DAY 1Arrive Delhi

Welcome to New Delhi - the capital city of India, home to approximately 17 million inhabitants! The city is divided into two parts including Old Delhi, located near the River Yamuna, and New Delhi, home to the national government, the imperial city created by the British Raj. This city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern and paints perfect picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens.

Upon arrival into Delhi, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to allow you to settle into your new home away from home experience.

DAY 2Delhi

This morning, will take you to Old Delhi. We will start the day traveling by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi. Visit India's largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid or “Friday Mosque.” Rising from between the crowded medieval streets of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Enjoy a photo opportunity of the iconic Red Fort (drive past), built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan before leaving Old Delhi.

Later explore New Delhi. The city was designed and built by the British in the 1920s and is made up of well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautiful trees and beautiful colonial government buildings. As you navigate the city, you will drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.

Visit the Gandhi Museum showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation who led the nation against British colonial rule. (closed on Mondays

You will also see Humayun's Tomb, which was built by the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Haji Begum, in the mid-16th century. This red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal and one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.

Drive to the famous Qutab Minar, a tall tower built by conquering Mughal leaders which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1199 by Qutbuddin as a tower for his victory against a Rajput King and is considered a great example of Indian-Islamic architecture.

Later you will be taken back to the hotel for you to enjoy the facilities - the evening being at your own leisure.

DAY 3Fly Delhi - Varanasi

This morning fly to Varanasi. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Formerly known as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi will attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.

This evening join your guide for a walk through the oldest and most famous narrow and winding lanes of the city, past the endless human panorama - pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, children selling flowers and floating lights to place in the river. Arrive at the ghats at the Ganges to witness the Aarti Ceremony which is part of the evening puja or prayers. During the ceremony deewas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganges with thanks and devotion for the light of the sun and for her divine light. As the Aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells are rung and chanting and singing provide a fascinating, magical and spiritual conclusion to the days end.

DAY 4Varanasi

Early this morning, enjoy sunrise boat ride in Ganges with musician on board. It is in Varanasi where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. There are nearly 100 ghats, steps leading to the banks of River Ganges. The ghats are an integral compliment to the concept of divinity represented in physical and supernatural elements. The spirituality of Varanasi is best observed by row boat ride on the Ganges river. Where you glide past all the bathers and funeral pyres on the ghats. Boat ride on the Ganges to the two-kilometre stretch of bathing Ghats, or steps, that lead into the river. The Ghats of the Ganges are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi, and are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy river. They believe this absolves them from all sins and cleanses them physically, mentally and spiritually. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. In the morning Arti is beautiful to behold as floating candle offerings drift down the river while bells chime.

Later join a Spiritual Varanasi Walk. Dive down deep into the spirituality of Varanasi. Varanasi is not just a tourist place, but a cultural melting pot where you can explore all aspects of spirituality. Get an immersive experience of the city with us as we take you back in time and unwrap all aspects of spirituality one by one. From a visual astronomic illustrations coming to life, to visiting some specific temples dedicated to saints who have gone down in history books.

This afternoon, you’ll visit the holy site of Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Amongst the ruins, the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive at 128 feet high, and 93 in diameter. This dates from around 200 BC and is the spot where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon.

DAY 5Fly Varanasi - Delhi - Agra (4.5 hrs drive)

This morning, check out and drive to the Varanasi airport to connect your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, drive straight to Agra. This is a fascinating way to see the country as we wind our way down from the foothills back to the plains and onward to the city of love Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival we will assist with the check-in process at your hotel.

In the evening enjoy the grand live performance “Mohabbat-e-Taj”, based on the love story of Taj Mahal. This theatrical show portrays the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era and the story of the emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.

DAY 6Agra

Rise early for a special sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, glowing white through the early morning fog. Our guide will take you to the perfect architectural symmetry, the wonderful proportion and the sheer scale to inspect the exquisite detail covering every inch of marble. Explore the Shah Jehan’s monument to love the Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, built by the Mughal emperor as the final resting place for his favorite Queen, Mumtaz. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652 A.D) of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build. It was designed by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa. The verses of Holy Quran are inscribed on it and at the top of the gate’s 22 small domes, signifying the number of years the monument took to built. The elegant dome of the Taj has a diameter of 60 feet, and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Fantastic inlay work, using semi-precious stones, decorates the exterior and interior. (closed on Fridays)

This afternoon visit Agra Fort, a great monument of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River and was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571. It was Emperor Akbar who laid the foundation of this majestic citadel in 1565. The Fort was ready by 1571 during the period of Shah Jehan, Akbar's grandson. The Fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creative builders during the time of Akbar and later Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Optional - Taj Facing Yoga
Before sunset, experience a yoga session at a location with an amazing view of the Taj Mahal. It will take approximately 1 hour. This session will cover basic Asana, Dhyana and Pranayam at a lush green mound about 150 meters away, facing the Taj Mahal. Imbibe yourself into the spiritual way of life, where your body and soul will get rejuvenated.

DAY 7Agra - Jaipur (4.5 hrs drive)

This morning drive to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its many pink sandstone monuments. Jaipur’s vibrant culture is on dazzling display in all the streets and bazaars. It is one of the great cities of the Rajput, with historic forts, palaces, and gardens. Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II who planned his new capital to reflect the increasing wealth of the kingdom.

Enroute you will stop to visit the beautiful walled city of Fatehpur Sikri, built to commemorate the birth of Akbar’s son. The complex was completed in 1574 but abandoned only fourteen years later. Of particular interest are the red stone mosques, courtyards and the palace where Akbar reputedly played chess using slave girls as pawns. Following the visit, your drive continues on to Jaipur.

Optional - Local school visit
Enjoy a cultural meeting with local school kids. Explore new levels of service learning at a local school. Immerse in service work with local students and build long lasting relationship through educational and cultural exchange. Optional volunteer opportunities:
- Interact with students and observe their educational experience in rural India
- Assist in a variety of roles from Teaching English to helping with computer education
- Conducting hygiene classes such as washing hands, brushing teeth, personal hygiene
- Try your hand at cricket, learn some rules of the game and play a friendly match against students at the school
- Roll up your sleeves and prepare to help repair and paint classrooms at the school. Your work will be greatly appreciated by the students and teachers at the school!
- Planting of trees

Continue drive towards Jaipur. Upon arrival we will assist with the check-in process at your hotel.

This evening, decorate your hands with Mehendi or Henna. Mehendi (Lawsonia inermis) is a small tropical shrub, whose leaves when dried and ground into a paste, give out a rusty-red pigment, suitable for making intricate designs on the palms and feet. The dye has a cooling property and no side effects on the skin. Mehendi is extremely suitable for creating intricate patterns on various parts of the body, and a painless alternative to permanent tattoos.

DAY 8Jaipur

This morning, visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular complex of palaces, temples and apartments that offers a stunning view of the city. Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort by jeeps. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.

You will also visit the City Palace, a former royal residence built in the centre of the old city in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Next highlight is Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five remarkable observatories built by Jaipur’s founder. Its complex instruments, with scientifically designed settings and shapes, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

This afternoon, walk through the local markets. There are a number of bazaars in Jaipur - Textile, Spices, Vegetable and Fruits Market. Each of these markets possess a unique charm. The presence of a variety of markets in Jaipur makes Jaipur with no dearth of shopping areas. The Pink city is well known for being a top shopping destination: from jewelry to textile or even puppets, you can find everything you need!

Later in the day, get yourself engaged in turban tying for male and saree draping for females at your hotel.

Optional - Jaipur by night
Late this evening, explore Jaipur by night. We will drive pass the key highlights of the city to see the colourful lighting of Jaipur. This is best time to explore the city than day time to enjoy the views of palace and fort with jeep safari. You can first have a view of Albert Hall all lit up at night. On the way you will be amazed by the artistic Hawa Mahal to see the celebration of lights on the palace. Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace, is so named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while remaining unseen from the outside world. Passing through Birla Mandir, next view of amazing Jal Mahal where you will see the beautiful reflection of lights in the crystal-clear lake that surrounds it. Further drive to the Amer Palace is surely going to amuse and excite you to see the breath-taking play of lights on this majestic building. This tour will leave a long-lasting memory of how truly beautiful Jaipur city is at night.

DAY 9Jaipur

Optional - Cycling
With the sunrise this morning, start cycling from Jal Mahal and ride till Amer City, at Amer you will witness a big movement of elephants assembling in at amber fort looks like a preparation of grand procession, riding further on the ancient cobbled pathways and passing by some of the narrow lanes witness the temples, havelies which tells you more about this city heritage and this is an interesting way to rediscover the ancient culture and architecture of Pink city. Riding on bike gives you an added advantage to discover the narrow alleys which have hidden gems and rich in historic facts.

This morning, go off the beaten path in Jaipur! The ancient Hindu pilgrimage site of Galtaji is accessed through a scenic drive past hills and thick vegetation, making this an expedition well worth your while. Enjoy an hour long tour of the picturesque locale and stroll by exquisitely crafted abandoned havelis (traditional houses). Climb the steps to the famous temples with the area’s friendly little monkeys for company! Stop at the temple’s pavilions for breathtaking views of the distant city and head to the main attraction, the seven holy kunds (tanks) that are still popular with pilgrims who bathe in them. Galta Kund has reportedly never run dry due to the natural water springs that supply these kunds.

Later, will organized a private blessing ceremony in a temple where can experience a traditional Hindu ‘aarti’ ceremony, a ritual offering of prayers. This blessing ceremony performed under the auspices of the temple ‘pundit’/priest who prays for health, happiness and well-being, couples exchange garlands.

Next, get to know the exciting stories in Tales of Textiles in Jaipur. Discover traditional art in Jaipur! Visit the local block printers. You will meet with a printing expert who has been involved in block printing for over two decades! After your introduction, participate in a special block printing workshop to understand the entire process. This famous Rajasthani method of printing involves the artistic use of wooden blocks that are used to imprint on textiles with the help of naturally obtained vegetable dyes.

Late this afternoon drive to nearby village called Dera Amer, a preserved wilderness of natural beauty creating a sanctuary for animals to live in. The elephants and camels are adopted from Amer Fort and rescued from a life of hard labor. On arrival, enjoy a friendly interaction with elephants. You’ll tour the nearby forest area and be greeted by elephants. You will take the elephants for their evening walk along the treks conducted in the original Aravalli forests surrounding the camp. Follow a route passing traditional homes, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments. Panthers do inhabit the jungles and it is a very rare sighting, however, occasionally the hyena and wolf have been seen by guests along with antelopes and jackals. End your day with an intimate jungle dinner at Dera Amer under the stars and later in the evening we will drive back to hotel. 

DAY 10Jaipur - Jodhpur (6 hrs drive)

Today drive to Jodhpur also known as the Blue City for the blue-washed color of its houses. The city is set right at the edge of the Thar Desert and strewn with forts and palaces that date back to the 15th century. A high stone wall with seven gates rings the city, the second-largest in Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. Upon arrival we will assist with the check-in process and enjoy rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 11Jodhpur

This morning's visit of Jodhpur will lead you to the Mehrangarh Fort. Towering above the city it is the setting of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. The impenetrable walls of the fort rise like cliffs from the rocky outcrop. You'll visit the well preserved interior and enjoy a magnificent vista over the city from the Fort.

You will also visit the nearby Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph close by and an ideal spot from which to photograph the Fort.

Next, explore Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, which offers an extraordinary collection of regal relics, including stuffed leopards, quirky clocks, and original photos of the palace in all its art-deco glory. (closed on Sundays)

Later join your guide for a trail through the traditional bazaar of Jodhpur. You will get a wonderful view of the city’s vibrant bazaars. The brightly coloured traditional clothes of the people are eye-catching, representing the cultural consciousness of its inhabitants. The narrow streets of Jodhpur’s old town are situated at the bottom of the fort, and lined with ancient residences and market stalls. Jodhpur is renowned for its leatherwork, antiques and fabric merchants. Discover the bazaar’s history, culture, architectural nuances, and also see the street food enroute.

DAY 12Jodhpur - Narlai (3 hrs drive)

This morning, drive to Narlai, a former hunting reserve of the Jodhpur royals, has a lot to offer! The journey towards the Aravalli hills to the sights and sounds of the 17th century village of Narlai.

This afternoon, walk in the village to get a feel for village life. Explore the rustic countryside with your guide. The hillock and its rocky outcrops make for a stunning backdrop. Peek into the interesting life and style of the close-knit local Rabari community. You’ll come across a bevy of colorfully dressed village folk against the beige-tinted landscape, who catch your attention with their infectious smiles. Equally captivating are the ornate Jain temples dotted around Narlai. Also, visit a working farm where traditional methods of agriculture still prevail. Farmers tend to their land while craftsmen work on various trades. Cattle roam about foraging, and you might just spot a leopard wandering freely on the village outskirts in the search of food! End your excursion with a visit to a stud farm to see indigenous purebred Marwari steeds.

You will be staying tonight in a beautifully restored hunting lodge, now a delightful heritage hotel. There are sepia photographs of the maharaja’s ancestors, cusped window frames, frescoed walls, stained-glass windows, pretty alcoves and colored ceiling baubles.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the 1100-year-old “Step well”. The Magical setting is brought to life by dimly lit oil lamps that illuminate setting through flickering night. The very private dinner is laid out in a traditional manner, and promises to remain an unmatched experience to anything you will ever experience for a long time. The entire evening is like a secluded sanctuary inspired by the mystical past, bracing Indian spirituality and unique experience of one being completely with nature.

DAY 13Narlai - Udaipur (3 hrs drive)

For the early risers that enjoy adventure morning walks, climb to the top of the hill and admire the colossal statue of the elephant guarding the village.

Late this morning drive to Udaipur, the “city of sunrise,” India’s most romantic city, built around four lakes. The blue waters reflect the shimmering white palaces and temples and the whole city exudes a feeling of peace and space.

On the way to Udaipur, stop at the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple from 15^th century marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, with no two alike.

Upon arrival, we will assist with the check in process and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and admire the stunning views.

This evening, get ready for a thrilling and adventurous ride in our Talab Country Tour in a jeep followed by jaw dropping views and exciting palaces and lakes. The word “talab” means a lake and as it is known that lakes are the treasures of the city. You will drive pass by series of lakes, the rural and interior parts of the Udaipur. Enjoy the beautify sunset at a magnificent location on the banks of a secluded lake where sitting arrangements are made with refreshments. During the winter season a lot of migratory birds can be seen here, some of them migrating here all the way from Siberia.

DAY 14Udaipur

We start the day with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and impressive views of the lake. We’ll then proceed on to the Jagdish temple which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle - a mighty bird called Garuda in a brass image. The temple is a fine example of Indo-Aryan art.

This afternoon, enjoy exclusive boat ride in Lake Pichola, overlooking the magnificent Udaipur Palace. The leisurely ride gives you a panoramic view of this spectacular medieval city. The majestic structure of the Udaipur Palace comes alive as you watch it from the serene lake adjoining the palace. As you enjoy your boat ride, learn all about the enthralling history of the Maharanas of Mewar, including heroic tales of Udaipur’s brave kings and queens.

DAY 15Fly Udaipur - Delhi - Departure

Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival connect to your international flight back home.