Day 1
Arrive Delhi
​
Welcome to New Delhi, the capital city of India! Standing along the west end of the Gangetic Plain, the capital paints a picture rich with culture, architecture, and human diversity—deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens.
Upon arrival, our Travel Manager will pick you up from the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in.
Day 2
Delhi - Agra
​
This morning, explore New Delhi. Designed and built by the British in the 1920s, the city features well-composed, spacious streets shaded by beautiful trees and lined with colonial government buildings. Navigate along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh temples. It feeds more than 10,000 people daily, irrespective of caste, creed, color, or religion—an integral part of “Seva” (service) in the Sikh faith. The temple also organizes socio-philanthropic activities, and its picturesque setting is perfect for calming, relaxing, and contemplating. Engage in community service at the community kitchen (Langar), the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion.
Optional volunteer opportunities:
• Serving food to people
• Cutting vegetables
• Making roti (Indian bread)
Later, drive to Agra, the city of love. Check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon resting or strolling around the city, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Day 3
Agra
​
Rise early for a special sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, glowing through the early morning fog and sunshine. Upon entering the complex, you will witness this exquisite monument of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal.
This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652 A.D.) of hard work involving 20,000 workers, masons, and jewelers. It was designed by the Persian architect Ustad Isa. Verses from the Holy Quran are inscribed on the monument, and at the top of the gate, the 22 small domes symbolize the number of years it took to complete the construction.
This masterpiece features stunning inlay work using semi-precious stones that decorate both the exterior and interior. Directly beneath the main dome lies the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. After the visit, return to your hotel for breakfast.
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 thismajestic citadel in 1565. The Fort was ready by 1571 during the period of Shah Jehan, Akbar's grandson. The Fort contains splendid mosques and palacesin red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creativebuilders during the time of Akbar and later Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
Later enjoy old city walk around Agra’s hidden lane-ways, bustling spicemarket, and religious mosques, temples and much more. Sample treats at a200-year-old sweets shop, hop on a cycle rickshaw and listen to some localstories.
Before sunset, we will practice yoga and meditation at a lovely hillsideoverlooking the Taj Mahal.
Day 4
Agra - Siras
​
This morning, drive to Siras, a beautiful and quaint village situated southeast of Jaipur. Here, you can take it slow as you gaze over golden carpets of sand dunes.
Hop onto a jeep for a desert ride to the rural village of Siras, where you will learn about the everyday lives of the villagers and have the opportunity to interact with the locals.Spend time alongside local organic farmers, ride a camel through thefarmland, shake a leg with the tribal dancers, try your hand at tying a traditional Indian turban, relish a sit down meal or a cup of tea at a local family’shome or get your hands dirty in a session of pottery. Each experience iscurated for you to connect with the local community in a meaningful way.
Day 5
Siras - Jaipur
​
The picturesque location around the campsite is perfect for a short hike. Visit the farmlands to learn about local agricultural practices, or hike up the mountains for stunning countryside views.
This afternoon, drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City”—one of the great Rajput cities, famous for its profusion of palaces, forts, gardens, and a medieval labyrinth of bazaars and ancient private mansions. Named after the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II, who planned his new capital to reflect the kingdom’s growing wealth, Jaipur awaits. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
This evening, stroll through the local markets known for textiles, spices, and traditional jewelry. Each of these colorful markets possesses a unique charm that will surely surprise you!
Day 6
Jaipur
​
Today, we will visit the exquisite Amber Fort, a spectacular complex of palaces, temples, and apartments that offers stunning views of the city. Later, embark on a 3-4 hour hike to Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort, covering a total of 7 kilometers—6 kilometers of trekking and 1 kilometer of hiking.
Jaigarh Fort, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726, is a battle fort featuring a cannon foundry, an interesting museum, an intricate water harvesting system, and possibly the largest cannon in the world—the Jaiwan.
Nahargarh Fort, also known as the Tiger Fort, overlooks the city of Jaipur. It houses a beautiful palace complex and a uniquely designed stepwell. Located on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, it provides panoramic views of Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan.
Later, learn about Rajasthan’s traditional art of block printing during your stay. The craft flourished since the 12th century, receiving royal patronage from the kings of that era. It is done on cotton fabrics using natural colors.
Day 7
Jaipur
​
After breakfast, your leader will give a quick briefing on cycling in India before you hit the road. Leave the chaos of the city to revel amidst the quiet countryside roads of Ramgarh, surrounded by scenic landscapes. As you bike toward the lodge, make a pit stop at farming settlements to experience local village life, culture, and traditions. Later, explore the village on foot and by jeep.
Late afternoon, return to Jaipur at a relaxed pace on your bike. Stop at a local village chai (tea) stall for a hot brew and visit some famous shrines. This evening, enjoy a cultural performance at your hotel.
Day 8
Fly Jaipur - Dehradun - Drive to Rishikesh
​
In the morning, fly to Dehradun in the Himalayan foothills, then drive to Rishikesh, known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” It features a plethora of ashrams and yoga/meditation classes, surrounded by forested hills ideal for mind expansion.
Rishikesh attracts spiritual seekers, especially for the impressive Ganga Aarti celebrations hosted by locals. During your stay, participate in this touching ritual at Parmarth Niketan Ghat—sit quietly or join the crowd as chants, drums, and bells create an evocative orchestra. Tiny oil lamps in flower-filled leaf boats float down the holy river waters; purchase one to join the custom. Afterward, relax at your hotel.
This evening, walk to the Ganges ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony, part of the evening puja (prayers). Deewas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganges with thanks for the sun’s light and her divine glow, as the fire ceremonies unfold.
Day 9
Rishikesh: Malaunj Kunj Trek
​
Malaunj Kunj offers a rather easy trek into the mountains, where you will wander through forest areas, losing yourself in the quiet green landscape surrounding you.
Enjoy snacks and coffee on the way back.
Day 10
Rishikesh: White Water Rafting
​
Begin the day with a spiritually refreshing yoga session at your hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Kudiyala and prepare for a rafting expedition. Cover a 25-kilometer stretch up to Rishikesh, stopping en route at Brahmpuri Beach for lunch before continuing to Rishikesh. Upon arrival, freshen up and return to your hotel.
In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the ghats of the River Ganges.
Day 11
Departure
​
Today, drive to Delhi to catch your flight back home, carrying with you cherished memories of this adventurous journey.
Let me know if you want any further refinements!