Best of Rajasthan and Varanasi Tour

Luxurious Heritage Travel > India > Best of Rajasthan and Varanasi Tour

Destination

DELHI – UDAIPUR – RANAKPUR – JODHPUR – JAISALMER – BIKANER – JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA – ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO – VARANASI

Duration

13 Nights / 14 Days

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This itinerary is customizable according to your need

Inclusions

Accommodation

Transfer

Meals

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, start your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi that includes visits to Jama Masjid, built in 1650 A.D. and the amazing Red Fort, which was the seat of Mughal Empire for more than 250 years. We proceed to enjoying a rickshaw ride along the alleys of the ancient bazaars of Chandni Chowk and then drive past the imposing India Gate, Parliament Buildings and President House. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2

Delhi – Udiapur (By Flight)

In the morning, we transfer to airport to catch a flight for Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, we transfer to the hotel. Later, we take a city tour of Udaipur and start by visiting the City Palace which has gorgeous rooms with mirrored walls, ivory doors, inlaid marble balconies and a peacock courtyard. We will also visit the Jagdish temple and the lovely Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 3

Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (280 Km, 6 Hours)

We take a morning departure for Jodhpur and stop en-route to visit Ranakpur. Here, we have 15th-century Jain Temples known for their outstanding sculptures. The Temple has 1444 pillars and none of them is alike. We then continue our drive to Jodhpur and on arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4

Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (310 Km, 5 Hours)

We take a morning tour of Jodhpur and start by visiting the Meharangarh Fort built in 1457. and situated at an altitude of about 125 mts. It is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and has seven gates. It was the toughest fort to conquer in the whole of Rajasthan. It also boasts of one of the rarest collection of cannons in the country. Then, we visit Jaswant Thada, which is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. With its white marble memorial built out of intricately carved sheets of marble, Jaswant Thada is architectural. In the afternoon, we leave for Jaisalmer which is an architectural dream in the lonely yellow silence of the desert. On arrival, we check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5

Jaisalmer

We start with a morning city tour of Jaisalmer and visit the fort known as Sonar Quila, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting sun in its most colourful shades, giving it a fairy tale look. We will also visit Patwaon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli which are famous for their wonderful carvings. We then take an afternoon excursion to the sand dunes located at a distance of 42 km from Jaisalmer to create an unforgettable experience of camel rides and sunset views. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6

Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 Km, 6 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for Bikaner, which is a desert city on the ancient caravan routes that originated from Africa and West Asia. Upon arrival, and check-in at the hotel. We take an afternoon city tour of Bikaner by visiting the impressive Junagarh fort. One of the most unique features of this Fort is that it has been built on a desert plain, a stark contrast to the high elevation forts normally found in Rajasthan. Blending the best of Oriental and European architecture styles, the Junagarh Fort spells grandeur all the way. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 7

Bikaner – Jaipur (320 Km, 7 Hours)

In the morning, we leave for Jaipur. After arrival, we check-in at the hotel. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is a magnificent planned city and is also known as the “Pink City”. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the local bazaar. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8

Jaipur

We start with a morning excursion to the Amer Fort. You will ascend the fort atop painted elephants and pass by its huge gateways and pillared pavilions. The fort houses a marble palace, Temple of Victory and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). In the afternoon, we take a city tour and visit City Palace and Museum. Next, we visit the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds) which is five stories high and is decorated with delicate screens carved from stone, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar, an observatory which is still equipped with immense brick and mortar instruments. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9

Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (235 Km, 6 Hours)

We leave early morning for Agra. En-route, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, undoubtedly the best-preserved Mughal Palace city of all. Built by Akbar the Great around 1570, Fatehpur Sikri has the highest quality of craftsmanship. The emperor constructed the city only to abandon it some fourteen years later when it is said that the water system failed. We then proceed to Agra, which was once the capital of Mughal India and centre of great power and glory. Visit one of the eight wonders of the world – the “Taj Mahal”, the monument of love immortalized in marble, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Queen Mumtaj. Overnight stay in Agra. (TAJ MAHAL is closed on Friday).

Day 10

Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho (Train – 3 Hours + 180 Km, 4 Hours)

In the morning, we transfer to the railway station to catch the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival, we undertake a short drive to Orccha, a rich legacy of Bundela rulers, who built the beautiful temple and palaces here in the 16th century. We proceed to visit Rai Praveen Mahal and Raja Temple, and then move to Khajuraho. After arrival, we check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11

Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Flight – 40 Minutes)

In the morning, we visit the temples whose architecture and bold artistic statement are exemplary. The temples are also famous for erotic sculptures. Later, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. Varanasi is the oldest city of the world and is famous as the city of temples. It is the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus and the sight of devotees praying standing in the deep waters of the Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 12

Varanasi

We take an early morning boat cruise on river Ganges to visit the Bathing Ghats. You will see Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river and people bathing in the holy water and worshiping the rising sun. You will also witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds, post which we will return to the hotel for breakfast. We then continue with a city tour of Varanasi and visit various temples. We take an afternoon excursion to Sarnath – it was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and set in motion the wheel of law of Buddhist faith. We return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13

Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight – 1¼ Hours)

After breakfast, we transfer to the Varanasi airport to catch our flight to Delhi. Rest of day is for a panoramic tour of New Delhi, including the India Gate, Presidents House, and Government buildings. Overnight stay in Delhi.