Travel To Rajasthan Off The Beaten Track

Explore Rajasthan Off The Beaten Track

15 nights / 16 days

Starting from USD / person

 

Detailed program

 

Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi

Upon your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (morning or evening), you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may rest after your journey or enjoy a first discovery of India’s lively capital.

Day 2 – Delhi / Mandawa (290 km / 6 hrs) 

Morning: After breakfast, depart by private vehicle towards Mandawa, a charming town in the Shekhawati region. Known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, this region is famous for its ornate havelis — merchant mansions with richly painted frescoes. En route, you will stop to visit the sacred Rani Sati Temple in Jhunjhunu, an important site of devotion.

Afternoon: On arrival, check into a traditional haveli-style hotel full of character. After some time to relax, begin exploring Mandawa’s finest havelis, including Goenka Haveli, Rampuria Haveli, and the beautifully symmetrical Double Haveli, all showcasing intricate frescoes and architectural grandeur.

Evening: Stroll through the local market where artisans display colorful bangles, embroidered textiles, and antique treasures. A perfect introduction to Rajasthan’s rich craftsmanship.

Day 3 – Mandawa / Bikaner / Siyana Bhatiyan (190 km / 4 hrs) 

Morning: After breakfast, drive west through the arid Shekhawati region toward Bikaner, a historic desert city known for its red sandstone architecture and royal heritage.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Junagarh Fort, a unique fortress built on the plains, featuring beautifully decorated halls like Anup Mahal and Ganga Mahal. Continue to the nearby town of Deshnok to discover the remarkable Karni Mata Temple, where thousands of sacred rats are revered by devotees.

Evening: Drive onward to the quiet village of Siyana Bhatiyan. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of rural Rajasthan.

Day 4 – Siyana Bhatiyan

Morning: After breakfast, explore the nearby villages and discover the timeless rhythms of rural Rajasthan, with traditional homes, farming scenes, and colorful local life.

Afternoon: Visit local artisans skilled in pottery, weaving, and leatherwork. Share a cup of chai with villagers and experience the warmth of authentic Rajasthani hospitality.

Evening: Return to your accommodation and unwind under the desert sky. Optional traditional dinner with local music and stories by the campfire.

Day 5 – Siyana Bhatiyan / Jaisalmer (330 km / 6 hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, journey deeper into the Thar Desert towards Jaisalmer, the legendary Golden City. Along the way, pause to visit the Baba Ramdev Temple, a site of pilgrimage dedicated to a beloved local saint.

Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer and check into a charming heritage haveli hotel. After some rest, head to Bada Bagh, a peaceful complex of intricately carved royal cenotaphs (chhatris) surrounded by wind turbines and desert views.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the old city’s sandstone streets. Admire the honey-colored façades, carved balconies, and traditional latticework glowing in the soft desert light. Jaisalmer is truly a living museum.

Day 6 – Discovering Jaisalmer & the Thar Desert

Morning: After breakfast, visit the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s last living forts. Within its walls, explore winding alleys, Jain temples, artisan shops, and ancient havelis such as Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for their stunning façades. Then, enjoy the peaceful Gadisar Lake, once the city’s main water source.

Afternoon: Experience the desert like never before with a camel or jeep safari into the Thar Desert. Ride across sweeping dunes and observe the changing colors of the sands.

Evening: As the sun sets, enjoy a magical folk dance performance, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music and a local dinner under the stars. Return to Jaisalmer for the night.

 Day 7 – Jaisalmer / Osian / Jodhpur (310 km / 6 hrs) 

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, the “Blue City” of Rajasthan. En route, stop at Osian, an ancient desert town known for its remarkably preserved Jain and Hindu temples, dating back to the 8th century.

Afternoon: Arrive in Jodhpur and check into your hotel. Then, visit the serene Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph surrounded by tranquil gardens. Continue to the majestic

Mehrangarh Fort, towering above the city. Walk through royal palaces, museums, and ramparts offering panoramic views over Jodhpur’s blue rooftops.

Evening: Take a stroll through Jodhpur’s traditional markets, where you’ll find vibrant textiles, antique jewelry, and local spices.

Day 8 – Jodhpur / Mount Abu / Danta (310 km / 6 hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, depart Jodhpur and begin your journey southward. Pass through the green hills of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, offering a refreshing contrast to the desert plains.

Afternoon: Short stop in Mount Abu for scenic views or a stroll by Nakki Lake. Then continue your drive toward Danta, a serene village nestled at the foot of the Aravalli hills.

Evening: Arrive in Danta and check in at your heritage accommodation. Enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by rural charm and natural beauty.

Day 9 – Danta 

Morning: After breakfast, explore the surrounding countryside with a walk through nearby tribal villages. Discover traditional lifestyles, colorful attire, and ancestral customs still alive today.

Afternoon: Visit the 11th-century Ambaji Temple or go on a short nature trail in the hills. Depending on the season, local festivals or folk rituals may offer unique moments of cultural immersion.

Evening: Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening. Optional: enjoy a traditional dinner by candlelight with views over the landscape.

Day 10 – Danta / Udaipur (280 km / 6 hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Udaipur, the famed city of lakes. Enjoy views of Rajasthan’s rural heartland along the way. 

Afternoon: Arrive in Udaipur and check in at your hotel. Free time to relax or take a walk near Lake Pichola.

Evening: Attend a captivating folk dance and puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli, a beautiful 18th-century mansion. Be enchanted by traditional music, vibrant costumes, and the rich storytelling heritage of Rajasthan.

Day 11 – The Lakes and Palaces of Udaipur 

Morning: After breakfast, explore the grand City Palace, an imposing lakeside complex blending Mughal and Rajput architecture. Visit its courtyards, museums, and marble balconies with sweeping views of the lake. Then visit the Jagdish Temple, an ornately carved Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Afternoon: Stroll through the lively local markets where artisans sell miniature paintings, silver jewelry, and colorful fabrics unique to the region.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Watch the golden light reflect off the water as Udaipur reveals its poetic beauty.

Day 12 – Udaipur / Jaipur (by express train) 

Morning: Early morning with packed breakfast transfer to Udaipur railway station to catch your train to Jaipur. 

Afternoon: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest. Then visit the Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), a gleaming white-marble sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.

Evening: Take part in an authentic Indian cooking class at a local family home. Learn to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor over a shared dinner — a warm and flavorful cultural exchange.

Day 13 – Jaipur, the Pink City 

Morning: After breakfast, depart for the majestic Amber Fort, an iconic hilltop fortress overlooking Maota Lake. Explore its opulent halls, mirror palace (Sheesh Mahal), and scenic courtyards. Ascent options include jeep, walk, or (subject to conditions) elephant ride.

A photo stop will follow at the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a serene structure floating on Man Sagar Lake.

Afternoon: Visit the City Palace, home to Jaipur’s royal family and a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Continue to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its 953 intricately latticed windows, designed for royal ladies to observe the street below unseen.

Evening: Take a fun and eco-friendly electric rickshaw tour through the old city’s bazaars. Discover a kaleidoscope of spices, silks, bangles, and leather goods in this sensory delight.

Day 14 – Jaipur / Abhaneri / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (255 km / 6 hrs)

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. En route, stop at Abhaneri to see the Chand Baori, one of India’s oldest and deepest stepwells, featuring 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps.

Afternoon: Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone ghost city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Discover its palaces, mosques, and courtyards frozen in time.

Arrive in Agra and check into your hotel. Then visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with palatial rooms and views of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.

Evening: Free time to wander Agra’s lively markets — a bustling mix of marble inlay work, spices, and street snacks.

Day 15 – Agra / Delhi (245 km / 5 hrs) 

Morning: Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, the jewel of Mughal architecture. Watch the white marble mausoleum glow in the soft morning light — a timeless monument of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Afternoon: After a final stroll through Agra, depart for Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Evening: Visit India Gate, the national war memorial, followed by a panoramic drive through New Delhi’s grand boulevards.

Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. The itinerary will be adjusted accordingly if needed.

Day 16 – Delhi

Morning: After breakfast, begin your discovery of Old Delhi with a visit to the 17th-century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then enjoy a thrilling cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the bustling heart of Old Delhi.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, where thousands of free meals are served daily. Then explore Humayun’s Tomb, the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Evening: Visit the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO site from the 12th century. Return to your hotel for your final night in India.

Then transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward or return flight. Our team will ensure your departure is smooth and timely. Depending on your flight time, additional sightseeing can be arranged.

END OF OUR SERVICES

Price Includes:

• Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably.
• English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
• Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
• Licensed local English-speaking guides for sightseeing in Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Siyana Bhatiyan, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Danta, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Agra (one full day in each city).

• Camel ride or jeep safari in the Thar Desert, with traditional dinner and folk dance performance on the dunes.
• Stay at Siyana Bhatiyan & Danta on full board.
• Express train between Udaipur / Jaipur.
• Admission to the dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur.
• Electric rickshaw ride through the historic lanes of Jaipur.
• Indian cooking class with a local family, including dinner.
• Cycle rickshaw tour through the narrow streets of Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk).

Price Does Not Include:

• International flights to/from India.
• Lunches and dinners (except those mentioned in the “Price Includes” section).
• Entrance fees for monuments and sites.
• Drinks and personal expenses.
• Tips (guides, drivers, hotel staff, etc.).
• Travel insurance and visa costs.

Your Hotels or similar

• Delhi : City Star***
• Mandawa : Chobdar Haveli (heritage)
• Siyana Bhatiyan : Siyana Sejourns
• Jaisalmer : Pleasant Haveli***
• Jodhpur : Devi Bhawan (heritage)
• Danta : Bhawani Villa (heritage)
• Udaipur : Boheda Palace (heritage)
• Bundi : Bundi haveli (heritage)
• Jaipur : V Sarovar****
• Agra : The Retreat***