Experience the perfect blend of Indian history, culture, and celebration on our Golden Triangle Tour with the Bikaner Camel Festival. Explore the legendary heritage cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, visiting world-famous monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, and City Palace. Continue your journey to Mandawa, renowned for its beautifully frescoed havelis, before heading to Bikaner, where the city comes alive during the Camel Festival — a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan’s desert heritage featuring camel processions, folk music, dance, and colourful markets.
This 9-day tour itinerary seamlessly combines the architectural grandeur of India’s Golden Triangle with the festive spirit of Bikaner, offering an unforgettable travel experience rich in culture, tradition, and timeless memories.
Bikaner Camel Festival Dates 2026
The Bikaner Camel Festival is an annual celebration held every January in the vibrant desert city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Dedicated to the “Ship of the Desert”, this colourful festival features camel beauty contests, folk music and dance performances, camel races, and traditional Rajasthani cuisine — offering visitors a true taste of desert culture.
In 2026, the Bikaner Camel Festival is scheduled to take place on January 11th and 12th. During these two lively days, the city comes alive with beautifully adorned camels, cultural parades, local crafts, and festive markets, showcasing the rich heritage and warm spirit of Rajasthan.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk and explore the cultural landmarks of New Delhi.
- Discover the magnificent havelis of Mandawa, adorned with exquisite fresco paintings that reflect Rajasthan’s artistic heritage.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Bikaner Camel Festival, featuring traditional music, dance, and captivating camel processions.
- Explore the Pink City of Jaipur and its royal landmarks — Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and more.
- Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery in colourful local bazaars filled with Rajasthani charm.
- Discover Agra’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise, an unforgettable moment of beauty and serenity.
Destination | Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi |
Duration | 9 Days |
Tour Type | Golden Triangle Tours |
Tour Plan
01Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Welcome to India
Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where ancient heritage meets modern energy. After immigration and customs, meet your India Golden Triangle Tour representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel for a seamless start to your journey.
Delhi, a city rebuilt over centuries, blends Mughal grandeur, colonial charm, and contemporary vibrance — offering the perfect introduction to India.
Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the adventures ahead.
02Day 2: Old & New Delhi – A Journey Through Time
Explore the contrasting worlds of Old and New Delhi. Begin with Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques, followed by a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Capture the grandeur of the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon, discover New Delhi’s colonial charm — drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House, stop at India Gate, and visit the serene Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays). End your day at the magnificent Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to your hotel, reflecting on a day that beautifully connects Delhi’s rich past with its vibrant present.
03Day 3: From Delhi to the Painted Havelis of Mandawa
After breakfast, depart Delhi and head into Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, a land renowned for its artistic heritage and royal charm. Your destination, Mandawa, is often described as an open-air art gallery, famous for its beautifully painted havelis — grand merchant mansions adorned with intricate frescoes and elaborate carvings.
On arrival, stroll through Mandawa’s narrow, time-worn lanes, where every wall tells a story. The frescoes depict mythological tales, royal scenes, and glimpses of daily life, reflecting the wealth and imagination of the traders who once flourished here.
As evening descends, the town takes on a serene glow — lanterns light up the courtyards, and Mandawa’s calm pace offers a tranquil contrast to Delhi’s bustle, wrapping your day in a sense of timeless beauty and quiet reflection.
04Day 4: Mandawa to Bikaner – Discovering the Desert Heritage & Camel Festival
After breakfast, drive to Bikaner, the highlight of your journey, where the world-famous Bikaner Camel Festival awaits. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the day exploring the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Stroll through the fairgrounds lined with colorful stalls, admire beautifully adorned camels, enjoy folk performances, and savor local delicacies that celebrate Rajasthan’s desert spirit.
Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Bikaner.
05Day 5: Bikaner – Immerse in the Camel Festival
Spend another exciting day experiencing the Bikaner Camel Festival, one of Rajasthan’s most unique cultural celebrations. Watch the graceful camel parades, races, and folk performances that bring the Thar Desert to life.
Explore stalls showcasing local handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani snacks, while enjoying the festive music and dance that fill the air. As evening falls, witness the grand fireworks display, marking a spectacular end to the festivities.
Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Bikaner.
06Day 6: Journey from Bikaner to the Pink City of Jaipur
After breakfast, depart Bikaner and drive toward Jaipur, the enchanting Pink City of Rajasthan. As you leave the desert behind, the landscape gradually transforms — golden dunes give way to green fields, rural villages, and scattered forts, offering glimpses of Rajasthan’s timeless countryside.
On arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may relax or take a gentle walk through the colourful bazaars, where artisans craft jewellery, textiles, and intricate stonework that reflect the city’s royal heritage.
Known for its rose-hued architecture and regal charm, Jaipur embodies the perfect blend of Rajput pride and Mughal grace. Its grand palaces, vibrant markets, and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable cultural experience.
07Day 7: The Royal Grandeur of Jaipur – Amber Fort, City Palace & Hawa Mahal
After breakfast, explore Jaipur’s royal heritage with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, rising above Maota Lake. Wander through its grand courtyards and the glittering Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where a single light sparkles into thousands of reflections — a true masterpiece of Rajput artistry.
Continue to the City Palace, home to royal artefacts, elegant textiles, and miniature paintings that reveal Jaipur’s regal past. Nearby, visit Jantar Mantar, the 18th-century observatory known for its astonishingly accurate astronomical instruments.
Stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) for photos, then stroll through Jaipur’s lively bazaars, filled with colorful textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts — the perfect way to end your day in the Pink City.
08Day 8: Journey to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, drive to Agra (approximately 240 km / 4 hours), stopping en route at the fascinating Fatehpur Sikri — the once-glorious Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar. This red sandstone city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains beautifully preserved with its royal courtyards, palaces, and mosques, offering a vivid glimpse into the splendour of Akbar’s reign.
Continue to Agra, the crown jewel of the Mughal Empire, celebrated for its architectural masterpieces and timeless artistry. Once a thriving hub under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, Agra still echoes with the grandeur of its imperial past.
Today, the city is equally renowned for its skilled artisans — from intricate marble inlay work to fine carpets and leather goods, many of whom are descendants of the craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax, surrounded by the spirit of Mughal elegance.
09Day 9: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort – Return to Delhi
Start your day with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), the ultimate symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. Watch as its white marble glows with the first light of dawn, revealing exquisite inlay work and perfect symmetry — a breathtaking masterpiece that lingers in memory.
Return to your hotel for breakfast before visiting the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the seat of Mughal power. Explore its grand halls, marble pavilions, and terraces offering distant views of the Taj Mahal — a poignant glimpse into royal history.
Later, drive back to Delhi (approx. 4 hours) for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable tour through India’s royal and cultural heart.