Asia Escapes · Grand Heritage Journey

Rajasthan, Agra & Varanasi Tour 13 Days

Experience the ultimate grand journey combining the majestic royal heritage of Rajasthan, the breathtaking Taj Mahal in Agra, and the spiritual awakening of Varanasi.

DestinationIndia

Duration12 Nights / 13 Days

Best ForRoyal Palaces • Taj Mahal • Spiritual Varanasi • Comprehensive Heritage Tour

StylePrivate Grand Heritage Journey

Journey Route

New Delhi

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Agra

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Jaipur

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Jodhpur

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Udaipur

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Varanasi

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New Delhi

Journey Highlights in Pictures

Your Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in New Delhi on your international flight. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey. Overnight: Delhi / Gurugram.

Day 2 – Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, discover the contrasting character of Old and New Delhi. Begin in Old Delhi with a photo stop at the Red Fort, followed by a traditional rickshaw ride through the narrow and lively streets of the old city. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi, see India Gate and the government district, including views of Parliament and the President's residence. Visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh place of worship in the heart of the city. Continue to the Qutub Minar complex, one of Delhi's most important historic sites, before returning to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi / Gurugram.

Day 3 – Delhi to Jaisalmer by Flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaisalmer, subject to flight operation. If a direct Delhi–Jaisalmer service is not operating on your travel date, the alternative is to fly to Jodhpur and continue by road. Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City, rises from the edge of the Thar Desert and is famous for its honey-coloured sandstone architecture. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to settle in. Overnight: Jaisalmer.

Day 4 – Jaisalmer & Thar Desert

Today, explore the highlights of Jaisalmer. Visit the remarkable Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort where homes, temples, shops and narrow lanes remain within the historic walls. Continue to Gadisar Lake and discover some of the city's beautifully carved havelis, traditional merchant mansions decorated with intricate sandstone façades. In the afternoon, head towards the Thar Desert for a camel ride across the dunes. Stay to watch the changing colours of the desert at sunset before returning to your hotel. Overnight: Jaisalmer.

Day 5 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, approximately 290 km away. Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is dominated by the impressive Mehrangarh Fort. Explore its courtyards, palaces and collections while learning about the history of the Rathore rulers. Continue to Jaswant Thada, an elegant marble memorial, before visiting the Clock Tower and Sardar Market in the heart of the old city. Overnight: Jodhpur.

Day 6 – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur

Travel by road towards Udaipur, stopping at Ranakpur to see its famous Jain temples. The temples are celebrated for their exceptional marble craftsmanship, particularly the intricate carvings on the columns and ceilings. Your guide will explain the complex from outside, as visitor access inside the temples is restricted in accordance with local religious customs. Continue to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan's most atmospheric cities, surrounded by lakes and the Aravalli hills. Overnight: Udaipur.

Day 7 – Udaipur Sightseeing & Lake Pichola

Explore the highlights of Udaipur after breakfast. Visit the City Palace and its museum, home to royal collections, miniature paintings and decorative arts. Continue to Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the historic Garden of the Maidens. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to water levels. From the lake, you can appreciate Udaipur's palaces, historic buildings and surrounding hills from a different perspective. Overnight: Udaipur.

Day 8 – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Pushkar

Leave Udaipur and travel towards Pushkar, stopping at the vast historic fort of Chittorgarh. Spread across a large hilltop site, Chittorgarh Fort is closely associated with the history and heritage of the Rajput kingdoms. Explore its historic monuments and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside. Continue to Pushkar, one of India's important pilgrimage towns, situated around the sacred Pushkar Lake. Overnight: Pushkar.

Day 9 – Pushkar to Jaipur

After breakfast, explore the area around Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few major temples dedicated to Brahma. The ghats surrounding the lake provide an opportunity to observe local religious traditions and everyday life in this small pilgrimage town. Later, continue by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and famously known as the Pink City. Overnight: Jaipur.

Day 10 – Jaipur & Amber Fort

After breakfast, travel to Amber Fort, dramatically positioned in the hills outside Jaipur. The itinerary includes an elephant ride for the ascent, subject to availability, followed by a jeep descent. Explore the fort's courtyards, palaces and decorative interiors before returning to Jaipur. Continue to the City Palace, home to a fascinating collection of royal textiles, weapons, miniature paintings and other artefacts. Visit Jantar Mantar, the historic astronomical observatory, and finish with a view of Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of Winds. Overnight: Jaipur.

Day 11 – Jaipur to Agra

After breakfast, drive to Agra, approximately 240 km from Jaipur. Upon arrival, visit the Taj Mahal, the celebrated white-marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. Take time to appreciate its symmetry, marble craftsmanship and detailed pietra dura decoration. Continue to Agra Fort, another major example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its courtyards, palaces and historic buildings before returning to your hotel. Overnight: Agra Important: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. Your itinerary should therefore be planned around the monument's weekly closure.

Day 12 – Agra to Varanasi

After breakfast, travel towards Delhi to connect with your onward flight or take a direct train from Agra to Varanasi, depending on the final arrangements and operating schedule. On arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel. Later, experience the atmosphere of the old city with a rickshaw ride towards the Ganges ghats. In the evening, witness the traditional Ganga Aarti, when lamps and devotional rituals take place beside the river. Overnight: Varanasi.

Day 13 – Varanasi & Departure

Start early with a boat ride on the Ganges, subject to water levels. The river at dawn offers a different perspective of Varanasi as pilgrims and local residents begin their daily rituals along the ghats. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, including Bharat Mata Temple. Later, transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight to Delhi and onward connection to your next destination. End of the tour.

✦ Plan Your Journey

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and hotel preferences. Our team can customise this grand heritage journey for you.

✦ Asia Escapes Insider Tips

Allow time for the desert experience Jaisalmer is one of the highlights of this itinerary, so don't treat the desert excursion simply as a photo stop. The late afternoon is a particularly pleasant time to experience the dunes and watch the sunset. Be prepared for different travel experiences This journey covers a large part of North India. There are several road journeys between destinations, so comfortable clothing, good walking shoes and a little flexibility will make the journey easier. Plan around the Taj Mahal's closure The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. Check your travel dates carefully before confirming the final itinerary, particularly if your journey includes fixed domestic flights. Respect local customs Rajasthan and Varanasi include important Hindu and Jain religious sites. Dress modestly when visiting temples and follow local instructions regarding footwear, photography and access. Protect your mornings Some of India's most memorable experiences happen early in the day. The Ganges at sunrise is particularly atmospheric, while an early start can also make sightseeing more comfortable during warmer months. Expect a change of pace in Varanasi Varanasi feels very different from Rajasthan. Its narrow lanes, busy ghats, temples and religious ceremonies are part of everyday life rather than staged tourist attractions. Approach the city with curiosity and allow yourself time to take in the atmosphere. Choose your hotel category carefully The itinerary offers 4-star, 5-star standard and 5-star luxury options. A higher hotel category can be worthwhile after long sightseeing days, particularly in destinations where a heritage or characterful property adds to the experience. Travel in the cooler season For most European visitors, October to March is generally the most comfortable period for a Rajasthan itinerary. Temperatures can be considerably higher during the summer months.

Why Choose This Rajasthan,Agra & Varanasi Tour?

Rajasthan beyond the Golden Triangle This itinerary goes beyond the classic Delhi–Agra–Jaipur route. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Pushkar introduce you to different sides of Rajasthan, from desert landscapes and imposing forts to lakes, palaces and pilgrimage traditions. A journey with real variety Few North Indian itineraries combine so many different experiences. You will travel through the Thar Desert, explore historic forts and palaces, admire intricate Jain architecture, cruise on Lake Pichola and discover sacred sites along the Ganges. The Taj Mahal and Varanasi The final part of the journey brings together two of India's best-known destinations. Agra offers Mughal architecture and the Taj Mahal, while Varanasi provides a very different experience centred around the Ganges, ancient ghats and living religious traditions. Private and comfortable travel Private air-conditioned transport, local guides and airport or railway assistance make the journey easier to manage, particularly when travelling between several destinations. A choice of hotel standards Three hotel categories allow travellers to choose the level of comfort that suits their budget and travel style, from comfortable 4-star properties to 5-star and luxury accommodation. Experiences beyond monuments The itinerary includes a camel ride in the Thar Desert, a boat ride on Lake Pichola, a rickshaw ride in Varanasi, Ganga Aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. These experiences add local character to the historic sightseeing. Well suited to first-time visitors For travellers visiting India for the first time, this route provides a broad introduction to North India's history, architecture, religion, landscapes and everyday culture without limiting the journey to the standard Golden Triangle.

✦ Trip Highlights

Explore Delhi's historic contrasts – From the lively lanes of Old Delhi to Qutub Minar and the grand avenues of New Delhi.

Fly to Jaisalmer – Reach Rajasthan's Golden City without a long overland journey.

Discover Jaisalmer Fort – Explore one of Rajasthan's most distinctive living forts, surrounded by sandstone havelis and desert landscapes.

Ride a camel through the Thar Desert – Experience the dunes at sunset.

Explore the Blue City of Jodhpur – Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Sardar Market.

Admire Ranakpur's Jain architecture – See the extraordinary marble craftsmanship of this important religious site.

Discover Udaipur's lakes and palaces – Visit the City Palace and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola

Visit historic Chittorgarh Fort – Discover one of Rajasthan's most important Rajput heritage sites.

Experience sacred Pushkar – Walk around Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple.

Explore Jaipur's royal heritage – Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

See the Taj Mahal in Agra – Experience India's best-known monument and explore Agra Fort.

Experience Varanasi at dusk – Travel by rickshaw to the ghats and witness the Ganga Aarti.

Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – See Varanasi's historic riverfront as the city begins its day.

✦ Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

CITY / NIGHTS	CAT. C 4*	CAT. B 5* Standard	Category A 5* Luxury
Delhi / Gurugram (02 Nights)	Hotel LA / Quality Inn	Radisson Dwarka / ITC Welcome Dwarka	The Leela Ambience Shahdara / Crowne Plaza Okhla
Jaisalmer (02 Nights)	Antra Inn	Desert Tulip Jaisalmer	Marriott Jaisalmer
Jodhpur (01 Night)	Zone By Park / Fern	Indana Palace	Ajit Bhawan (Heritage)
Udaipur (02 Nights)	Regent Mewargarh	Fateh Niwas	Fateh Garh
Pushkar (01 Night)	Arram Bagh	Jagat Palace	Ananta Spa & Resort
Jaipur (02 Nights)	Regenta Place / Park Ocean	Royal Orchid Jaipur / Fern Ecotel	Hilton / Marriott
Agra (01 Night)	Fern Howard / Regal Vista	Clark Shiraz / Doubletree by Hilton	Jaypee Palace / Marriott
Varanasi (01 Night)	The Amayaa / Meraden Grand	Madin / Radisson	Taj Ganges / Suryaudai Haveli

✓ Services Included

12 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast in your selected hotel category.
Private transfers and sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles.
Local guide services in your preferred language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French or Turkish.
Airport and railway station assistance by an English-speaking representative.
One bottle of drinking water per person per day during vehicle transfers.
Private road transfers between the destinations included in the itinerary.
Camel ride through the dunes of Jaisalmer.
Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, subject to water level.
Elephant ride for the ascent to Amber Fort, subject to availability, with jeep descent.
Rickshaw ride to the ghats in Varanasi.
Evening visit to the Varanasi ghats for the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi, subject to water level.
Entrance tickets to the monuments mentioned in the programme.
Applicable rates and taxes at the time of booking.

✕ Services Not Included

International flights.
Domestic flights or trains unless specifically included in the final quotation.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, hotel staff and other local services.
Camera and video fees where charged at monuments.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and hotel services.
Drinks during lunch or dinner.
Travel insurance.
Meals other than breakfast unless specifically mentioned.
Any service or activity not specifically listed under "What's Included".