Discover India
19-Day Incredible India: Sacred Cities & Royal Rajasthan
Delhi • Varanasi • Khajuraho • Agra • Jaipur • Bikaner • Jaisalmer • Jodhpur • Udaipur • Delhi
Experience India’s extraordinary contrasts, from sacred river traditions to royal forts and desert landscapes.
Tour overview
Explore the cultural riches of Delhi, the sacred river traditions of Varanasi, the sculpted temples of Khajuraho, Mughal monuments in Agra and Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and desert towns. The programme combines flights, rail and private road travel as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
Route at a glance
Delhi → Varanasi → Khajuraho → Agra → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Delhi
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Route: Delhi Airport – Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Standard check-in is usually around 2 PM, so early check-in is subject to availability. After some rest, head out in the late afternoon to India Gate and the wide lawns of Kartavya Path, where you can stroll and enjoy the evening light. From here you can also take photographs of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House from outside. Overnight in Delhi.
Important: Standard hotel check-in is usually around 2 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability.
About the places you’ll visit
India Gate – Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, India Gate is a prominent war memorial commemorating Indian soldiers who died during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Set along one of New Delhi ’s grand ceremonial avenues, it remains one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks.
Kartavya Path – The central ceremonial boulevard of New Delhi links major government precincts with India Gate and reflects the capital’s planned 20th-century urban design.
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Route: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Begin the day at 9:00 AM with Humayun's Tomb and spend about an hour exploring its gardens and gateways. Continue to the Qutub Minar complex, where the 73 m tall victory tower stands alongside the Iron Pillar and Alai Darwaza, allowing about an hour. Next, visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship recognised for its distinctive flower-inspired architecture. After lunch, visit the Red Fort and spend about 90 minutes seeing the Lahori Gate, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas. Then visit Jama Masjid. In the evening, take a cycle-rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. Overnight in Delhi.
Important: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays. Visitors to Jama Masjid are kindly requested to ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.
About the places you’ll visit
Jama Masjid – Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the 17th century, Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest and most significant mosques. Built in red sandstone and white marble, it is distinguished by its monumental gateways, elegant domes and expansive courtyard, which remain defining features of Old Delhi .
Qutub Minar – Rising approximately 72.5 metres, Qutub Minar is the centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qutb complex. Construction began towards the end of the 12th century under Qutb-ud-din Aibak and continued under later rulers, resulting in one of Delhi ’s most distinctive medieval monuments.
Chandni Chowk – An historic marketplace in Old Delhi, developed during the Mughal period, known for its lanes of shops, food stalls and longstanding trading traditions.
Humayun'S Tomb – This 16th-century Mughal garden tomb in Delhi, commissioned during the reign of Emperor Akbar, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural predecessor of later Mughal mausoleums.
Day 3: Delhi to Varanasi (Flight)
Route: Delhi – Varanasi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Take a morning flight from Delhi to Varanasi. The transfer from Varanasi airport to your hotel is about 25-30 km and takes around 1 hour. After check-in and rest, take a light walk around the Godowlia area and try a Banarasi lassi. At around 5:30 PM, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti, a 45-minute ceremony held around sunset with priests, lamps, chanting and bells. Watching it from a boat gives an unobstructed view; if you prefer the ghat steps, arrive early to get a good spot. Overnight in Varanasi.
Important: Vehicles cannot enter the lanes near the ghats, so expect a walk of 10-15 minutes from the parking point.
About the places you’ll visit
Varanasi – A city on the Ganges with a living history of pilgrimage, scholarship and ritual. Its riverfront ghats remain important places of worship and daily life.
Day 4: Varanasi Sightseeing
Route: Varanasi – Sarnath – Varanasi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Start early at around 5:30 AM with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, lasting about 1.5-2 hours. Pass Assi Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, and view Manikarnika Ghat from a respectful distance. In the afternoon, drive to Sarnath and spend around two hours seeing Dhamek Stupa, the Sarnath Museum, the remains of the Ashoka Pillar and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Overnight in Varanasi.
Important: Photography of cremations is not permitted. Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays.
About the places you’ll visit
Sarnath – Near Varanasi, Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre associated with the Buddha’s first teaching after enlightenment.
Day 5: Varanasi to Khajuraho (Vande Bharat Express)
Route: Varanasi – Khajuraho
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel from Varanasi to Khajuraho by Vande Bharat Express. On arrival, transfer from Khajuraho station to your hotel and rest. Browse local shops selling stone carvings and handicrafts. In the evening, attend the Light & Sound Show at the Western Group of Temples, a 50-minute show narrating the story of the Chandela dynasty. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Important: Please note: this service is relatively new and the exact departure time should be confirmed. English and Hindi Light & Sound shows run at different times, so the schedule should also be checked.
Rail services, stations and timings will be confirmed with the final booking. The planned Vande Bharat Express journeys are subject to availability and railway operations.
About the places you’ll visit
Khajuraho – The historic temple groups of Khajuraho, developed chiefly under the Chandela rulers between the 10th and 11th centuries, are UNESCO-listed for their architecture and elaborate stone carvings.
Day 6: Khajuraho Sightseeing & Vande Bharat Train to Agra
Route: Khajuraho – Agra
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Start at around 7:30 AM with the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend about 2 hours here. Highlights include Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Vishvanath Temple. At about 10:00 AM, continue to the Eastern Group, where Parshvanath Jain Temple is the main attraction, and the Southern Group with Duladeo Temple, together taking about an hour. If time permits, make a short visit to the Archaeological Museum next to the Western Group. In the afternoon, board the Vande Bharat Express to Agra and transfer from the station to your hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Important: Train timing and the Agra station transfer should be reconfirmed with the final operating schedule.
Rail services, stations and timings will be confirmed with the final booking. The planned Vande Bharat Express journeys are subject to availability and railway operations.
About the places you’ll visit
Agra – Set beside the Yamuna River, Agra rose to prominence under the Mughal emperors. Its architectural heritage includes the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, as well as long-standing marble-inlay and craft traditions.
Day 7: Agra Sightseeing
Route: Agra
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Begin very early at around 6:00 AM with the Taj Mahal at sunrise and allow about 2 hours. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort at around 10:30 AM for 1.5-2 hours, including the Diwan-i-Am, Jahangiri Mahal and Musamman Burj. After lunch, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) for about 45 minutes. In the late afternoon, drive to Mehtab Bagh, about 5 km or 20 minutes from Agra Fort, for a sunset view of the Taj across the Yamuna. You can also visit a marble inlay workshop and shop for leather goods and Agra petha. In the evening, enjoy Mohabbat the Taj, a theatrical performance inspired by the story of Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal and the creation of the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
Important: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Carry only essentials because bags are restricted.
About the places you’ll visit
Agra Fort – Agra Fort , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was substantially rebuilt in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar from 1565 onwards. Later Mughal rulers, particularly Shah Jahan, added elegant marble palaces, audience halls and courtyards, creating the striking blend of military strength and refined architecture seen today.
Taj Mahal – Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the white-marble mausoleum stands beside the Yamuna River. Construction of the principal mausoleum began in 1632 and was substantially completed in 1648, with work on the wider complex continuing afterwards. Its symmetry, calligraphy, floral carving and pietra dura inlay are hallmarks of Mughal craftsmanship.
Day 8: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Route: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Depart Agra at about 8:00 AM and drive 40 km, or around 1 hour, to Fatehpur Sikri. Spend 1.5 to 2 hours at this UNESCO site, seeing Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Salim Chishti Dargah, Panch Mahal and Jodha Bai's Palace. Then continue to Jaipur with a lunch break on the highway. On arrival, check in. Overnight in Jaipur.
Important: An official guide is recommended at Fatehpur Sikri.
About the places you’ll visit
Fatehpur Sikri – The remarkable fortified former Mughal capital near Agra was established by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Its monumental red-sandstone structures are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9: Jaipur Sightseeing
Route: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Start at about 8:30 AM with Amber Fort, 11 km or around 30 minutes from the city, and spend about 2 hours seeing the Sheesh Mahal, Ganesh Pol and Sukh Niwas. Travel up by jeep, or by elephant ride where available and subject to regulations. On the way back, stop for 15-20 minutes at Hawa Mahal and see Jal Mahal from the roadside. After lunch, visit City Palace for about 1.5 hours, followed by Jantar Mantar for about an hour. Enjoy free time for local shopping. Overnight in Jaipur.
Important: Elephant rides are subject to availability and local regulations.
About the places you’ll visit
Hawa Mahal – Built in 1799 during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is celebrated for its multi-story façade of screened windows and openings, historically allowing women of the royal household to observe street life while remaining screened from public view.
Amber Fort – The principal palace complex at Amber was developed from the late 16th century under Raja Man Singh I and expanded by later rulers. Its courtyards, gateways, royal apartments and celebrated Sheesh Mahal combine Rajput and Mughal influences.
City Palace & Jantar Mantar – Located in the heart of Jaipur ’s historic centre, the City Palace is an impressive royal complex of courtyards, gateways and ornate palace buildings. Its museums display collections that illuminate Jaipur ’s royal heritage, while parts of the palace remain associated with the former ruling family. Nearby stands Jantar Mantar , created under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monumental instruments, built for astronomical observation, timekeeping and calculation.
Day 10: Jaipur to Bikaner
Route: Jaipur – Deshnok – Bikaner
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Depart Jaipur at about 8:00 AM. About 30 km before Bikaner, stop at Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, known in the itinerary as the Temple of Rats. If time permits in the evening, visit Junagarh Fort, which needs about 2 hours and closes around 4:30 -5:00 PM, or walk through the old city bazaars with their havelis. Try Bikaneri bhujia, rasgulla and kachori. Overnight in Bikaner.
Important: Shoes are not allowed at Karni Mata Temple, so we recommend carrying socks. Junagarh Fort closing time should be checked locally.
About the places you’ll visit
Junagarh Fort – A large, richly decorated fort in Bikaner begun in the late 16th century, with successive palaces and courtyards reflecting Rajput craftsmanship.
Jaipur – Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is celebrated for its planned historic centre, distinctive pink-toned buildings, royal palaces and Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.
Bikaner – Founded in the late 15th century, Bikaner became an important fortified trading city in Rajasthan, celebrated for its sandstone architecture and desert heritage.
Day 11: Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Route: Bikaner – Jaisalmer
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
If Junagarh Fort was not visited the previous day, visit it in the morning. The itinerary also includes Lalgarh Palace and its museum in the Laxmi Niwas wing. Around midday, depart for Jaisalmer. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in, and go to Gadisar Lake for sunset. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Important: Morning sightseeing depends on whether Junagarh Fort was completed on Day 10.
About the places you’ll visit
Jaisalmer – This desert city is famous for its golden sandstone architecture, historic trading streets and hilltop fort overlooking the Thar Desert.
Day 12: Jaisalmer Sightseeing and Desert Experience
Route: Jaisalmer – Sam Sand Dunes – Jaisalmer
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
At about 9:00 AM, visit Jaisalmer Fort and spend about 2 hours exploring the living fort with Jain temples, shops and cafes i nside. At around 11:30 AM, visit Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli, both known for intricate stone carving. After lunch and rest, leave at about 3:30 PM for the Sam Sand Dunes. In the evening, enjoy a camel safari at sunset, Rajasthani folk music and dance, and a barbecue-style dinner at the desert camp, with stargazing on clear nights. Return to the hotel in Jaisalmer.
Important: Desert conditions and visibility for stargazing depend on weather and local conditions.
About the places you’ll visit
Jaisalmer Fort – The historic hill fort rises above Jaisalmer’s old town and remains unusual for the homes, shops and places of worship within its walls.
Day 13: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Route: Jaisalmer – Pokaran – Osian – Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Leave at about 8:00 AM and drive to Jodhpur via Pokaran and Osian, stopping for lunch on the way. After check-in and rest, explore the Clock Tower and Sardar Market for spices, textiles and handicrafts. Try mirchi vada, makhaniya lassi and mawa kachori. Overnight in Jodhpur.
About the places you’ll visit
Jodhpur – Often called the Blue City, Jodhpur has a dramatic skyline dominated by Mehrangarh Fort and the richly layered history of the Marwar region.
Day 14: Jodhpur Sightseeing
Route: Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
At about 9:00 AM, visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest forts, and spend about 2.5 hours. The museum displays palanquins, weapons and painted rooms. Next, see Jaswant Thada, a white marble royal cenotaph. After lunch, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, where part of the palace is a luxury hotel and part is a museum with a vintage car collection. If you have extra time, Mandore Gardens is about 9 km away. Overnight in Jodhpur.
About the places you’ll visit
Mehrangarh Fort – The imposing 15th-century fortress stands above Jodhpur and contains decorated palaces, courtyards and collections reflecting the heritage of Marwar’s rulers.
Day 15: Jodhpur to Udaipur (Optional Ranakpur)
Route: Jodhpur – Ranakpur (optional) – Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur. The direct journey is approximately 250 km and 5 to 5.5 hours. If Ranakpur is included, the journey takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours with the stop. Ranakpur Jain Temple, built in the 15th century, is noted for its 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. On arrival in Udaipur, check in and rest. Overnight in Udaipur.
Important: Please note: non-Jains are usually admitted only in the afternoon, so timings should be checked in advance.
About the places you’ll visit
Udaipur – Set among lakes and the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is known for its palaces, waterside scenery and the historic court of the Mewar rulers.
Day 16: Udaipur Sightseeing
Route: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Visit the City Palace, a complex of palaces and museums on the shore of Lake Pichola, followed by Jagdish Temple. After lunch , see Saheliyon Ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake. In the evening, take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, passing Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace, and then watch the cultural dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Dinner is at a lake-view rooftop restaurant. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 17: Udaipur to Delhi (Flight)
Route: Udaipur – Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast and some last-minute shopping for miniature paintings and silver jewellery, take the flight from Udaipur to Delhi. Check in at your hotel and rest. Overnight in Delhi.
Important: Flight schedule and airport transfer timings should be reconfirmed with the final booking.
Day 18: Delhi at Leisure and Overnight Stay
Route: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is free for shopping at Village Haat, or for relaxing at Lodhi Garden. Overnight in Delhi.
About the places you’ll visit
The day’s programme and transfer arrangements are described above. Your guide will confirm practical details locally.
Day 19: Delhi – Departure
Route: Delhi – Delhi Airport
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and enjoy time at leisure according to the confirmed international flight schedule. At the appropriate time, transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Delhi airport for your return flight to Australia. Airport transfer timing will be arranged to allow sufficient time for check-in, security and immigration formalities.
If the confirmed flight schedule does not permit the planned dinner, suitable meal arrangements will be advised with the final travel documentation.
Inclusions
- Return international economy flights between Australia and India, including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges, unless a land-only option is selected. Airline, routing, baggage allowance, flight timings and ticket conditions will be advised with the confirmed booking documentation and remain subject to airline schedules and conditions.
- Domestic economy flights from Delhi to Varanasi and Udaipur to Delhi, as included in the itinerary.
- 18 nights’ 5-star hotel accommodation based on twin/double sharing.
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout the tour, subject to flight schedules and operational arrangements.
- Vande Bharat Express train journeys from Varanasi to Khajuraho and Khajuraho to Agra, subject to seat availability and railway operations.
- Airport and railway-station meet-and-assist services, arrivals, departures, transfers and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- All sightseeing, monuments and entrance fees specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- English-speaking local sightseeing guides in each city.
- Cycle-rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.
- Evening Ganga Aarti experience in Varanasi.
- Sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges.
- Khajuraho Light and Sound Show.
- Mohabbat the Taj theatrical performance in Agra.
- Camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer.
- Rajasthani folk music, cultural performance and desert dinner in Jaisalmer.
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
- Cultural dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli.
- Jeep ascent to Amber Fort, or an elephant ride where specifically confirmed, subject to availability, animal-welfare requirements and local regulations.
- Two 500 ml bottles of drinking water per person per day.
- Kora Trails assistance, personal care and attention throughout the tour.
Exclusions
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees and entry permissions.
- Passport-related expenses.
- Camera or video fees charged separately at monuments or attractions.
- Lunches, beverages and meals not specifically included.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff and other service providers.
- Personal expenses, including shopping, telephone calls, laundry, minibar, room service and incidental purchases.
- Single-room supplements, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out unless specifically confirmed.
- Excess baggage, preferred airline seating and other airline ancillary charges beyond the confirmed ticket allowance.
- Optional tours, additional sightseeing and activities not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional transportation or services not specifically listed under Services Included.
- Any service or item not specifically mentioned in the confirmed itinerary or final quotation.
- Additional expenses arising from delays, cancellations, weather events or other disruptions, subject to the booking terms and applicable law.
Important travel information
- Driving distances and transfer times are approximate and may vary with traffic, road conditions, weather, stops and local circumstances.
- Hotel check-in and check-out follow each hotel’s policies. Early check-in and late check-out are only available when specifically confirmed.
- Flight and rail schedules, seats, attraction opening days and access may change. The final confirmed travel documents will set out the arrangements.
- Historic sites and natural attractions can involve walking, uneven surfaces, steps, slopes and standing. Comfortable, supportive footwear is recommended.
- At temples and places of worship, dress modestly, remove footwear when requested and follow local customs and photography restrictions.
- Outdoor sightseeing can be affected by heat, rain, mist or other weather. Guides may adjust the visit order when necessary.
- Optional activities, purchases and services are included only when expressly specified in your confirmed itinerary or quotation.
- Necessary itinerary adjustments will be managed with practical alternatives, seeking to preserve the journey’s overall character and quality.
- In India, the Taj Mahal is normally closed to general visitors on Fridays; check monument opening hours before sightseeing.
- Vande Bharat Express rail services, departure times, boarding stations and seat arrangements are subject to confirmation.
Before you travel
Before booking, please tell Kora Trails about any mobility, health, dietary or accessibility requirements so that the suitability of walking, steps, transfers and planned activities can be discussed. Travellers should seek professional medical advice where appropriate.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring that passports, required entry permissions, travel insurance and other relevant documents meet the requirements before departure. Kora Trails can offer general guidance, but documentation and admission requirements remain the traveller’s responsibility.
Your confirmed quotation and itinerary specify final accommodation, applicable flights and trains, meals, entrance fees, transfers and other services. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.