Discover India

Day 1

Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will transfer to your hotel with Women on Wheels. This fantastic organisation offers safe transport for travellers, all the while providing a dignified livelihood for local women from a resource poor community.

Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, you will have a welcome meeting.

Overnight: Piccadily Hotel

Day 2

Delhi

Today you will discover the New Delhi Streetkids Project, where you will wander through the backstreets of the city with a young adult – the project helps support your guide’s education tuition.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Old Delhi on board a rickshaw (a three-wheeled pedalled vehicle), riding through busy streets to see Jama Masjid, Chandi Chowk local market, and Gurdwara Sikh Temple.

Overnight: Piccadily Hotel

Breakfast included.

Day 3

Varanasi

Begin by flying to Varanasi, a charming Indian holy city where Hindus travel for worship or mourning. Here you’ll be treated to a lecture at the Ghats of the Ganges by a research scholar regarding the river’s spiritual, social, economic and politic significance.

Soon you’ll cruise the sacred Ganges – used for cleansing sins and cremating loved ones - at sunset, whilst also enjoying a candle and flower ceremony, followed by sitar and table playing and an evening aarti (prayer) ceremony.

Overnight: Hotel Surya

Breakfast included.

Day 4

Varanasi

You’ll wake early today to see the sun rise on a boat ride along the Ganges, as well as seeing the bathing and burial dawn rituals. Back on land, you’ll have breakfast at Open Hand, a vocational training café that offers meaningful job opportunities to India’s underprivileged. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Sarnath – where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.  

Overnight: Hotel Surya

Breakfast included.

Day 5

Khajuraho

Fly to Khajuraho to visit the spectacular western temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their erotic sculptures depicting the Kama Sutra. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a yoga class.

Overnight: Hotel Clarks Khajuraho

Breakfast included.

Day 6

Agra

Today you will travel to Agra via a private bus and public train - fantastic way to meet locals and enjoy an authentic experience. Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the Mughal Empire’s most important cities.

Overnight: Hotel Utkarsh Vilas

Breakfast included.

Day 7

Ranthambore National Park

Day seven will start with a tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a testament of love, as well as the fascinating Agra Fort built with red sandstone and white marble.

Afterwards, you’ll travel to Ranthambore National Park and marvel at the stunning landscapes.

Overnight: Pug Mark

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8

Ranthambore National Park

Today you will explore this beautiful park with local naturalists/rangers on two private safaris. Look out for deer, leopard, birds, monkeys and perhaps even an elusive tiger on your drives.

You’ll also walk through the ruins of the 1000 year old Ranthambore Fort and the Ganesh Temple with locals. The Ganesh Temple is a popular spot with locals, dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh, and a place for worship.

Overnight: Pug Mark

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 9

Jaipur

Your day will be spent driving to Jaipur for a further insight into India’s history. Known as India’s ‘Pink City’, Jaipur was founded in 1728 and is one of the best-planned pre-modern cities here.

Overnight: Hotel Madhuban

Breakfast included.

Day 10

Jaipur

Day 10 will be spent exploring Jaipur, including visits to the City Palace, Amber Fort (famous for its mix of Hindu and Muslim architecture), Jantar Mantar Observatory, and Hawa Mahal.

In the evening, you’ll get to enjoy a culinary experience with a local family, heading to a vegetable and spice market with them first before heading back to their home and preparing/eating a meal together.

Overnight: Hotel Madhuban

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 11

Jojawar

Journey to the charming village of Jojawar and spend the next night in a historic heritage hotel. You’ll have time to explore the village and meet the locals, who will grace you with an insight into India’s rural lifestyle. There’s the option of a rural train safari through the Aravali Hill ranges, too.

Overnight: Hotel Rawla Jojawar

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12

Udaipur

Today you will travel to Udaipur, renowned for its stunning lakes and Raj-era palaces, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. You’ll see the most photographed palace, Lake Palace, from the boat. Once a white marble palace named Jag Niwas, this is now a hotel.

Overnight: Hilltop Palace

Breakfast included.

Day 13

Udaipur

This will be another day of exploring Udaipur, including a visit to Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu – the Hindu god of preservation. The afternoon is then free for you to enjoy at your own pace – we’d recommend opting for a boat ride on the lake.

Overnight: Hilltop Palace

Breakfast included.

Day 14

Delhi

The day will be spent flying back to Delhi, where you’ll have the option of either eating at one of the local restaurants, or joining the rest of the group for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Piccadily Hotel

Breakfast included.

Day 15

Delhi

Today marks the end of your tour.

Breakfast included.