Some places invoke a sense of calm within us. They take us through its glorious past and help us meet ourselves in the process.
And here’s an itinerary to begin that journey. Revel in the charming beauty of Delhi and its regal forts and palaces. Discover the world’s most enchanting love story at The Taj Mahal in Agra, marvel at the pink city of Jaipur and sink into the foothills of Dehradun inside the Vana Retreat. It is an incredibly impressive and idyllic wellness retreat for your entire well-being based on the practice of ancient Ayurveda, Tibetan Healing, Yoga and lots more.
So, begin your wandering in India in a royal way and end this beautiful voyage with a meaningful wellness experience!
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 allowing you to settle into your new home away from home experience.
We shall begin this morning inside the charming lanes of Old Delhi. We will explore it by traveling in a rickshaw as your feast your eyes on colourful bazaars, sacred temples and colonial monuments.
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.
Later we shall lay eyes on 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.
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.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Today we shall drive to Agra. This is a fascinating way to see India as we wind our way down from the foothills back to the plains and onward to the city of love and home to the famous 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.
Rise early and enjoy a spectacular sunrise tour of the famous Taj Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, precise and detailed construction and decorative architecture. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day.
Later in the day we drive to Jaipur, also referred as the ‘Pink City’ due to its many pink sandstone monuments. 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.
Today we shall visit the splendid Amber Fort, a spectacular complex of palaces, temples and apartments that offers a stunning view of the city. It is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
Our next stop will be the stunning City Palace, a former royal residence built in the center of the old city, blends in perfectly the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture styles. We move onto 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. We’ll also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), where a high and intricately carved wall allowed the women of the court to watch the royal processions below.
Today fly to Dehradun. On arrival drive to your wellness resort. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Spend the rest of the 4 nights and 5 days pampering yourself at the Vana Retreat.
Situated inside the Sal forest of Dehradun, the retreat gives a sweeping view of the Indian Himalayas and welcomes you with warmth and kindness inside its healing premises.
Based on the principle of Ayurveda, you can indulge your senses in the many therapies they offer for e.g., reflexology, spa, yoga, music therapy, meditation hikes and many other spiritual activities.
Your retreat will begin with a wellness consultant who will curate therapies to meet the goals of your body and mind. The food is outstanding here and you can try learning some cuisine lessons that incorporate some home remedies for you.
Enjoy the holistic treatments to return home renewed and refreshed.
Today you will drive to the airport for your international flight back home.
We truly hope you enjoyed your 6-day journey discovering India’s culture and traditions. We wish you a safe trip back home and we look forward to hosting you again to explore a few more unknown landscapes and stories of India, in the near future.
