Splendid Rajasthan Tour with Varanasi 16-Day Private Journey Through Royal Heritage, Desert Landscapes & the Sacred Ganges
Heritage palace stays, golden desert dunes, royal cities, a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and the ghats of Varanasi, all with your own private driver.
This 16-day Splendid Rajasthan tour with Varanasi is a fully private journey through North India's most remarkable cultural landscapes. You stay in heritage palaces, forts and boutique hotels, explore painted villages and desert towns, see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and finish with the Ganga Aarti and a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi.
Starting in Delhi, the route passes through the frescoed havelis of Alsisar, the desert fort of Khimsar and the golden city of Jaisalmer. It continues via Jodhpur to the Bishnoi countryside around Rohet, then on to the lakeside city of Udaipur via the Ranakpur Jain temples. After Chittorgarh Fort you reach the Pink City of Jaipur, then Agra and finally Varanasi.
Along the way you can enjoy a sunset camel ride in the Thar Desert, a jeep safari through Bishnoi villages, a boat ride on Lake Pichola and the evening Ganga Aarti on the river. Drives are kept comfortable, with two-night stays at key destinations.
Every itinerary is tailor-made, so hotels, pace and experiences can be adjusted to your dates and interests. Compare other routes in our Rajasthan tour packages.
Plan Your Rajasthan Splendid Tour →
Splendid Rajasthan & Varanasi Tour Snapshot
- Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
- Route: Delhi → Alsisar → Khimsar → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Rohet → Ranakpur → Udaipur → Chittorgarh → Jaipur → Agra → Varanasi
- Travel Style: Heritage palaces, desert landscapes & spiritual discovery
- Start / End: Delhi / Varanasi
- Transport: Private chauffeur-driven vehicle, with a flight from Delhi to Varanasi
- Stay: Heritage palaces, boutique retreats & premium stays
- Best For: Couples, cultural explorers & travellers who want a spiritual finish
- Experience Mix: Palaces, desert safaris, Bishnoi villages, lakes & sacred rituals
- Popular With: Visitors from the UK, USA & Europe
- Best Season: October to March
Journey Highlights
- Stay in a heritage palace in the painted Shekhawati town of Alsisar
- Experience Khimsar Fort on the edge of the Thar Desert
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort and ride a camel at sunset near Sam Sand Dunes
- Take a jeep safari through Bishnoi villages around Rohet
- See the carved marble of the Ranakpur Jain temples
- Relax among the lakes and palaces of Udaipur
- Visit Chittorgarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's greatest hill forts
- Explore Amber Fort, City Palace and the bazaars of Jaipur
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Take a sunrise boat ride and watch the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
Please note: the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. We plan your Agra day around this so you never miss the sunrise visit.
16-Day Splendid Rajasthan & Varanasi Tour – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Your driver meets you at Delhi airport and takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 – Old & New Delhi Sightseeing
Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid and drive past the Red Fort and Raj Ghat. In New Delhi, see India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 – Delhi → Alsisar (approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
Drive into the Shekhawati region, once a centre of caravan trade. Settle into your heritage palace and wander the lanes to see the fresco-covered havelis. Overnight in Alsisar.
Day 4 – Alsisar → Khimsar (approx. 5 hrs drive)
Continue west through open countryside to Khimsar Fort on the edge of the Thar Desert. Explore its courtyards, or take an optional trip to the nearby dunes at sunset. Overnight in Khimsar.
Day 5 – Khimsar → Jaisalmer (approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
Drive deeper into the desert past remote villages and grazing camels. Arrive in Jaisalmer and stroll through the honey-coloured old town in the evening light. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer Fort & Desert Experience
Explore one of the world's few living forts, with its carved havelis, Gadisar Lake and local markets. In the afternoon, ride a camel across the Sam Sand Dunes at sunset, followed by Rajasthani folk music and dance under the stars. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 7 – Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Rohet (approx. 5–6 hrs drive, excluding sightseeing)
Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and the Clock Tower market in the Blue City of Jodhpur. Then continue to the heritage village of Rohet for a quiet evening in the countryside. Overnight in Rohet.
Day 8 – Rohet Bishnoi Village & Rural Rajasthan
Take a jeep safari through Bishnoi villages, meet local families and learn how their communities live in harmony with nature. Look out for blackbuck, chinkara and peacocks along the way. The pace is unhurried, with time to walk and talk. Overnight in Rohet.
Day 9 – Rohet → Ranakpur → Udaipur (approx. 6 hrs drive)
Drive through the Aravalli Hills and visit the Ranakpur Jain temples, known for their hundreds of carved marble pillars. Continue to Udaipur, arriving by sunset. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 10 – Udaipur City Tour
Visit the City Palace above Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple and the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens. Browse the old city's boutiques and cafés, then end the day with an optional sunset boat cruise. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 11 – Udaipur → Chittorgarh → Jaipur (approx. 7–8 hrs drive including the fort visit)
Stop at Chittorgarh Fort, known for its grand gateways, ancient temples and the Vijay Stambh tower, and for its stories of Rajput courage. Continue to Jaipur and spend the evening at leisure in the Pink City. This is one of the longer driving days. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 12 – Jaipur Royal Heritage & Bazaars
Visit Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal. In the afternoon, walk through the bazaars for jewellery, block-printed textiles, handicrafts and spices, and meet local artisans. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 13 – Jaipur → Agra via Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri (approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
Stop at Chand Baori, one of India's deepest stepwells, then visit Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's short-lived Mughal capital. Arrive in Agra by evening. Overnight in Agra.
Day 14 – Sunrise Taj Mahal & Flight to Varanasi
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then see Agra Fort. Drive to Delhi for your flight to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 15 – Varanasi – The Eternal City
Board a boat on the Ganges before sunrise as pilgrims gather at the ghats for morning prayers. Later, explore the lanes around Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and in the evening watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony by the river. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 16 – Varanasi, Sarnath & Departure
Spend the morning in Varanasi's old lanes and Banarasi silk shops. Then visit nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, and see the Dhamek Stupa and monastery ruins. Transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight.
Travel note: driving times are approximate and vary with traffic, road conditions and sightseeing stops.
Extend Your Journey
Many travellers add a tiger safari in Ranthambore, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the beaches of Goa, the backwaters of Kerala or a few days in Mumbai. You can also compare other routes in our Rajasthan tour packages.
Plan Your Rajasthan Splendid Tour →
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur through Rajasthan and Agra
- 15 nights in carefully selected heritage palaces, boutique hotels and desert properties
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Local guides in Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra and Varanasi
- Camel ride and sunset desert experience at Sam Sand Dunes, with folk music and dance
- Bishnoi village experience around Rohet
- Visit to the Ranakpur Jain temples
- Sunrise boat ride and evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- All fuel, tolls, parking, interstate taxes and driver expenses
- Personal travel assistance before arrival and throughout your journey
What's Not Included
- International flights and Indian visa fees
- The Delhi to Varanasi flight, which we can arrange on request
- Meals other than breakfast, unless stated
- Travel insurance, tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Why Travel with Premium India Tours
- Private journeys with realistic driving distances and comfortable pacing
- Handpicked heritage hotels chosen for character, hospitality and location
- Experienced chauffeurs who know Rajasthan's scenic routes and heritage towns
- Itineraries that combine iconic monuments with villages, desert landscapes and local traditions
- Jaipur-based planning team, transparent pricing and support before and during your journey
Who This Tour Is Best Suited For
This tour suits couples, culture-focused travellers, photographers and anyone who wants to pair Rajasthan's royal heritage with the spiritual side of India. It works well for first-time visitors who prefer a private, well-paced trip, and for returning travellers who want lesser-known places such as Alsisar, Rohet and Chittorgarh. If you would rather stay in Rajasthan only, see our Rajasthan tour packages.
Best Time to Visit – Rajasthan & Varanasi
- October to March: The best season, with pleasant days for forts, desert excursions and the Varanasi riverfront. Desert nights and early mornings can be cold from December to January, and winter fog can occasionally delay flights to Varanasi.
- April to June: Very hot, especially in Jaisalmer and Varanasi. Sightseeing is best done early in the morning, though monuments are quieter and hotel rates are lower.
- July to September: The monsoon turns the Aravalli Hills around Udaipur green, and Varanasi is calm with fewer visitors. Expect humidity and rain, and in the monsoon the Ganges can rise and affect boat rides.
Experiences You Can Add
- Upgrade to luxury palace hotels, boutique havelis or desert retreats
- Bishnoi village safaris, horse riding or a leopard safari near Rohet
- Cooking classes, textile workshops or a private photography tour
- Guides in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and other languages
- Extra nights in Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur or Varanasi for a slower pace
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for this Rajasthan and Varanasi itinerary?
This 16-day route covers the highlights at a comfortable pace. Adding a day or two lets you slow down in Udaipur, Jaipur or Varanasi.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to India?
Yes. It combines India's best-known landmarks with quieter heritage places, with a private driver and local support throughout.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel with your own vehicle, driver and personalised itinerary, with no group departures.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Hotels, destinations, activities, transport and pace can all be adjusted to your preferences.
What type of accommodation is used?
Depending on your category, you can stay in heritage palaces, boutique havelis, luxury hotels, desert retreats or countryside estates.
Are domestic flights included?
The flight from Delhi to Varanasi can be arranged on request as part of your customised itinerary.
Is Varanasi worth adding to a Rajasthan tour?
Yes. Varanasi is a powerful contrast to Rajasthan's royal heritage, and the sunrise boat ride and Ganga Aarti are among the most memorable experiences in India.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors from the US, UK and Europe need a visa or e-Visa before travelling. Please check the current requirements with the official Indian government visa portal before you book.
Can I get a guide who speaks my language?
Yes. Guides are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and other languages, depending on availability.