Day 1: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi international airport. Our representative will meet you at the arrival zone of the airport and introduce you to your driver.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
Start with a morning visit to Jama Masjid, the most revered mosque in India. Climb up to one of the minarets for a panoramic view of Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and the Jama Masjid compound. From here, take a thrilling walking and cycle rickshaw tour of Chandni Chowk, starting from Dariba Kalan – the famous street of silver and brass smiths. The interconnecting channel of streets will lead to Kinari Bazaar – the wedding market. Then hop on a rickshaw to make way towards Khari Baoli – the biggest wholesale spice market in India. The sights, sounds and smells of Old Delhi is a very boot on ground experience.
Next, have your fill of the heritage Delhi, retracing the steps of the Sultans, Afghans and Mughals with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb & Qutub Minar. Later, head into the heart of the city to enjoy the British architecture envisioned and executed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan for photo-opportunities.
End the day with a humbling visit at the open kitchen located within the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib. Volunteer for cooking at the kitchen, which feeds over 15,000 people every single day.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra
Take an early morning train to Agra. The railways play an important role in the Indian society, with most of the population relying on the vast network for long distance travel.
Arrive at Agra Cantt railways station, and directly transfer to gates of Taj Mahal. Enjoy the vision of this wonder of the world, as the sunlight plays tricks on the marble façade. Take your time enjoying the mega-structure from each possible angle from the vast Mughal gardens before entering the inner chamber to be impressed by the gorgeous in-lay work which is a winning Mughal design.
Drive about 30 kilometers outside the city limits to visit Sikandra, the resting place for the Mughal king Akbar. From here, we recommend an off-beat visit to a non-profit that works tirelessly for the welfare of abused Sloth Bears. Spend time with these beasts, and learn more about their stories.
Head back to Agra, check-in at the hotel and spend some time this evening at the Sheroes Café, a social hub with a strong message on women empowerment. All the employees here are survivors abuse and have created something beautiful out of the darkness in their lives.
Day 4 : Agra
Revolving around Taj Mahal are a satellite of monuments which speak volubly of the might of the Mughal empire. Visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, the lesser known Red Taj. Also, take a guided walk through Kachhpura, the oldest village in Agra (now it has given in to the pressure of modernization, but you will find traces of the old Mughal styles). Visit Humayun’s Mosque, weave in and out of local sweat meat shops, see how a Paan is made (a local mouth fresher) and end the day with a view of Taj from the lawns of Mehtab Bagh which across the river from Taj Mahal, and offers the view of the back façade of the monument.
Day 5: Agra - Ranthambore
Have an early start, leave Agra and head towards Fatehpur Sikri – the erstwhile capital of Mughal Empire. Spend a couple of hours exploring the planned city layout, which is recognized a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the visit, drive a short distance to Bharatpur to board your train to Sawai Madhopur, also known as the gateway to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Arrive by 1800 hrs. and transfer via an open-air jeep to your nature retreat.
Day 6: Ranthambore
In the old days, Ranthambore was the favorite hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Over the years it fell prey to the filthy trade of poaching. The Tiger Project was initiated to safeguard these majestic beasts, and it has been tremendous success story when it comes to conservation efforts in India.
Today, enjoy two jeep safaris (shared basis). Your first visit will be in the morning (0700 hrs.), and the second visit will be in the afternoon (1430 hrs.). The protected forest covers a vast 400 square kilometers and is divided into different zones. Enjoy a thrilling safari, keeps your eyes out for view of the tigers, leopards, wide range of antelopes, monkeys and marsh crocodiles. The reserve is also a haven for bird watches. Within the park, these are a couple of heritage forts and palaces which are once occupied by the royal families on hunting expeditions. You can walk up to the Ranthambore Fort, where many villagers do a daily trek to pray at a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Day 7: Ranthambore - Jaipur
Be on the road again, heading towards Rajasthan. Enroute, stop at Abhaneri which a quaint traditional Rajasthani village. At the mouth of the village is an anchient architectural wonder. As you approach you wouldn’t image something like this existing so close to the main highway. The monument is called Chand Baoli, which is a stepwell and was used in the anchient times as a public bath. After exploring this, take a camel cart ride through the Abhaneri village, and spend sometime interacting with the local villagers. You can stop by the local school, sit-down with a local folk and have a chat albeit a translated one! We recommend a lunch stop at Abhaneri, at the edge of the village is a rustic private campsite and offers traditional Rajasthani cuisine. You can spend sometime relaxing here, visit the organic farm or just relax under a tree taking the village atmosphere.
Early afternoon, start towards Jaipur popularly known as the pink city
Day 8: Jaipur
Begin your royal adventure. Start with an early visit to Amer Fort to avoid the crowds. You can walk up the fort, take a jeep ride up or hop on for an elephant ride. Get your fill of the stories of the royal Rajputs and their ways of life as you explore the well planned residential layout within the fort walls.
After the visit, head to the city center. First, visit a local temple to take in the blessing from a local priest, religion plays a big role in everyday life of Indians. Next, wander through the local bazaars – the flower market, milk market, vegetable bazaar, the bazaars which house artisans and tradesmen like metal smiths, handicraft makers and gold smiths. Weaving in and out of the lanes, end your day with a visit to Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
Get hands on local, you can get a lesson of how to tie a saree or the traditional headgear for men, get your hands tinted with henna, get an astrologer to read your palm or have a lovely cooking session with a local host. Our guides love to share their culture and highlights of their cities!
Day 9: Jaipur – New Delhi
Have the morning at leisure. Mid-morning leave for Delhi by road and make your international connection onwards. Or you can choose from an extension trip to Mumbai, Goa or Nepal.