Discover India’s Heritage, Rajasthan’s Royal Cities & the Thar Desert
Overview
Explore India’s famous Golden Triangle and the desert heritage of Rajasthan on this 9-day private tour from Delhi. Travel by road through Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, discovering Mughal monuments, royal palaces, historic forts and traditional Rajasthani culture along the way.
Begin in Delhi with its historic landmarks and busy markets, then continue to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. In Jaipur, explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the city’s distinctive pink architecture.
Continue west to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, where Mehrangarh Fort overlooks a maze of blue-painted houses and old city streets. Your journey then takes you to Jaisalmer, known for its golden sandstone buildings, intricately carved havelis and desert surroundings.
Experience the Thar Desert near Sam Sand Dunes with a camel safari and sunset views. A desert camp stay with traditional music, dance and dinner can also be arranged on request.
The tour is designed for travellers who want to combine India’s best-known heritage destinations with the forts, towns and desert landscapes of Rajasthan. Private road transport makes it easier to explore each destination at your own pace.
Please note: Hotel accommodation and desert camp stays are not included in the standard package. They can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer on a 9-day private road trip.
- Visit the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Discover Old Delhi’s historic streets, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.
- Explore Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort and discover Jodhpur’s blue-painted old city.
- Admire Jaisalmer Fort and the detailed sandstone carvings of Patwon Ki Haveli.
- Enjoy a camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert.
- Watch the sunset over the desert landscape.
- Arrange a desert camp stay with cultural performances and dinner on request.
- Travel between destinations by private air-conditioned vehicle, without train journeys.
Tour Itinerary:
Arrive in Delhi, where your driver will meet you at the airport, railway station or another agreed pickup point. Begin your journey with a transfer into the city.
Depending on your arrival time, visit India Gate and drive past the Presidential Estate and other important government buildings. If you arrive early enough, explore Connaught Place or take a walk through a local market.
The day’s sightseeing will be adjusted to your arrival time.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
Explore the historic and modern sides of India’s capital.
Begin in Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid, followed by a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s busy lanes. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
In New Delhi, visit Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Depending on the available time and opening hours, you can also visit the Lotus Temple and stop at India Gate for photographs.
After sightseeing, return to your accommodation or continue to your next planned activity.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
After breakfast, if arranged, leave Delhi by private vehicle and drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway. The journey generally takes around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
On arrival, visit Agra Fort, a historic Mughal complex with impressive gateways, courtyards and palace buildings.
Later, visit Mehtab Bagh for views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. This is a good opportunity to photograph the monument in the softer evening light, subject to weather and local conditions.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
Start early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Its white marble architecture looks different as the morning light changes. After the visit, leave Agra and travel towards Jaipur.
En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital known for its red sandstone architecture, historic courtyards and Buland Darwaza. Explore the complex before continuing to Jaipur.
Arrive in the Pink City and spend the evening at leisure or explore a nearby market if time permits.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
Spend the day discovering Jaipur’s royal heritage.
Begin at Amber Fort, situated on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Explore its courtyards, gateways and palace interiors before continuing to City Palace, where royal collections and traditional architecture tell the story of Jaipur’s rulers.
Visit Jantar Mantar, the historic astronomical observatory, and stop outside Hawa Mahal to admire its distinctive pink façade.
Later, explore Jaipur’s local markets, known for textiles, handicrafts, jewellery and traditional souvenirs.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
After breakfast, leave Jaipur by private vehicle and travel west to Jodhpur. The drive generally takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
On arrival, explore the surrounding area if time permits. Jodhpur’s old city is known for its narrow lanes, blue-painted houses and views of Mehrangarh Fort rising above the rooftops.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a walk through the local markets or relax before the next day’s sightseeing.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
Discover Jodhpur’s historic landmarks and royal architecture.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s best-known forts, with its massive walls, palace courtyards and museum collections. From the fort, enjoy views over the blue-painted houses of the old city.
Continue to Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial set in peaceful surroundings. If time permits, visit the area around the Clock Tower and Sardar Market to browse local handicrafts, spices and textiles.
Return to your accommodation or enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Accommodation can be arranged on request.
After breakfast, if arranged, drive from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. The road journey generally takes around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
On arrival, explore Jaisalmer’s historic centre, including Jaisalmer Fort and the beautifully carved Patwon Ki Haveli, subject to the available time.
Later, continue to Sam Sand Dunes for a camel safari across the desert landscape. Watch the sun set over the dunes and enjoy the changing colours of the Thar Desert.
A desert camp stay, traditional Rajasthani music and dance, and dinner can be arranged on request at an additional cost. These arrangements should be confirmed before travel.
Overnight: Desert camp or other accommodation can be arranged on request.
If your departure schedule allows, spend the morning exploring more of Jaisalmer. Visit the historic lanes of Jaisalmer Fort, where residents, shops and temples remain part of everyday life. You may also explore local markets or visit Gadisar Lake, depending on your available time.
After sightseeing, transfer to Jaisalmer Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.
If you require a road transfer to another city, such as Jodhpur or Jaipur, please request this in advance. The additional distance and travel time will need to be considered when planning your departure.
Tour ends: Jaisalmer.
Tour Includes
- Pickup and drop-off at the agreed airport, railway station or hotel.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver for the scheduled road journeys and sightseeing.
- Driver expenses, road tolls and parking charges applicable to the planned itinerary.
- Local tour guides in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, as specified in the confirmed package.
- Mineral water during road journeys, if specified in the booking.
- Assistance with planning accommodation and desert camp arrangements, upon request.
Tour Excludes
- Hotel accommodation throughout the tour. It can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
- Desert camp accommodation, camel safari and desert camp activities unless specifically included in the confirmed package. These can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
- Monument entry tickets unless explicitly included in the selected package.
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned as included.
- Personal expenses, shopping, laundry and telephone charges.
- Tips and gratuities for the driver and tour guides.
- Flights and train tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional activities and services not listed under What’s Included.
- Any service not explicitly mentioned as included.
