India Grand Road Trip: From Desert Forts to Goa s Coast

Maharaja Trails: India’s Ultimate Self-Drive Expedition

Embark on an extraordinary 16-day self-drive journey across the heart of India, where every mile unveils a new chapter of the country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the painted havelis of Rajasthan and the golden dunes of the Thar Desert to ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval forts, vineyard retreats, the scenic Konkan Coast, and the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, this expedition offers an unmatched blend of adventure and discovery.

Designed for travelers who seek more than a vacation, Maharaja Trails combines the freedom of driving your own SUV with the comfort of expertly planned routes, premium accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences. Covering over 3,400 km, this is a journey through royal kingdoms, timeless villages, dramatic coastlines, and hidden gems that few visitors to India ever experience.

Drive Beyond the Ordinary. Discover the Real India.

• 3,410 km Cross-India Self-Drive Expedition
• Drive through 4 Indian states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Goa
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Explore iconic forts, palaces, havelis, and ancient monuments
• Visit the famous Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
• Experience the golden dunes and desert landscapes of the Thar Desert
• Stay in the historic desert city of Jaisalmer
• Discover authentic rural Rajasthan with a stay in village.
• Guided walking tours through heritage towns and cities
• Explore local markets and attractions on traditional tuk-tuks
• Discover the romantic City of Lakes – Udaipur
• Explore the historic hilltop fortress town of Mandu
• Marvel at the spectacular rock-cut Ellora Caves
• Stay at a beautiful vineyard in Nashik, India’s wine capital
• Drive through the scenic Western Ghats
• Enjoy the spectacular Konkan Coastal Drive along the Arabian Sea
• Visit historic sea forts near Murud
• Experience charming fishing villages and untouched coastal towns
• Relax on the beaches of Goa
• Perfect blend of culture, history, rural life, heritage, coastal beauty, and unforgettable driving roads
• Fully guided convoy with experienced expedition leaders and support crew

Day 1 : Delhi – Mandawa ( 251 Kms / 5 Hrs )
Delhi Arrival and drive to hotel outside the city by Bus / Suitable vehicle, vehicles will be provided over here.
After wash and change drive to Mandawa. Evening free in Mandawa.

Day 2 : Mandawa – Deshnok – Bikaner ( 245 Kms )
Morning Mandawa Sightseeing on foot, visit the ancient havelis ( Mansions ) of the rich merchants who once lived in this area. Later drive to Deshnok Rat Temple ( the temple has over 2500 rats ) , after visit drive to Bikaner. In evening Visit Junagarh fort.

Day 3 : Bikaner toward Jaisalmer ( 330 Kms )
Leisurely drive from Bikaner towards the desert town of Jaisalmer. Enroute we can spot lots of wildlife on the highway. Jaisalmer is an desert town in the heart of Thar desert and the fort was made in 1156 AD with people still living in it.

Day 4 : Jaisalmer
Visit Jaisalmer fort and town ( on Tuk-tuk )

Day 5 : In Jaisalmer ( 80 Kms )
Drive to nearby dunes, day at dunes.

Day 6 : Jaisalmer – Jawai ( 394 Kms )
After breakfast drive to Jawai village in the rural country side of Rajasthan. Jawai is famous for its leopard sighting.

Day 7 : Jawai – Udaipur ( 144 Kms ).

( We can also add Kumbhalgarh fort in routing on way to Udaipur – This fort has 36 Kms long Walls, Can be decided on spot )
Morning Safari to see leopards in the wildlife zone. After Safari drive to Udaipur, also known as the city of Lakes.

Day 08 : Udaipur
Udaipur sightseeing, explore the city on foot and with a Tuk-tuk ride.

Day 9 : Udaipur – Mandav ( 402 kms )
Drive to Mandav which is a historic, hilltop fortress town in the Dhar district of western Madhya Pradesh, with origins dating back to 10th-century and is also know as the City of Palaces

Day 10 : Mandav – Ellora ( 326 Kms )
After breakfast drive to Ellora caves ( Unesco Site ) these caves also date back to 6th to 10th century AD. These are rock cut caves where temples have been carved into a massive volcanic basalt rock face.

Day 11 : Ellora – Wineyard in Nasik ( 205 Kms )
Morning visit Ellora caves. Later drive to a vineyard near Nasik for overnight stay

Day 12 : Wineyard – Murud ( 351 Kms )
Drive across the western ghats, we have a country side drive today and stay at a beach town of Murud which has some interesting 1500 century sea forts near its costs.

Day 13 : Murud – Ratnagiri ( 275 Kms )
Drive across the costs and the western ghats to reach Ratnagiri a small fishing Village on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Day 14 : Ratnagiri – Goa ( 271 Kms )
Drive to Goa a former Portuguese colony, known for its beaches and old colonial legacy.

Day 15 : In Goa
Day free at leisure.

Day 16 : Departure
On Time transfer to airport to board departure flight, transfer by Cab.

• Mahindra Thar  – Roxx
• Mahindra – Scorpion
• Toyota – Hylux
• Toyota – Fortuner

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner are included.

During this tour, you will be served Breakfast & Dinner at the place of stay. Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables.

Vegetables that are commonly eaten include spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions, and green beans. Grains such as rice, buckwheat, and barley are also cultivated in various regions of the country depending on the local climate.

For Indian Traveller – Pure Veg Food is also available

Other meals will be as mentioned in the program.

Stay in Heritage Palaces / Mansions converted to Hotels and Luxury Tents and Boutique Stays.

Skill level(s) required for this tour

Intermediate:
*can drive for 4 – 5 hours daily
*average driving experience in mountains.
*little assistance required
*comfortable with extreme curves and leans
*average experience with unsurfaced roads
*steep ascents and descents
*Option of taking driver for tour is also available.

Note – Vehicle are Included as per package selection

Excludes