Compare Classic Rajasthan by Intrepid Travel vs Mandawa (Ancient Havelis) with Golden Triangle by Tours4Fun

Day 1 Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early and have the day free, consider joining one of our Urban Adventures for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, maybe head out for your first optional dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Day 2 Delhi

This morning, you'll navigate the city’s metro system and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest, and escape the city streets by ducking into a Sikh temple, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all, and there's a chance to have a simple meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.

Day 3 Agra

Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great emperor. For a meal that makes a difference, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout, a remarkable social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks.

Day 4 Madhogarh

Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local craftspeople at work making resin bangles. These families are from the Lakhera community and in Hindu mythology, Lakheras are considered to be created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Day 5 Jaipur

Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur. When you arrive, take a walk around the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After the tour, you'll have further free time to spend as you wish.

Day 6 Jaipur

Today is a full free day that you can jam-pack with experiences of your choice. This morning, you could take an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to experience a Bollywood film.

Day 7 Ranthambhore National Park

Continuing on from Jaipur by private vehicle, head to Ranthambhore this morning. Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and was one of the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park’s 10th-century fort, and in the evening take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area and spottings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

Day 8 Bundi

Today, you'll travel to Bundi by private vehicle. When you arrive, navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an insightful walking tour, including wandering through the downtown market and meeting jewellery merchants, street dentists, and fabric dealers. Learn the secret of chai making from a local chai master and try a fresh brew. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and intricate step wells (baori), an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the 16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.

Day 9 Paangarh Lake

Take off from Bundi and take a local train to Bassi. cross the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. Enjoy the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore - a truly relaxing experience away from the chaos of India's cities.

Day 10 Bijaipur

This morning we drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past tranquil villages. You might be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife as we drive through the region. Meet some villagers and maybe even get a henna tattoo - a temporary but very traditional souvenir. Arrive at our next heritage stay and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties. 

Day 11 Udaipur

Depart the heritage stay and begin your next journey by private vehicle takes us to Udaipur. Take in the city’s hills, lakes, and white marble palaces, or delve into its twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods, and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you here. After a city walk with your leader, the rest of your day is free.

Day 12 Udaipur

Visit Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Some suggestions for your free time after the tour include an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to marvel at the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir and seeing a cultural performance that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances in the evening.

Day 13 Pushkar

Today, take an air-conditioned train to Ajmer and then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar, a place synonymous with Rajasthan. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, share a meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore further.

Day 14 Pushkar - Delhi

Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town this morning. Board the Shatabdi Express train, departing Ajmer around 2 pm for the trip back to Delhi, arriving at around 10:40 pm. Transfer to the hotel on arrival for your final night of the trip.

Day 15 Delhi

There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Day 1 Arrival at Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. DELHI: It is a city that has been an idyllic symbol of the magnificent past and thriving present of India. It has never failed to amaze visitors with its beautiful blend of various nationalities, diverse cultures & traditions, heritage of the bygone eras and its modern lifestyle – all rolled into one. The day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi

Day 2 Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing tour with a visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk – the oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, residence of the President of India and India Gate, an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi

Day 3 Delhi - Agra (205 Km/Approx. 4-5 Hrs)

After breakfast, you will head to Agra. AGRA: It a beautiful city which is situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel. After some relaxation, visit the Agra Fort that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) are must-see attractions here. Later in the evening, enjoy a royal Tonga ride to the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication, and purity ever that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where the remains of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz) rest. An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching the sun rise over this iconic monument is truly a sight to behold. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra

Day 4 Agra - Jaipur (260 Km/Approx 5-6 Hrs) via Fatehpur Sikri

After breakfast and checkout, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way. Continue driving to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. JAIPUR: Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to the extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings. Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur

Day 5 Jaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast, head to Jaipur for sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, and former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake is truly captivating. Enjoy an elephant ride here. Explore the city palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King, and lot more. Later in the day, enjoy lunch at a very fine restaurant in Jaipur. Also visit Turban Museum, one of the premier tourist attractions in the city. The Jaipur Turban Museum houses the largest collection of turbans in the world. Also, get the opportunity to learn how to tie a Rajasthani style Turban. Later, head to Jantar Mantar. It is an astronomical observatory that features the world’s largest Sundial - the Samrat Yantra. Visit the Hawa Mahal, a five-storey palace built in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, the afternoon is kept free to visit the famous markets that sell textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur

Day 6 Jaipur – Mandawa (170 Km/Approx 4-5 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Later, proceed for sightseeing of Mandawa known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. Visit the Shekhawati fort that stands out for its ornate gateways, frescoes, and paintings. The Goenka Double Haveli, an epitome of grandiose founded by Rajput Merchants in the 18th century and Murmuria Haveli, a beautifully-designed fort dating back to 1930s, are also famous here. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandawa

Day 7 Mandawa - Delhi (255 Km/Approx 5-6 Hrs)

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel at noon and our company representative will transfer you to Delhi International Airport to board your flight back home.