India Explored

Welcome to India. On arrival in Delhi, on exiting the aircraft, you will be assisted through the airport’s immigration and baggage reclaim and out into the arrivals hall where you will meet our representative who will then transfer you to your hotel in New Delhi. You will be assisted with the check in to your hotel where room is booked for immediate occupancy. (This service is on a private basis.)

Introducing Delhi

Delhi is a city of contrasts - a quintessentially Indian city. The manic, labyrinthine streets of the old city give way to imperial grandeur of New Delhi and its wide, leafy avenues. From sprawling urban neighbourhoods to marvellous palaces, abject poverty and glittering wealth, this is a city that can both overwhelm and amaze visitors. Bargain for unique art in the bustling street markets, sample the very best of North Indian cuisine and admire the city's impressive attractions, Delhi is a wonderful introduction to India and the gateway to the fascinating Rajasthan region.

Exploring Old Delhi

After some time spent relaxing at your hotel, head out with your guide to explore Old Delhi. In complete contrast to the new city, the Old City is a labyrinthine maze of lanes, which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses. Within the chaos lies a semblance of order – each lane in this area is dedicated to a particular item, rather like a department store. There are lanes selling bangles, grocers, items used in weddings, silverware, clothes, spices and shoes. Sharing the same space are vendors with carts selling a variety of items, street side dentists, natural healers and cobblers. The Old city has space for all professions. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Red Fort (from the outside) and Jama Masjid, which is believed to be the largest mosque in India, accommodating 20,000 worshippers at any given time. Explore the old city in cycle rickshaws and walk along some of the more interesting alleys.

You can also visit the Gurudwara (Sikh temple), which has one of the biggest (and cleanest) poor kitchens in Delhi. Witness the hundreds of people that come to eat here each day for free - and if you are feeling like it you would be guided by your guide on how to help - perhaps rolling chappatis (indian flat bread) or stirring the huge pots of lentil stew or perhaps serving! It is not the usual option for a sightseeing experience in Delhi but perhaps one of the most authentic. (This service is on a private basis.)

Explore New Delhi

This morning after breakfast, you will be taken to New Delhi. As a complete contrast to the medieval Old Delhi, New Delhi stands in formal splendour. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate. In New Delhi, visit Humanyun's Tomb which was built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the fore runner of the Taj Mahal. (This service is on a private basis.)

This afternoon, a private transfer (approx. 3.5 hours) will take you to your hotel in Jaipur.

Introducing Jaipur

Jaipur - located 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi and the capital of Rajasthan, the old, walled section of the city is known as the Pink City: it was painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853, and the fading old buildings still retain traces of this hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south. The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and to identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre-high sundial that is accurate to within two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar, the famously frenetic jewellers' market, boasting a fine selection of precious stones in India. Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city, home to about two million people and most visitors are enthralled and enchanted by this exciting city.

Jaipur - Markets & Bazaars and Amber Fort

Start the day with an early morning visit to the wholesale flower and vegetable markets - a wonderful time to be exploring the colour and sites of this bustling city. You may also visit a small temple in the Old City where a private temple blessing will be conducted for you.

Walk around the Badi Chaupad and Johari Bazaar area, where you observe craftsman working on some fine forms of local art such as Zardozi embroidery, Gota work, Kinari, silver ornament work, and precious and semi precious stonework, all taking place in these old bazaars. Take a walk through the traditional markets, set amidst the memorable backdrop of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob’s vernacular architecture walk through the colourful fruit and vegetable markets and bustling alleyways of original haveli’s which are still inhabited by merchant families in the old part of the city.

Continue on to Amber Fort. Amber, the ancient capital of the region, still recalls its heyday in the majestic ramparts which rise steeply in the shadows of the contoured hillside. It is an extremely well-preserved building and delightful to explore. Visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of Victory which glitters with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. (This service is on a private basis.)

Dera Amer

Later, you will be transferred to Dera Amer where a local family has rescued elephants which were formerly used to carry tourists to and from Amber Fort. Your time here allows a chance to be outside the city and an intimate experience with the beautiful Indian elephant. Take a walk with the elephants as they take their evening stroll through the forest passing temples and local life. In the evening make your way to a private venue where you will have drinks around the fire followed by dinner. (This service is on a private basis.)

Exploring Jaipur City

Meet your private guide for a private exploration of Jaipur, the enchanting Pink City, where the light playing upon the buildings, creates shadows and highlights every nuance of the architecture. Jaipur is blessed with a wealth of wonders and here you will see the Jantar Mantar (the Observatory) and the Maharaja's City Palace. As part of your tour, visit rooms of the Palace which are usually off limit to the public including the beautiful blue room and the mirror’s Sheesh Mahal.

Continue to Badal Mahal (meaning Cloud Palace) where the current Princess of Jaipur, Diya Kumari has established a women’s empowerment NGO. The ladies here learn new crafts to provide them a small income - such as bangle making and embroidery. Return to your hotel for lunch and some time at leisure this afternoon. (This service is on a private basis.)

This morning, a private transfer will take you to Jodhpur, approx. 5 hours. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Introducing Jodhpur City

Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathores, a Rajput clan, founded Jodhpur in 1459. Until recent times, Jodhpur was known as the ancient kingdom of Marwar, the largest kingdom in Rajputana. Standing at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Jodhpur has an almost ‘frontier’ feel to it and the mighty Mehrangarh fort is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge right in the centre of town. Being able to walk up to the Fort from your hotel is a special experience, not to mention wandering around the hugely colourful bazaar and clock tower square.

Exploring Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort - Bazaars

Set out today with your private guide and explore Jodhpur beginning with a visit to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort.

After visiting the Fort, take a walk out of the back gate through the streets of the oldest part of the city known for its blue painted houses. The walk will take you into the heart of the Old city, meandering your way to a restaurant in the heart of the old city for lunch with a view of the Fort.

Later today browse the little shops of Sadr Bazaar in the Old City where you can find Jodhpur’s famous glass bangles, rugged mojri slippers made from camel leather, vivid tie and dye fabric; beautiful mirror work fabric and embroidered bed and cushion covers which have been sourced from the neighbouring state of Gujarat. (This service is on a private basis.)

After a leisurely breakfast and relaxing morning, a private transfer approx. 1 hour will take you to Rohet and the Mihir Garh. Arrive at your hotel by lunch time and spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.

Evening Jeep Drive to Explore the Bishnoi Tribal Villages

This evening, drive into the countryside, close to the village of Rohet, where you will change over into an open Jeep and head out to explore the Bishnoi tribal villages.

The Bishnoi people are known the world over for their love and protection for animals and plant life and they may be considered one of the earliest conservationists in the world. They also have a unique ceremony to celebrate festivals, marriages and other happy occasions, as well as to welcome special guests. This ceremony will be conducted for you in your honour. It is called the opium ceremony in which a very mild amount of opium is diluted in water and a few sips are offered to guests and all present. It is first offered to Lord Shiva and then offered to others. You are most welcome to participate in this and partake a few sips even!

Mihir Garh - Horse-riding

This morning the hotel will arrange for a half day horse ride - timings can be planned directly with the hotel the day before.

Ride out on the famous Marwari horses which belong to the Rohet family who boast one of the finest stables of Marwari horses in the country. Start from Mihir Garh and ride to Fort Chanwa, taking in the beautiful landscape of Bishnoi Dhani. In addition to offering a superb riding experience on beautiful horses, this is also a great cultural experience, which gives a deep insight into the rich culture and traditions of this region of Marwar. (This service is on a private basis.)

Return to your hotel for lunch and some down time in the afternoon.

In the evening, you might like to walk nearby to see the countryside and beautiful sunset.

Mihir Garh Cooking Demo

Alternatively, enjoy a cooking demo.

Guests have called a meal at Mihir Garh their best in India. This resulted in the late Thakurani Sahiba Jayendra Kumari authoring a small cookbook on their cuisine. Under her expert guidance, the culinary workshops were launched. Today her legacy is carried forward by her daughter in-law, Rashmi Singh. The workshops promote traditional Rajasthani cuisine and are extremely comprehensive and popular. Not only will you be provided with demonstrations, but also practical training followed by a taster of your creations.

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll be driven around 2.5 hours to the beautiful area close to Jawai Bandh (lake). En route visit Jain temples at Ranakpur. One of the finest Jain temple complexes in the country, they were built in the 15th century. The most noteworthy, Adinath temple is constructed in white marble, with 1444 pillars, each unique in their engravings. The temples open at 12 noon and only the audio guide is available here (your driver will co-ordinate).

Your journey to the Jawai is through the small villages and up and down forested hills before arriving at the beautifully remote Jawai, your camp for the next 2 nights. Thanks to the unique customs of this remote land, Jawai provides an entirely different rural wildlife experience from other parts of Rajasthan. Untouristy, authentic and private, this is a very special place to experience.

Arrive in time for a late lunch and then enjoy some peaceful time by the small swimming pool or a chat with the resident naturalists. (This service is on a private basis.)

Jawai Afternoon Safari Drive

This afternoon you will be taken out with the camp’s experienced trackers and drivers to track the elusive big cats, travelling in customised 4x4 safari jeeps. While searching for leopards, you will see what is known in the India as “Gaudhuli” or the cow dust hour, named for the dust raised by cattle leaving or returning home at this hour. It is a magical time to be out in the countryside. Sunrise and sunset are considered auspicious times in India, and as you drive through the village you will see small rituals performed to welcome in the night and to ward off the dark spirits. This is a rare glimpse into life in rural India.

Afterwards return to the camp to freshen up before dinner under the stars.

Jawai Explorations

Set out early this morning to track the elusive big cats with the camp’s experienced trackers and drivers. Enjoy some leisure time at midday – time by the pool perhaps or some time to chat with your guide as well as the resident naturalists. Alternatively take a hike or cycle into the surrounding countryside. This afternoon head out on the second safari of the day returning after sunset to the beautiful Jawai Camp.

This morning, you have the option to enjoy a final safari or spend time enjoying a leisurely breakfast and morning. Transfer around 4 hours to Shahpura Bagh, a hidden gem in rural Rajasthan. (This service is on a private basis.)

Check into your suite at this delightful heritage family retreat and enjoy a few leisurely hours – by the pool, a lakeside walk, or exploring the orchards and gardens of this elegant rural estate.

Drinks and dinner at the hotel this evening at the Family’s Dhikola Fort.

Introducing Shahpura

Shahpura can be found halfway between Jaipur and Udaipur, and is an unsung gem in Northern India. This peaceful area offers a respite from the busy bigger cities, and provides tranquillity in a wonderful setting in an upland plain, surrounded by lakes dug by the ancestors of the current landowners to bring water to the area. This rural town is home to a rich royal history, nature and abundant wildlife.

Morning Birdwatching and Afternoon Exploration of the Local Villages

With over 250 small lakes, Shahpura Bagh is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 180 species of birds. Start your morning with a walk around the property with a trained naturalist. For avid birdwatchers, there is the option of a private excursion to other nearby lakes in one of the property’s vintage jeeps for some great photographic opportunities.

In the afternoon, explore some of the local tribal villages and see the differences in their way of living. Stroll into the main village and explore its rich, multicultural vibrancy and fascinating arts-and-crafts tradition.

This morning you will be driven 5.5 hours to your next destination to Ramathra.

Arrive at Ramathra Fort by the late afternoon and relax for the day. (This service is on a private basis.)

Introducing Ramathra

The history of Ramathra goes back to antiquity. It is believed that Lord Rama while on his epic journey to Sri Lanka camped here. Its recorded history dates to the 17th century when the area was granted as a fiefdom to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father, the Maharaja of Karauli. The Ramthra Fort is a family run property and they will be your guides and your hosts during your stay.

Ramathra Village Trail

This morning, enjoy a walk along the Ramathra Village Trail, which takes around 3 hours, and includes a visit to a small hamlet of farmers and cattle herders. You will see all kinds of work associated with tending crops and animals.

Boat Ride on Kalisil Lake and Evening Safari

Afternoon boat ride on Kalisil Lake, where you can observe the rich birdlife. Life jackets, a bird book and a pair of binoculars are included.

In the evening, head out on a safari to observe some of the nocturnal wildlife.

This morning you will be driven for 4 hours to Agra.

A stop will be made enroute at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory). The Imperial complex was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned in 1585, shortly after its completion, due to paucity of water. Today much of the city is still largely intact and resembles a ghost town. Here you will see the city's many graceful buildings, which include the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti and the Panch Mahal.

Continue to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Introducing The Taj Mahal & Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605), who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new capital in Delhi, his heart remained in Agra. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct what is undisputedly the world's greatest monument to love: the Taj Mahal.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', which is India's most popular tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day-trip by train. However, it is worth spending at least a night in the city just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; to stand in awe and watch it change from rose-pink in the morning, to brilliant-white at noon, to eggshell-blue at dusk.

Taj Mahal at Sunset

This evening, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh. See the Mehtab Bagh garden, a beautifully restored Mughal garden from where there are stunning views of the Taj Mahal standing majestically across the river. You will be far from the crowds that throng to the monument at sunset.

Sunrise Visit of the Taj Mahal and Evening Train to Delhi

Pay a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is at its best at sunrise and sunset just when the light, playing on the marble of the tomb and the reflections in the stillness of the waters, presents this incredible building in all its beauty, majesty and splendour. It is a monument of love built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his Queen, Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For twenty two years 20,000 men laboured day and night to build this masterpiece, which has held the world awe struck ever since. The Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.

Return to your hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, visit Agra Fort and Baby Taj.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in Agra's magnificent Fort. Here you will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, the Pearl Mosque and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.

Later you will be transferred to the railway station for the Gatimaan Express Train (Executive Class) to Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred and assisted with the check in formalities at your hotel.

You will be transferred approx. 30 minutes to the international airport for your departure flight. (This service is on a private basis.)