Compare Royal India: Taj, Forts & Palaces by Great Value Vacations vs Meaningful India by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Welcome to Delhi!

Immerse yourself in colorful culture and fascinating history as you land in Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check in. Once you're settled, head out and explore on your own! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal of local cuisine. 

Day 2 Delhi

Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get ready for a fun first day in India. After breakfast, hop in a rickshaw and explore Old and New Delhi the traditional way! See the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk, then discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque! You'll continue onto Raj Ghat, a striking memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

In the afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings as you approach Qutab Minar - the five-storied victory tower which signifies the beginning of the Muslim rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. 

Day 3 Delhi - Udaipur

This morning, hop on a quick flight to Udaipur, known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful lakes. The capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is also known as the "City of Lakes." Take in beautiful views of lakeside palaces, pavilions, and clusters of charming whitewashed houses.

After a comfortable ride to your Udaipur accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure! Get to know the area and do some exploring on your own. 

Day 4 Udaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then take a morning tour of the grand City Palace and its immediate surroundings, the vibrant Folk Art Museum and the sparkling lakeside panorama. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. You'll even visit an ancient step well, which was used for drinking water by the locals years ago!

Next, you'll make a stop at the fascinating three-story Jagdish Temple. Climb up stone steps lined with elephant sculptures and admire intricate pillars, carved ceilings, and stunning frescoes. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure!

Day 5 Udaipur - Deogarh

Enjoy a scenic drive as you venture to Deogarh! Stop en-route and visit the White Marble Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Famous for being extremely important pilgrimage centers for the Jain community, the spectacular Jain Temples consist of 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each uniquely adorned with hundreds of carved figures.

Proceed to Deogarh and check into your beautiful accommodation. Quickly settle in, then take a short rural train ride from Phulad to Kamblighat. Keep your eyes focused out the windows, as you pass breathtaking views of jungle, hills, and tunnels! As this train stops at small local stations, you'll get a real taste for everyday life in this remote region. 

Day 6 Deogarh - Jodhpur

This morning, take a peaceful morning walk through the countryside. Watch as local farmers head to their fields and tend to their herds of cattle and goats. Mosey on to Deogarh Village and immerse yourself in the daily culture of shops and markets filled with cobblers, dyers, potters, and other artisans. 

Wave goodbye to Deogarh and enjoy a drive to beautiful Jodhpur. Overlooking the desert, the old walled city of Jodhpur is a fascinating jungle of winding streets, fascinating forts, and sacred sites. Check into your luxurious accommodation and explore this picturesque area.

Day 7 Jodhpur - Jaipur

Start your day with a morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the best-preserved and largest forts in India! Next, you'll head to Jaswant Thada, a white marble monument known for its intricately carved designs.

In the afternoon, you'll travel to the one and only "Pink City" - Jaipur! Check into your next accommodation and begin to explore this fascinating world of pastel-colored architectural wonders.

Day 8 Jaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy a morning visit to the impressive Amber Fort. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, this structure is a true example of authentic Rajput architecture. Be sure to look out for one of its most spectacular buildings: the Hall of Mirrors! Next, stop for a photo-op at the eye-popping Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)! Gawk at this beehive-shaped red and pink sandstone structure and take in its grand beauty. 

The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. You might want to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace, then check out one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder of Jaipur! Why not immerse yourself in the local culture? Visit a local temple and watch a traditional prayer ceremony. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance show with dinner!

Day 9 Jaipur - Agra

After an energizing breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Agra. Along the way, you'll stop at Abhaneri Village to experience the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Be sure to have your camera ready; Chand Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in all of India!

Settle into your accommodation in Agra, a charming city filled with bustling streets, narrow alleys, and fascinating architecture. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure and get to know this historical city. 

Day 10 Agra

Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal! Enjoy this special experience, as you see this monument by the first orangey-pink light of the day. Be sure to take tons of photographs of this awe-inspiring scene; it's surely a sight you'll never want to forget.

What a morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a day of independent exploration. You might want to check out the Agra Fort and North India's oldest Christian cemetery. 

Day 11 Depart India

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy one last scenic drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival at the airport, find your gate and board your flight home!

Until next time, India!

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will assist with with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore, unwind and rejuvenate.

Day 02 Delhi

This morning after breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi. Hop on to a cycle rickshaw and ride through the rugged-rustic lanes of Old Delhi. The tours take you through some iconic streets like Chandni Chowk and other important landmarks of Old Delhi including mansions and colourful bazaars. During the tour you will be savouring some hot Jalebi’s a traditional Indian sweet and Samosa at a nearly 200-year-old sweet shop. Drive past the Red Fort made of Red sandstone built by Emperor Shahjahan. Drive around Lutyens Delhi which was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Drive past India Gate which was built to commemorate the undivided British Indian Army who died in World War I (1914-21). A stone’s throw away from India Gate lies the Rashtrapati Bhavan or Presidential Palace built between 1919 to 1925.

Post Lunch visit Mukti Ashram Founded in 1991 by Nobel Peace Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and managed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Mukti Ashram was formed as the first centre in India for rescued child laborers. It is a transit center where children stay for a short period of time till their repatriation. The transit rehabilitation center provides a holistic support for rebuilding lives of these children. The ashram receives custody of rescued child laborers on the order of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). In addition to care and protection, the centre also caters to medical, psychological, recreational, social and learning needs of Children.

Day 03 Delhi / Agra

After breakfast its time to head to the medieval city of Agra located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. During the Mughal reign, began the golden age in Agra. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Check in and have lunch.

Following lunch proceed to visit the Agra Fort. The Fort was built by Akbar in 1565 and further developed by successive generations. This well-preserved fortress built of red-sandstone is a UNESCO site and dominates a bend of the river Yamuna- with a magnificent view of the Taj. The interior boasts of many grand buildings which include the Royal Pavilions, the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience) and Diwan-e-khas (hall of private audience) usually reserved for other kings and dignitaries.

At sunset visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) – Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtāz Mahal. It took 22 years to build. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of 1000 elephants was used to transport the material. Post the tour return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Abhaneri / Jaipur

Post breakfast check out and proceed to Jaipur. Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri – the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and built entirely of red sandstone, except the tomb of the Saint Salim Chisti, which in stunning contrast, is made of pristine white marble.

Post lunch continue to Jaipur , stop at Abhaneri village and visit Chand Baori the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and the most photogenic step well in India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty and therefore named after the King. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old. Yes, it is older than Taj Mahal. The city back in the days was called Abha Nagri. When you stand next to this 13 story deep step well with 35,000 symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom, you cannot but be mesmerized. After the visit continue to Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur, Stop for a photo visit of the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women’s chambers) from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside without showing themselves.

Continue your tour and visit the Amber Fort – where you ascend the hill “Maharaja-style” on Elephant back. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. This magnificent fort has recently been wonderfully restored bringing back some of its past glory. During return, Continue and enjoy a photo-stop at Jal Mahal Palace.

Post lunch proceed for shopping. At around 5 pm proceed to Dera Mandawa where we shall arrange for Rangoli an art form, originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Hindu festivals in the Indian subcontinent. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.

Later participate in cooking demo followed by dinner with a respected Indian family.After dinner return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 Jaipur / Rohet

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, its time to head to Rohetgarh, enroute visit Tilonia, a small village in the desert regions of Rajasthan, India, is home of the Barefoot College. Since 1972, the College has worked to improve the lives of the rural poor by addressing basic needs for water, electricity, housing, health, education and income. Tilonia helps these rural artisans to market their products in India and around the world. With new markets for their crafts, their livelihood is improved and the traditional crafts are continued. Nearly 400 artisans earn supplemental income through sewing, needlework, embroidery, tie-dying, block printing and weaving. Designs and production methods draw on Indian craft traditions that are centuries old – but create modern opportunities for these rural women and men.

Proceed to Rohet and remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 07 Rohet

After breakfast, it’s time to explore an unknown side of India by taking a rural day drive seeing the unspoilt, simple, and pure rural countryside in its full glory. You traverse barren landscapes and witness colourful communities with varied wildlife and avian life. You experience the simplicity and purity of the Indian village life that inexplicably will make you question the complexity of your own. This unique and authentic rural experience is complete with the opportunity to interact with different people from different communities first hand, visit their dwellings, understand their lives, sample rural cuisine and witness other aspects of their day.

Start off-roading and begin with a thrilling dry riverbed drive. The dry riverbed drive is a unique signature experience of Overlander India. Experience 4×4 exhilaration first hand as you power and navigate your way through the cracked crevasses and uneven challenges of a dry riverbed. Various species of birds and some antelope like black buck can be observed as part of the natural habitat. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Bishnoi community, agricultural communities live in family hamlets of hutments in the midst of their lands. A visit to such communities including the Bishnois, who are known for their conservation and preservation of the environment, provides you with the rare inside into the lives of the world’s first environmentalists and the founders of the “Chipku” movement. Visit an elementary village school to see what the government does for children, we organize a stop at a rural elementary school. Here, a small rural school greet you with a cheerful “good morning” and a prayer as your host explains everything about educating village children. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Pittal community. See a rural kitchen in action with bread making and sampling. Inspite of being a desert void of fresh produce, the Thar is known for its delicacies, flavours and spices. You get the privilege of seeing a functioning rural kitchen and sample freshly made local breads. Your lunch comprises of vegetables grown in an organic garden, but made in a “smoked” wood village stove. Learn how to craft and Indian “chapatti” with your hands and enjoy lunch in the pure village air. After a truly unforgettable experience you return to your hotel by sundown with memories of a rural visit completely off the beaten path unlike anything else you will experience during your visit to India. Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 08 Rohet / Ranakpur / Udaipur

This morning post breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha. Later we continue our drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and check in hotel. Udaipur is a city built around shimmering, clear blue-water lakes that reflect the green of the surrounding Aravalli hills. The famous Lake Palace, that seem to emerge from the peaceful Lake Pichola, whisper memories of tradition and glory. The city of Udaipur is gathered around three lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Udaipur

This day proceed for tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, built in 1725, is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Next visit The Crystal Gallery, one the most lustrous attractions for tourist showcasing the rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure. The gallery is nearly 129 years old (at the time of writing) with the magnificent collection of Oslers Crystals. These precious crystals were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England around 1877 A.D. These treasured crystals are kept in the charismatic City Palace Complex.

Afternoon proceed for a walking tour of the old town where you can walk around and see the artists painting the famous miniatures depicting the glory of the Mughals.

Later in the evening you enjoy boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you can see the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. During the boat ride you also visit Jag Mandir Palace. An unforgettable sight on Lake Pichola is the island of Jag Mandir. Maharana Karan Singhji built the palace in 1622 A.D, as a pleasure palace for royal parties and functions. This magnificent monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a special approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to be guarding the island. . Post the ride return to the hotel.

Day 10 Udaipur

This morning we drive 30 mins to visit Sadhana. The three hour tour includes the Delwara Heritage and Community Walk and a visit to the Sadhna facility for a guided stitching and block printing workshop.

Sadhna was established in 1988 to provide alternative incomes for women in Udaipur’s rural, tribal and urban slum belts. As these communities were not dependent on agriculture, handicraft was chosen to be introduced to them. Sadhna taught Patchwork, Appliqué and Tanka embroidery skills to the women for them to earn a secure living. Today, Sadhna provides continuous training to women artisans to improve their skills, a support network to them in their villages and a respectable position in their family and society. Drive back, rest of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Udaipur / Delhi

This morning it’s time for some fun in the old town with a short tuk tuk ride. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you will be met upon and transferred the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Depart Delhi

It’s time to say goodbye to India. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.