16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj
Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj Overview
Rajasthan's forts tell one side of its story. The palaces tell another. Put the two together, add the Thar Desert, a wildlife stop in Ranthambore and the Taj Mahal at the end, and you get a journey that covers far more than a standard sightseeing circuit.
This 16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj begins with the painted havelis of Mandawa before moving through Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Jodhpur brings the scale of Mehrangarh Fort, while Udaipur changes the mood with lakes and royal palace views.
Pushkar adds a quieter spiritual break before Jaipur brings back the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal capitals. Then the route turns towards Ranthambore, where the focus shifts from architecture to forests and wildlife.
Agra finishes the journey with the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. After more than two weeks of forts, havelis, palaces and desert roads, that final Mughal chapter feels like a natural ending rather than a rushed add-on.
Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour Highlights
- Explore Mandawa's painted havelis and Shekhawati heritage.
- Visit Junagarh Fort and Bikaner's royal landmarks.
- Travel into the Thar Desert towards Jaisalmer.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort and historic merchant havelis.
- Enjoy a camel safari or desert sunset when included.
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur.
- Explore Udaipur City Palace and Lake Pichola.
- Spend time in spiritual Pushkar around the sacred lake.
- Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
- Join an authorised wildlife safari in Ranthambore when permits are confirmed.
- Stop at Fatehpur Sikri while travelling towards Agra.
- Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
- Travel privately through Rajasthan with flexible hotel and guide options.
Tour Duration, Route and Stay Details
Duration: 16 nights and 17 days
Route: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Tour type: Heritage, fort, palace, wildlife and cultural tour
Starting point: Delhi
Ending point: Delhi
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
Accommodation: Sixteen nights in selected hotels, heritage properties or wildlife resorts
Special experiences: Jaisalmer desert, Lake Pichola, Ranthambore safari and Taj Mahal
Best for: Heritage lovers, families, couples, photographers and private groups
Package price: Available on request. Final cost depends on travel dates, hotels, vehicle type, safari permits, guides and optional experiences.
16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj Itinerary
Day 1 – Delhi to Mandawa
Meet our representative at your Delhi hotel, airport or confirmed pickup point and begin the road journey towards Mandawa.
Arrive in the Shekhawati region, check in at your hotel and take the rest of the evening slowly.
If time allows, step out for a short walk through the town and catch the evening light over Mandawa's old havelis.
Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 2 – Mandawa Heritage Sightseeing
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Mandawa's frescoed havelis and old merchant homes.
The Shekhawati region became wealthy through trade, and many families decorated their mansions with colourful wall paintings, carved balconies and elaborate facades.
Visit selected havelis and Mandawa Castle according to access and available time.
Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 3 – Mandawa to Bikaner
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Bikaner.
On arrival, visit Junagarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's major palace-fort complexes. Unlike many Rajasthan forts, it stands on the plains rather than a hill.
Continue to Lalgarh Palace and selected Jain temples when time allows. A visit to Deshnoke's Karni Mata Temple can also be arranged according to the confirmed route.
Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 4 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Enjoy breakfast and leave Bikaner for Jaisalmer.
The road moves deeper into Rajasthan's desert landscape as you approach the Golden City.
Arrive in Jaisalmer, check in at your hotel and keep the evening free after the long drive.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 5 – Jaisalmer Fort, Havelis and Desert Experience
After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer Fort and the old city's sandstone lanes.
Visit Patwon Ki Haveli and other historic merchant mansions according to available time. Gadisar Lake can also be included.
Later, head towards the desert for a camel ride or camel safari when confirmed in the package.
Stay for sunset if weather permits, then enjoy a desert dinner or cultural programme when included.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer or confirmed desert camp.
Day 6 – 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, spend the evening around Clock Tower, Sardar Market or the old city.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 7 – Jodhpur Forts and Palaces
Start the day with Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's most imposing fortresses.
Explore its courtyards, palace rooms and museum collections before looking out over the blue-painted old city below.
Continue to Jaswant Thada and visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum according to current access conditions.
Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8 – Jodhpur to Udaipur
After breakfast, check out and begin the drive towards Udaipur.
The road gradually moves into the Aravalli region, where the landscape becomes greener and more hilly.
Arrive in Udaipur, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening around the old city or Lake Pichola.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 9 – Udaipur City Palace and Lake Pichola
After breakfast, visit City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.
Explore selected courtyards, balconies and museum sections before continuing to Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola can be included when operating and confirmed in the final package.
Keep the evening free for shopping or rooftop dining.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur to Pushkar
Enjoy breakfast, check out and begin the road journey towards Pushkar.
Arrive in the pilgrimage town and settle into your hotel.
Spend the evening around Pushkar Lake and the market lanes at an easy pace.
Overnight stay in Pushkar.
Day 11 – Pushkar Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the sacred Pushkar Lake area and the Brahma Temple according to opening hours and local visitor rules.
Walk through the old town, browse the local market and enjoy the slower atmosphere of this compact pilgrimage destination.
The famous Pushkar Camel Fair takes place only during its annual festival period, so it should not be presented as a year-round attraction.
Overnight stay in Pushkar.
Day 12 – Pushkar to Jaipur
After breakfast, leave Pushkar and travel towards Jaipur.
Arrive in the Pink City, check in at your hotel and keep the evening free for local markets, food or relaxation.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 13 – Jaipur Forts and Palaces
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort in the hills outside Jaipur.
Explore the fort's gateways, courtyards and palace rooms. Vehicle or jeep access can be used according to local arrangements.
Return to the city and continue with City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
Keep some time free for Jaipur's jewellery, textiles, block printing and handicraft markets.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 14 – Jaipur to Ranthambore
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Ranthambore National Park.
Arrive at your wildlife resort and settle in.
Depending on safari permit timing and availability, an afternoon safari may be possible. Otherwise, the main wildlife programme takes place the following day.
Overnight stay near Ranthambore National Park.
Day 15 – Ranthambore Wildlife Safari
Wake early for an authorised wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, subject to permit availability, zone allocation and forest department rules.
The park is known for tigers, but sightings are never guaranteed. You may also see sambar, chital, wild boar, langurs, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
Return to the resort after the safari. A second safari can be added when permits are available.
Overnight stay near Ranthambore.
Day 16 – Ranthambore to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, leave Ranthambore and begin the journey towards Agra.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital associated with Emperor Akbar.
If your confirmed route and timing allow, Bharatpur or Keoladeo National Park can be added as an optional stop rather than treating it as a guaranteed same-day visit.
Continue to Agra and check in at your hotel.
If time allows, enjoy a sunset view towards the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.
Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 17 – Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Drive to Delhi
Begin the final day with the Taj Mahal, the landmark that gives the tour its closing highlight.
Explore the white-marble mausoleum, gardens and intricate decorative details before continuing to Agra Fort.
Please remember that the Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays, so the itinerary should be adjusted around your travel dates.
After sightseeing, drive to Delhi and transfer to the airport, hotel or your confirmed drop-off point.
Your 16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj concludes here.
Optional Experiences You Can Add
- Private licensed guides in major heritage cities.
- Luxury heritage hotel upgrades.
- Longer Jaisalmer camel safari.
- Luxury desert camp stay.
- Lake Pichola sunset boat ride.
- Additional Ranthambore safari when permits are available.
- Private naturalist in Ranthambore.
- Sunrise Taj Mahal visit when travel dates permit.
- Photography-focused heritage tour.
- Premium SUV or larger private vehicle.
Why Choose This Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour?
- Covers several of Rajasthan's most important forts and palace cities.
- Includes Mandawa and Bikaner for deeper heritage variety.
- Adds Jaisalmer's desert architecture and camel experience.
- Includes Mehrangarh Fort and Udaipur City Palace.
- Adds spiritual Pushkar and royal Jaipur.
- Includes Ranthambore wildlife before Agra.
- Finishes with the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
- Can be customised with heritage hotels, guides and extra safaris.
Tour Package Inclusions
- Accommodation on double or twin sharing basis.
- 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.
- Safari, desert and boating experiences only when clearly listed in the final quotation.
Tour Package Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Monument entrance tickets unless specifically included.
- Camera or video fees at monuments and wildlife areas.
- Meals not mentioned in the confirmed package.
- Laundry, drinks, telephone calls, tips and personal expenses.
- Additional safari permits unless specifically included.
- Optional activities not listed under package inclusions.
- Additional expenses caused by weather, road closures or circumstances outside normal tour arrangements.
Best Time for Rajasthan Forts, Ranthambore and Taj Mahal
October to March is generally the most comfortable period for this 17-day route. Cooler weather makes long fort visits, desert sightseeing and city walks easier.
Winter mornings can be cold in Rajasthan and Ranthambore, especially during open-vehicle safaris, so warm layers are useful.
Ranthambore safari operation depends on official forest schedules and permit availability, which should be checked before finalising the tour dates.
Important Heritage, Wildlife and Travel Notes
- The Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays.
- Ranthambore safari permits should be booked as early as possible.
- Tiger sightings are never guaranteed.
- Safari zones are assigned according to official procedures.
- Lake Pichola boating depends on weather and local operating conditions.
- Pushkar Camel Fair is seasonal and does not take place year-round.
- Fort sites often involve steps, slopes and uneven walking surfaces.
- Road travel times are approximate and may change with traffic.
- Final hotel, safari and sightseeing arrangements should be confirmed in writing before payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj
Which destinations are covered in this 17-day tour?
The route covers Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra.
Which major forts are included?
The itinerary includes major fort experiences such as Junagarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Amber Fort, Agra Fort and other heritage sites according to the confirmed programme.
Is the Taj Mahal included?
Yes. The Taj Mahal is included on the final sightseeing day in Agra.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Fridays?
The Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays.
Is Ranthambore included?
Yes. The itinerary includes Ranthambore National Park with an authorised safari when permits are available.
Will we definitely see a tiger?
No. Tigers live naturally in Ranthambore, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
Is Jaisalmer included?
Yes. The tour includes Jaisalmer Fort, historic havelis and an optional or confirmed desert experience.
Can we stay in a desert camp?
Yes. A desert camp near Jaisalmer can be added when requested in advance.
Is Lake Pichola included?
Udaipur is included, and a Lake Pichola boat ride can be added when operating and listed in the final package.
Is Pushkar Camel Fair included?
The camel fair only takes place during its annual festival period. Pushkar itself is included year-round, but the fair should not be assumed unless your travel dates match the event.
Can heritage hotels be booked?
Yes. Heritage, palace-style and premium hotels can be selected according to availability and budget.
Can private guides be arranged?
Yes. Licensed local guides can be arranged in major heritage cities.
What is the best time for this tour?
October to March is generally the most comfortable period for Rajasthan, Ranthambore and Agra.
Can an extra Ranthambore safari be added?
Yes. Additional safari drives can be added when permits are available.
Can this Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour be customised?
Yes. Hotels, guides, safari count, desert experiences, vehicle type and additional nights can all be customised before booking.
Book Your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour with Taj
Share your travel dates, number of travellers and hotel preference. We can customise the journey with heritage stays, a Jaisalmer desert camp, private guides, additional Ranthambore safari or a sunrise Taj Mahal visit.
