Best of Rajasthan and Varanasi

Welcome to Delhi, India! India is a vast, diverse, and deeply spiritual country, offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. A melting pot of ethnicities and religions, it is rich in history and culture, blending chaos with serenity. Spanning over three million square kilometres, India boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the pristine beaches of Goa to the vibrant energy of Kolkata, the sacred banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, and the snow-capped Himalayas in Kashmir. The country is also home to ancient temples, warm and welcoming people, and a cuisine that’s as rich and varied as its heritage.

As you arrive at Delhi International Airport, our representative will be there to greet you. They will assist you with the check-in process at your hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Take some time to relax and settle in.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, begin your full-day city tour of Delhi. The day includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort (viewed from outside, as it's closed on Mondays), Jama Masjid, and Raj Ghat. Experience a traditional rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Continue with a drive past key government buildings, the President's House, India Gate, and Qutub Minar. In the evening, return to the hotel for some rest before being transferred to the Delhi railway station to board an overnight train to Jodhpur, a journey of approximately 10 hours.

Overnight Onboard Train

Upon arrival at Jodhpur railway station, you'll be transferred to your hotel in a private AC vehicle. After dropping off your luggage, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before beginning your sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Your first stop will be the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort, which rises 400 feet above the city skyline from its rock perch on Bhaurcheeria Hill. The fort’s foundation was laid on May 12, 1459, by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler, who moved the capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. Throughout its long history, Mehrangarh Fort has never been captured in battle. While the exterior appears massive and imposing, the fort’s interiors are light, with exquisite carvings and expansive courtyards, housing several palaces filled with intricate details.

Jaswant Thada, often referred to as the 'Taj Mahal of Marwar', is a serene and beautiful landmark in Jodhpur. Built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh I, this stunning cenotaph is made from intricately carved marble sheets, showcasing exquisite marble lattice work. The design and architecture are a testament to the fine craftsmanship of a bygone era. The site is adorned with elegant sculptures, carved gazebos, and frescoes, while the tiered garden offers breathtaking views of Mehrangarh Fort and the surrounding cityscape.

Explore the bustling Clock Tower Bazaar, one of Jodhpur's most iconic landmarks, where you'll find a vibrant and lively market offering an exciting shopping experience. This colourful marketplace is known for its wide selection of spices, including some of the finest varieties available. As you wander through the lively stalls, you'll also encounter a range of local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, making it a perfect spot to experience the essence of Jodhpur’s culture.

Overnight in Jodhpur

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your drive to Udaipur, which takes approximately 5 hours (250 km). En route, stop to visit the Ranakpur Jain Temples, a remarkable architectural wonder built in the 15th century. The main temple, Chaumukha Mandir (Four-Faced Temple), is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara, and is renowned for its intricate carvings. This awe-inspiring structure consists of 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1,444 intricately carved pillars, all crafted from milk-white marble. The interior, covered in elaborate carvings, creates a calming sense of space and harmony.

After your visit, continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax. Known as the ‘Venice of the East,’ Udaipur is a stunning city built around three interconnected lakes—Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Swaroop Sagar Lake—surrounded by the picturesque hills of the Aravalli Mountain range. The city is home to numerous ancient temples and fairy-tale palaces, many of which have been transformed into luxury heritage hotels, making it one of Rajasthan’s most romantic and beautiful destinations.

Overnight in Udaipur

In the morning, after breakfast, embark on a city tour of Udaipur. Begin with a visit to the magnificent City Palace, located above Lake Pichola. This stunning palace has been home to various royal families over the centuries, each contributing their unique touches to the structure. Made entirely of marble and granite, the palace exudes luxury, and its interiors are equally impressive with intricate coloured glass inlays, engravings, towers, and balconies.

Next, visit Jagdish Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur, known for its intricate carvings and grand architecture. Continue your tour with a drive past Fateh Sagar Lake and head to Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids-of-Honor. This tranquil garden, built by King Rana Sangram Singh for his queen and her 48 maids, features beautiful fountains, chiselled kiosks, and elephants. The lush green gardens provide a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle, and a small museum on the property showcases the area’s rich history.

End your day with a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola (sharing basis, subject to water levels). The boat ride will take you past picturesque ghats and palaces, and you will make a stop at Jag Mandir, a 17th-century water palace located on an island in the lake.

Overnight in Udaipur

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your drive to Pushkar, which takes approximately 6 hours (300 km). Nestled in the Aravalli hills, Pushkar is a peaceful and spiritual town known for its timeless charm and vibrant culture. As one of India’s oldest and most sacred destinations, it is often referred to as the \"Tirtha-Raj\" or \"King of Pilgrimage Sites.\"

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Pushkar. Start with a visit to Pushkar Lake, the spiritual heart of the town. Stroll along its 52 ghats, where you can observe pilgrims performing rituals and soak in the serene atmosphere. Then, visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Creator in Hindu mythology. Take in the temple's beautiful architecture and learn about its fascinating history.

Overnight in Pushkar

Please Note: During your stay in Pushkar, you'll will experience the renowned Pushkar Festival, where you’ll witness camel parades, cultural performances, and traditional rituals.

(This unforgettable experience is exclusive to the departure of October 28, 2025)

The Pushkar Festival, or Pushkar Camel Fair, is an annual event in Pushkar, Rajasthan, held during the full moon of Kartik (October-November). It features a massive livestock market, with camels, horses, and cattle being traded. The festival also includes cultural performances, folk music, dance, and religious rituals, such as worship at the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple. It celebrates the arrival of the winter season and the harvest period, attracting both pilgrims and tourists for its spiritual and cultural significance.

Pushkar Festivities Includes: Stay at Tented Accommodation (Non A/C) on a Full Board Plan (Only for Departure of OCT 28, 2025) Visit to the Mela Grounds to experience the Camel Festival Opportunity to interact with the Rajasthani Tribal Community Witness the Camel Trading (subject to the specific days it takes place)

Enjoy your breakfast and check out from your hotel and embark on a drive to Jaipur, which takes approximately 3 hours (145 km). Jaipur, known as the \"Pink City\" is a captivating destination that blends history, culture, and modernity. As the capital of Rajasthan, it serves as the gateway to the state's vibrant heritage. The city’s lively streets are a mix of old-world charm and contemporary energy, with landmarks like the City Palace, which still houses the former royal family, and the Jantar Mantar, an ancient observatory that offers a celestial perspective. The iconic Hawa Mahal, with its honeycomb design, overlooks the bustling bazaars below. Just beyond the city, nestled in the arid hills, stands the magnificent Amber Fort, a fairy-tale fortress that adds to Jaipur’s majestic allure.

Overnight in Jaipur

Optional: Cooking experience followed by dinner
No trip to India is complete without indulging in a unique culinary experience with a Rajput noble family. Enjoy an exclusive dinner with your host, where you'll learn about traditional home recipes passed down through generations. Discover the rich culture and history behind each dish, and even take part in the preparation of the meal. Gain insight into the age-old, time-tested ingredients and cooking techniques that are not only flavourful but also beneficial for your health. This intimate, hands-on experience offers a true taste of Indian heritage.

In the morning after breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amer Fort, located on a ridge just outside the city. Surrounded by fortified battlements, this 17th-century fort was initiated by Maharaja Mansingh, the most successful general of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort, set against the Aravalli hills, offers stunning views, and you will be taken on a jeep ride up to the main gate. Explore the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace, renowned for its architectural beauty and ornate decorations. Next, make a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-story structure known for its spectacular pyramidal façade, latticed windows, domes, and spires, offering a picturesque view of the city. Continue your tour with a visit to the City Palace Museum, home to an impressive collection of Rajasthani costumes, Mughal and Rajput armoury, including intricately designed swords of various shapes and sizes. The museum also showcases antiques, royal artifacts, and an art gallery featuring miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin, and Sanskrit. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the local bazaars, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and more.

Overnight in Jaipur

Please Note: On the day you are in Jaipur, you`ll celebrate the vibrant festival of Diwali with traditional rituals and local festivities.

(This celebration is exclusive to the Diwali departure on October 12, 2025)

Diwali, or Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with mythological stories like Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, it honors Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Traditions include lighting diyas, offering prayers, exchanging gifts and sweets, decorating homes, and enjoying festive meals with family.

Diwali Festival includes the following festive activities:

House Visit: Experience the warmth of Diwali by visiting the home of an Indian Hindu family

Traditional Welcome: Enjoy a traditional welcome drink upon arrival

Rangoli Making: Try your hand at making beautiful rangoli designs

Earthen Lamps Lighting Ceremony: Participate in the lighting of diyas to illuminate the evening

Festive Indian Snacks: Relish authentic Diwali snacks

Pooja Ritual: Join the Pooja to seek Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for prosperity and well-being

Mild Fireworks: Enjoy a small, safe display of fireworks as part of the celebration

Vegetarian Dinner: Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner with the family, celebrating togetherness

Please Note: On the day you are in Jaipur, you`ll immerse yourself in the colourful and joyous celebration of Holi, including playing with colors, enjoying cultural performances, and sharing festive treats.

(This unique experience is exclusive to the Holi departure on February 24, 2026)

Holi, the \"Festival of Colors,\" is a lively Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is linked to the myth of Holika's defeat. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where bonfires symbolize her burning, followed by prayers and sharing sweets. The next day, Ranwali Holi or Dhulandi, involves playful color throwing with gulal, music, and dancing, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.

Holi Festival includes the following festive activities:

Visit to Holi Event Venue: Experience the energy and joy of the Holi celebrations at a vibrant event venue

Traditional Welcome: Welcome with a traditional drink and garland (cocktails, sodas, and soft drinks available for purchase)

Holi Dress: A white Indian Kurta Pajama will be provided for guests to wear during the festivities

Colorful Fun:  Enjoy splashing organic dry colors and colored water, with unlimited dry colors provided

Snacks: Enjoy a soft drink, unlimited vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks, and traditional Gujia during the celebration

After breakfast at 07:30 AM, check out from your hotel and drive to Agra (approximately 4.5 hours/250 km). Agra is one of India’s premier tourist destinations, renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, but also home to other impressive historical landmarks. The Taj Mahal, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, stands as a symbol of eternal love and is an architectural marvel. It's widely regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal art, and UNESCO calls it “the jewel of Muslim art in India.” When you visit in the afternoon, marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship, proportions, and how the monument transforms as the light changes throughout the day.

In the evening, visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive Mughal rulers, the fort was originally designed as a military structure but later transformed into a luxurious palace by Shah Jahan. After being overthrown by his son Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the fort for eight years. The fort is an interesting blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Overnight in Agra

(Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Enjoy you early breakfast at 07:30 AM, check out from the hotel and drive towards Lucknow (approximately 5 hours/340 km). Welcome to Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, known for its rich culture, art, and diversity. In Lucknow, the past beautifully blends with the present, and the city's people are renowned for their appreciation of fine food, language, and the distinctive “Nawabi ada” (royal charm). The city is also a hub for self-help and craft groups showcasing traditional products from across India. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind for the rest of the day and explore at your leisure.

Overnight in Lucknow

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Varanasi (approximately 5 hours/310 km). Varanasi, also known as Kashi or the City of Light, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with origins dating back to ancient civilizations like Thebes and Babylon. Situated on the western bank of the sacred Ganges River, this Hindu holy city is a revered pilgrimage destination where thousands of Hindus come to purify themselves before the end of their lives. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Varanasi

Early in the morning, meet your guide at the hotel lobby at 05:30 AM and enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges River (subject to water levels). The view of the ghats, which line the western banks of the river, is at its most spectacular at dawn, as devotees gather to pay homage to the Sun God and perform daily rituals. The early morning boat ride offers a unique, peaceful insight into the spiritual life of the city. After the boat ride, proceed to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples in India, dedicated to the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Located in the heart of Varanasi, the temple is adorned with golden domes, donated by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh of Punjab. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from India and abroad.

Return to the hotel for breakfast, and later, visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath is an important spiritual site, home to several stupas, shrines, and temples. Also, visit the Sarnath Museum, which houses valuable ancient scriptures and Buddhist artifacts (closed on Fridays).The evening is free for relaxation.

Overnight in Varanasi

(Note: Please carry your passport as it is required to enter the temple)

Early in the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to Varanasi Railway Station to board the Vande Bharat Express superfast train to Delhi at 06:00 AM. The Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train developed by Indian Railways, offering a significant upgrade to India's rail travel system with its speed, comfort, and efficiency. Enjoy a delightful breakfast and lunch onboard, featuring Indian delicacies such as chapati, cottage cheese curry, and lentils. The train arrives at New Delhi Station at 14:00 hrs. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Delhi hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Delhi

Train details: VANDE BHARAT EXP. (Note: The train does not operate on Tuesdays.)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel, and you'll transferred to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.