Rajasthan trip with Khajuraho and Varanasi 14N/15D

This 14-night, 15-day itinerary combines the cultural richness of Rajasthan with the spiritual allure of Khajuraho and Varanasi. This is a fast-paced itinerary, but aims to give you a comprehensive experience.

Best Time to Travel: The ideal time to undertake this trip is during the winter months (October to March). The weather in Rajasthan is pleasant, and Khajuraho and Varanasi also experience comfortable temperatures, making sightseeing enjoyable. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot in all these regions, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rainfall, which might hinder travel and sightseeing.

Itinerary: Rajasthan with Khajuraho and Varanasi (14 Nights / 15 Days)

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi – Gateway to India

 * Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport (DEL), you will be met by a Taj Club Holiday representative and transferred to your hotel.

 * Relax and acclimatize to the new time zone.

 * Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Historical and Cultural Exploration

 * Morning: Explore Old Delhi – visit Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), Red Fort (photo stop from outside), and experience a rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk market.

 * Afternoon: Discover New Delhi – visit Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and drive past Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace).

 * Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur – The Pink City (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

 * After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

 * Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

 * Evening: Enjoy an optional traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk dance.

 * Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4: Jaipur – Forts and Palaces

 * Morning: Excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride (subject to availability) or a jeep ride up to the fort.

 * Afternoon: Visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, followed by Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory) and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

 * Evening: Explore the local markets for handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.

 * Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur to Jodhpur – The Blue City (Approx. 6-7 hours drive)

 * After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Jodhpur, known for its blue houses and majestic Mehrangarh Fort.

 * Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

 * Evening: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Sardar Market and Clock Tower.

 * Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 6: Jodhpur – Desert Grandeur

 * Morning: Visit the formidable Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, offering panoramic views of the blue city. Explore its palaces and museum.

 * Later, visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph.

 * Afternoon: Explore the bustling lanes of the old city or relax at your hotel.

 * Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 7: Jodhpur to Udaipur – The City of Lakes (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

 * After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, often called the "Venice of the East." En route, you can choose to visit the exquisite Ranakpur Jain Temples (approximately 2 hours detour, highly recommended).

 * Upon arrival in Udaipur, check into your hotel.

 * Evening: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset, offering stunning views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir.

 * Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 8: Udaipur – Royal Charm

 * Morning: Visit the majestic City Palace complex, including its museums and courtyards.

 * Explore Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of Maidens).

 * Afternoon: Time at leisure for shopping or exploring the charming old city.

 * Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri – Taj Mahal's City (Approx. 10-12 hours drive including stops, or consider a flight/train)

 * This is a long travel day. You have a few options:

   * Option A (Long Drive): After an early breakfast, drive from Udaipur to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal city. Continue to Agra. This will be a very long day.

   * Option B (Flight + Drive): Take an early morning flight from Udaipur to Delhi, then drive to Agra (approx. 3-4 hours). This saves time but adds domestic flight cost.

   * Option C (Train + Drive): Take an overnight train from Udaipur to Agra (if direct connections are suitable) or to a nearby city like Sawai Madhopur/Bharatpur and then drive. This requires careful planning for train bookings.

 * Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel.

 * Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 10: Agra – The Taj Mahal & Fort

 * Sunrise: Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Witness its beauty at dawn.

 * After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638.

 * Afternoon: Explore Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) or Mehtab Bagh for a different perspective of the Taj Mahal.

 * Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 11: Agra to Khajuraho (by train/flight & drive OR full drive)

 * Option A (Train + Drive): Take an early morning train from Agra to Jhansi (approx. 2.5-3 hours). From Jhansi, drive to Orchha (approx. 30 minutes) to visit the Orchha Fort complex and temples. Then continue the drive to Khajuraho (approx. 3-4 hours). This is a popular and efficient way.

 * Option B (Flight + Drive): Fly from Agra (if direct flights available, often via Delhi) to Khajuraho. This is the fastest but likely most expensive option.

 * Option C (Full Drive): A direct drive from Agra to Khajuraho is long (approx. 8-9 hours).

 * Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check into your hotel.

 * Evening: Attend the captivating Sound and Light show at the Western Group of Temples (optional).

 * Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 12: Khajuraho – Erotic Temples & Spiritual Art

 * Morning: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho Temples.

   * Start with the Western Group of Temples, known for their exquisite and intricate erotic carvings, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.

   * Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples, which primarily comprises Jain temples and some Hindu temples, known for their detailed sculptures.

 * Afternoon: Relax or visit the Southern Group of Temples (Chaturbhuj Temple).

 * Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 13: Khajuraho to Varanasi (Fly)

 * After breakfast, transfer to Khajuraho airport for your flight to Varanasi. (Direct flights are available, but might involve a layover in Delhi or another city).

 * Upon arrival at Varanasi (VNS) airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 * Evening: Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is a truly spiritual and unforgettable experience.

 * Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 14: Varanasi – The Spiritual Heart of India

 * Early Morning: Experience a magical sunrise boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. Witness pilgrims performing their rituals and the ghats coming alive.

 * Return to the hotel for breakfast.

 * Later, explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi, visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (non-Hindus may have restricted access to the inner sanctum, but can view from outside), Annapurna Temple, and other important temples.

 * Afternoon: Excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum.

 * Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 15: Varanasi Departure

 * Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

 * Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping (Banarasi silk sarees, spiritual items).

 * Transfer to Varanasi (VNS) airport for your onward journey or flight back to Delhi for your international departure.

Important Notes:

 * Internal Flights/Trains: For a smoother and less exhausting trip, consider booking internal flights (e.g., Delhi-Jaipur/Jodhpur, Udaipur-Agra, Agra-Khajuraho/Varanasi). This itinerary suggests train from Agra to Jhansi as a popular option. Book these well in advance, especially during peak season.

 * Driving Times: Drive times are approximate and can vary significantly based on road conditions, traffic, and stops.

 * Accommodation: This itinerary assumes comfortable hotel stays. Taj Club Holiday can arrange a range of accommodations from budget to luxury as per your preference.

 * Guides: It's highly recommended to have local English-speaking guides at major historical sites for a richer experience. Taj Club Holiday can arrange this.

 * Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary. Taj Club Holiday can customize it further based on your interests, pace, and budget.

 * Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered).

 * Footwear: Be prepared to remove your shoes at temples and some historical sites.

 * Health: Carry necessary medications, stay hydrated, and be mindful of food and water hygiene.

This itinerary offers a fantastic blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and profound spirituality. Enjoy your incredible journey through India!

 (you can customise your tour according to your needs and your comfort)

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