Grand Rajasthan, Khajuraho & Varanasi – 18 Days

Welcome to India. After completing immigration and baggage formalities at Delhi International Airport, meet a MoreIndia Travels representative and transfer privately to your hotel.

No scheduled sightseeing is planned today, allowing you to rest after your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, a gentle orientation drive or light activity can be arranged.

Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, meet your private guide and begin exploring India’s capital.

Visit Jama Masjid and continue by cycle rickshaw through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk. Experience historic neighbourhoods, traditional markets, places of worship and the everyday life of Old Delhi.

Later, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and learn about the Sikh tradition of community service. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.

Drive past India Gate, Parliament House and New Delhi’s principal government buildings before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Jaisalmer.

Meet the local representative upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and become acquainted with the desert city.

If the flight schedule permits, an optional visit to Bada Bagh or a sunset viewpoint can be arranged.

Direct flights to Jaisalmer may operate seasonally. Alternative travel arrangements will be proposed when required.

Overnight in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer with your private guide.

Visit Jaisalmer Fort, a remarkable living citadel containing homes, shops, temples and narrow lanes. Continue to selected merchant mansions such as Patwon Ki Haveli and visit Gadisar Lake.

During the afternoon, travel into the Thar Desert for a sunset experience among the dunes. A short camel ride can be arranged on request through a carefully selected operator, or you may explore by jeep and enjoy the desert landscape without riding animals.

Return to Jaisalmer after sunset. A desert dinner or overnight luxury-camp experience can be added when requested.

Overnight in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur by private vehicle. The journey normally takes approximately five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Depending on your arrival time, take an optional guided walk through Jodhpur’s old quarter or visit a suitable viewpoint overlooking the Blue City.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive fortresses. Explore its palaces, courtyards, galleries and ramparts while enjoying panoramic views across Jodhpur.

Continue to Jaswant Thada, an elegant marble memorial located near the fort.

Later, explore parts of the old city around the clock tower and Sardar Market. A guided heritage walk can introduce you to local neighbourhoods, food traditions and everyday life beyond the principal monuments.

The afternoon can be adapted to include additional leisure time or a visit to local textile and handicraft workshops.

Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, travel through the countryside and Aravalli Hills towards Udaipur.

Stop at Ranakpur to visit its celebrated Jain temple complex. The principal temple is renowned for its intricate marble carvings and numerous individually designed pillars.

Continue to Udaipur and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Temple access, opening hours and photography regulations are subject to local religious requirements.

Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, explore Udaipur with your private guide.

Visit the City Palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola, followed by Jagdish Temple.

Depending on your interests, continue through the old city’s lanes, galleries and artisan workshops.

During the late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to water levels and operating conditions. See Udaipur’s palaces and waterfront buildings illuminated by the softer evening light.

Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, transfer to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Jaipur.

Meet the local representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, independent exploration or an optional cultural experience.

If a suitable direct flight is unavailable, the journey can be completed by private vehicle or through an alternative flight connection. The final arrangement will be confirmed before booking.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Begin with a photographic stop at Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s celebrated Palace of Winds.

Continue to Amber Fort, dramatically positioned above the surrounding hills. Ascend by jeep or private vehicle and explore its courtyards, halls, gardens and mirror-decorated chambers. Elephant rides are not included.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, Jaipur’s UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory.

Conclude with time in the traditional bazaars or visit workshops specializing in block printing, textiles, jewellery or other Rajasthani crafts. Shopping visits will only be arranged according to your interests.

Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, depart for Agra by private vehicle.

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital established by Emperor Akbar. Explore its impressive palaces, courtyards, audience halls and religious buildings with your guide.

Continue to Agra and check in at your hotel. If time and weather permit, visit Mehtab Bagh or another suitable viewpoint overlooking the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Overnight in Agra.

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The softer morning light and relatively peaceful atmosphere make this a memorable time to experience India’s most celebrated monument.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to freshen up.

Later, visit Agra Fort, the imposing Mughal stronghold from which successive emperors governed their empire. Continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah, noted for its delicate marble inlay and riverside setting.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or visit traditional marble-inlay workshops.

Important: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. The order of the itinerary will be adjusted when necessary.

Overnight in Agra.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Agra railway station and board an air-conditioned express train to Jhansi.

Meet your driver upon arrival and continue to Orchha, a peaceful historic town beside the Betwa River.

Visit the principal monuments of the Orchha Fort complex, including Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal. Subject to time, see the riverside cenotaphs and one of the town’s important temples.

Continue by private vehicle to Khajuraho. The drive normally takes approximately three to four hours.

Overnight in Khajuraho.

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed Western Group of Temples with your private guide.

Constructed mainly between approximately 950 and 1050 CE under the Chandela dynasty, the temples are admired for their architectural harmony and exceptionally detailed sculpture. Their artwork depicts deities, celestial beings, musicians, dancers, everyday life and symbolic expressions of human experience.

Only a small proportion of the sculptures are erotic; the complex has much broader religious, historical and artistic significance.

Later, visit selected temples from the Eastern Group, including important Hindu and Jain monuments.

The remainder of the afternoon is free. An optional village experience, cultural performance or sound-and-light show can be arranged.

Overnight in Khajuraho.

After breakfast, transfer to Khajuraho Airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Meet the local representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Later, travel towards the riverside to attend the evening Ganga Aarti.

Observe priests performing the ceremonial offering of lamps, incense and prayers beside the sacred River Ganges. Access may be by foot or boat, depending on river levels and local arrangements.

If the flight schedule does not permit attendance this evening, the ceremony will be arranged on Day 16.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Before sunrise, return to the river for a private boat ride along the Ganges. Observe pilgrims performing their morning rituals and see the historic ghats and temples illuminated by the early light.

Continue with a guided walk through parts of the old city, exploring its narrow lanes, traditional neighbourhoods and small shrines. Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to rest.

In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where the Buddha is traditionally believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

If the Ganga Aarti was not possible on Day 15, attend it this evening.

Overnight in Varanasi.

After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi.

Meet the representative upon arrival and transfer privately to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest, enjoy the hotel facilities or arrange an optional farewell dinner.

This final night in Delhi provides a comfortable buffer before your international departure.

Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, enjoy free time according to your flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, transfer privately to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.

Your grand private journey concludes with assistance at the airport.