India Odyssey: Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Varanasi & More

Welcome to Delhi, India's capital and major gateway. Delhi is a tantalizing mix of ancient monuments, wide boulevards, narrow alleys, urban parks and spiraling towers. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi 

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.  Begin by passing by Raj Ghat, the revered cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, then immerse yourself in the old-world charm with an e-rickshaw ride or a leisurely walk through the historic streets. Continue your journey with a drive past the majestic Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal grandeur, before delving into New Delhi's treasures. Explore Gandhi Smriti, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation followed by visit to Humayun’s Tomb, renowned as the first garden tomb in India and then Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the tallest minarets in the world. Finish with a drive past India Gate before returning to your hotel.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state and known as Pink City for its trademark pink buildings. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, head out on an orientation walk of Jaipur city and markets.
In the evening, enjoy a Home hosted dinner with a local family in Jaipur. The meal will feature traditional Rajasthani dishes such as beans, dried lentils, and fried breads made from regional staples like corn or barley. Ghee and various spices are generously used to craft the signature flavors of Rajasthani cuisine. Conversation around the table will give us a glimpse into everyday Indian family life.

Accommodation: Devi Ratn-IHCL SeleQtions 

Early this morning, experience a unique view with a Balloon Safari Experience over Jaipur. A hot air balloon journey in Jaipur offers an escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in breathtaking views. Step into the basked and before you know it you will be drifting in serene silence, admiring the vast expanse of blue above and the sprawling forts, palaces, and markets below.
Once back on land, head back to your hotel for breakfast.

Later this morning, begin a Jaipur city tour starting with a visit to Amber Fort. The Fort sits on top of a rugged hilltop and overlooks Lake Moata. The Fort is unique in that it's outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is very different from its inside, a lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles. Return to the base of the fort by jeep. Continue to explore the city including a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds) as well as visit to the City Palace of Jaipur, and the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory.

After breakfast, depart for Sawai Madhopur and home to Ranthambore National Park. The park was originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur and it was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1972, the park came under Project Tiger and finally in 1980 it became a National Park. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view of the tigers. Upon arrival proceed to your resort for lunch.
In late afternoon drive up to the entry gate of Ranthambhore Fort. Hike up to have an ariel view of Ranthambore National Park and hear stories of this historical Fort.

Accommodation: The Tigress Ranthambore

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Ranthambore National Park before returning to resort for breakfast.

Game drives in India’s national parks typically comprise early morning (sunrise) starts, pausing mid-morning to adjourn for brunch or lunch plus a little down-time before resuming mid-afternoon until around sunset. This ensures the best wildlife spotting opportunities. Sharp-eyed Park guides invariably spot things most visitors miss and the best can explain the habits of and sometimes complex interaction between species. Listen out for the alarm calls of langur monkeys or sambar deer. You're likely to spot a roaming tiger.

The rest of the day to relax at the hotel until late afternoon when you will head out on another game drive to Ranthambore National Park, arrive back before sunset.

Ranthambore National Park is the perfect place to indulge in wildlife photography. Numerous animals are found in this park and it is common to spot antelopes, nilgai, sambhar and chital. Down by the lake and at the water holes many other animals can be sighted like the sloth bear, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, leopard, jungle cat and crocodile. A large number of birds are also found within the park and there are over 300 different species of birds here. But of course it is the tigers that everyone comes to see. And seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a fantastic experience. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view. They are sighted almost daily somewhere in the park - especially early in the morning. The luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of tigers hunting, and the females taking care of their cubs.

After breakfast depart for Agra. En route stop for lunch at local restaurant in Bharatpur.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
On arrival transfer to hotel.

After dinner, enjoy a musical dance - drama performance on the story of the Taj Mahal at a local theatre. Mohabbat The Taj is a cultural show based on the chronicles that depict the legacy behind the Taj Mahal. An attempt to recreate the glory of Mughal architecture at its peak, the little Taj is a tribute to the craftsmanship of the original Taj Mahal.

Accommodation: Taj Hotel & Convention Centre 

Start the day with an early morning yoga session.
After breakfast, depart for sightseeing of Agra including a visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal, an awe inspiring structure built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife who died in childbirth. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 42-acre complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a wall. It is said to have taken over 22 years to build using more than 20,000 men. The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as the "Red Fort of Agra" due to its massive red sandstone walls.
Evening is at leisure.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Lucknow.
On arrival at Lucknow check in at hotel and enjoy time at leisure. Lucknow is both elusive and endearing. In the alleys of the old city area, you can still sample delicacies prepared by men who trace their lineage to Lucknow’s legendary cooks. In Phulwari Galli or Flower Alley, women still embroider exquisite chikan saris and dresses exactly as before and you can still buy itra from the perfumers to the erstwhile Nawabs.
Late afternoon enjoy an orientation tour to learn about local cuisine followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Saraca Hotel Lucknow

After breakfast, start a sightseeing tour with a visit to British Raj Residency followed by visit to the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza also known as the Turkish Gate. Here you will see the magnificent Bara Imambara, the Husainabad Immambara, which reflect the quintessence of Avadhi architecture with its strong Persian influence. Visit the Picture Gallery which houses a collection of lifesize oil paintings of the Nawabs of Oudh (1882-1885) and see in the foreground the British style Clock Tower built in 1881. End the morning with a visit to Chattar Manzil, Moti Mahal.
In the afternoon learn about local textile work of Chikankari, the traditional embroidery of Lucknow. Chikan is a type of embroidery done with cotton thread on fabric in light or pastel shades. The fabric used for embroidery is mostly soft - muslin, chiffon and cotton.
Later visit the Kathak Dance School (Indian Classical Dance Form). Here, we will see students and teachers of this traditional dance form and possibly witness a performance. Celebrated as a form of storytelling through rhythmic footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions, Kathak performances have been patronized by Lucknow's nobility for centuries.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to India's most sacred city, Varanasi .  Varanasi is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city and is regarded as a holy city by the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Upon arrival, check into hotel and enjoy time at leisure.    In late afternoon explore the area on an orientation walk followed by evening boat ride and witness Ganga aarti at Ghat and Diya (light lamp) Daan into the river. Originating in ancient rituals surrounding fire, aartis feature widely in the Hindu world – typically candles ritually brandished and waved for the veneration of the gods, often to the accompaniment of hymns and chanting. It’s a vital part of Hindu ceremonies and, depending on context, an expression of feelings ranging from gratitude to benevolence, love and prayers.

Accommodation: Taj Ganges Varanasi

After breakfast at hotel proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, one of the main Buddhist centers in India. It is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first speech after gaining Nirvana, or enlightenment here. Explore the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the "lion capital of Asoka": this statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become the emblem of modern India.
Lunch at local Vegetarian restaurant.

In the afternoon explore the city and its temples including a visit to the Bharat Mata temple. Unlike other temples in India which all house deities of gods and goddesses, this is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statue of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans.

Early this morning proceed to ghats for a boat ride on the River Ganges. As your boat slowly drifts along the misty river you will witness so many fascinating sights - devotees having their ritual bath, the performing of religious ceremonies, or puja, to the rising sun, an ancient tradition that is still followed today. The shimmering red and gold hues on the waters of the river seem to cast a magical spell on the devout worshippers. The haunting sound of the chanting of mantras and hymns coupled with the sweet fragrance of incense fills the air with mystery and engulfs the senses of its spectators and offers an experience of ultimate bliss.
Disembark and walk up the narrow cobbled lanes for a walk through the old city, stopping to check out Silk weaving of Varanasi.

In the afternoon, transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka