Stunning Rajasthan Tour: Delhi to Udaipur

Begin your morning in historic Old Delhi: visit the grand 17th-century Jama Masjid, take an authentic cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, pause for photos outside the red sandstone ramparts of the Red Fort, and visit Raj Ghat. In the afternoon, visit the flower-shaped Lotus Temple and conclude your evening at Akshardham to view the intricate sandstone carvings and the musical fountain water show. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Drive along the Yamuna Expressway to Agra. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, tour the red-sandstone courtyards of Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), visiting the Jahangiri Mahal and Musamman Burj. At sunset, cross the river to Mehtab Bagh for a golden-hour view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Overnight stay in Agra.

Witness the morning light reflecting off the white Makrana marble at the Taj Mahal. Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Depart for Jaipur, stopping en route at Emperor Akbar’s abandoned red-sandstone capital, Fatehpur Sikri, to view the 54-meter Buland Darwaza and the marble tomb of Salim Chishti. Arrive in Jaipur, check into your hotel, and visit the white-marble Birla Mandir, Jaipur in the evening. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive to the hilltop Amber Fort; ascend via Jeep to explore the mirrored halls of the Sheesh Mahal and the ornate Ganesh Pol. Pause for photos at the water palace Jal Mahal. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace, Jaipur, the massive stone astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar - Jaipur, and photograph the honeycomb facade of Hawa Mahal. Spend the evening browsing local handicrafts and textiles in Johari and Bapu Bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Depart after breakfast toward the holy lake town of Pushkar. Check into your hotel/resort upon arrival. In the afternoon, visit the rare 14th-century Brahma Temple and take a peaceful walk along the 52 stepped bathing ghats of Pushkar Lake to witness the evening prayers and floating oil lamps. Browse the local bazaars for rose water, leather crafts, and handicraft souvenirs. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Drive west toward Jodhpur. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the cliffside ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort, towering 400 feet above the blue-painted rooftops of the old city. Visit the white-marble royal cenotaph at Jaswant Thada and browse the museum inside the Art Deco Umaid Bhawan Palace. Spend the evening walking through the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) market. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Depart early through the Aravalli valleys toward southern Rajasthan. Stop at the secluded 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple, celebrated for its 1,444 uniquely hand-carved marble pillars. Continue the scenic mountain descent into Udaipur, the "City of Lakes." Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening dining along the illuminated lakeside cafes of Ambrai Ghat. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

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

After breakfast, drive up to Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) perched high in the Aravalli hills for panoramic views across Udaipur's lakes and valleys. Return to the city for last-minute shopping before direct drop-off at Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur (UDR) or Udaipur City Railway Station.