvings and painted frescoes. Next visit the biggest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple, which was built in 1651. Post lunch, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of the Maids, which was built to provide an escape from the overpowering heat of the court for the queen and her ladies in waiting. This ornamental garden includes fountains, pools, pavilions, and statues in it. At sunset, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to appreciate the beauty of this romantic city from the calm and tranquil waters. Visit Bagore ki Haveli for enjoying a cultural performance of Rajasthani Folk Dances. Overnight at the hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Deogarh. It is situated on the eastern side of the Aravalli Ranges on top of a small hill and has spectacular animal and bird sanctuaries. Arrive and check in at the Palace hotel. Move out to spend your day with the local villagers, who are often engaged in the farming and also in making the local handicrafts. Enjoy a village train ride to the nearest town, to interact with the locals and explore their rural lifestyle, which goes through the sanctuary and hills of Kali Ghati (black valley), where there are many bridges and tunnels constructed by the British. There are many wild animals in the region, and the plains of Marwar region are visible from atop the mountains. Return to Deogarh by evening.

After having breakfast, drive to Jaipur. On the way make a halt at the holy town of Pushkar - it is home to the one and only Brahma temple in the world and is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Visit the Temple and spend some time by the sacred lake. Continue your drive to Jaipur today and upon arrival check in at the hotel. Evening is free to explore the bazaars in and around the walled city.

Early in the morning drive to the 16th century Amber Fort. Ascend on an elephant that transports you to the lofty fort, where you enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon visit the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire, Hawa Mahal (palace of winds) and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Evening you have the option of having dinner at an ethnic rural village or at the hilltop of Nahargarh which offers a breathtaking night view of Jaipur. Overnight at your hotel.

After having your breakfast, checkout and drive to Bharatpur. Stop by Abhaneri stepwells enroute. Visit the Harshat Mata Temple and India's deepest and largest stepwell, the impressive Chand Baori. Later drive to the Keoladeo National Park, a former royal game reserve that now acts as an impressive bird sanctuary protecting over 350 species of migratory and resident birds. Besides the plethora of feathered creatures, you'll enjoy pointing out the variety of wildlife that make up the Bharatpur sanctuary, including hyenas, sambar deer, gazelle-like chinkara, Indian antelope or "blackbuck," wild boar, wildcats, and nilgai (blue bull) antelopes. Take a cycle rickshaw safari inside the park accompanied by a Naturalist to assist you with the nomenclature of the flora and fauna of the Park. Overnight at Bharatpur.

Morning you may take one more cycle rickshaw safari inside the Park. Later, checkout and continue your journey to Agra. Visit the 16th century Fatehpur Sikri - the abandoned citadel of Akbar enroute. Finally reach Agra and check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning at sunrise, visit the epitome of love – the world famous Taj Mahal! Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Continuing the tour visit the grand Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. Later, drive back to New Delhi and upon arrival you have the option of some last minute shopping or having dinner at one of the local restaurants. At appropriate time, you will be transferred to the International airport for your onward journey [The Tour Ends]