Maharajas' Express Rajasthan Tour

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Morning visit Old Delhi - explore the massive Red Fort built in 1648, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and pay respects at Raj Ghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi - drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73 meters. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning drive to Mandawa (260 kms, approx 5 hours) - a small town in the Shekhawati region famous for its beautifully painted havelis. On arrival, check into a heritage haveli converted into a hotel. Afternoon guided walk through the streets of Mandawa - visit the Mandawa Castle, now a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes, and paintings. Explore the Chokhani, Saraf, and Ladia havelis with their stunning frescoes depicting mythological stories, daily life, and British colonial influences. Evening interact with local artists who still practice the traditional art of fresco painting. Overnight stay at Mandawa.

Morning drive to Nawalgarh (30 kms, approx 1 hour) - another gem of Shekhawati known for its grand havelis and frescoes. Visit the Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Morarka Haveli, and the Roop Niwas Palace. Afternoon visit a nearby village to experience authentic rural life - interact with local families, see traditional mud houses with thatched roofs, and learn about daily village activities including farming, cattle rearing, and handicraft making. Visit a potter's workshop and try your hand at pottery. Visit a weaver's home to see the traditional art of handloom weaving. Evening enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner cooked by a local family. Overnight stay at Nawalgarh.

Morning drive to Bikaner (190 kms, approx 4 hours) - a desert city known for its forts, palaces, and camel culture. On arrival, check into hotel. Afternoon visit Junagarh Fort - one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hilltop, with stunning palaces including the Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Chandra Mahal. Visit the National Research Centre on Camel - a unique research facility where you can learn about camel breeding, camel milk products, and camel rides. Visit the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok - famous for its thousands of rats considered sacred by local devotees. Overnight stay at Bikaner.

Morning drive to Jaisalmer (330 kms, approx 6 hours) - the Golden City in the heart of the Thar Desert. Enroute visit a traditional desert village to see the daily life of the desert people - their water management techniques, mud houses, and traditional crafts. On arrival at Jaisalmer, check into a heritage hotel. Afternoon visit the Jaisalmer Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few living forts in the world. Explore the narrow lanes, Jain temples, and the Maharaja's Palace. Evening enjoy a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes - ride through the desert as the sun sets, followed by a traditional Rajasthani dinner and folk dance performance around a campfire. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Morning visit the abandoned village of Kuldhara - a mysterious ghost town that was abandoned overnight by its residents over 200 years ago. Explore the ruins and hear the legends associated with the village. Afternoon visit a traditional desert village to experience the life of the Bishnoi community - known for their wildlife conservation efforts and their harmonious coexistence with nature. Visit a local family for a cooking class - learn to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma, ker sangri, and bajra roti. Evening enjoy a cultural performance with Kalbeliya dance and Manganiyar folk music. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Morning drive to Jodhpur (290 kms, approx 5 hours) - the Blue City and the second largest city of Rajasthan. On arrival, check into hotel. Afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable forts in India, perched on a 125-meter high hill. Explore the fort's palaces including Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and the museum with royal artifacts. Visit Jaswant Thada - the white marble royal cenotaph of the Jodhpur rulers. Evening explore the blue-painted lanes of the old city - interact with local families, visit a spice market, and see traditional handicrafts being made. Overnight stay at Jodhpur.

Morning drive to Pushkar (220 kms, approx 4 hours) - one of the oldest cities in India and a major pilgrimage site. On arrival, check into hotel. Afternoon visit the Brahma Temple - one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Explore the Pushkar Lake with its 52 ghats where pilgrims take holy dips. Visit a nearby village to experience rural life - see traditional farming methods, interact with local women who make handicrafts, and visit a local school (if open). Evening enjoy a camel ride in the desert dunes around Pushkar. Overnight stay at Pushkar.

Morning drive to Jaipur (150 kms, approx 3 hours) - the Pink City. Enroute visit a traditional Rajasthani village to experience the daily life of rural communities - visit a farm, see cattle and goats, and learn about traditional agriculture. On arrival at Jaipur, check into hotel. Afternoon visit Amber Fort - enjoy an elephant ride up to the main gate, explore Sheesh Mahal, Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful gardens. Visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and drive past Hawa Mahal. Evening explore the local bazaars of Jaipur for textiles, gemstones, and blue pottery. Overnight stay at Jaipur.