15 Nights 16 Days Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour
Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour Overview
This 15 Nights 16 Days Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour is built for travellers who want Rajasthan's desert side without missing the famous North India classics. You begin in Delhi, travel through painted Shekhawati havelis and Bikaner's forts, spend two nights in Jaisalmer, continue through Jodhpur and Udaipur, then finish the Rajasthan section in Pushkar and Jaipur before reaching the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The journey changes character every few days. Mandawa feels intimate and old-fashioned. Bikaner brings massive fort architecture. Jaisalmer glows in yellow sandstone, and the desert beyond the city gives you open skies, dunes and one of the most memorable sunsets of the trip.
Jodhpur and Udaipur balance the desert section with imposing fort walls and lakefront palaces. Pushkar offers a quieter spiritual stop, while Jaipur gives you the grand scale of Amber Fort, City Palace and the old Pink City markets.
Agra comes near the end. That timing works well. After seeing Rajput forts, desert landscapes and Rajasthan's royal cities, the white marble of the Taj Mahal feels completely different. Same journey, different India.
Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour Highlights
- Explore Old Delhi and New Delhi's major historic landmarks.
- Walk through Mandawa's frescoed havelis in the Shekhawati region.
- Visit Junagarh Fort and Bikaner's royal heritage attractions.
- Travel to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's Golden City.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and other sandstone landmarks.
- Enjoy a camel safari or desert ride near Jaisalmer when included.
- Watch sunset over the Thar Desert.
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur.
- Stop at the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple on the road to Udaipur.
- Explore Udaipur City Palace and the Lake Pichola waterfront.
- Enjoy a Lake Pichola boat ride when operating and confirmed.
- Visit Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple area.
- Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri while travelling from Jaipur to Agra.
- See the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and other Mughal-era landmarks.
Tour Duration, Route and Desert Safari Details
Duration: 15 nights and 16 days
Route: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi
Tour type: Desert, heritage, cultural and Taj Mahal tour
Starting point: Delhi
Ending point: Delhi
Desert experience: Jaisalmer camel safari or camel ride when confirmed
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
Accommodation: Fifteen nights in selected hotels, heritage properties or optional desert camp
Best for: Couples, families, first-time Rajasthan visitors, heritage lovers and desert travellers
Package price: Available on request. Final cost depends on travel dates, hotel category, vehicle type, desert experience, guides and number of travellers.
15 Nights 16 Days Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and meet our representative at the airport or your confirmed pickup point. Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in.
The first day is intentionally relaxed. Settle in, recover from the journey and get ready for the longer Rajasthan route ahead.
If you arrive early, an easy evening drive, market visit or dinner can be arranged.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 – Old Delhi and New Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin in Old Delhi with Jama Masjid and the bustling Chandni Chowk area. A rickshaw ride can be added for a closer look at the historic lanes and markets.
Continue to Raj Ghat before moving into New Delhi.
Visit Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, then drive past India Gate and the government district according to current access conditions.
Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3 – Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast, leave Delhi and drive towards Mandawa in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region.
Arrive and check in at your heritage hotel before exploring the town's frescoed havelis and traditional merchant homes.
Mandawa is often described as an open-air art gallery, but the best part is simply walking its quieter lanes and noticing how every old facade seems slightly different.
Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4 – Mandawa to Bikaner
Enjoy breakfast and continue towards Bikaner.
Depending on routing, stop at Deshnoke for Karni Mata Temple before reaching the city.
After arrival, explore Junagarh Fort, with Lalgarh Palace and other Bikaner attractions possible according to time and access.
Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After breakfast, begin the long road journey towards Jaisalmer.
The route moves deeper into western Rajasthan, and the landscape becomes noticeably more open and dry as you approach the Golden City.
A stop around Pokaran can be included depending on your final route and available time.
Arrive in Jaisalmer, check in and relax after the drive.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer Fort, Havelis and Desert Safari
After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer's historic centre.
Visit Jaisalmer Fort and continue to Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli according to available time.
Later in the afternoon, leave the city and head towards the desert for the signature experience of the journey.
Enjoy a camel safari or camel ride when included in the package, followed by sunset over the dunes. A jeep safari, cultural programme, dinner or desert camp night can be added when requested in advance.
Choose camel operators that allow the animals proper rest, water and reasonable loads, particularly during warmer weather.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer or confirmed desert camp.
Day 7 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
After breakfast, leave Jaisalmer and drive towards Jodhpur.
Arrive in the Blue City and check in at your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, begin with Jaswant Thada or explore the old city around Clock Tower and Sardar Market.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8 – Jodhpur Heritage Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's most dramatic fortress complexes.
Explore its courtyards, gateways and museum rooms while looking down over Jodhpur's blue-painted neighbourhoods.
Continue to Jaswant Thada if not covered the previous day and visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum according to current access.
The evening can be kept free for local markets or a relaxed rooftop meal.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 9 – Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur
Enjoy breakfast, check out and begin the drive towards Udaipur.
Stop at Ranakpur to visit its famous Jain temple complex, known for detailed marble carving and an extraordinary forest of sculpted pillars.
Please follow local dress, visitor and photography rules during the temple visit.
Continue through the Aravalli countryside towards Udaipur.
Arrive, check in and relax.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur Sightseeing and Lake Pichola
After breakfast, begin with City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.
Explore selected courtyards, balconies and museum areas before continuing to Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari.
Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola when operating and included in your final package.
Udaipur is worth slowing down for. Keep the evening free for a rooftop dinner or a walk through the old city rather than squeezing in another rushed attraction.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 11 – Udaipur to Pushkar
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Pushkar.
Arrive in the pilgrimage town and settle into your hotel.
Walk around Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple area according to current opening hours and local visitor rules.
Pushkar's famous camel fair is seasonal and takes place only during its annual festival period, so it should not be treated as a year-round attraction.
Overnight stay in Pushkar.
Day 12 – Pushkar to Jaipur
Enjoy breakfast and continue towards Jaipur.
Arrive in the Pink City and check in at your hotel.
The rest of the day is free for local markets, Rajasthani food or a relaxed evening before the full Jaipur sightseeing programme.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 13 – Jaipur Forts, Palaces and Markets
After breakfast, drive towards Amber Fort and explore its courtyards, gates and palace halls.
Vehicle or jeep access can be used to reach the fort entrance according to current local arrangements. Animal rides are not required to experience Amber Fort.
Return towards central Jaipur and stop near Jal Mahal before visiting City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
Leave some time for Jaipur's jewellery, textiles, block printing, blue pottery and handicraft markets.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 14 – Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, check out and begin the drive towards Agra.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal imperial capital established during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Explore its palaces, courtyards, Buland Darwaza and other major structures according to opening conditions.
Continue towards Agra and check in at your hotel.
If arrival time permits, visit Mehtab Bagh for an evening view across the Yamuna towards the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 15 – Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Drive to Delhi
Begin the day with the Taj Mahal. An early visit is particularly rewarding when opening times and travel dates allow.
Walk through the gardens and take time to notice the marble inlay work, calligraphy and symmetry rather than treating the visit as a quick photo stop.
Continue to Agra Fort and explore the Mughal palace sections inside the red-sandstone walls.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb can also be included depending on available time.
Please remember that the Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays, so travel dates and sightseeing order should be planned accordingly.
Later, drive back to Delhi and check in at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 16 – Delhi Departure
Enjoy breakfast and check out according to your flight schedule.
If your departure is later in the day, some free time can be kept for shopping, a relaxed meal or a short local visit.
Transfer to Delhi International Airport or your confirmed drop-off point.
Your 15 Nights 16 Days Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour concludes here.
Jaisalmer Desert Safari Options
- Short sunset camel ride.
- Longer private camel safari.
- Desert jeep safari.
- Sunset dune experience.
- Rajasthani folk music and cultural programme.
- Traditional dinner at a desert camp.
- Luxury desert camp overnight stay.
- Private photography-focused desert experience.
- Reduced camel riding time with jeep support.
Responsible Camel Safari Tips
- Choose operators that provide regular water, feeding and rest for camels.
- Avoid animals that appear exhausted, injured or poorly cared for.
- Do not overload camels with excessive luggage or riders.
- Shorter riding periods are often more comfortable for both travellers and animals.
- Use a jeep for heavy luggage whenever practical.
- Travellers with back, hip or knee problems should consider a shorter ride or jeep safari instead.
Why Choose This Rajasthan Desert Safari with Taj Mahal?
- Combines a complete Rajasthan circuit with Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Includes Mandawa and Bikaner before Jaisalmer for a more gradual desert route.
- Gives Jaisalmer enough time for fort sightseeing and a desert experience.
- Includes both Jodhpur and Udaipur.
- Stops at Ranakpur on the way to Udaipur.
- Adds spiritual Pushkar before Jaipur.
- Includes Fatehpur Sikri before reaching Agra.
- Finishes with Taj Mahal and Agra Fort before returning to Delhi.
- Can be customised with heritage hotels, desert camps and private guides.
Tour Package Inclusions
- Accommodation on double or twin sharing basis.
- One camel safari or camel ride when listed in the final package.
- Private ground transportation according to the confirmed itinerary.
- Hotel pickup and drop services listed in the final programme.
- Driver allowance, parking and road taxes where specifically included.
- Applicable package taxes stated in writing.
Tour Package Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Monument entrance tickets unless specifically included.
- Camera or video fees at monuments.
- Meals not listed in the confirmed package.
- Laundry, drinks, telephone calls, tips and personal expenses.
- Luxury desert camp or jeep safari unless specifically included.
- Services not clearly mentioned under package inclusions.
- Additional expenses caused by weather, road closures or circumstances outside normal tour arrangements.
Best Time for Rajasthan Desert Safari and Taj Mahal
October to March is generally the most comfortable period for this route. Rajasthan's desert cities are easier to explore during cooler months, and Jaisalmer evenings are more pleasant for camel rides and dune visits.
December and January nights in Jaisalmer can become cold, so warm layers are useful after sunset.
Summer travel is possible, but Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur can become extremely hot during the daytime.
What to Carry for the Desert Section
- Comfortable walking shoes or secure sandals.
- Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Hat, cap or scarf.
- Light, breathable clothes for daytime.
- Warm layer for winter evenings.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Camera or phone with power bank.
- Small day bag for desert essentials.
Important Rajasthan, Desert and Taj Mahal Travel Notes
- The Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays.
- Camel safari timing and route depend on weather and local operating conditions.
- Pushkar Camel Fair is seasonal and does not take place throughout the year.
- Lake Pichola boat rides depend on weather, water level and local operations.
- Ranakpur Jain Temple has visitor rules regarding dress and photography.
- Amber Fort can be accessed by vehicle or jeep; animal rides are not necessary.
- Road travel times are approximate and can change with traffic.
- Exact hotel and desert camp names should be confirmed before payment.
- The sightseeing order may be adjusted according to monument opening days without reducing the main confirmed itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour
Which destinations are included in this 16-day tour?
The route covers Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra.
Is a camel safari included?
The package can include one camel safari or camel ride in the Jaisalmer desert region when it is specifically listed in the final quotation.
Can we stay overnight in the Jaisalmer desert?
Yes. A standard, premium or luxury desert camp can be added depending on availability and budget.
Is Jaisalmer Fort included?
Yes. Jaisalmer sightseeing includes the fort and can also include Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli.
Does the tour include Jodhpur?
Yes. Jodhpur includes Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and other selected attractions.
Does the tour include Ranakpur?
Yes. Ranakpur Jain Temple is visited while travelling from Jodhpur towards Udaipur.
Is Lake Pichola included?
Udaipur is included, and a Lake Pichola boat ride can be added when operating and confirmed in the package.
Is Pushkar Camel Fair included?
Pushkar is included throughout the year, but the camel fair only takes place during its annual festival period.
What do we visit in Jaipur?
Jaipur sightseeing includes Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and selected markets.
Is Fatehpur Sikri included?
Yes. Fatehpur Sikri is visited while travelling from Jaipur to Agra.
Is the Taj Mahal included?
Yes. The Taj Mahal is one of the main attractions of the Agra stay.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Friday?
The Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays, so travel dates should be planned accordingly.
Can we visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise?
Yes. An early-morning Taj Mahal visit can be arranged when official opening times and your travel dates permit.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the route, though camel riding duration should be adjusted according to the comfort of children and older travellers.
Can heritage hotels be included?
Yes. Heritage, boutique, palace-style and luxury hotels can be selected according to availability and budget.
Can this Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour be customised?
Yes. Hotels, desert camp, camel ride duration, guides, vehicle type, sightseeing pace and additional nights can all be customised before booking.
Book Your Taj Mahal with Rajasthan Desert Safari Tour
Share your travel dates, number of travellers and the kind of desert experience you want. A simple sunset camel ride, luxury desert camp, private jeep safari, heritage hotel upgrade or sunrise Taj Mahal visit can all be added to the itinerary.
