DAY 1
Arrive Delhi
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Welcome to New Delhi, the capital city of India, home to approximately 17 million inhabitants! The city is divided into two parts: Old Delhi, located near the River Yamuna, and New Delhi, which houses the national government and is the imperial city created by the British Raj. This city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern, painting a perfect picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, deep history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens.
Upon arrival in Delhi, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you 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 2
Delhi
​This morning, you will be taken to Old Delhi. The day will begin with a rickshaw ride through the winding streets of Old Delhi, passing colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments. You will visit India’s largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid, also known as the “Friday Mosque.” Rising above the crowded medieval streets of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the iconic Red Fort, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring Old Delhi, experience the vibrant local culture with a walk through Chandni Chowk market, famous for its street food, spices, and traditional shops. Take some time to sample delicious local snacks and witness the bustling daily life of the city.
In the afternoon, you will visit New Delhi, the modern part of the city planned during British rule. Key landmarks include the India Gate war memorial, the presidential residence known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the impressive Parliament House. The visit will offer insights into India’s rich history and its evolution as a modern nation.
The day concludes with a relaxing dinner at a traditional Indian restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic regional cuisine and reflect on the rich cultural heritage experienced throughout the day.
DAY 3
Delhi
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This morning, explore Humayun’s Tomb, which was built by Haji Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, in the mid-16th century. This red sandstone structure is considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal and is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Next, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. One of the most prominent Sikh temples, Bangla Sahib serves food to more than 10,000 people every day, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, or religion. This service, known as ‘Seva’, is a fundamental part of the Sikh faith. The temple also organises various socio-philanthropic activities, and its serene, picturesque setting is perfect for calming the mind, relaxing, and reflecting.
Engage in community service at the community kitchen, or Langar, of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. Optional volunteer opportunities include:
• Serving food to the people
• Cutting vegetables
• Making roti (Indian bread)
Later, drive to the famous Qutub Minar, a tall tower built by conquering rulers, which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak as a victory tower after defeating a Rajput king and is considered a remarkable example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
DAY 4
Delhi - Agra (4 Hours Drive)
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After breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the city of Agra. This journey offers a fascinating way to see the country as you wind your way from the foothills back to the plains and onward to Agra, the city of love and home of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a magnificent monument made of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River. It was constructed by the Mughals between 1565 and 1571. Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of this majestic citadel in 1565. The fort was completed by 1571 during the reign of Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson. The fort houses splendid mosques and palaces crafted from red sandstone and white marble, built by two generations of creative builders during the eras of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
In the evening, enjoy the grand live performance “Mohabbat-e-Taj,” based on the love story of the Taj Mahal. This theatrical show portrays the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era and tells the romantic story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.
DAY 5
Agra - Ranthambore (5 Hours Drive)
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Late this morning, drive to Ranthambore, located near the town of Sawai Madhopur. Along the way, watch the landscape change from stark highways connecting bustling cities to the mixed forests of Ranthambore.
OPTIONAL – En route stop at Bharatpur for a cultural meeting with local school children. Explore new levels of service learning at a local school. Immerse yourself in service work with local students and build lasting relationships through educational and cultural exchange. Optional volunteer opportunities include interacting with students, observing their educational experiences in rural India, and assisting in various roles from teaching English to helping with computer education.
Ranthambore National Park, nestled in the Aravalli Hills, was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a National Park under the ‘Save the Tiger’ initiative and is probably the best place to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. The park gets its name from the 11th-century fort of Ranthambore, which sits on a rocky outcrop within the forest. The fort was a vital citadel for controlling central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of summer palaces, temples, and guard stones within the fort still remain.
Ranthambore National Park is a haven for wildlife watchers and offers some of the best wildlife sightings in India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 6
Ranthambore
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Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris by 4x4 jeep in search of tigers, accompanied by a naturalist who will take you on an exciting and adventurous journey inside the jungles of Ranthambore. There is a chance to see the most beautiful animal on the planet, the tiger.
Apart from the famous Royal Bengal tiger, other animals that can be sighted include leopards, spotted deer, blue bulls, jackals, wild boars, and sambar deer.
Bird lovers are also drawn to Ranthambore to observe the many colorful bird species that inhabit the park. Bird species such as vultures, eagles, peacocks, owls, and flycatchers add to the natural beauty of the jungle.
DAY 7
Ranthambore - Jaipur (4 Hours Drive)
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This morning, drive towards Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its many pink sandstone monuments. Jaipur’s vibrant culture is vividly displayed throughout its streets and bazaars. It is one of the great cities of the Rajput, featuring historic forts, palaces, and gardens. Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II, who planned the new capital to reflect the growing wealth of the kingdom. Upon arrival, assistance will be provided with the check-in process at your hotel.
DAY 8
Jaipur
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This morning, visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular complex of palaces, temples, and apartments that offers stunning views of the city. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture, with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. You will ascend the fort by jeep. The interiors of the fort contain 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, you can feel the history and imagine the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.
You will also visit the City Palace, a former royal residence built in the center of the old city, blending Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The next highlight is Jantar Mantar, the largest of 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.
Later in the day, engage in turban tying for males and saree draping for females at your hotel.
DAY 9
Jaipur
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This morning, discover the fascinating stories behind the Tales of Textiles in Jaipur. Explore traditional art by visiting local block printers. You will meet an expert who has been involved in block printing for over two decades. After this introduction, participate in a special block printing workshop to learn the entire process. This famous Rajasthani technique involves the artistic use of wooden blocks to imprint designs on textiles using naturally derived vegetable dyes.
Late this afternoon, drive to the nearby village of Dera Amer, a preserved wilderness known for its natural beauty and as a sanctuary for animals. The elephants and camels here have been adopted from Amer Fort and rescued from a life of hard labor. Upon arrival, enjoy a friendly interaction with the elephants. You will tour the nearby forest area and be greeted by the elephants. Take the elephants for their evening walk along trails through the original Aravalli forests surrounding the camp. This route passes traditional homes, agricultural fields, hills, and ancient monuments.
Panthers inhabit these jungles, though they are rarely seen. Occasionally, guests have spotted hyenas and wolves, as well as antelopes and jackals. End your day with an intimate jungle dinner at Dera Amer under the stars. Later in the evening, you will be driven back to your hotel.
DAY 10
Jaipur - Jodhpur (6 Hours Drive)
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Today, drive to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City due to the characteristic blue-washed colour of its houses. The city is located right at the edge of the Thar Desert and is dotted with forts and palaces dating back to the 15th century. A high stone wall with seven gates surrounds the city, which is the second-largest in Rajasthan and was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. Upon arrival, assistance will be provided with the check-in process, and the rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 11
Jodhpur
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This morning’s visit to Jodhpur will take you to 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 will explore the well-preserved interiors and enjoy magnificent views of the city from the fort.
You will also visit the nearby Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph close by and an ideal spot to photograph the fort.
Later, join your guide for a walk through the traditional bazaar of Jodhpur. This will provide a wonderful view of the city’s vibrant markets. The brightly colored traditional clothes worn by the people are eye-catching and represent the cultural identity of the inhabitants. The narrow streets of Jodhpur’s old town lie at the base of the fort and are lined with ancient residences and market stalls. Jodhpur is renowned for its leatherwork, antiques, and fabric merchants. Discover the history, culture, and architectural details of the bazaar, and enjoy the street food along the way.
Optional - Bishnoi Village Safari
Spend time with nature worshippers on a Bishnoi village safari. Visit a village of the Bishnoi people, a community dedicated to protecting and nurturing trees and wildlife.
DAY 12
Jodhpur - Jawai (3 Hours Drive)
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This morning, drive to Jawai, located in the wilderness of the ancient Aravalli Hills. Within these hills lies a semi-pastoral agrarian settlement, home to wild leopards and an untouched historic culture. Nature is a part of us, and we are one with nature, not separate entities. This harmony is what makes Jawai special. For centuries, humans and animals have coexisted peacefully in these hills. Spirituality and culture have long been connected to this harmony. The people who live alongside wildlife play a vital role in shaping the future of conservation in the country.
En route to Jawai, stop to visit the spectacular Temple of Ranakpur, a cluster of twelfth-century Jain temples carved from intricately sculpted white marble. Take a close look at the main temple’s 1,444 support pillars, each uniquely carved (Drive time: 3 hours).
You will arrive in Jawai by early afternoon. At the heart of this unconfined wilderness, rich with free-roaming leopards, lies Jawai Leopard Camp. True to its conservation goals, Jawai features eight luxurious tents nestled among craggy granite cave formations, kopjes (small hills), scrubland, and winding sand riverbeds. The vibrant Rabari herdsmen, who have shared this landscape with local wildlife for centuries, embody the deep, ongoing connection between the local culture and wildlife. Leopards are Jawai’s main attraction, and a thriving population of these wild felines continues to roam the region.
At Jawai, your driver, tracker, and naturalist will expertly guide you across every corner of the area in search of these elusive cats. During your stay, don’t miss the unique opportunity to walk the landscape with a Rabari herdsman.
DAY 13
Jawai
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Enjoy Leopard Safari in early morning and evening. Your camp is blessed with the diverse beauty of Aravali range which brings you a prodigious experience of leopard. Here you can see them in a great group also. Male, female and also along with their cubs, there are more than 40 to 50 leopard. It gives a wonderful sense of wild life in their presence.
DAY 14
Jawai - Udaipur (3 Hours Drive)
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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 spaciousness.
Upon arrival, we will assist you with the check-in process, and you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
OPTIONAL - This evening, get ready for a thrilling and adventurous ride in our Talab Country Tour in a jeep, followed by breathtaking views of exciting palaces and lakes. The word “talab” means lake, and it is known that lakes are the treasures of the city. You will drive past a series of lakes, as well as the rural and interior parts of Udaipur. Enjoy the beautiful sunset at a magnificent location on the banks of a secluded lake where sitting arrangements are made with refreshments. During the winter season, many migratory birds can be seen here, some of them migrating all the way from Siberia.
DAY 15
Udaipur
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The day begins with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Although it is a conglomeration of buildings constructed by successive rulers, it maintains a surprising uniformity of design and offers impressive views of the lake. Next, we proceed to the Jagdish Temple, which houses a black stone image of Lord Vishnu along with his mount—a mighty bird called Garuda—in a brass statue. The temple is an excellent example of Indo-Aryan art.
In the afternoon, enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola, overlooking the magnificent Udaipur Palace. This leisurely ride provides panoramic views of the spectacular medieval city. The majestic Udaipur Palace comes alive as you watch it from the serene lake beside the palace. During the boat ride, learn about the captivating history of the Maharanas of Mewar, including the heroic stories of Udaipur’s valiant kings and queens.
OPTIONAL - Sunset at Monsoon Palace
In the evening, head to the hills for a visit to the 19th-century white Monsoon Palace.
DAY 16
Fly Udaipur - Delhi - Departure
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Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, connect to your international flight back home.
We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back to continue exploring Incredible India in the near future.