Delhi and Rajasthan: Colors of IndiaDelhi and Rajasthan: Colors of India

Begin our first full day together on a walking tour in the old city of Delhi, the center of dynasties and empires and Northern India’s cultural and historical heart. Compare the architectural styles of the enormous Jama Masjid mosque and an 18th century Sikh Temple while on your way to the central market of Chandni Chowk, a chaotic, colorful maze of vendors. You enjoy your first of many cups of masala chai before exploring what flavors it at Asia’s biggest spice market, Khari Baoli. Accommodations for the evening are near the posh central circus of the “New” city in Connaught Place. 

Trains connect every corner of India. Your journey to Jaipur introduces you to the friendly locals and gorgeous scenery that define an Indian rail adventure. As the first planned city in India, Jaipur is both a cultural capital and a marvel of city planning, with an aesthetic unlike any other metropolis. The highlight of this charming town is the hilltop Amber Fort. Dating to the 10th century, this elaborate and expansive fort offers incredible panoramic views, intricate marble archways, and puzzling mosaics in the Hall of Mirrors. 

Dive into the culture of the ‘Pink City’ on an eco-friendly e-rickshaw tour, owned and operated by women. Stop to observe the marvelous Raj architecture of the Rajasthani state museum, Albert Hall, the reflective water palace of the Jal Mahal, and the pink hive of the Hawa Mahal. The ride ends at the glittering Baapu Bazaar, famous for traditionally-crafted jewelry and textiles. After the whirlwind tour, you’re ready to take in a Bollywood film at the iconic Raj Mandir, a red-carpet spot for Indian film premiers since the 70s.

Today, venture to Bundi, which boasts the ornate palaces and vibrant artistic tradition of India’s must-see cities, concentrated in a charming hillside village. Take in some of the best of Indian life, from savoriing the famous, local masala chai to breathing in the aromatic spices from the town’s eclectic street food vendors.  

After a traditional Indian breakfast, venture through the lush lakes and “broken hills” of the  Aravalli Mountains on your way to the incredible city of Udaipur, a lakeside oasis that has long attracted India’s elite. Feel like royalty as you boat around the vast palace floating on Lake Pichola. This evening, revel in a vivid display of traditional dance in a heritage haveli (traditional, private dwelling), demonstrating why Udaipur has assumed a reputation as a vanguard of traditional Rajasthani artistic traditions.

Explore the vibrant day to day life of Udaipur as you walk from fragrant markets to serene ghats (steps leading to a holy water source). Survey the ornate, deeply-inspiring carvings of the Jagdish Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this has been a site of continuous Hindu worship and pilgrimage since 1651. After an afternoon free to explore the streets and lakeshores of town, learn the masala method at an Indian cooking class. 

Arriving in Piplantri, you’re instantly struck with the health and density of its surrounding forests. This is for very good reason - every time a girl is born in the village, the village bands together to plant 111 trees in her honor. The results of this tradition are tremendous - not only are little girls welcomed with gratitude, but the village itself has also benefited from greater harmony and environmental security. This evening, we reach our home for the next two nights, the luxury tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge.

Jawai is a small village known for a large dam. You’re one of the few lucky travelers that will discover the stunning natural beauty of this area, a lushness that attracts and supports a wide diversity of wildlife. Head out on safari to find the many leopard for which this area is known, but don’t let that limit you. Panthers, hyenas, gazelles, bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species also call this home. Back at camp, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani banquet feast, trading wildlife stories and photos with your fellow adventurers. 

Jodhpur is a striking azure contrast to the pink of Jaipur. This “Blue City” is known for its equestrian culture, the eponymous riding pants, and the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort that watches over it upon a hill. Explore the fort’s expensive courtyards and inspiring collections of art before moving on to the ornate marble palace of Jaswant Thada. Aside from also being built as a memorial, this building’s intricate carvings and symmetry draw obvious comparisons to the Taj Mahal. 

It’s hard to imagine, but there are still more incredible sites to see in marvelous Jodhpur. The mesmerizing Umaid Bhawan Palace contains one of the world’s largest private residences, and it still has room for a Taj Hotel and a museum complex on the same property! The combination of Western Art Deco and Indo-Saracenic influences make this “Indo-Deco'' compound unique. After a stop at the surreal hand-carved sandstone staircases of Toorji Ka Jhalra, it’s time to take a sleeper train - an unmissable Indian travel experience - back to Delhi.   

One of the greatest experiences of traveling in India is wandering, exploring, and talking to the kind people. Back in Delhi, search for mementos at the street markets, try some chaat (snacks) from a street stall, or adventure to the parks and promenades of posh South Delhi. The day is yours to enjoy. If you’d like to continue with your guide, we’ll have a range of tours available to make discovery easy. Gather for a delicious farewell dinner, telling stories of adventures shared and savoring one last Indian meal together.

An incredible journey has come to an end… or has it? If you so choose, extend your trip to see India’s most famous wonder: The Taj Mahal. 

Transfer by private car to the Northern Indian city of Agra, one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to one splendid building, the Taj Mahal. This breathtaking monument to heartbreak was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his most beloved consort. See it the way it was meant to be seen: at sunset, when the pink sky tints the marble dome.

The morning begins with a trip to Agra’s other unmissable attraction, the mighty, red-walled compound of the Agra Fort. Be guided through this defense structure turned grand palace that was a jewel in the crown of various empires that have ruled this area. This  afternoon is free to explore the markets and lively streets of Agra. We highly recommend a visit to the Sheroes Hangout, a humanitarian project and cafe that employs women disfigured by acid attacks.  

The morning offers a few final adventures, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, an enormous abandoned city, on your way back to Delhi where our adventure comes to an end. Make sure not to book a flight before 8 pm, as you won’t be back in the city until at least 3 pm.