Day 1 – Arrive Mumbai
Arrive in buzzing Mumbai and transfer to hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea. Step outside for a stroll along the promenade – the perfect antidote to a long flight!
Overnight: Trident Hotel – or similar (Welcome Dinner)
Day 2 – Mumbai Touring
Discover the soul of India’s most dynamic city. Admire grand Victorian-Gothic architecture, including UNESCO-listed buildings, then soak up views at the Gateway of India and the iconic Taj Hotel.
Watch Mumbai’s famous dabbawalas perform their mind-blowing lunchbox ballet, visit the vast open-air laundry of Dhobi Ghat, and end the day with an eye-opening walking tour through vibrant Dharavi Slum.
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B / D)
Day 3 – Varanasi
Fly to sacred Varanasi and transfer to the river for boat-ride along the holy Ganges to your hotel.
Your riverside lodging puts us right in the heart of the action – step outside to wander the ghats or simply sit and watch life unfold. There is never a dull moment in this place!
Late afternoon walking tour along the ghats and through ancient lanes before relaxing on the rooftop for dinner.
Overnight: Gampati Guesthouse – or similar (B / D)
Day 4 – Varanasi
An unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the Ganges as prayers, chanting and bathing rituals begin on the ghats. Tonight, witness the spellbinding Aarti ceremony, where fire, bells and devotion light up the river in a deeply spiritual and uplifting experience.
Overnight: Gampati Guesthouse – or similar (B / D)
Day 5 – Panna Tiger Reserve
Travel to Khajuraho and on to our peaceful lodge beside the Ken River. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the wilderness.
Overnight: Ken River Lodge – or similar (B / D)
Day 6 – Panna Tiger Reserve
Morning and afternoon safaris in open jeeps with expert guides. The landscape of plateaus, gorges and forest within the Reserve is home to deer, birds, ancient rock art AND if luck is on our side, the elusive Bengal tiger. Eyes peeled and cameras poised!
Overnight: Ken River Lodge – or similar (B / D)
Day 7 – Khajuraho
Diwali is a 5-day Festival of Light celebrated with great enthusiasm by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. It coincides with harvest and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Families come together, candles are lit and placed throughout homes, in streets, places of worship and floated on lakes and rivers. Fireworks ward off evil spirits, Indian sweets are savoured, and new beginnings are celebrated.
This morning we’ll drive back to the city; en route you will see villages alive with Diwali preparations and intricate chalk designs on the steps of freshly cleaned homes. This evening, experience Diwali at a local temple, where rhythmic chants and flickering candles create a deeply moving atmosphere.
Overnight: Ramada Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 8 – Khajuraho to Agra / Diwali
Beat the crowds with a dawn visit to the jaw-dropping Khajuraho Temples, famed for their exquisite carvings. Continue by road, then train to Agra. Tonight, experience Diwali with a local family where we will be treated to a special dinner, and take part in the blessings, lights and fireworks in a truly memorable celebration.
Overnight: Trident Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 9 – Agra
A leisurely start to the day with a visit to the Agra Fort – one of the grandest forts in India and a pleasant place to roam around taking in the astounding history, buildings, and views.
We will also visit the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah – known as the Baby Taj; and Mehtab Bagh – the gardens located on the banks of the Yamuna River for a different view of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Trident Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 10 – Agra to Jaipur
We’ll enter the Taj Mahal complex at sunrise – a magical time of day to witness this “monument of love” as it shimmers to life in the early light. Inside the dazzling marble structure, you will find the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan lying within a beautifully designed chamber.
Later this morning we’ll journey through the colourful countryside to Jaipur, the Pink City.
Overnight: Trident Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 11 – Jaipur
Today we have some fabulous architecture to wander through including the grand courtyards of Amber Fort, the City Palace museums, and the honeycomb façade of Hawa Mahal. We’ll also find some time for shopping for textiles, jewellery and crafts. A busy but rewarding day topped off with dinner in a special location.
Overnight: Trident Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 12 – Jaipur to Pushkar
Morning visit to Jaipur’s lively milk and flower markets, and time to marvel at the astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar before driving to sacred Pushkar. This afternoon we’ll immerse ourselves into the colour and excitement of the legendary Pushkar Camel Fair.
Overnight: Jagat Palace – or similar. (B / D)
Day 13 – Pushkar Fair
Up at first light to watch the camp come alive as the sun rises over the sand dunes. Tribal men squat around campfires brewing chai and smoking chillums. Women slap chapattis into shape as children rub sleep from their eyes and prepare for a day of adventure. Horses prance down the road, camels are led to water troughs. Animated trading takes place. An amazing spectacle! Later, explore Pushkar town, visit the holy lake for a Puja blessing. Free time for shopping or sitting in a tea-shop people-watching.
Overnight: Jagat Palace – or similar. (B / D)
Day 14 – Pushkar to Deogarh
After the craziness of the cities and camel fair, you will find the pace of Deogarh much slower. We are staying in a 17th-century mahal (palace) now converted into a heritage hotel. The Maharaja and Maharani also live here.
Later this afternoon we board a classic jeep for a drive into the countryside – it’s a great time of day to see hardworking farmers coming in from the fields with their flocks.
Overnight: Deogarh Palace – or similar. (B / D)
Day 15 – Aravali Hills Train Journey
This morning, we visit a small country school to meet the children and teachers. Continue to a quiet rural train station and board a local train running on a 1930’s British track. We rumble through the Aravali Hills through tunnels and across bridges enjoying the scenery. A magical experience and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.
Enjoy lunch in a special location, followed by free time to explore a small village frequented by tribal people, before returning to Deogarh.
Overnight: Deogarh Palace – or similar. (B / D)
Day 16 – Jodhpur
Today we’ll journey through to Jodhpur, the Blue City. Free time this afternoon. Jodphur is renowned for silver, silk and textiles and there will be a chance to purchase exquisite scarves, bedlinen, and jewellery whilst in this city. Our accommodation is directly across from the Clock Tower market – a great place for people-watching and making a few purchases. Enjoy sunset drinks and dinner on the rooftop overlooking the Mehrangarh Fort this evening.
Overnight: Pal Haveli Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 17 – Jodhpur
Early morning walk in Rao Jodha Rock Park for sweeping views of the blue city and fort. After breakfast, visit serene Jaswant Thada with its intricate jalis (carved-marble lattice screens) then explore the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, one of the grandest forts in India. This impregnable fort rises perpendicular on a rocky hill above the city and is still run by the Jodphur royal family. Stroll, at your own pace, through the buildings which are packed with legends and history dating back to 1459.
Overnight: Pal Haveli Hotel – or similar. (B / D)
Day 18 – Thar Desert
Today we travel into the desert where we’ll stay in an oasis unlike any other! Prepare to be captivated by the allure of this incredible landscape, the villages we visit, and the locals we meet. Enjoy a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset – a magical experience.
Overnight: Thar Desert – Luxury Tented Camp. (B / D)
Day 19 – Delhi
Return to Jodhpur and fly to Delhi.
Late afternoon we will visit Gurudwara Temple, to learn about the fascinating Sikh faith. Within the temple, sit and take in the richly decorated walls and ceiling whilst listening to prayers and chanting. In the temple kitchen we will join a voluntary group cooking for thousands and then share a communal meal with devotees.
Overnight: The Leela—or similar. (B / D)
Day 20 – Delhi
This morning, we visit bustling Old Delhi. Driving past the Red Fort to visit the Jama Mosque, India’s largest mosque and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Then venture into the energetic market of Chandni Chowk. A thrilling rickshaw ride will whizz us down narrow lanes deep into the colourful chaos of the old city where we disembark and take a stroll through the largest spice bazaar in Asia. Last chance to purchase spices to take home.
In the afternoon, see the impressive red sandstone Tomb of Humayun’s dating back to the early 1500s and the first garden tomb in India,
A special dinner out tonight to celebrate an unforgettable adventure together!
Overnight: The Leela – or similar. (B / D)
Day 21 – Departure
Sadly, your tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
