Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive in the colourful and chaotic capital of Delhi today, where you will be met and privately transferred to our hotel, The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Most flights land late in the afternoon, giving you time to settle into our hotel, rest after your flight, and prepare for our travels ahead.
Overnight: The Imperial Hotel
Day 2 – New Delhi Touring
Today is a gentle day as you acclimatise to the time change with a morning wander through the beautiful gardens that surround the Mahatma Ghandi Memorial and visit the largest Sikh Temple in Delhi.
Enjoy lunch with the worshippers, and then the afternoon is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool, indulge in a massage, or, if you are an avid shopper, explore nearby Khan Market.
Dinner will be hosted this evening.
Overnight: The Imperial Hotel (B / L / D)
Day 3 – Old Delhi Touring
We’ll commence with a visit to the great Jama Masjid this morning ‐ India’s largest mosque, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees and stunning architecture in red sandstone and white marble.
Climbing aboard rickshaws, we will ride through the streets of Chandni Chowk, winding through lanes selling everything from saris to spices and turbans to trinkets. Lunch will be hosted in the stunning Haveli Dharampura in the old city before we have time to visit the silversmiths and jewellers, and wander at leisure.
Return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: The Imperial Hotel (B / L)
Day 4 – Delhi to Agra
Depart Delhi by road this morning, bound for Agra.
Depart by road for Agra, and on arrival, tour Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar as a military structure and later transformed into a magnificent palace by his grandson, Shah Jahan. This red sandstone fort played a crucial role in the Mughal Empire, serving as its main residence and seat of power for several generations.
After checking in at our hotel, we will travel to Mehtab Bagh, the Moonlit Garden, to watch the sunset on the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.
Return to our hotel for an evening at leisure and an early night in preparation for our early start tomorrow morning.
Overnight: Taj View Hotel (B / L)
Day 5 – Agra to Jaipur
Arriving at the Taj Mahal at dawn this morning allows us to witness the stunning marble mausoleum bathed in the soft, golden light of the sunrise, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
Touring the Taj early in the morning also offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate appreciation of its intricate architecture and reflecting pools. After our obligatory ‘posed shots’ in front of the Taj and walk through the mausoleum, we will return to our hotel for breakfast.
On checkout, we will visit ‘the marble restorers’ tasked with keeping the Taj intact, and will stop at Sheroes Hangout, a little café run entirely by female acid attack survivors that we proudly sponsor. Here we can grab a snack before hitting the road bound for Jaipur.
On arrival in Jaipur, we will enjoy a sunset drink on the roof of our haveli before an evening at leisure.
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / L)
Day 6 – Jaipur
Today you will explore Jaipur in the company of a local guide. Your first stop is Hawa Mahal, one of Jaipur’s best-known landmarks. This “Palace of Winds” was erected in 1798 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Akin to the honeycomb in a beehive, its original intention was to allow the veiled ladies of the harem to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. The building is five stories high but only one room deep, with 953 small windows and balconies decorated with intricate latticework.
Jaipur is famous for gemstones, and at your next stop, you will watch some of the finest jewellers polish and set precious stones, before there is ample opportunity for you to purchase a jewel for yourself!
Lunch today will be enjoyed in the gardens of a nearby palace that also houses some of the finest boutiques in Jaipur. Enjoy a snack, or a lavish lunch if you desire, before wandering these delightful stores or relax in the gardens.
Mid-afternoon, you will drive to the magnificent Amber Fort, just outside of Jaipur. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I and sits high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake and the tiny town of Amer. It is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, and in true Rajput style, it is filled with wonderful temples, halls, and palaces—and, at this time of day, fewer tourists.
Return to Samode Haveli, and this evening, show off your beautiful purchases at an intimately hosted dinner in the gorgeous grounds of your haveli haven.
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / D)
Day 7 – Jaipur – Holi!
Kitted out in your white kurtas, you are bound for a nearby temple, where you will kick off your Holi celebration. There is no better way to start the day than by chanting with several hundred Hindus! Later, you will depart for the highlight of the journey: the celebration of Holi with a local family and their friends.
The festival of Holi is a hugely important date on the Hindu calendar, and people celebrate joyously right across the country. It is the most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, symbolising the victory of good over evil, heralding the end of winter and the beginning of spring, rebirth, and new life. Celebrated by young and old, crowds of people gather together to sing and dance and throw coloured powder (and often water) at each other in a huge, infectious outpouring of joy.
The occasion is enormously fun, and your level of participation is completely up to you. You can stay on the periphery and watch the merrymakers or thoroughly immerse yourself in the festivities. A transfer vehicle is on standby to return you to your Haveli whenever you wish.
The remainder of your afternoon or evening is at leisure, so depending on the time you return, you may wish to indulge in the spa, relax by the pool, dine in the restaurant, or stay in your room. HAPPY HOLI!
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / L)
Day 8 – Pushkar
Today you head to Pushkar by road via Bagra, where you will stop and learn about the famous Indian craft of block printing. Watch artisans create beautiful patterned fabrics and take part in creating your own.
Continue on to your home for the next two nights, the Pushkar Palace Hotel, which is dramatically perched over the shimmering Pushkar Lake and affords stunning views.
Pushkar is a small but religiously significant town, believed to have been created by Brahma, the Hindu god of creation itself. Pilgrims come to pay their respects by the sacred lake, said to have been formed by a lotus thrown by Brahma, and visit the Brama temple—surprisingly, the only one in India.
You’ll spend the afternoon relaxing by the water, soaking up the spiritual tranquility of the lake and its temples, and enjoying the time to take a breath on your busy itinerary.
Overnight Pushkar Palace. (B / D)
Day 9 – Pushkar
A Brahmin priest will bless us on the ghats of Pushkar Lake this morning as he explains the significance of the nearby temple and the rituals performed in and around the lake itself.
Meandering back to our hotel will, no doubt, take considerable time as the road is teeming with stores selling everything from incense to leather shoes and hand-painted homewares from Kashmir. Small storefronts are often gateways to the cavernous Aladdins Caves of textiles.
Take your time, as it is virtually impossible to get lost, and we will rendezvous this afternoon for a camel safari.
Pushkar is historically known as a camel trading post, and this afternoon we head into the desert to ride camels as the sun sets.
Overnight Pushkar Palace. (B / D)
Day 10 – Jodhpur
Enjoy a scenic ride through rural Rajasthan, bound for the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, arriving at your stunning designer hotel beneath the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
In the early evening we will visit the ancient stepwell close to our hotel and enjoy a hosted dinner with magnificent views of the Fort.
Overnight RAAS Jodhpur. (B / D)
Day 11 – Jodhpur
You’ll start the day with a privately guided tour of the exquisite Jaswant Tharda Cenotaph and its glorious gardens, followed by a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky cliff 125 meters above the plain, with commanding views across the surrounding landscape. This palace complex is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. From the Fort, you will burrow into the Old City’s labyrinth of gates and alleyways, passing vibrant blue buildings that are a photographer’s delight.
After lunch at a local café, you’ll take a guided walking tour through the Sardar market surrounding the landmark Clock Tower, visit an ancient stepwell, and shop your way through some of India’s most fabulous boutique stores.
We are within walking distance of our hotel so you can return at leisure.
Overnight RAAS Jodhpur . (B / L)
Day 12 – Bishnoi Village Tour
Climbing into 4WDs, we will take a trip to visit a Bishnoi village outside of Jodhpur today where we will be offered a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and eco-friendly practices of the Bishnoi community, known for their deep reverence for nature and wildlife. As we journey through the picturesque Thar Desert, we’ll be welcomed into a village where we can observe their daily activities, such as pottery making, weaving, and traditional farming methods.
Interacting with the villagers provides insights into their spiritual beliefs and customs, particularly their commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife protection, including the famous blackbuck antelope.
This enriching cultural experience is enhanced by the warm hospitality of the Bishnoi people.
We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Overnight RAAS Jodhpur . (B / L / D)
Day 13 – Narlai
Take your time to enjoy a tranquil Fort view breakfast before you hit the road for a scenic drive delving deeper into rural Rajasthan.
Your accommodation is in the charming Rawla Narlai Heritage Lodge. Still owned by members of the Jodhpur Royal family, Rawla Narlai is a former hunting lodge located in the sleepy village of Narlai in the heart of the Aravalli Hills.
After a light lunch in the beautiful gardens, in the late afternoon, you’ll set out on a safari in search of leopards. Sightings are frequent, and hopefully we’ll be lucky!
Return to the lodge and enjoy a hosted dinner.
Overnight Rawla Narlai. (B / L / D)
Day 14 – Narlai
If you are feeling energetic, rise early to join a guided walk up Narlai Hill (700+ steps) to ‘Elephant Rock’ to watch the sunrise; the view is magnificent and well worth the climb!
After breakfast, join an escorted meander through the village, venturing into houses, meeting the locals, and gaining a delightful insight into the close-knit Narlai community. The stunning Jain Temple in the centre of the village is a must-see, with the entrance flanked by two lifesize marble elephants and the interiors a dazzle of marble and inlaid tiles.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the pool, spa and beautiful gardens.
An incredible culinary experience awaits this evening in an utterly unique location—just wait and see!
Overnight Rawla Narlai . (B / D)
Day 15 – Udaipur
Another relatively short drive today delivers you to the Lake City of Udaipur, with a brief stop at the Botanic Gardens en route.
Check in to Amet Haveli for the next two nights, a stunning heritage hotel built in the 1700s that sits right on the water.
This afternoon, embark on a leisurely boat cruise around Lake Pichola, passing the stunning marble structure that is the Lake Palace Hotel, and stopping for a stroll on Jagmandir Island.
We return to Amet Haveli for a hosted dinner.
Overnight Amet Haveli. (B / D)
Day 16 – Udaipur
Enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur over breakfast before embarking on a walking tour of the City Palace for a glimpse into Udaipur’s regal past. The largest palace complex in Rajasthan impresses with its sheer size and spectacular views out over Pichola Lake. Alongside the palace are a number of fabulous boutiques, so you will spend time at leisure wandering around before enjoying lunch.
Returning to Amet Haveli, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Avid shoppers may like to take a tuk tuk to any one of the many fabulous local boutiques, or you may simply wish to relax by the pool or in any one of the comfortable chairs with views over the lake.
A farewell dinner will be hosted at a rooftop restaurant close to our hotel this evening. This may be our final night all together, so we will raise a toast to all the fabulous experiences we have shared and to new-found friends!
Overnight Amet Haveli . (B / L / D)
Day 17 – New Delhi
A leisurely morning in Udaipur before returning to Delhi by plane. On arrival, it may be possible to connect with a flight home to Australia, pending the airline you elect to fly with.
Alternatively, we will spend the evening close to the airport for flight departures throughout the day tomorrow.
Khan Market and its eclectic stores remain open until late, should you need some final retail therapy!
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight Pullman Aerocity. (B)
Day 18 – Departure
Departure transfers are included to the airport today to coincide with the check-in time of your flight home.
If you want more of India, you may wish to join the OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO VARANASI.
For those leaving today, Namaste and safe travels!
Day 18 – Varanasi
This morning bid farewell to your fellow Holi adventurers who are not travelling to Varanasi and board your flight to one of the holiest cities in all of India.
On arrival we will transfer to our hotel – The Tree of Life – and enjoy lunch before setting out on foot to explore the surrounding villages. A lovely, gentle introduction to this rural part of India.
Overnight Tree of Life. (B / L / D)
Day 19 – Varanasi
We begin and end our day on the Ganges River. Our dawn boat cruise showcases the morning ‘puja’ (prayers) practiced by the many people who line the ghats (steps) that lead to the holy river. They bathe, place offerings, and do their laundry in this sacred place. We will alight from our boat and enjoy a walking tour through the old city, enjoying chai and snacks and marvelling at the many hidden temples.
Returning to our hotel for brunch, we will relax in the middle of the day before returning to the ghats in the late afternoon. We will board our boat and cruise upriver this evening to view the ‘burning ghat’ before mooring offshore to witness the evening Aarti Ceremony, complete with flames, bells, and the blowing of conch shells. A spectacular event.
Overnight Tree of Life. (B / L / D)
Day 20 – Varanasi
A leisurely departure after breakfast leads us to Sarnath – the site where Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will return to the Tree of Life for an afternoon at leisure to pack and prepare for our journey home tomorrow.
A final dinner will be hosted this evening.
Overnight Tree of Life. (B / L / D)
Day 21 – Departure
Depart the Tree of Life bound for the airport and your return flight to Delhi.
On arrival, connect with your onward international flight home. Safe travels!
