Grand Rajasthan Circuit ex-Jaipur

After breakfast, drive past Maota Lake to the hilltop Amber Fort; ascend via Jeep to explore the mirrored halls of the Sheesh Mahal. Continue along the ridge to explore Jaigarh Fort (housing the world’s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivana) and catch panoramic views of the city from Nahargarh Fort. On the descent, pause by the water palace Jal Mahal and visit the white-marble Birla Mandir, Jaipur. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Depart early across the semi-arid plains toward Bikaner. Check into your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, tour the unconquered Junagarh Fort, known for its ornate gold-leaf work and mirrored interiors inside Anup Mahal and Badal Mahal. Later, take a short excursion south to the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke (the famous "Rat Temple"). Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Drive deeper into the Thar Desert toward Jaisalmer. Arrive in the golden sandstone city by mid-afternoon and check into your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the tranquil Gadisar Lake, fringed by historic cenotaphs and intricately carved stone gateways (Tilon Ki Pol), followed by a stroll through the local markets. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer city.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila), one of the world’s few functioning living forts, housing ancient Jain temples and the Raj Mahal. Walk past the carved filigree facades of Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli. In the afternoon, drive out to the rolling dunes of Sam Sand Dunes. Check into your desert camp, enjoy an evening camel safari across the sand crests at sunset, and watch traditional Kalbeliya folk dances with a buffet dinner under the desert sky. Overnight stay in Swiss desert tents at Sam.

Depart after breakfast toward the sun city of Jodhpur. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched 400 feet above the blue-painted rooftops of the old city. Visit the serene white-marble royal cenotaph at Jaswant Thada and browse the vintage museum inside the Art Deco Umaid Bhawan Palace. Spend the evening walking through the bustling Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) market. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Drive northeast toward the sacred lakeside town of Pushkar. Make a brief stop in Ajmer to visit the revered Sufi shrine of Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Arrive in Pushkar and check into your resort. In the afternoon, visit the 14th-century Brahma Temple (one of the few in the world) and take a peaceful walk along the 52 stepped bathing ghats of Pushkar Lake during evening prayers. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Drive south through the Aravalli valleys toward Udaipur. Stop at the secluded 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple complex, celebrated for its 1,444 uniquely hand-carved marble pillars. Continue the mountain descent into Udaipur, the "City of Lakes." Check into your hotel and spend the evening dining along the illuminated waters of Lake Pichola. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, tour the sprawling City Palace Complex, exploring the Mor Chowk, Zenana Mahal, and the Crystal Gallery overlooking Lake Pichola. Visit the 17th-century stone Jagdish Temple and stroll through the royal fountain gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Pichola past Jag Mandir. In the evening, watch the traditional Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Check out after breakfast and drive up into Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the world-famous Dilwara Jain Temples, renowned for their translucent, lace-like marble craftsmanship. Take a relaxing late-afternoon boat ride on Nakki Lake and walk up to Sunset Point to catch the dusk over the valleys. Overnight stay in Mount Abu.

Rise early to visit Guru Shikhar (5,650 ft), the highest peak in the Aravalli Range, for sweeping mountain views. Return for breakfast, check out, and begin the drive back toward Jaipur along the multi-lane national expressway. Arrive in Jaipur in the late evening for direct drop-off at Jaipur Airport (JAI) or Railway Station for your onward journey. (Alternative: Drop-off can be arranged at Udaipur Airport on Day 10/11 to avoid the long road haul back to Jaipur).