Cultural Highlights of Rajasthan: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Udaipur - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, Free Time

Welcome to India! Your guide will meet you at New Delhi International Airport, and you'll be given a traditional swagat (welcome) before driving to your hotel in New Delhi. Once you've settled in, enjoy some free time exploring. India's capital is a huge and densely populated city where ancient culture meets modern life. Head to the winding alleyways of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, a vibrant bazaar full of spice shops, sweet vendors, and food carts. In New Delhi, explore Dilli Haat with handicrafts, food, and music, and Janpath Market with crafts, clothing, jewelry, brassware, and leather goods.

Alternatively, join a guided walk of Lodi Garden in New Delhi. One of the city's most popular parks, this 90-acre (36 ha) scenic garden is home to 15th-century tombs, mosques, and bridges, as well as a wide variety of trees and birds. After a relaxing stroll, enjoy a cup of chai (sweet, strong milky tea) with locals at a tea shop in the center of the gardens. Delhi's iconic monument, India Gate, is nearby.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Old & New Delhi

Today you'll learn about the culture and history of Old and New Delhi on a full-day sightseeing tour. Begin in Old Delhi, which is busy, crowded, and still influenced by the Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. Make your way to this UNESCO-listed fort first thing to admire its massive red sandstone walls. There are actually two forts here. One was built as the palace fort of the Mughal Emporer, Shah Jahan, and Islam Shah Suri built an older fort in 1546. Next, visit Jama Masjid, the largest 17th-century mosque in India.

From here, take an exhilarating rickshaw tour of the bustling Chandni Chowk Market, which was the center of the city of Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. Next, explore the textile market, the Kinari Bazaar wedding market, the Khari Baoli spice market, and the Nai Sarak book market. After stopping for a local lunch, head into New Delhi to visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Then, drive past the Presidential Palace, Secretariat Buildings, and India Gate. The tour ends with a visit to Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, and Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. 

Day 3: Transfer to Agra, Visit Agra Fort & Taj Mahal at Sunset

In the morning, a private driver will take you to Agra, a city that grew in prominence under the rule of the Mughal Empire from the 16th century. Mughal emperor, Akbar, reigned over the city when it became a leading center of art, science, commerce, and culture, drawing intellectuals and artists to its darbars (royal courts) and havelis (traditional townhouse mansions). When you arrive, you'll check into your hotel and will have some time to relax before heading out to visit Agra Fort. This UNESCO-listed site has huge red sandstone walls surrounding mosques, palaces, halls, courtyards, and more.

At sunset, visit the incredible Taj Mahal, which has become synonymous not only with Agra but with India as a whole. Shah Jehan built the 17th-century mausoleum for his Empress, Mumtaz Mahal, and the grandeur and beauty of the building will exceed your expectations. It is believed that 20,000 craftsmen worked around the clock for 22 years to complete it. Enjoy watching the colors of the setting sun against this incredible white marble monument. 

Day 4: Transfer to Jaipur, Cinema Experience at the Raj Mandir

You'll be driven to Jaipur first thing today and will check in at your next hotel. Known as the "Pink City" due to its many buildings painted this color, Jaipur is famous for its forts, palaces, and architecture, which has Mughal, Jain, and Hindu influences. You can relax in your hotel after your journey or go on a spiritual walking tour around Jaipur to visit colorful temples and discover some of the city's best-kept secrets. You can also visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars.

Later in the afternoon, you'll visit the Raj Mandir cinema to watch a Bollywood movie. The Art Deco-style theater opened in 1976 and offers the unique experience of watching a movie on a large screen while sitting in a magnificent building with opulent interiors. Bollywood films are in the Hindi language and are usually romantic musicals. These movies are set in colorful India and can still be understood without speaking Hindi through their elaborate costumes, dancing, and singing.

Day 6: Transfer to Pushkar, Sightseeing, Camel Ride

Following breakfast, you'll transfer to Pushkar, a small town located on the edge of the Thar Desert with a tranquil lake, small hills with temples on top, and the world-famous Brahma Temple. Hindu pilgrims frequently visit Pushkar, and there are 52 bathing ghats (bathing pools with steps going down to them), as well as temples at the side of Pushkar Lake. On a sightseeing tour, you'll visit the Brahma Temple and the sacred lake. This is an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus as it is the only temple devoted to Lord Brahma in India. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world in Hindu mythology.

As well as its religious significance, Pushkar is synonymous with camels, and once a year it holds the biggest camel fair in India. Late afternoon, you will go on a camel ride in Pushkar and will enjoy a journey through India's stunning countryside. You'll see the many farms and tiny traditional towns surrounding Pushkar as you explore the area on your camel. You'll have the opportunity to hike through sand dunes and admire beautiful vistas of the amazing desert scenery too. 

Day 7: Transfer to Khimsar, Jeep Safari

Today's destination is the picturesque desert town of Khimsar. After you've checked in at your hotel, you're free to relax for the rest of the day in your peaceful surroundings, which are a haven away from the pollution and noise of the city. Make the most of the facilities at your hotel, or take a walk in the surrounding dunes.

In the evening, head out on a Jeep safari to the nearby villages and the Black Buck Reserve. You'll visit the settlements of the Gujjar (shepherds) and Kalbelia (snake charmers) people and will see the traditional rural Rajasthani lifestyle first-hand. This places emphasis on goodwill, harmony, conservation, and complete utilization of natural resources. Age-old traditions are still practiced here. Then, you'll look around the Black Buck Reserve wildlife sanctuary, which is home to the elegant but endangered blackbuck antelope as well as colorful birds. 

After you've had some time to relax, you'll be picked up in a Jeep and taken to the starting point of your sunset camel ride to the dunes. You'll trek through the vast golden semi-dunes of Thar and will gain an insight into the way of life of the desert and the local villagers who live in mud huts. Your camel guides are knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna, and traditions and will share stories of the desert with you, making your trip a memorable one. You'll return to your accommodation before it's dark to enjoy dinner and perhaps a cultural performance at a nearby restaurant. 

Day 9: Transfer to Chandelao, Chandelaogarh Jeep Safari

Day 10: Transfer to Jalore, Bhenswara Cooking Demonstration & Safari

You'll head to Bhenswara today, a little visited part of Rajasthan. The region around Bhenswara is interesting as it is home to pastoral tribes. The rock-strewn region is also the natural habitat for panthers, and your host here is a keen panther-watcher. After you've checked in, you'll be treated to a cooking demonstration, learning how to cook some of the specialties of Rajasthan.

Early evening, you'll enjoy a thrilling, eerie safari to try and catch a glimpse of a panther, a largely nocturnal animal. Bhenswara is also the natural habitat of the elusive leopard, and your host at Bhenswara is a keen tracker. While sightings are quite rare, the anticipation of a glimpse of these wonderful creatures is exciting in the darkness, and the scenery is a joy, as are the sunsets.

Day 11: Transfer to Udaipur, Cultural Evening of Rajasthani Folk Dances

You'll go to the pretty lakeside town of Udaipur today. Known as "The Pearl of Rajasthan," the "City of Sunrise," and "Venice of the East," Udaipur is considered by many to be the most romantic city in India. After settling into your hotel, you could head out to watch a beautiful sunset over the picturesque Lake Pichola. Around the lake, you'll see bathing ghats, hills, palaces, and temples.

After dinner, enjoy watching traditional folk dancing and cultural performances from Udaipur at the famous Bagore Ki Haveli venue. This haveli (a traditional townhouse or mansion) is an ancient building that stands on the platform of Gangori Ghat near Lake Pichola. The mansion has beautiful architecture, with delicate carvings and colorful stained glass, and it looks particularly special with glowing lights at night. The haveli stages entertaining performances of the traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. 

Day 13: Transfer to Delhi & Depart

Today is the final day of your trip. You'll transfer to the airport in the morning to board your flight to Delhi. When you're at New Delhi International Airport, it's time to catch your flight to your onward destination full of happy memories. Until next time!