Incredible India – 14 Days

Welcome to India, a country that needs no introduction. This vast subcontinent is home to unparalleled cultures, phenomenal food, warm people, incredible diversity, and immersive architecture shaped by religion, pride, patriotism, and history. Walking the streets of India can feel like a journey through time, from watching Brahmins wash in the Ganges River one morning to seeing the sun’s rays bounce off the glistening white marble of the Taj Mahal the next. This is India.

Arrive at any time during the day and meet your group leader at your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Tonight, we’ll venture out as a group for our welcome dinner, our first opportunity to sample the famous Indian cuisine.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – The Florence Inn (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner
Optional Extras: N/A
Addon Option: Airport Transfer with “Women with Wheels”
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

After breakfast, you’ll head out with your local guide through the streets of Delhi for your first real introduction to Indian life.

The first stop is a beautiful Sikh Temple, where your guide will educate you on this important religion and culture. Next, you’ll step into the vast community kitchen, where Sikhs provide free meals to city residents every day. Watch as thousands of chapatis are made and stir the giant curry pots yourself.

After lunch, you’ll visit the illustrious Lotus Temple and wander through its gardens. Inside the Temple, you’ll have a moment of silence to reflect on your reasons for visiting this remarkable country.

In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Old Delhi, a chaotic city lost in time. Your guide will educate the group on the area and treat you to Indian sweets and snacks. Then, you’ll take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, known as the “Moonlit Market,” with its vibrant bazaars, eclectic stalls, and historic shrines embodying the essence of Old Delhi’s dynamic lifestyle. During the tour, you’ll savor some of the most delicious skewers and Islamic food available, rounding off your immersive experience in one of India’s most iconic cities.

Accommodation: Double/Twin Rooms The Florence Inn (or similar)
Activities: Delhi City tour with local guide, Street food tour
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

After breakfast, you’ll take a train to Agra and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll ride Tuk Tuks to a tranquil garden south of the Taj Mahal, where you can admire this magnificent structure at sunset, away from the crowds. This peaceful setting provides a unique and quiet way to appreciate the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Tomorrow, you’ll get to explore inside, but today is all about taking in the monument’s stunning exterior. You’ll have dinner in the evening and get an early night in preparation for the sunrise visit the next day.

Accommodation: Double/Twin Rooms Maple Grand (or similar)
Activities: Taj Mahal sunset view
Optional Extras: Agra Fort
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

An early start awaits as you rise at dawn to visit the Taj Mahal, capturing its beauty in the peacefulness of the early morning before the crowds arrive.

Your local guide will lead you to the best vantage points, including where Princess Diana took her iconic photograph, while sharing the captivating love story behind one of the world’s most renowned landmarks. As you explore inside, you’ll uncover hidden secrets that make the Taj Mahal truly special. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Jaipur by bus.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur offers a visual feast with its stunning palaces, majestic forts, and lush royal gardens that highlight the grandeur of this 18th-century city. The pastel pink heritage buildings provide a charming backdrop to the bustling bazaars. The local cuisine, with its unique flavors, is as colorful as the city itself, while the residents’ vibrant attire, unique jewelry, and passion for folk songs and dances showcase the rich Rajasthani culture.

In the evening, experience a Bollywood movie as it was meant to be seen—inside one of the grandest theaters in the world.

Accommodation: Double/Twin Rooms Surya Villa (or similar)
Activities: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal with guided tour, Bollywood movie
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will lead you on an orientation walk through the old town.

You’ll explore the local market, learn about the history of the “Pink City,” meet locals and market traders, and discover the spices that are essential to Indian cuisine. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the stunning Palace of the Winds, Jaipur’s iconic palace made of red and pink sandstone.

Next, hop into some Tuk Tuks for a visit to Galta-Ji, or the Monkey Temple, nestled in the hills and home to hundreds of long-tailed Asian monkeys. The rest of the day is yours to explore the other attractions of Jaipur at your leisure.

Accommodation: Double/Twin Rooms Surya Villa (or similar)
Activities: Orientation Walk of City and Market, Galta-Ji Monkey Temple
Optional Extras: Amber Fort, Leopard Safari
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium

After breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer to Pushkar, one of the holiest towns in India. Pushkar is a backpacker’s paradise, offering incredible food, vibrant markets, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities, and breathtaking sunsets. Tonight, you’ll stay in a luxurious desert glamping site, complete with spacious tents and comfortable beds. In the afternoon, a local Brahmin will welcome you to Pushkar with a blessing at the holy lake. Afterward, you can enjoy a drink at a lakeside cafe before heading back to camp to sleep under the stars.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Camp Land’s End (or similar)
Activities: Pushkar Orientation Walk & Brahmin Blessing by Holy Lake
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

Today, you’ll travel back to Ajmer before boarding a train to Udaipur, known as the “White City” or the City of Lakes. This stunning city, famously featured in the James Bond film *Octopussy*, offers a perfect blend of bustling city life and peaceful tranquility. You’ll explore the vibrant markets and the charming old town before enjoying a private sunset cruise on the serene lake. Afterward, indulge in dinner with a view at one of our favorite rooftop restaurants.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Raj Palace (or similar)
Activities: Udaipur Orientation Walk, Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

Today begins with an early start as you head out of town for a village tour by bike. Your guide, a local villager, will introduce you to the daily life and customs of the community, sharing insights into their culture and heritage while visiting important local temples. After the bike tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local school in the area. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time before returning to camp at sunset to learn how to cook traditional Indian cuisine with the local villagers.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Raj Palace (or similar)
Activities: Bike Ride with Village Visit & Cooking demonstration
Optional Extras: Udaipur City Palace
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium
Physical Rating: Low

Today, you’ll board a bus bound for Jodhpur, famously known as the “Blue City.” When you arrive in the evening, we’ll take you to our traditional Haveli accommodation, nestled in the heart of the blue city. Here, the walls are painted in vibrant blue hues, creating a stunning labyrinth of buildings that lie in the shadow of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Once you’ve checked in, join your group for dinner on the rooftop to enjoy your first glimpse of one of our favorite cities in Rajasthan.

In the late afternoon, you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting blue city and stop at the Jodhpur stepwell, an ancient stonework marvel. As you explore the bustling clock tower market, don’t miss the chance to sample the famous Saffron Lassi and some delicious samosas. Finally, you’ll return to your accommodation to relax and wrap up the day.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Kuchaman Haveli (or similar)
Activities: Jodphur Step-Well visit, Market & Food Tour
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium

You will have the morning free to relax and unwind after yesterday’s travel. During your free time, you can explore the Blue City on foot, take a rooftop yoga class, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, zipline over the ramparts of Jodhpur Fort. In the early afternoon, you’ll meet up with your group and head to Mehrangarh Fort with your local guide. Your guide will take you through the immaculately kept fort, and with the help of an audio guide, you’ll leave with a deep understanding of Indian royal life.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Kuchaman Haveli (or similar)
Activities: Mehrangarh Fort, Blue City Tour
Optional Extras: Sunrise Yoga, Zipline, Blue City Photography Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

This morning, you’ll take an early train to Bikaner, a vibrant city full of rich colors, ancient landscapes, and captivating traditions. Founded in the 15th century in the heart of the Thar Desert, Bikaner was a crucial stop for camel caravans on the legendary Silk Road, and camels still play a significant role in the city’s culture today.

Upon arrival in Bikaner, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation and enjoy some breakfast before heading out to explore Camel Country. Prepare for an unforgettable experience with a thrilling jeep safari through the desert. You’ll cruise through local villages, admire the towering sand dunes, and possibly spot some desert wildlife along the way.

After the safari, you’ll visit the Camel Research Centre, which boasts some of the world’s best riding camels and is one of the largest camel research and breeding farms globally. You’ll finish the day with a delicious dinner before getting some well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Hotel Jaswant Bhawan Apr-Aug / Camp Rajputana Sep-Mar (or similar)
Activities: Jeep Safari, Camel Research Centre
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

After a free morning, you’ll check out and head into the center of Bikaner for a walking tour of the old city. This tour takes you on a journey through the historic heart of Bikaner, where you’ll wander through narrow, winding alleys in the city’s old quarter, discovering centuries-old architecture, bustling markets, and hidden gems at every turn. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local bazaars, where you can explore colorful stalls offering everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and traditional sweets. You’ll also have the chance to visit artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen demonstrate age-old crafts such as pottery, carpet weaving, and jewelry making, giving you insights into Bikaner’s rich artistic traditions.

After dinner tonight, you’ll board an overnight train to Delhi.

Accommodation: Overnight Train to Delhi (Air-conditioned class cabin)
Activities: Old City Walk
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

Upon arriving in Delhi, you’ll be transferred from the train station to your final hotel.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure before joining your group for a farewell dinner, marking the end of your Indian adventure.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – The Florence Inn (or similar)
Activities: Farewell to India dinner
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Your local guide will assist in arranging transport to the airport for your next destination. We hope we’ve demonstrated why India is a must-visit and a top entry on everyone’s bucket list. Safe travels to your next adventure!

Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Optional Extras: N/A
Addon Option: Airport Transfer with “Women with Wheels”
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A