Royal Rajasthan

with Full Moon at the Taj Mahal

Special Value Tour (SVT) of India

Welcome to the Land of Queens and their Kings, showcasing India at its magical best. Like a legend come to life, Rajasthan boasts an incredible array of mighty forts, elaborate palaces and cities awash in searing, riotous colour. Explore Old Delhi’s ancient sites, then see the world’s most famous monument of love, the Taj Mahal, in Agra. It was built by a king for his queen. Experience the seductive pink mayhem of Jaipur, track tigers in Ranthambore and admire enchanting Pushkar with its scenic holy lake. Then explore the luminescent blue patchwork of Jodhpur, the desert magnificence of Jaisalmer and the majestic forts of Bikaner. We end our journey at the storybook town of Mandawa, with its wildly colorful, beautifully and bizarrely painted havelis (traditional ornately decorated residences).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi 2. Fatehpur Sikri
3. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi 4. Taj Mahal
5. Red Fort Complex 6. Agra Fort
7. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur 8. Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Tour Information
Duration : 16 days
Minimum : 2 persons
Maximum : 20 persons
Price (From) :
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
(B, D)
Day 03: Delhi/Agra (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 04: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra
(B, D)
Day 05: Agra/Ranthambore (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 06: Ranthambore/Jaipur (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 07: Jaipur
(B, D)
Day 08: Jaipur/Pushkar (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 09: Pushkar/Udaipur (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 10: Udaipur
(B, D)
Day 11: Udaipur/Jodhpur (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 12: Jodhpur/Jaisalmer (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 13: Jaisalmer
(B, D)
Day 14: Jaisalmer/Bikaner (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 15: Bikaner/Mandawa (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 16: Mandawa/Depart Delhi
(B, D)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival, we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, Delhi (2 nights)

Day 02: Delhi

Qutub Minar, one of UNESCO world heritag site, built in the early 13th century located on south of Delhi, India

The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with Old Delhi where we visit the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were “Palace Forts“ as these were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a walking tour through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Please Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Mondays and Chandni Chowk is closed on Sundays.

Day 03: Delhi/Agra (Drive 220 km/ 4 hrs)

Our exciting morning tour through New Delhi starts with a visit to Birla House, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse in 1948. Next, we explore the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Our next stop is Qutb Minar and its Monuments*. Built in the early 13th century, the magnificent red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. After the tour of New Delhi, we drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, we check in to our hotel.

Overnight: Grand Mercure, Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

In the evening, we witness Taj Mahal under full moon light. On nights with a Full Moon the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. A full moon night when it shines like a pearl making the visitor stand agape at the spectacle. The romanticism and sheer majesty of the structure is unbelievably true! No wonder if millions of people chose it amongst the World’s top wonders.

Taj Mahal is monument of Love and to see it under the Full moon is a special treat.

Night viewing is between 20:30 to 00:30 hours for only five nights in a month. These are the actual Full Moon night and two days before and two days. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. The duration of visit is for 30 minutes.

Day 04: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra

Amar Singh gate Agra fort historical architecture Agra India

We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648. Built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast.

Later we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques.

In the afternoon, we visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water. Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. Evening is free to wonder around this small-town housing three UNESCO World Heritage sites. (B, D)

Please Note: On nights with a full moon, the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Bestway Tours & Safaris can arrange an optional tour to enjoy this very special occasion.

Day 05: Agra/Ranthambore (Drive 290 km/ 6 hrs)

A countryside drive takes us to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the afternoon we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen.

Overnight: The Pugmark, Ranthambore (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Ranthambore/Jaipur (Drive 180 km/ 4 hrs)

Royal Bengal tiger, India

An early morning safari in time when animals are looking out for their prey. We try and spot nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and black-faced langur. Ranthambhore was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and spotting the big cat in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. After our morning safari, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. In the evening we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show.

Overnight: V Sarovar Portico, Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Jaipur

Hawa Mahal Palace or Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, Rajasthan state in India

This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a journey to the Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century was never attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. Next we return to Jaipur to visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art.

We also stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade, and the Jantar Mantar*, a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. The evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. (B, D)

Day 08: Jaipur/Pushkar (Drive 140 km/ 3.5 hrs)

A leisurely drive to Pushkar the bewitching little town on the edge of the desert. Pushkar is famous for its temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk-coloured buildings clustering around its holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, (Hindu holy men). We visit the famous Lord Brahma Temple one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Evening, we walk through the town and meet local folks.

Overnight: Hotel Pushkar Palace, Pushkar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Pushkar/Udaipur (Drive 280 km/ 6 hrs)

Woman wearing traditional Rajasthani jewellery and dress, Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan, India

Enjoy superb countryside views as we journey through Rajasthan to the city of lakes, Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and the region’s royal heritage is still readily apparent. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Centred around the shimmering Lake Pichhola, Udaipur offers beautifully intricate buildings set amid misty, rolling hills. It is also famous for the Lake Palace Hotel built as a palace on the lake and later turned into a deluxe hotel. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. Evening free to enjoy a walk and feel the city.

Overnight: Turban hotel Roopgarh Palace, Udaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Udaipur

Our fascinating exploration of Udaipur starts with a visit to the enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. At the Jagdish Temple we view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. Our tour of the romantic city of Udaipur ends with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces visiting Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in the middle of the glistening lake. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer resort. (B, D)

Day 11: Udaipur/Jodhpur (Drive 290 km/ 6 hrs)

Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City for the blue colours that decorate many of its heritage buildings. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. In the afternoon, we visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. We enter through the Gate of Victory (Jaipal) and explore the series of courtyards and palaces decorated with beautiful terracotta lattice work. The museum in the fort has one of the best collections of the splendid trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II with an array of whimsical domes.

Overnight: WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Jodhpur/Jaisalmer (Drive 300 km/ 6 hrs)

After breakfast, an interesting rural Rajasthan drive to Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City” for its yellowish sandstone, Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its crown is a fort that contains a palace and several finely sculptured Jain temples. On arrival, we check in at our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.

Overnight: Hotel Sairafort Sarovar Portico / Desert Tulip, Jaisalmer (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Jaisalmer

Palace, Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, India

Today we visit Jaisalmer Fort*, one of the largest forts in the world. Built almost a millennium ago, the fort stands proudly on Thikuta Hill. As the sun sets, its yellow sandstone walls fade to a honey-gold, camouflaging the fort in the surrounding desert. Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval times as we wander through narrow lanes filled with havelis (mansions), temples, skilled artisans and, of course, camels. We then explore the Jain temple dating to 11th century B.C. and the Folk Museum. Next we visit Patwon-ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant belonging to a powerful Oswal Jain community which had over three hundred trading centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-story complex took fifty years to complete and is the largest and most elaborate of Jaisalmer’s havelis. We also experience Gadisar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by numerous beautiful shrines and a spectacular variety of birds. In the late afternoon, we drive to Sam village in the Thar Desert. Here we ride on camels to the nearby sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful desert sunset. (B, D)

Day 14: Jaisalmer/Bikaner (Drive 330 km/ 7 hrs)

Suraj Pol (Sun gate), Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Continue our journey to Bikaner, where we check in to our spectacular heritage hotel. Afternoon explore Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh. The Raja travelled extensively while in the imperial service, and his appreciation of the art and architecture that he had seen was meticulously incorporated into Junagarh Fort. Later we visit a camel breeding farm set within the sand dunes, the only farm of its kind in the whole of Asia.

Overnight: Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner (1 night) (B, D)

Day 15: Bikaner/Mandawa (Drive 250 km/ 6 hrs)

Elephant carvings at the entrance of the Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India

After breakfast we drive to Deshnoke to visit the famous Rat Temple dedicated to the Goddess Karni Mata. This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout. But by far the most intriguing aspect of the interior are approximately 20,000 rats that call this temple home. These holy animals are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. Later we drive to Mandawa, one of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region. We explore Mandawa’s famous "The Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan", visiting havelis, where the walls have been decorated with beautiful frescos depicting different aspects of the life in Rajasthan.

Overnight: Castle Mandawa, Mandawa (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16: Mandawa/Depart Delhi (Drive 260 km/ 6 hrs)

After an incredible tour of the Royal Rajasthan, we are driven to Delhi where we check in at Holiday Inn Aerocity / Tauras Sarovar Portico for day room for 02 Hours. After dinner we board our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. (B, D)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Oct 6; Nov 12; Dec 1 US$ 1939 US$ 729
Oct 27 US$ 2077 US$ 843
Dec 15 & 29 US$ 2125 US$ 883
2026 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 12 & 26; Feb 9; Mar 11 & 25 US$ 1939 US$ 729
Feb 23 US$ 2077 US$ 843
Apr 13 & 27; May 11 & 25; Jun 8 & 22; Jul 8 & 22; Aug 5 & 19; Sep 7 & 23 US$ 1752 US$ 551
Sep 23 US$ 1847 US$ 646
Oct 7 & 21; Nov 23; Dec 7 US$ 2099 US$ 799
Nov 11 US$ 2237 US$ 913
Dec 21 US$ 2384 US$ 1038
2027 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 6 & 18; Feb 3 & 17; Mar 3 US$ 2099 US$ 799
Mar 17 US$ 2237 US$ 913
Apr 5 & 19; May 3, 17; Jun 2, 16 & 30; Jul 14; Aug 2, 16 & 30; Sep 13 US$ 1815 US$ 570
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Oct 6; Nov 12; Dec 1 CA$ 2791 CA$ 1050
Oct 27 CA$ 2989 CA$ 1214
Dec 15 & 29 CA$ 3058 CA$ 1271
2026 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 12 & 26; Feb 9; Mar 11 & 25 CA$ 2791 CA$ 1050
Feb 23 CA$ 2989 CA$ 1214
Apr 13 & 27; May 11 & 25; Jun 8 & 22; Jul 8 & 22; Aug 5 & 19; Sep 7 & 23 CA$ 2522 CA$ 793
Sep 23 CA$ 2658 CA$ 930
Oct 7 & 21; Nov 23; Dec 7 CA$ 3021 CA$ 1150
Nov 11 CA$ 3220 CA$ 1314
Dec 21 CA$ 3431 CA$ 1494
2027 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 6 & 18; Feb 3 & 17; Mar 3 CA$ 3021 CA$ 1150
Mar 17 CA$ 3220 CA$ 1314
Apr 5 & 19; May 3, 17; Jun 2, 16 & 30; Jul 14; Aug 2, 16 & 30; Sep 13 CA$ 2612 CA$ 821
Optional Full Moon visit to Taj Mahal in Agra per person
2025: Oct 6; Dec 1; Dec 29
US$ 50
CA$ 72
2026: Apr 27; Sep 23; Oct 21; Nov 23; Dec 21
US$ 50
CA$ 72
2027: Jan 18; Apr 19; May 17; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 16; Sep 13
US$ 50
CA$ 72

Notes

  • Ranthambore National Park remains closed from July 01 to September 30 every year. In lieu therefore the night lost at Ranthambore will be compensated with an additional night at New Delhi also on 2 meals a day plan.
  • Red Fort in Delhi will be closed between Jan 21 to 31.
  • Unless specified, check-in at hotels in India is at 14:00 Hrs and check out is at 12:00 Hrs.
  • Diwali Festival: Oct 6, 2025 departure coincides with the Diwali festival in Delhi.
  • Pushkar Fair: Oct 27, 2025 & Nov 11, 2026 departures coincides with the Pushkar fair in Pushkar.
  • Holi Festival: Feb 23, 2026 & Mar 17, 2027 departures coincides with Holi Festival in Udaipur.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • 15 Nights' accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 31 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation
  • Services of local English speaking guides
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
  • Camel Safari at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
  • Boat Ride (Common Boat) at Lake Pichhola in Udaipur.
  • 2 Safaris through Ranthambore National Park (Subject to availability)
  • Rickshaw Ride in Delhi
  • Visit of Taj Mahal under full moon (Subject to availability)
  • Complementary bottled water throughout the tour during sightseeing excursions and inter city transfers
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 20 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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