Day 01: Arrive at Delhi
Arrive Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative.
Delhi – Delhi has been the seat of power of several empires for about a millennium. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and interestingly, a number of its destroyers have also been its rulers. Delhi today is a potpourri of two distinct cultural lineages—Old Delhi and New Delhi. Juxtaposed against the immaculately planned New Delhi created by the British Raj, Old Delhi, which was once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinthine network of lanes and by lanes with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques.
(Check in time is 1400 Hrs)
Enjoy the sightseeing of Delhi including following:
Photo stop at Red Fort – Red Fort is the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, built on the western bank of the River Yamuna. Shah Jahan started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort rise 33 metre above the clamour of Old Delhi, as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals. Inside the fort lies a veritable treasure trove, of buildings which includes the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Colour. IMP: It remains closed on Mondays.
Later enjoy a Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi – Enjoy the Rickshaw Ride (Paddy cab) around Jama Masjid. We will ride on a rickshaw through the narrow streets of Old Delhi. The humble cycle rickshaw is not only the common man’s beast of burden but also generates a considerable amount of employment. In an age, where our cities are beset by the pollution menace of automobiles, cycle-rickshaw is the best alternative and the only viable option for a short-haul.
Also enjoy a short ride on the much-touted Delhi Metro (sitting space will be subject to availability). Popularly known as the pride ofthecapital, the ‘Delhi Metro’ is a rapid transit system serving Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida famed for its world-class standards with regard to safety, reliability, punctuality, and comfort. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade, and underground lines and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock. This trip allows you to experience the life of local residents using ‘Delhi Metro’ for commuting.
Photo stop at the India Gate – At the center of New Delhi, stands a 42 meter high – India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triumph” like archway, in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates 70,000 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives fighting for the British Army, during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers, killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Drive past the Govt. Buildings – New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences, reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past a few of them, like The Parliament House (designed by Baker and 173m in diameter), the Rashtrapati Bhawan (once the Viceroy’s residence), now an official residence of the President of India, etc. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles of architecture.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi / Jodhpur (By overnight Train)
After leisurely breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to visit Qutub Minar. (Rooms are available till 1200 Hrs only)
Qutub Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab ud-Din Aybak. The tower has five distinct storey’s, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base, to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storey’s are made of red sandstone; the fourth and the fifth story are made of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwat ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. Also, a 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that, if you can encircle it with your hands, while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.
Later drive to South Delhi for a visit to an Organic Farm.
Visit organic farm and participate in following activities –
- Welcome: A warm welcome with a brief introduction of the farm, and its organic farming practices and the team. We will serve an Herbal Tea or Lemonade
- Farm Tour: A guided farm tour. Introducing various crops, fruits, and vegetables grown on the farm. Explain sustainable farming practices and their importance.
- Farm Activities: Make your own potting mixture, bake your own mud oven pizza and bread, learn to make a salad, make pesto/chutney with mortar and pestle, grind your own flours on a mill stone, tug of war, fun games, make a scarecrow, swing.
- Farm Store Exploration: Explore the farm store for fresh produce, farm products, gardening products or souvenirs to take home.
- Farm Cooking Activity: Learn how to make chapati & stuffed parathas in Indian traditional chulha
- Farm Fresh Meal: A sit-down farm-to-table meal in outdoor setting
- Farewell & Selfie Time: Have chai & selfie, take a group picture, share feedback and leave with a rejuvenating self!
After the visit transfer to a local restaurant for dinner.
Later transfer to the railway station to board a train for Jodhpur (Train No: 22995 MANDORE EXPRESS – 2120/0745 hrs.)
Overnight in the train.
Day 03: Arrive Jodhpur / Shekhala (Approx. 90 Kms / 02 hrs drive)
On arrive in Jodhpur railway station the group will be transferred to a Hotel for Wash & change and Breakfast.
After wash & change and enjoy the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort – Located at a distance of about 5 km from Jodhpur town and built by Rao Jodha in around 1459, it is one of the largest forts in India. Standing sentinel to the city below, it overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows, exquisitely wrought from red sandstone.Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana with a richly varied collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, folk music, instruments, costumes, furniture, and an impressive armoury, within the fort are magical. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda temple is among the rarest in India. As you climb up, folk musicians revive the grandeur of a bygone era.
Later drive to Shekhala.
On arrival in Shekhala transfer to the camps.
Later enjoy a desert experience in a small rural village. In the evening enjoy a Jeep or Camel Safari in Deserts – Local camel owners take tourists on excursions to explore the desert’s splendor from a higher perspective. With trained riders, guests can comfortably enjoy the ride while learning fascinating folk stories and facts about the Thar
Enjoy Rajasthani Cultural program followed by a nice dinner.
Overnight at the camps
Day 04: Shekhala / Jodhpur / Luni (Approx125 Kms / 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, we will organize Rajasthani Village tour. Today you will experience the desert way of life. During the tour visit the homes of traditional inhabitants (Rajputs, Bishnoi & Meghwals) and explore the lives of the local desert craftsman, farmers as well as meetings with them. Also visit Primary schools (Subject to operational) and conversation with students , Visit also Temple and experience authentic Hinduism rituals . Overall, during this visit, you will know about how people in rural areas are still living in simple way to using their initiatives towards sustainable life.
Drive to Luni via Jodhpur.
In Jodhpur enjoy a short walk in old part of the town. Also taste Kachori at a famous shop of Jodhpur – This shop is a popular local favorite for its kachoris. They are made with fresh ingredients and are fried to perfection. The kachoris are served with a variety of chutneys and sabzis.
Later drive to Luni and check in to Fort Chanwa.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 05: Luni / Ranakpur / Udaipur (Approx.237 kms / 05 hrs drive)
After train ride drive to Udaipur, on the way visit Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Beautifully sculpted Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, the temples here were created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha and enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha (four-faced temple) is dedicated to Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation of architectural splendour with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved, with no two pillars being alike.
Udaipur – Located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Udaipur or the “City of Lakes” was founded by Maharana Udai Singh as the capital of his kingdom in 1559 CE. The rich cultural, social, and natural beauty of the city is reflected in the historical monuments and serene green surroundings of the place. The palaces, temples and havelis, coupled with the magical beauty of Lake Pichola attract tourists by the dozen, which has enabled this small princely town to grow into a prime tourist destination.
On arrival in Udaipur, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 06: Udaipur
After breakfast enjoy the visit of Udaipur including following:
City Palace – City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. The construction of this palace was initiated by Maharana Udai Singh, but successive Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex while retaining remarkable uniformity in the design. The entry to the massive Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple Gate. It was a custom to weigh the Maharaja under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. Balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the Lake Pichola.
Sahelion ki Bari – Popularly also known as the “Garden of the Maids of Honour”, it was built during the 18th century, by Maharana Sangram Singh. This garden brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court and reflect their discreet and impeccable taste.The most noteworthy feature of this garden, is its beautiful courtyard with a central tank. Outside the courtyard are numerous flowerbeds, lawns, pools, and fountains all around. Protected by a series of walls and overbearing trees, the fountains of this peaceful retreat function solely on water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a beautiful lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic.
Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola – Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake fringed with great hillocks, gardens, Havelis, ghats, and temples. The scenic beauty of serene Pichola adds to the beauty of Udaipur city. The boat ride on Lake Pichola is amazing and provides a marvelous view of the lake and the mountains in the city. Lake Pichola also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake.
Later visit Apna Jatan an NGO – NGO called “JATAN,” which strives to empower the youth by giving them a platform to freely express their concerns. Jatan also provides them with information that would enable them to seek social and scientific solutions, thereby helping them become agents of change in their communities. You will visit a Non-formal Education Centre for students who are not going to school while their parents work. The main aim is to cater to the educational needs of non- school-going children in age group 6-14 years and providing academic support to school-going children who are weak in studies.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Udaipur / Deogarh (Approx. 140 kms / 03 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Deogarh
Deogarh – Deogarh or Devgarh was the thikana or personal residence of the rawats or chiefs of the Chundawat clan.An integral part of Mewar aristocracy, Deogarh Mahal is the chief attraction of this city. Built in the 17th century, the palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel that offers a luxurious and comfortable stay fit for a king or queen. Located atop a hill, the Palace offers an impressive view of the sprawling Aravali range and the numerous lakes dotting the countryside.
On arrival in Deogarh, transfer to the hotel.
In the evening walk around Deogarh Village – Enjoy a walk through the Deogarh village and watch villagers performing their day to day activities. Also, witness women around the community well, pulling water out of the well through water buckets ( when the bucket hits the water it dips and fills, and is pulled up with a rope), washing clothes nearby and carrying water to their homes in beautiful matkas (clay pot) on their heads. Feel free to join the group of people sitting under shady trees or may be in open courtyards, discussing everything from the world of politics to domestic issues. You will also get an opportunity to roam around the village market, to see small shops and buy local trinkets there.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 08: Deogarh / Jaipur (Approx.275 kms/ 05.5 hrs drive)
After breakfast enjoy a Rural Train ride.
Rural Train Ride – A ride on the local meter gauge train and down the mountainous Ghats section it is famous for its panoramic views, scrub jungle, hills, tunnels, 100-foot high bridges, and remote one-man stations. You will experience the real rural life on the train and will have the opportunity to interact with villagers and co-passengers.It’s an approximate 02 hrs ride covering a stretch of around 21 km in total. While travelling, you may see hundreds of monkeys descending from the forest trees who often come for handouts given by the villagers.
Late drive to Jaipur.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel.
Jaipur – Capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City” due the color of its buildings.Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 CE, the city’s plan followed a grid system, making it the only planned city of its time. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, a young Bengali architect, designed it as per the texts of the Shilp Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on architecture. With its innumerable sagas of traditions, culture and practices, Jaipur is a sensory treat for tourists from all over the world.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 09: Jaipur
After breakfast enjoy the visit of Jaipur including following:
Jeep to Amber Fort – Set high on a picturesque and rugged hill, it is a principal attraction in Jaipur. A noteworthy fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, th e fort was declared as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The Fort depicts scintillating aura exquisitely made up of red sandstone and white marbles. The interior walls of the palace portray expressive paintings with carvings, precious stones, and mirror settings. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls defended residents, within the ramparts of the fort.Inside the fort, Sheesh Mahal is a famous hall of mirrors, constructed by Raja Jai Singh in 1623. An integral part of the Jai Mandir, it has been uniquely constructed by decorating the ceilings and walls with mirrors specially imported from Belgium and carved with beautiful designs that reflect even a small ray of light to provide natural light to the entire hall.
City Palace – Located in the heart of the Pink city and a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, it was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as part of his ambitious city project. His successors continued to ornament and add to the elegant buildings up until the 20th century. It is a unique complex of several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The most prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.
Later enjoy Pink Rickshaw ride through Old city – Explore the walled city of Jaipur in these unique and custom-designed, eco-friendly rickshaws driven by well-trained ladies, all from the slums and low-income areas of Jaipur. From the picturesque lanes and by-lanes, to the many palaces, it will take you through the many attractions starting from Tripolia Bazaar, then to Hawa Mahal, Badi Chaupar, Choti Chaupar, Ajmeri Gate, Chodha Rasta and ends at the Albert Hall or vice versa.
In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner with a local Indian family – In this program, you can get to know about the real taste of Indian food, cooked in every Indian household daily. Learn directly from an Indian Housewife, who spends most of the time of her day, cooking in her Kitchen. Also, get to know about her experiences and challenges that she comes across, in her day-to-day life. Get to know about some real stories about normal Indian women and their life experiences. Spices are indeed an integral part of every Indian kitchen. Get a chance to know, more about the numerous health benefits and healing properties of Indian spices used, during this hands-on cooking session.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 10: Jaipur / Ranthambore (Approx. 175 Kms / 04 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, enjoy a tea at the famous Gulab Ji Shop – Tea is a staple food for so many people in India. Apart from the taste, people usually gather in small roadside tea shops for informal meetings or discussions. This can range from general life, sports especially cricket games to more serious issues of politics and the country. Today be a part of the gossip and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the local shops in Jaipur.
Later drive to Ranthambhore.
Ranthambore – One of the largest and most popular national parks in North India, Ranthambore National Park is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress that is located within the park’s premises. With the Banas River to its north and Chambal River to its south, Ranthambore lies at the edge of a plateau and covers an area of 392 square kilometers. A visit to Ranthambore National Park can be a rewarding experience for a wildlife enthusiast. Home to several fascinating wildlife species, one can spot leopards, striped hyenas, chitals, chinkaras, sambars, langurs, civets, and sloth bears in the park. The park’s pride, however, lies in the number of tigers that can be found prowling in their natural habitat
On arrival in Ranthambore visit an NGO Dastkar project– Dastkar Ranthambore is an initiative of Dastkar and Ranthambore Foundation to resettle communities in the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan who had lost access to wood, water, and farming lands due to the creation of Ranthambore National Park. The Ranthambore Foundation approached Dastkar in the late 1980s to initiate income generation activities particularly among women in the area.
Dinner and Overnight at the hotel
Day 11: Ranthambore
Early morning enjoy a safari in Ranthambore National Park.
After safari drive back to the hotels for breakfast.
After lunch enjoy another safari the National Park
Note: Ranthambore national Park remains closed on the Wednesday day for the safaris.
Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at the hotel
Day 12: Ranthambore / Kalakho / Agra (Approx 330 Kms/5 ½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra.
On the way enjoy a visit of local village with a Juggad Ride – The Indian Mercedes.
Juggad – Popularly known among the locals as The Village Mercedes, it is the most popular means used to transport villagers, fodder, cattle, and goods. Drive in a Juggad to reach the Gothdi village through the vast grazing pastures, fields of wheat, mustard, coriander, and chilies. You will be invited to visit the villager’s homes, meet the traditionally dressed residents, and watch farmers, herders, and silversmiths plying their trade, perfect for capturing on your camera.
Continue your drive to Agra.
Agra – Located in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is a slow paced, quiet town. Also known as the city of the Taj Mahal—one of the seven wonders of the World—Agra’s significance as the political center of the Mughal Empire ended when ShahJahan transferred his capital to Delhi. However, Agra’s architectural legacy has found it a place in the pages of history. The architectural splendor of the fort, mausoleums and the palaces here are a reminder of the opulence and artistic taste of the Mughal Empire.Agra is also famous for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen, who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.
On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 13: Agra
After breakfast enjoy the visit of Agra including following:
Taj Mahal – Muted but Soulful, Taj Mahal popularly known as Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO world heritage site. As a testament to his love, the magnificent structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Situated in the Mughal city of Agra, Taj Mahal looks exactly the same from all the four sides and endorsed as “The Jewel of Muslim art in India”. Commissioned in 1632, it took approximately 22 years in the making of this marvelous structure and an estimated 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece that reflects different colours under the canopy of sun. Purely ecstatic and iconic, it attracts (7 to 8) million annual visitors every year. (It remains closed on Fridays). Note: Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence requires some maintenance and restoration work routinely.
Agra Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, before the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise as it comprises of a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid – a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas – the audience halls, Musamman Burj – where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir’s Palace; Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The massive Agra fort is considered as the predecessor of the Red fort in Delhi.
Enjoy lunch at Sheroes Cafe that represents the growing revolution of women who are standing up against acid attacks and violence against women. Founded by Stop Acid Attacks, a non-profit organization, the cafe aims to boost confidence in survivors by providing them a place to find acceptance in the community, be social, and also a source of income. By dining here, you will contribute to this noble cause of acid survivor’s community development and help these ladies live a dignified life.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 14: Agra / Delhi (By Train)
After breakfast transfer to the railway station to board a train for delhi. (Train No: 20171 VANDE BHARAT EXP – 1125/1310)
On arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 15: Delhi Departure
After breakfast transfer to airport to board a flight for onward destination or back home. (Room will be available till 1200 hrs)
