Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan

15 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 12 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Trace the old camel caravan routes through Rajasthan on this premium two-week journey. Discover towering forts, ancient temples and stay in former palaces while winding your way through Rajasthan's must-sees and lesser-known hidden gems. Indian icons - Witness the beauty of the Pink City (Jaipur) and watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. Ancient desert ci...
$449 OFF
$3,629
From$3,180
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Explore the ancient cities, forts and palaces of Rajasthan
    • See the Pushkar Camel Fair on the special festival departure
    • Sleep like a Maharaja in premium hotels and former palaces

What's this trip about?

    Trace the old camel caravan routes through Rajasthan on this premium two-week journey. Discover towering forts, ancient temples and stay in former palaces while winding your way through Rajasthan's must-sees and lesser-known hidden gems. Indian icons - Witness the beauty of the Pink City (Jaipur) and watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. Ancient desert citadels - Explore the desert city of Bikaner, the blue city of Jodhpur and Udaipur, the glorious city of lakes. Festival departure - Get closer to local life at the Pushkar Camel Fair, a vibrant celebration of livestock and culture on the selected November departure. Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in Rajasthan's unique heritage whilst sleeping like a Maharaja in our hand-picked selection of premium hotels and heritage palaces

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityDelhi
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Agra Fort
  • Amber Fort
  • Delhi
  • India Gate
  • Jaipur
  • Jodhpur
  • Qutab Minar
  • Rajasthan
  • Red Fort
  • Taj Mahal
  • Udaipur
  • Venice

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Delhi and witness evening prayer at the Hanuman Temple

Our tour starts in New Delhi, the capital of India. The city has been the heart of numerous empires and dynasties over the centuries, from the Mughals to the British Raj, making Delhi as it stands today a rich patchwork of cultures. A transfer from Delhi Airport (DEL...

Day 2 Full day exploring Old and New Delhi

We'll set off to explore the two sides of Delhi this morning. Old Delhi is a maze of old, narrow streets, lined with bazaars and pocketed with mosques and temples, whereas New Delhi feels a world away with its wide leafy boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings. W...

Day 3 Train to Ajmer and drive to rural Rajasthan

With an early start this morning, we'll make our way to the station to catch a train to the Rajasthani hub of Ajmer. Travelling by train is a rite of passage when journeying through India, from the bustling railway platforms to the chai wallahs that ply their trade th...

Day 4 Drive to Udaipur via Chittorgarh Fort. Optional boat ride on Lake Pichola

Leaving the village of Bijay Nagar behind this morning, we'll set off along the rural road. Our first stop is the imposing UNESCO-listed Chittorgarh Fort. This sprawling fort sits on a hilltop towering over the surrounding plains and houses an astounding four palaces ...

Day 5 Exploring Udaipur

Today we'll explore the highlights of Udaipur starting with the City Palace. Sat on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, this huge palace complex was built over 400 years and blends a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Next, we'll visit Jagdish Temple, which is const...

Day 6 Drive to Jojawar via Jain temples

This morning, we'll set off on the four-hour drive to the temple town of Ranakpur, one of Rajasthan's hidden gems. This little-visited town is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted Jain Temples in India. Situated in a wooded valley, the temples date back to th...

Day 7 Drive to Jodhpur and afternoon exploring Mehrangarh Fort and Clocktower

Today, we'll journey to Jodhpur, a three-hour drive away. Jodhpur is known for its blue houses and historic temples. It also has a long tradition with horses and is the origin of Jodhpurs - the breeches that are named after Jodhpur's horsemen. After settling in, we'l...

Day 8 Journey to Bikaner via Kolayat and Karni Mata Temple

Leaving Jodhpur behind, today we'll take the five-hour drive to the desert city of Bikaner. We'll stop en route at Kolayat, a pilgrimage site popular with Hindus thanks to the holy waters of its lake. We'll have some time at the ghats and we'll also visit nearby Karni...

Day 9 Exploring Bikaner - visit to market and Junagarh Fort

Heading out to discover Bikaner this morning, we'll take a tour of the Junagarh Fort. Built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611) it is distinguished by its light red sandstone high defensive walls. The well-preserved palaces within the fort area are noted for their fine ston...

Day 10 Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur

A full day's driving is ahead of us today as we move away from the yellow hues of the Thar Desert and towards the greener lands of Jaipur. Passing farms and rural settlements we'll see flashes of bright reds and pinks from the iconic Rajasthani turbans worn by most me...

Day 11 Exploring Jaipur - Amber Fort and City Palace

Affectionately known as the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876. Nowadays, Jaipur is a bustling metropolis that's far outgrown its original boundaries. Within the crumbli...

Day 12 Drive to Agra via Fathepur Sikri

We'll leave the state of Rajasthan today as we cross into Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India with over 240 million inhabitants. The state is a major industrial and commercial centre, and being on the main Indo-Gangetic plain, it benefits from rich soil fo...

Day 13 Discovering Agra Fort and Baby Taj before journey to Delhi

This morning, we'll visit Agra Fort. Built by Akbar the Great, entirely from red sandstone, it blends Persian, Islamic and Hindu architecture. The story goes that after losing his grip on power and being imprisoned by his son, Emperor Shah Jahan was confined here to a...

Day 14 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join trip in Delhi and witness evening prayer at the Hanuman Temple

Our tour starts in New Delhi, the capital of India. The city has been the heart of numerous empires and dynasties over the centuries, from the Mughals to the British Raj, making Delhi as it stands today a rich patchwork of cultures. A transfer from Delhi Airport (DEL...

Day 2 Full day exploring Old and New Delhi

We'll set off to explore the two sides of Delhi this morning. Old Delhi is a maze of old, narrow streets, lined with bazaars and pocketed with mosques and temples, whereas New Delhi feels a world away with its wide leafy boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings. W...

Day 3 Train to Ajmer and drive to Pushkar for Camel Fair

With an early start this morning, we'll make our way to the station to catch a train to the Rajasthani hub of Ajmer. Travelling by train is a rite of passage when journeying through India, from the bustling railway platforms to the chai wallahs that ply their trade th...

Day 4 Explore Pushkar Camel Fair

After breakfast this morning, we'll spend more time exploring the festival. There are food stalls, handicrafts, and musicians throughout the festival, as well as the opportunity to speak with locals. After lunch, we'll make the two-hour drive to the small, rural vil...

Day 5 Drive to Udaipur via Chittorgarh Fort. Optional boat ride on Lake Pichola

Leaving the village of Bijay Nagar behind this morning, we'll set off along the rural road. Our first stop is the imposing UNESCO-listed Chittorgarh Fort. This sprawling fort sits on a hilltop towering over the surrounding plains and houses an astounding four palaces ...

Day 6 Exploring Udaipur

Today we'll explore the highlights of Udaipur starting with the City Palace. Sat on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, this huge palace complex was built over 400 years and blends a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Next, we'll visit Jagdish Temple, which is const...

Day 7 Drive to Jojawar via Jain temples

This morning, we'll set off on the four-hour drive to the temple town of Ranakpur, one of Rajasthan's hidden gems. This little-visited town is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted Jain Temples in India. Situated in a wooded valley, the temples date back to th...

Day 8 Drive to Jodhpur and afternoon exploring Mehrangarh Fort and Clocktower

Today, we'll journey to Jodhpur, a three-hour drive away. Jodhpur is known for its blue houses and historic temples. It also has a long tradition with horses and is the origin of Jodhpurs - the breeches that are named after Jodhpur's horsemen. After settling in, we'l...

Day 9 Journey to Bikaner via Kolayat and Karni Mata Temple

Heading out to discover Bikaner this morning, we'll take a tour of the Junagarh Fort. Built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611) it is distinguished by its light red sandstone high defensive walls. The well-preserved palaces within the fort area are noted for their fine ston...

Day 10 Exploring Bikaner - visit to market and Junagarh Fort

Heading out to discover Bikaner this morning, we'll take a tour of the Junagarh Fort. Built by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611) it is distinguished by its light red sandstone high defensive walls. The well-preserved palaces within the fort area are noted for their fine ston...

Day 11 Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur

A full day's driving is ahead of us today as we move away from the yellow hues of the Thar Desert and towards the greener lands of Jaipur. Passing farms and rural settlements we'll see flashes of bright reds and pinks from the iconic Rajasthani turbans worn by most me...

Day 12 Exploring Jaipur - Amber Fort and City Palace

Affectionately known as the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876. Nowadays, Jaipur is a bustling metropolis that's far outgrown its original boundaries. Within the crumbli...

Day 13 Drive to Agra via Fathepur Sikri

We'll leave the state of Rajasthan today as we cross into Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India with over 240 million inhabitants. The state is a major industrial and commercial centre, and being on the main Indo-Gangetic plain, it benefits from rich soil fo...

Day 14 Discovering Agra Fort and Baby Taj before journey to Delhi

This morning, we'll visit Agra Fort. Built by Akbar the Great, entirely from red sandstone, it blends Persian, Islamic and Hindu architecture. The story goes that after losing his grip on power and being imprisoned by his son, Emperor Shah Jahan was confined here to a...

Day 15 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,180
Price per day$212
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025
$3,180
$1,140
18 Oct 2025
31 Oct 2025
$3,180
$1,140
28 Oct 2025
11 Nov 2025
$3,590
$1,150
08 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$3,180
$1,080
15 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2025
$3,180
$1,080
22 Nov 2025
05 Dec 2025
$3,180
$1,080
20 Dec 2025
02 Jan 2026
$3,390
$1,140
27 Dec 2025
09 Jan 2026
$3,390
$1,140
24 Jan 2026
06 Feb 2026
$3,180
$1,050
31 Jan 2026
13 Feb 2026
$3,180
$1,050

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan

Extraordinary and amazing. Around every corner is something differen...

L

Linda

Mar 2025

Written on

Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan

This was an excellent, albeit exhausting, tour. Our Tour Leader, Abhi, was superb - very conscientious, very considerate and caring, very knowledgeable, very flexibl...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan

Holiday was 14 nights in Rajasthan, India, in upgraded accommodation - mainly heritage hotels (palaces, forts, etc). The itinerary was excellent, covering a lot of g...

T

Trevor

Mar 2025

Written on

Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan

One of the best trips with Explore and Abhi, the best tour leader I've seen for some time! This trip fully immerses you in the spectacular sights, sounds and experie...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Bangkok to Saigon by Bike

We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...

M

Mel

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...

D

Darren

Mar 2025

Written on

Efficient and easy to navigate online booking

Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
;\red82\green82\blue82; India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below - You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows: 30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10 30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25 1-year validity - $40 5-year validity- $80 Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year. Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India. If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com 20
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 13
    • Dinner : 2
  • Breakfast : 15
  • Dinner : 2
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-DRD

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!