New Delhi in 11 Days - Old Delhi markets (Chandni Chowk)

Highlights

• Old Delhi markets (Chandni Chowk)
• Mandawa havelis and fort
• Junagarh Fort & camel experience in Bikaner
• Mehrangarh Fort and blue city of Jodhpur
• Amber Fort and City Palace, Jaipur evenings at sunset viewpoints, rooftop moments for couples

Itinerary Attributes

Why this experience

You'll spend 11 days exploring the royal deserts and palaces of Rajasthan, beginning in New Delhi's chaotic heart — Chandni Chowk bazaar's silver markets and Mughal monuments — before moving into the state's timeless kingdoms. This itinerary threads through Jaipur's City Palace and geometric bazaars, Jodhpur's blue-painted old city rising above desert cliffs, Udaipur's lakeside palaces reflecting in still water, and Jaisalmer's golden-sandstone fort glowing at sunset. You'll ride camels across Thar Desert dunes, navigate fortress passages with a local guide, watch silver being hammered in workshops, and stay in converted palaces now open as heritage hotels.

This is a multi-city cultural immersion designed for travellers who want depth: time to sit in courtyards, ask questions, notice details, and understand how Rajasthan's kingdoms built and defended themselves. Every morning moves you toward a new landscape. Every evening settles you into a palace, fort, or haveli with stories layered into its walls.

Before you go

• Best time: October through February — warm days (20–27°C), cool desert nights, clear skies for forts and golden-hour light, and no monsoon or heat extremes. The season opens after the summer heat breaks and closes before spring dust storms.
• Budget: This self-guided itinerary is free — hotel stays, internal flights or trains, camel treks, guide services, entry fees to palaces and forts, and meals are at your own cost.
• Difficulty: Moderate — multiple cities require flights or long drives; some palace interiors have stairs and narrow passages. Camel trekking is not for the unaccustomed, with some soreness after. Days involve 4–8 hours of travel or walking.
• What to bring: Breathable clothing (loose cotton for heat), sun protection (high SPF, hat, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes for bazaar exploration and fort stairs, lightweight scarves (cultural respect and sun shield), a water bottle (refillable), and a lightweight layer for cool desert mornings.
• Getting there: Start in New Delhi — Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main entry point. From there, book domestic flights to Jaipur (2.5 hours), then trains or flights to Jodhpur (1.5 hours), Udaipur (1.5 hours), and Jaisalmer (1 hour).
• Accessibility: Old city bazaars and fort passages have uneven cobblestones, stairs, and narrow entryways. Palace hotels are often in heritage buildings with limited lift access. Camel trekking requires dismounting and balance. Confirm accessibility needs with palace hotels in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the itinerary and what's the travel rhythm?

11 days total — roughly 2 days in New Delhi and Jaipur each, 2–3 days in Jodhpur and Udaipur, and 2–3 days in Jaisalmer. Between cities, you'll spend half a day or full day on flights, trains, or drives. The rhythm is slow by design: a new city every 2–3 days with time to explore and absorb.

What does a typical day look like?

A mix of palace or fort walks (with or without a hired guide), bazaar exploration, cultural visits (temples, museums), optional camel trekking, and long meals. Mornings often start early to beat crowds. Afternoons allow for rest, tea, or market shopping. Evenings are for sundowner views from forts or palace courtyards.

What's included in this itinerary?

This itinerary on TheNextGuide is a free self-guided plan — no tour operator. All flights, trains, hotels, guide hire, camel trek bookings, and meals are at your own cost, arranged independently. You can hire local guides in each city through your hotel or platforms like Airbnb Experiences.

Is it safe to travel through Rajasthan?

Yes. Tourist infrastructure in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer is well-established. Hire guides in Old City bazaars to navigate comfortably and avoid getting lost. Stick to main bazaar routes at night and avoid walking alone late evening in unfamiliar quarters.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Yes, especially in peak season (November–January). Heritage palace hotels book up 4–6 weeks ahead. Book flights and trains 2–3 weeks before travel. Hotels can advise on guides, camel trek operators, and local transportation.

Complete your trip in New Delhi

Extend your Rajasthan journey or dive deeper into New Delhi's own layered history.

• Private Guided Walking Tour of Old Delhi and Red Fort — A focused Old Delhi experience if you want to spend more time in Chandni Chowk's chaos and the Red Fort's scale before heading to Rajasthan.
• Delhi Full-Day City Tour with Lunch — A comprehensive New Delhi introduction if you want to understand both the Mughal core and the modern capital before the 11-day Rajasthan journey.
• New and Old Delhi Private Full-Day City Tour with Lunch — Cover all Delhi's essential landmarks in one focused day before flying to Rajasthan.

Browse all New Delhi itineraries at TheNextGuide.

*Last updated: April 2026*