12 Days Castle Tour of Rajasthan from Delhi
12 Days Castle Tour of Rajasthan Overview
Discover Rajasthan's magnificent forts, royal palaces, historic havelis and legendary desert cities on this 11-night, 12-day Castle Tour of Rajasthan from Delhi. The journey travels through Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur, combining some of the state's most impressive architectural landmarks with colourful markets, traditional culture and changing landscapes.
Begin with the monuments of Delhi before travelling into Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. Mandawa is famous for fresco-covered havelis and historic streets, while Bikaner introduces you to Junagarh Fort, royal palaces and the character of Rajasthan's northern desert region.
Continue deeper into the Thar Desert towards Jaisalmer, where golden sandstone architecture, centuries-old havelis and Jaisalmer Fort create one of India's most distinctive heritage settings. From Jaisalmer, travel to Jodhpur to explore Mehrangarh Fort and the blue-painted old city.
The final section combines the lakes and palaces of Udaipur with Jaipur's royal forts and monuments. From Udaipur City Palace to Amber Fort, the itinerary showcases different periods and styles of Rajasthan's castle, fort and palace architecture before returning to Delhi.
Castle Tour of Rajasthan Highlights
- Explore important historic monuments of Old and New Delhi.
- Discover the painted havelis of Mandawa and the Shekhawati region.
- Visit the impressive Junagarh Fort in Bikaner.
- Experience the golden sandstone architecture of Jaisalmer.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort and historic merchant havelis.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of Rajasthan's Thar Desert region.
- Visit magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
- Explore Jaswant Thada and Jodhpur's old city.
- Travel through the scenic Aravalli region towards Udaipur.
- Visit Udaipur City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.
- Explore Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari.
- Discover Jaipur's majestic Amber Fort.
- Visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
- Experience Rajasthan's colourful bazaars and traditional handicrafts.
- See forts, palaces and castles from different Rajasthan dynasties in one journey.
Tour Duration, Route and Travel Details
Duration: 11 nights and 12 days
Starting point: Delhi
Ending point: Delhi
Tour type: Rajasthan castle, fort, palace and heritage tour
Route: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Jaipur – Delhi
Desert destinations: Bikaner and Jaisalmer
Heritage cities: Mandawa, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur
Main attractions: Junagarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, City Palace and Amber Fort
Best for: Heritage lovers, architecture enthusiasts, couples, families and photographers
Package price: Available on request. Final cost depends on travel dates, hotel category, vehicle type and selected services.
12 Days Castle Tour of Rajasthan Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and meet our representative at the airport, railway station or another confirmed location. Transfer to your hotel and complete the check-in formalities.
Spend the remaining time relaxing after your journey. Depending on arrival time, a short local visit or leisure evening can be arranged. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 – Delhi Full-Day Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin sightseeing across Old and New Delhi. Visit important landmarks such as Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and India Gate.
Depending on available time, explore Chandni Chowk, drive past Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan and spend some time around Connaught Place. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3 – Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast, leave Delhi and drive towards Mandawa in Rajasthan's famous Shekhawati region.
On arrival, check in at your hotel and begin exploring the historic town. See fresco-painted havelis, traditional streets and the heritage architecture for which Mandawa is famous. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4 – Mandawa to Bikaner
Enjoy breakfast and continue exploring selected havelis of Mandawa before departing towards Bikaner.
On arrival in Bikaner, check in at your hotel. Depending on arrival time, explore the local market area or enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5 – Bikaner Sightseeing and Drive to Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit Junagarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's most impressive fortified palace complexes. Explore its courtyards, halls, balconies and richly decorated interiors.
Depending on available time, visit selected Bikaner attractions before continuing across the desert landscape towards Jaisalmer. Check in at your hotel on arrival. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer Full-Day Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Visit the historic Jaisalmer Fort, famous for its golden sandstone walls, narrow lanes, temples and traditional houses.
Continue to important merchant havelis such as Patwon Ki Haveli and explore Gadsisar Lake and other selected attractions according to available time.
Later, travel towards the desert dunes for an optional camel ride and sunset experience, subject to the confirmed package and local conditions. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 7 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
After breakfast, leave Jaisalmer and travel towards Jodhpur, Rajasthan's famous Blue City.
On arrival, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort overlooking the old city. Continue to Jaswant Thada and, depending on time, explore the Clock Tower and Sardar Market area. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8 – Jodhpur to Udaipur
After breakfast, depart Jodhpur and begin the scenic drive towards Udaipur. Depending on the confirmed route, a stop at the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples can be included.
Continue through the Aravalli region towards Udaipur, Rajasthan's celebrated Lake City. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remaining evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 9 – Udaipur Full-Day Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Udaipur's royal heritage. Visit City Palace, one of Rajasthan's largest palace complexes, overlooking the scenic waters of Lake Pichola.
Continue to Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and selected attractions around Fateh Sagar Lake. A boat ride on Lake Pichola can be arranged according to local operating conditions and the confirmed package. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur to Jaipur
After breakfast, leave Udaipur and drive towards Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital and famous Pink City.
On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Depending on arrival time, explore a local market or enjoy an optional cultural evening. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 11 – Jaipur Full-Day Sightseeing
Begin the day with a visit to Amber Fort, the impressive hilltop fortress located outside Jaipur. Explore its gateways, courtyards, palace rooms and decorative interiors.
Continue to City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Stop near Jal Mahal for photographs and spend some time exploring Jaipur's traditional bazaars for textiles, jewellery and handicrafts. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 12 – Jaipur to Delhi
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the journey back towards Delhi.
On arrival, drop-off can be arranged at Delhi airport, railway station, hotel, residence or another confirmed location. Your 12-day Castle Tour of Rajasthan concludes with memories of Rajasthan's magnificent forts, palaces, havelis, desert landscapes and royal cities.
Famous Forts and Palaces on This Rajasthan Tour
This Rajasthan Castle Tour has been designed around some of the state's most impressive fortified cities, royal residences and historic architectural landmarks. Each destination reflects a different period of Rajasthan's history and the legacy of its former kingdoms.
- Mandawa Fort & Havelis: Heritage architecture and colourful frescoes of the Shekhawati region.
- Junagarh Fort: Bikaner's grand fortified palace complex with richly decorated interiors.
- Jaisalmer Fort: A remarkable golden sandstone fort rising above the desert city.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Jodhpur's dramatic hilltop fortress overlooking the Blue City.
- Udaipur City Palace: A vast royal complex overlooking Lake Pichola.
- Amber Fort: Jaipur's famous hill fort combining Rajput and Mughal architectural influences.
- Jaipur City Palace: Historic royal courtyards, museums and palace buildings in the heart of the Pink City.
Experiences During the Castle Tour of Rajasthan
- Old and New Delhi heritage sightseeing.
- Fresco-painted havelis of Mandawa.
- Junagarh Fort architecture in Bikaner.
- Golden City and Jaisalmer Fort exploration.
- Optional desert camel ride and sunset experience.
- Mehrangarh Fort and Blue City views in Jodhpur.
- Scenic journey through Rajasthan's Aravalli region.
- City Palace and lakes of Udaipur.
- Optional Lake Pichola boat ride.
- Amber Fort and royal Jaipur sightseeing.
- Traditional bazaars and Rajasthani handicrafts.
- Different Rajput architectural traditions in one journey.
Why Choose This 12-Day Castle Tour of Rajasthan?
- Covers Rajasthan's most famous fort and palace cities.
- Includes Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur.
- Combines desert architecture with lake cities and hill forts.
- Features Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort and Amber Fort.
- Includes heritage havelis of the Shekhawati region.
- Offers both major attractions and traditional Rajasthan experiences.
- Suitable for travellers interested in architecture, history and photography.
- Can be customised according to hotel and transportation preferences.
Tour Package Inclusions
- Accommodation on a double-sharing basis.
- Transportation according to the confirmed itinerary.
- Applicable taxes as mentioned in the final quotation.
Tour Package Exclusions
- Any airfare.
- Travel or personal insurance.
- Monument entrance charges unless specifically included.
- Camera or video charges at monuments where applicable.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the confirmed package.
- Professional guide services unless specifically included.
- Camel rides and optional activities unless confirmed in the package.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and telephone calls.
- Any service not specifically mentioned under package inclusions.
- Additional expenses caused by circumstances outside the confirmed services.
Best Time for a Castle Tour of Rajasthan
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for exploring Rajasthan's forts, palaces, havelis and desert cities because much of the sightseeing involves outdoor walking and open courtyards.
The itinerary can also be arranged during other periods of the year, although daily schedules may be adjusted according to temperature, weather, monument timings and local conditions.
Who Is This Rajasthan Castle Tour Best For?
This itinerary is particularly suitable for travellers interested in royal history, Rajput architecture, historic forts, palace complexes and traditional Rajasthan culture. It can work well for couples, families, photographers, heritage enthusiasts and first-time visitors wanting to explore several of Rajasthan's most famous cities in one journey.
Important Tour Notes
- This page presents a suggested itinerary and final arrangements depend on the confirmed quotation.
- Hotel availability and room categories depend on travel dates.
- Monument opening times and entrance rules may change.
- Driving times depend on traffic, road and weather conditions.
- Camel rides and desert activities remain subject to local operating conditions.
- Lake Pichola boat rides depend on weather and local schedules.
- Some Rajasthan forts contain stairs, slopes and uneven walking areas.
- The sightseeing sequence may be adjusted without changing the overall tour route.
- Final inclusions and exclusions will be listed in the confirmed quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Castle Tour of Rajasthan
How many days are needed for the Castle Tour of Rajasthan?
This itinerary is designed for 11 nights and 12 days, allowing travellers to explore Delhi and Rajasthan's major castle, fort and palace destinations.
Which cities are covered in this 12-day Rajasthan tour?
The route covers Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur before returning to Delhi.
Which famous forts are included in this tour?
The suggested sightseeing includes Junagarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort and Amber Fort along with several palaces and historic havelis.
Is Jaisalmer Fort included?
Yes. The Jaisalmer sightseeing programme includes Jaisalmer Fort along with selected historic havelis and other attractions.
Does the tour include Mehrangarh Fort?
Yes. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the main highlights of the Jodhpur sightseeing programme.
Is Udaipur City Palace included?
Yes. Udaipur sightseeing includes City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and other attractions depending on available time.
Does the tour include Amber Fort in Jaipur?
Yes. Amber Fort is one of the major attractions included during the Jaipur sightseeing day.
Can we enjoy a camel ride in Jaisalmer?
A camel ride and sunset experience at the desert dunes can be arranged according to the confirmed package and local operating conditions.
Can this Castle Tour of Rajasthan be customised?
Yes. Hotels, vehicle type, sightseeing pace and selected activities can be customised according to your requirements and availability.
Is this Rajasthan tour suitable for families?
Yes. The itinerary can work well for families interested in Rajasthan's history, architecture, forts, palaces and cultural experiences.
Is the tour suitable for first-time Rajasthan visitors?
Yes. It covers several of Rajasthan's most recognised heritage destinations and provides a broad introduction to the state's royal architecture and culture.
Where does the Castle Tour of Rajasthan start and finish?
The suggested itinerary starts in Delhi and returns to Delhi after the final stay in Jaipur.
Book Your 12 Days Castle Tour of Rajasthan
Share your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred hotel category and transportation requirements to receive a customised quotation for your 11-night, 12-day Castle Tour of Rajasthan from Delhi.