Royal India (3 Star)
New
PRIVATE TOUR: Discover India on this 21-day tour starting and ending in Delhi, taking in a showcase of Rajasthan’s culture, history and landscapes. The journey begins with the landmarks of the capital before moving to Agra for the Taj Mahal and on to Jaipur for its grand forts and palaces. Pushkar’s sacred sites and the wildlife of Ranthambore add contrast, followed by the heritage of Kota, Bundi and Chittorgarh. Udaipur’s lakeside scenery and Kumbhalgarh’s hilltop stronghold led to Jodhpur’s blue city, Jaisalmer’s golden fort and desert dunes, Bikaner’s desert character and Mandawa’s painted havelis before the final return to Delhi.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Overview
Duration
21 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotels & desert campStarts
DelhiEnds
DelhiMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingCountry
IndiaMeals included
Breakfast: 20, Dinner: 1Choose your desired standard of accommodation. See Hotels for more information
Passengers
$2,210.00
$654.00
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi
Once you have arrived in New Delhi, you will be met at the international airport by a representative who will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel.
After checking in, you can take time to relax at your own pace. You may wish to unwind in your room, enjoy the hotel facilities or take a gentle stroll nearby to settle into the rhythm of the city.
Day 2 - Old & New Delhi City Tour
This morning, you begin your full day exploring both Old and New Delhi. You travel into Old Delhi for a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, where you can experience its lively lanes, colourful markets and local shops.
You then see Jama Masjid, one of the largest historic mosque complexes in Asia, before driving past the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jahan. A stop is included at Raj Ghat, the serene memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Later in the day, you continue into New Delhi. You see Humayun Temple, built in 1562 as a memorial to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, and Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in India. You also drive past India Gate, which commemorates soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War, along with the President's House, the official residence of the President of India, dating from 1931.
At the end of your sightseeing, you return to your hotel, where you can relax.
Day 3 - Delhi to Agra & The Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Today you travel from Delhi to Agra. You drive through the changing landscape of Uttar Pradesh and arrive in Agra in the afternoon, once a small village transformed by the Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan into an important royal centre known as the seat of the emperor.
After checking in at your hotel, you begin your sightseeing. You visit Agra Fort, then take a battery van to reach the Taj Mahal area and see this remarkable memorial created by Shah Jahan in honour of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
You also see the Tomb of Itimadullah, built by Empress Noor Jehan in memory of her father, noted for its detailed interiors that are often admired for their fine craftsmanship.
Day 4 - Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur
Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur. Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur. After breakfast, you begin your journey to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. On the way, you stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the atmospheric red sandstone complex created by Emperor Akbar in the late sixteenth century. This former capital was abandoned soon after it was built, and walking through its quiet courtyards and gateways offers a vivid sense of its past.
You then continue to Jaipur and check in at your hotel. Jaipur was founded in the early eighteenth century during the reign of Jai Singh the Second and is known for its distinctive architecture, lively markets and strong Rajput heritage.
You can spend the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 5 - Jeep Ride to Amber Fort & Jaipur City Tour
You will spend today exploring Jaipur. You begin with an excursion to Amber Fort, set on a hill just outside the city. You travel to the top by jeep and can take your time to appreciate the fort and its setting.
In the afternoon, you continue your sightseeing in the city. You see the City Palace, known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal design, and the nearby Central Museum.
You also see Jantar Mantar, the largest of the observatories created by Sawai Jai Singh, and the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where the royal household once observed street processions from behind its lattice windows. All these sights are located close to the City Palace area. You will then return to the hotel, where you can relax.
Day 6 - Jaipur to Pushkar
Jaipur - Pushkar. Today you travel to Pushkar. You arrive around midday and check in at your hotel, with time to relax after the journey. Pushkar is considered one of the most sacred towns in India and is home to the only principal temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
The town is also known for its serene lake, traditional markets and its long-standing role as a meeting place for traders during the famous annual fair.
Later in the day, you see the mausoleum, Anasagar and the former Akbar Palace, each offering a glimpse into the layered history of the region.
Day 7 - Ranthambore National Park
Pushkar - Ranthambore National Park. Set off early for Ranthambore. On arrival, transfer to your jungle resort, where you have time to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities. You might choose to cool off in the pool or take a gentle wander around the wild surroundings.
Day 8 - Ranthambore Safaris
This morning you set out on a safari in Ranthambhore National Park, where you travel through the forest with a naturalist in search of tigers and other wildlife. The drive lasts around three hours and offers a chance to experience the park in the quieter early hours.
You return to your lodge afterwards with time to relax and enjoy the facilities. You may wish to unwind by the pool or spend some quiet time in the natural surroundings.
In the afternoon you head back into the park for a second safari, giving you another opportunity to see the wildlife of Ranthambhore in a different light as the day draws to a close.
Day 9 - Ranthambore to Kota
Ranthambore National Park - Kota. After breakfast, you travel to Kota, a city set along the banks of the Chambal River and known for its textile traditions and distinctive school of miniature painting.
On arrival, you check in at your hotel, giving you a moment to settle in before you continue exploring. You will then see Jagmandir, located on an island in Kishore Sagar Lake, where you take a paddleboat for a calm circuit of the water.
Afterwards, you see the Government Museum and the gardens of Chambal and Chatter Bilas, which offer an insight into the artistry and heritage of the area. Later, you will return to your hotel.
Day 10 - Bundi & Onward to Chittorgarh
Kota - Bundi - Chittorgarh. You will travel to Bundi in the morning. On arrival, you see Taragarh, also known as Star Fort, which sits on a wooded hill and is known for its impressive design and large historic reservoir.
You also see Chatrasagar, where the colourful miniature murals depict scenes from the Ragamala and Raaslila traditions, as well as Sukh Mahal, a former summer residence beside Sukh Sagar Lake that is set within peaceful gardens. An old tunnel is believed to connect this palace with the older fort above.
You then continue to Chittorgarh, where you will spend the night.
Day 11 - Chittorgarh to Udaipur
Chittorgarh - Udaipur. Today, you travel to Udaipur. Once you arrive, you check in at your hotel and have time to relax. Udaipur, often called the City of Dawn, is set beside calm lakes and surrounded by the hills of the Aravalli range.
The city has long inspired artists and writers with its palaces, temples and traditional streets, and it was the historic centre of the Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for many centuries.
You can spend the remainder of the day at your own pace.
Day 12 - Exploring Udaipur
This morning, you begin your exploration of Udaipur. You see the City Palace and the City Palace Museum, regarded as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
You also see Udai Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple and the Lake Palace, each offering a different perspective on the city's royal heritage. A visit is included to Saheliyon Ki Bari, a peaceful ornamental garden created for the attendants of the royal household.
In the evening, you take a one-hour boat ride on Lake Pichola, where you see several traditional ghats and enjoy views of the Lake Palace and City Palace from the water.
Day 13 - Ranakpur & Kumbahalgarh
Udaipur - Ranakpur - Kumbhaigarh.. After breakfast, you travel to Kumbhalgarh. On the way, you stop at the Ranakpur temples, a remarkable Jain complex dating from the fifteenth century.
The main temple is supported by hundreds of intricately carved pillars, no two of which are alike, and the detailed friezes and sculptures reflect the artistry of the period. You also see two additional Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God, which is known for its distinctive carvings.
You then continue to Kumbhalgarh and check in at your hotel for the night.
Day 14 - Kumbhalgarh to Jodhpur
Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur. You will depart from Kumbhalgarh in the morning and travel to Jodhpur. Once you arrive, you check in at your hotel before beginning your afternoon sightseeing.
You see Mehrangarh Fort, an impressive structure that dominates the city skyline and offers wide views across Jodhpur. You then see Jaswant Thada, a collection of royal cenotaphs built in white marble in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh the Second.
Your final stop is Umaid Bhawan Palace, the only major palace in India constructed in the twentieth century, originally built as a famine relief project and completed after sixteen years of work. You will then return to your hotel for the night.
Day 15 - Excursion to Vishnoi Village
Jodhpur - Vishnoi Village - Jodhpur. This morning, you travel by jeep to Vishnoi Village for a cultural experience that offers an insight into rural life in Rajasthan. As you drive through the countryside, you can observe the traditional lifestyle of the Vishnoi community, along with the wildlife that is often found in this region.
The landscape and local customs provide a memorable contrast to the cities you have visited. Later, you will return to Jodhpur, where you will spend the night.
Day 16 - Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Jodhpur - Jaisalmer. Transfer to Jaisalmer. On arrival you head to your hotel, with time to relax before exploring one of India’s most remarkable desert cities.
This afternoon, visit the impressive Jaisalmer Fort, the second-oldest fort in Rajasthan and still home to a living community within its ancient walls. See Patwon ki Haveli, the grandest of the city’s traditional merchant houses, before calling in at the Desert Culture Centre and Museum for an insight into the region’s heritage. The intricately carved Jain temples offer a glimpse of the city’s religious traditions, while Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli further showcase Jaisalmer’s distinctive haveli architecture.
Day 17 - Jaisalmer & Sam Desert Camping
Jaisalmer - Sam. Visit Gadsisar Lake, an atmospheric spot that once served as Jaisalmer’s main water source and remains a peaceful place to explore.
In the afternoon, drive to Sam and the surrounding dunes, checking in to your deluxe camp on arrival. Later, head out to the Sam Sand Dunes. No visit to Jaisalmer is complete without experiencing these striking, wind-shaped landscapes, where the rippling sands create remarkable patterns and soft desert light. Cultural performances are often held here, adding to the ambience, and you can join an optional camel safari if you would like to experience the desert from camel back.
Day 18 - Jaisalmer to Bikaner
Sam - Jaisalmer - Bikaner. Today, you will depart for Bikaner, travelling through the desert landscape of northern Rajasthan. Once you arrive, you check in at your hotel and have time to relax.
In the afternoon, you begin your sightseeing. You see the camel breeding farm, the only one of its kind in Asia, which is known for its work with some of the strongest riding camels in the region.
You also visit the Karni Mata Temple, often referred to as the mouse temple, an unusual and long standing place of worship that reflects the traditions of the area.
Day 19 - Bikaner to Mandawa
Bikaner - Mandawa. After breakfast, you travel to Mandawa. Once you arrive, you check in at your hotel and take some time to settle in.
In the afternoon, you explore the town on foot. Mandawa is known for its beautifully painted havelis, once owned by prominent merchant families. Although many families no longer live in these houses, the caretakers are pleased to show visitors around.
You see several notable examples, including Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli. These richly decorated buildings offer an excellent introduction to the regions fresco traditions.
Day 20 - Mandawa to Delhi
Mandawa - Delhi. This morning, you travel back to New Delhi. Once you arrive you transfer to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax.
You may wish to spend some time shopping in areas such as Janpath or Connaught Place, where you can find a range of international and local shops for any last minute purchases.
Day 21 - Departure from Delhi
After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
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Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
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