About this trip
This 16-day guided trip moves through Rajasthan's forts and palaces before heading east to two of India's most striking heritage sites: the carved temples of Khajuraho and the pilgrimage city of Varanasi.
It's a history-and-culture-heavy route, built around the desert kingdoms of Rajasthan with their stories of chivalry and courtly life, then a shift in tone toward the spiritual and the sacred as you reach Varanasi on the Ganges.
Given the length and spread of destinations, this suits travellers who want a proper overview of northern India's heritage rather than a slow, single-region stay.
What you'll do
- Explore the forts and palaces of Rajasthan
- Visit the carved temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO world heritage site
- Spend time in Varanasi, one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage cities
- Travel as part of a small, fully guided group
- 16 days covering multiple regions means a fair amount of ground to cover, so expect a moving itinerary rather than a static base
- Fully guided throughout, with a custom/family-friendly option available
- Runs over Christmas and New Year as one of its departure windows
Worth it if you want comprehensive palace and temple coverage with reliable logistics. Think twice if you need downtime or prefer less structured cultural immersion.
- Local guides at each site were knowledgeable; drivers (especially Rakesh and Rajesh) went above and beyond for comfort on long journeys.
- Itinerary can be heavy—three train journeys in three days; accommodation standards vary wildly at 3-star level, cleaning inconsistent.
- Entrance fees (around AUD $200 per person) and passport requirements not flagged upfront; a welcome pack with tipping norms would help.
- Heavy palace and temple focus leaves little room for rest days or alternative experiences like local farming or craft workshops.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in New Delhi · 20 Jul – 21 Jul
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