Start your day by visiting the Red Fort (UNESCO, closed on Monday). This is an important landmark in Delhi. It used to be the main residence of the Mughal rulers. Then, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The huge mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25000 people in the courtyard. Next, it is time to witness the Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO). This grand tomb belongs to the second Mughal king. After lunch, Qutb Minar (UNESCO) is your next destination. This minaret is the tallest brick-made tower in the world. To end your day, visit the Lotus Temple (closed on Monday). The temple is Asia’s only Bahai House of Worship and is shaped like a lotus.

Tour highlights in Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Lotus Temple

A destination far away from Delhi’s urban life, Rajasthan’s Mandawa is on your itinerary on the second day. Mandawa is an isolated semi-arid town in the Shekhawati region that gains its fame for its amazing havelis (wealthy merchant’s houses) that contain unique wall paintings. The walls of the havelis are filled with different themes of paintings each of which tells a story. Some havelis that are preserved and open for a visit are the Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Bansidhar Newatia Haveli, Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Mandawa Castle. Visiting Shekhawati can make you long to stay at such havelis. You can stay at the Mandawa Castle as it has transformed into a hotel and is open for travellers. Treat yourself to some authentic Rajasthani food from local restaurants in Mandawa.

Tour highlights: Mandawa Havelis and Castle

Time to leave the town of Mandawa and head towards your first destination of the day, Nadine Le Prince Haveli in Fatehpur. The presence of Nadine Le Prince Haveli in Fatehpur gains a lot of tourist attraction to this small town in Shekhawati. Formerly known as Nand Lal Devra Haveli, the name of the haveli was changed to Nadine Le Prince after the French artist took the responsibility to conserve the architecture and artwork of this Rajasthani mansion. In the afternoon, travel to Bikaner. While strolling around the city, stop to marvel at the Junagarh Fort. This fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh and is full of intriguing stories. Witness the magnificence of 500-year-old Rajasthani carvings and fascinating architectural designs at this fort.

Tour highlights: Nadine Le Prince Haveli in Fatehpur, Bikaner and Junagarh Fort

Located 30 km south of Bikaner, the Karni Mata temple is also known as the Temple of Rats as it is home to almost 25,000 rats. Witness the fineness of stucco craftsmanship at this temple. Then, drive to Jodhpur and explore the Old Blue City. Later in the afternoon, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace built from golden-yellow sandstone is the world’s sixth-largest private residence.

Tour highlights: Karni Mata (Temple of Rats), Old Blue City of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace

After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort located on a rocky hill dominating Jodhpur. Next, stop at the royal cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. Built in honour of Jaswant Singh II, the edifice retains the memories of bygone days through its impeccable Rajasthani architecture. After that, leave Jodhpur and head towards Udaipur. On the way, visit the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple. Austerity and non-violence are reflected through the intricate carvings. Then, drive to Udaipur and witness the sunset on one of the oldest artificial lakes, Lake Pichola. The elegance encircling the lake enhances its magnificence.

Tour highlights: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Lake Pichola

Settled in the centre of Udaipur, the City Palace has an as astonishing architecture. Its construction started in the 16th century. Next, visit the Jagdish Temple whose exquisite craftsmanship is reflected throughout the temple. Finally, head to Bagore Ki Haveli that sits on the banks of Lake Pichola. Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century palace that has now transformed into a museum. In the afternoon, leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar.

Tour highlights in Udaipur: City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli

Start your day with a visit to the holy ghats of Pushkar and witness some of the oldest temples in the country like the Savitri temple or the Brahma temple. Also, visit the Gurudwaras of the city. Then, head towards your next destination - the Pink City of Jaipur and visit the Albert Hall Museum and the Nahargarh Fort. The Albert Hall Museum lets you witness amazing historical artefacts like the coins of ancient Gupta and Kushan dynasties and an Egyptian mummy. It is the oldest museum in Rajasthan which is also the state museum. Then, visit the Nahargarh Fort. This magnificent fort, settled on the edges of Aravalli Hills, has been watching over the city for ages. Several Bollywood films were shot here because of the stunning panoramic views it offers.

Tour highlights: Pushkar Holy City, Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh Fort

Spend the day exploring the Pink City, Jaipur by visiting attractive historical sites. The first site of the day is the Palace of Winds (or Hawa Mahal in Hindi language) from where the royal ladies used to observe life on the streets from the 953 windows. The windows make it looks like a honeycomb. It is an extension of Jaipur's stunning City Palace which is your next destination. With its museum, lush gardens and astonishing pavilions, this palace always mesmerises its visitors. Next, visit Jantar Mantar (UNESCO). It has 19 astronomical devices and houses the world’s largest stone sundial. Then, visit the Amber Palace (UNESCO) which is home to regal stories of the past echoing through the walls of this mighty palace and with it you complete the day.

Tour highlights in Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Palace

Today, travel to Agra via two unique historical sites. A short detour takes you to Chand Baori. It is one of the oldest baori in India where 3,500 steps lead to the water at the bottom of the 13 levels deep well. After exploring the stepwell, your head to Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO). Situated near Agra, this deserted city once was home to the Mughal nobles. The city includes palaces, courts, mosques, and other monuments. The architecture is an impressive amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic elements. The red sandstone displays a sense of uniformity.

Tour highlights: Chand Baori, Fatehpur Sikri

Commence your day in Agra with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal (UNESCO, closed on Friday). The architecture of the mausoleum is the epitome of elegance that signifies undying love. Right next, we reach the Agra Fort (UNESCO). This proud historic fort served as the royal residence for the Mughal families. Built from red sandstone, the Agra Fort lies on the banks of River Yamuna. Next is the Baby Taj, the Itimad-Ud-Daulah. Being the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, it got its nickname. Soothe your soul in the tranquillity of the historic site which is a Memoriam of Nur Jahan’s father.

Tour highlights in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Before driving back to Delhi, visit Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra, a few kilometres from Agra. Built between 1605 and 1613, the mausoleum of the Mughal emperor has elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Head back home with some cherishable memories.

Tour highlights: Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra