17 Nights 18 Days Rajasthan and Ganges Tour
Rajasthan and Ganges Tour Overview
This is not one of those trips where every day looks like the day before. Over 18 days, the route moves from Delhi's old lanes to Rajasthan's painted havelis and desert forts, then changes again completely when you reach Agra and finally Varanasi on the Ganges.
The Rajasthan section has plenty of range. Mandawa brings frescoed merchant homes. Bikaner and Jaisalmer take you deeper into the desert. Jodhpur is all fort walls and blue houses, while Udaipur slows things down with lakes, gardens and palace views. Pushkar adds a spiritual pause before Jaipur brings the big royal-city energy back.
Agra delivers the Taj Mahal, but the journey doesn't stop there. Varanasi is the real contrast. Evening lamps flicker along the ghats during Ganga Aarti, boats move quietly across the river at dawn and the old city feels unlike anywhere you've been earlier in the tour.
It is a long itinerary, yes. That's also its strength. Instead of giving you a quick glimpse of Rajasthan and Varanasi, it gives both sides of the journey enough time to feel distinct.
Rajasthan and Ganges Tour Highlights
- Explore Old Delhi and New Delhi's most important 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 and historic merchant havelis.
- Watch sunset over the Sam Sand Dunes.
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur.
- Stop at Ranakpur Jain Temple while travelling to Udaipur.
- Explore City Palace and enjoy Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
- Spend time in spiritual Pushkar around the sacred lake.
- Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri on the way from Jaipur to Agra.
- See the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
- Travel onward to Varanasi for the spiritual finale of the journey.
- Witness evening Ganga Aarti on the ghats.
- Take an early-morning boat ride on the Ganges when conditions allow.
- Visit Sarnath near Varanasi.
Tour Duration, Route and Travel Details
Duration: 17 nights and 18 days
Route: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra – Varanasi – Delhi
Tour type: Heritage, cultural, desert and spiritual tour
Starting point: Delhi
Ending point: Delhi
Transport: Private road transport with train and flight sectors as confirmed
Accommodation: Seventeen nights including hotel stays and scheduled overnight train sector where used
Special experiences: Jaisalmer desert sunset, Lake Pichola, Taj Mahal, Ganga Aarti and sunrise Ganges boat ride
Best for: Culture lovers, first-time India visitors, couples, photographers and private groups
Package price: Available on request. Final cost depends on travel dates, hotel category, vehicle type, train or flight availability, guides and number of travellers.
17 Nights 18 Days Rajasthan and Ganges 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 kept simple. Settle in, rest and take some time to adjust before beginning the longer journey through Rajasthan and North India.
If your flight arrives early, a relaxed evening walk or dinner can be arranged.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 – Old Delhi and New Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast, start with Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid and move through the historic lanes around Chandni Chowk. A short rickshaw ride can be added for a closer look at the old-market quarter.
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 around the presidential area according to current access conditions.
Return to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3 – Delhi to Mandawa
Enjoy breakfast, check out and begin the road journey towards Mandawa in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region.
Arrive and check in at your heritage hotel before exploring the old town.
Mandawa is known for painted havelis built by prosperous merchant families. Walk through the lanes and see faded frescoes, carved facades and traditional mansions that give the town its distinctive character.
Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4 – Mandawa to Bikaner
After breakfast, leave Mandawa for Bikaner.
En route or according to the day's route, a visit to the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke can be included.
Continue to Bikaner and visit Junagarh Fort, known for its courtyards and elaborate palace interiors. Lalgarh Palace may also be included depending on available time.
Check in at your hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After breakfast, leave Bikaner and drive towards Jaisalmer.
Depending on the route and available time, stop around Pokaran before continuing deeper into western Rajasthan.
Arrive in Jaisalmer, the Golden City, and check in at your hotel.
The evening is free to relax or explore the surrounding streets at an easy pace.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer Sightseeing and Sam Sand Dunes
After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer's historic centre.
Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli according to available time. The old city's yellow sandstone creates the warm golden colour that gives Jaisalmer its nickname.
Later, drive towards the Sam Sand Dunes for a desert experience and sunset.
Camel rides, cultural programmes and desert dinners can be added when confirmed in advance.
Return to the hotel after the desert visit.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 7 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Enjoy breakfast and begin the drive towards Jodhpur.
On arrival, explore Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's most imposing fortresses. Its courtyards and palace rooms overlook the blue-painted neighbourhoods below.
Continue to Jaswant Thada, the white-marble cenotaph near the fort.
Check in at your hotel and relax in the evening.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8 – Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur
After breakfast, visit or view Umaid Bhawan Palace according to current visitor access before leaving Jodhpur.
Continue towards Udaipur with a stop at Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex is known for remarkably detailed marble carving and numerous sculpted pillars.
Respect local dress, photography and visitor rules during the temple visit.
Continue to Udaipur, check in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 9 – Udaipur Sightseeing and Lake Pichola
After breakfast, explore City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.
Continue to Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari, then enjoy time around Udaipur's old city and local markets.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola can be included when operating and confirmed in the final package.
The evening is free for a rooftop dinner or relaxed lakefront experience.
Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur to Pushkar
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Pushkar.
Arrive in the pilgrimage town and check in at your hotel.
Explore the sacred Pushkar Lake area and visit the Brahma Temple according to opening hours and local visitor rules.
Keep the evening relaxed. Pushkar is compact enough to explore on foot, and the lanes around the lake have a completely different atmosphere from Rajasthan's larger cities.
Overnight stay in Pushkar.
Day 11 – Pushkar to Jaipur
After breakfast, leave Pushkar and drive towards Jaipur.
Arrive in the Pink City and check in at the hotel.
The rest of the day can be kept free for local streets, markets, food or a relaxed evening before the full sightseeing programme the next day.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 12 – Jaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive towards Amber Fort and explore its courtyards, gateways and palace chambers.
Return towards Jaipur and continue with City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
Keep some time for Jaipur's traditional markets, known for gemstones, textiles, block prints, handicrafts and blue pottery.
Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 13 – 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 associated with Emperor Akbar.
Continue to Agra and visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Mehtab Bagh according to available time.
Mehtab Bagh can offer a quieter view across the Yamuna towards the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 14 – Taj Mahal and Overnight Journey to Varanasi
Begin early with a visit to the Taj Mahal when opening conditions allow.
The early light can make this one of the best times to see the monument, though official timings vary by season.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel and prepare for the onward journey.
Later, transfer for the confirmed overnight train journey towards Varanasi. If the package is upgraded to a flight or different transport arrangement, the final voucher will control the schedule.
Please remember that the Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays.
Overnight journey to Varanasi.
Day 15 – Arrival in Varanasi and Evening Ganga Aarti
Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to the hotel.
After some rest, begin exploring the ghats and old-city atmosphere.
Towards evening, head to the river for the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Priests perform the ritual with lamps, incense, bells and chants as crowds gather along the riverfront.
Depending on local conditions, the ceremony can be viewed from the ghats or from a boat.
Return to the hotel after the experience.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 16 – Sunrise Ganges Boat Ride and Sarnath
Wake before sunrise and head towards the Ganges for an early-morning boat ride when river and weather conditions allow.
From the water, watch the city slowly wake up as pilgrims gather at the ghats and morning rituals begin along the riverbank.
See major ghats such as Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat according to the boat route.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then continue to Sarnath, the important Buddhist site outside Varanasi associated with the Buddha's first sermon.
Return to Varanasi after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 17 – Varanasi to Delhi by Flight
Enjoy breakfast and some free time in Varanasi depending on your flight schedule.
Later, transfer to Varanasi Airport for the confirmed flight to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel and rest after the journey.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 18 – Delhi Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast and check out according to your departure schedule.
If your flight leaves later in the day, some free time can be kept for shopping or a relaxed final meal in Delhi.
Transfer to Delhi International Airport or your confirmed departure point.
Your 17 Nights 18 Days Rajasthan and Ganges Tour concludes here.
Optional Experiences You Can Add
- Private guides in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.
- Longer Jaisalmer camel safari.
- Luxury desert camp near Jaisalmer.
- Lake Pichola sunset boat ride.
- Heritage hotel upgrades in Rajasthan.
- Sunrise Taj Mahal experience.
- Private Ganga Aarti boat viewing in Varanasi.
- Private sunrise boat on the Ganges.
- Premium domestic flight upgrades.
- Additional Varanasi or Delhi night.
Why Choose This Rajasthan and Ganges Tour?
- Combines Rajasthan's desert, royal and lake cities with spiritual Varanasi.
- Includes Mandawa, Bikaner and Jaisalmer for a deeper Rajasthan experience.
- Covers Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur in one logical route.
- Adds the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri before Varanasi.
- Includes both evening Ganga Aarti and sunrise river experience.
- Works well for travellers who want heritage and spirituality in the same journey.
- Can be customised with luxury hotels, flights and private guides.
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.
- Applicable package taxes stated in writing.
- Train or flight sectors only when specifically listed in the final quotation.
- Boat rides and local experiences only when clearly confirmed as included.
Tour Package Exclusions
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare unless specifically included.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Monument entrance tickets unless clearly included.
- Camera or video fees at monuments.
- Meals not mentioned in the confirmed package.
- Laundry, drinks, telephone calls, tips and personal expenses.
- Optional activities not mentioned under package inclusions.
- Additional expenses caused by weather, railway delays, road closures or other circumstances outside normal tour arrangements.
Best Time for Rajasthan and Varanasi
October to March is generally the most comfortable season for this long route. Rajasthan's desert cities are easier to explore in cooler weather, while Varanasi mornings can be especially atmospheric during winter.
December and January can be cold in Delhi, Rajasthan and Varanasi during early mornings, so warm clothing is useful.
Summer travel is possible, but Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaipur can become extremely hot during daytime sightseeing.
Important Travel, Train and Ganges Notes
- The Taj Mahal normally remains closed to general sightseeing visitors on Fridays.
- Train timings and berth availability can change, so final railway details should be reconfirmed before travel.
- Domestic flight schedules are subject to airline changes.
- Lake Pichola and Ganges boat rides depend on weather, water level and local operating conditions.
- Ganga Aarti timing changes with the season.
- Religious sites in Pushkar and Varanasi require respectful behaviour and clothing.
- Road travel times across Rajasthan are approximate.
- The final itinerary order may be adjusted around transport schedules without reducing the main confirmed sightseeing programme.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rajasthan and Ganges Tour
Which destinations are covered in this 18-day tour?
The tour covers Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.
How many days are spent in Rajasthan?
Most of the journey is spent travelling through Rajasthan before continuing to Agra and Varanasi.
Is Jaisalmer included?
Yes. The itinerary includes two nights in Jaisalmer with fort, haveli and desert sightseeing.
Is the Taj Mahal included?
Yes. The itinerary includes a Taj Mahal visit during 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.
How do we travel from Agra to Varanasi?
The source itinerary uses an overnight train sector. This can be replaced or upgraded where practical if another confirmed travel arrangement is preferred.
Is Ganga Aarti included?
Yes. The Varanasi programme includes an evening Ganga Aarti experience.
Is a Ganges boat ride included?
The itinerary includes an early-morning boat ride on the Ganges when weather, water and local operating conditions permit.
Does the tour include Sarnath?
Yes. Sarnath is included during the Varanasi sightseeing programme.
Is Pushkar included?
Yes. The tour includes one night in Pushkar with time for the sacred lake and Brahma Temple area.
Does the tour include Ranakpur?
Yes. Ranakpur Jain Temple is visited while travelling from Jodhpur to Udaipur.
Is Lake Pichola boating included?
A Lake Pichola boat ride can be included when it is listed in the final package and operating conditions allow.
Can we upgrade to luxury hotels?
Yes. Heritage, premium and luxury hotel upgrades can be requested across Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi.
What is the best time for this tour?
October to March is generally the most comfortable period for the complete Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi route.
Can this 18-day itinerary be customised?
Yes. Hotels, transport, train or flight sectors, guides, sightseeing pace and additional nights can all be customised before booking.
Book Your Rajasthan and Ganges Tour
Share your travel dates, hotel preference and whether you want the classic train journey to Varanasi or a faster upgraded connection. The itinerary can be tailored with heritage stays, desert experiences, private guides and additional time in Varanasi.
