Spiritual North India: Rajasthan and the Ganges

Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a private representative and escorted to your hotel. After a brief introduction to your India tour, you will check in to have some free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone.

This morning, follow your private guide to start a Delhi highlights tour. Have a visit to Old Delhi to see Jama Masjid; then, hop on a rickshaw and catch a glimpse of local life by exploring the buzzing Chandni Chowk with activities. 

Before the Red Fort, head to New Delhi to the 800-year-old Qutub Minar and Gandhi Smriti where the Father of India spent the last days of his life and was assassinated. After that, move to visit Humayun's tomb, which has special cultural significance because it is the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, such as the Taj Mahal. End with the Laxmi Narayan Temple where you can learn about the local religious belief.

In the morning, fly to the holy city of Varanasi, where the Ganges River is the hub of life. You will be free at leisure in the afternoon to indulge in the life and bustle around the river which is something you can't miss, or dip into the river to soak up the inner calm of the River Ganges.

In the evening, witness the spiritual Evening Ganga Aarti, in which priests perform ancient rituals to honor the holy river and Gods. It's a spectacular experience of a life time. 

Get up early to catch the amazing spectacle of sunrise on the Ganges River and stroll along the narrow lanes of Bengali Tola area to blend in with the local people. Later, enjoy an ultimate Indian Yoga Class. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath (The Deer Park) where Buddha preached his first sermon, before going to Sanarth Museum (closed on Friday) for Buddhist art and culture. 

This morning is free at leisure before heading to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, be greeted and transferred to Agra directly. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city in your way. 

The Taj Mahal is one place which does not need introduction. Indulge yourself in the beauty and romantic history of the Taj Mahal in the early morning to avoid the crowds and heat in daytime. Continue by discovering the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle. After sightseeing, you will be welcomed by a local family and enjoy an authentic Indian lunch with your host. Try Masala Chai (Indian Spice Milk Tea) and you will fall in love with it immediately. It's a real insight into the life of India. 

Drive east to Jaipur this morning. En-route, roam around the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs' drive) en-route. Proceed to Jaipur (about 3.5 hrs' drive) to check in and stay overnight.

This morning, take a jeep to the entrance of the hillside Amber Fort, a magnificent example of Royal Rajasthan, and immerse into the glory of India at the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Drive to Nahargarh Fort. There are fewer tourists than at Amber Fort, so you will have plenty of time to appreciate these lovely frescoes inside the rooms of the fort.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is photogenic for your journey. Move to the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar - these incredible timeless timepieces are still in service today.

After applying the Mehandi (Henna Painting) on your hands and learn how to dress an Indian Saree of different color and materials. It's great for those looking for an authentic experience. 

Drive to the desert oasis of Pushkar this morning (about 3 hours drive), a town that clings to the side of the divine Pushkar Lake. You will walk around the lake to experience the peaceful and quiet, where pilgrims and sadhus come to pay their respect. Continue to visit the Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world for Hindus to worship the Lord Brahma. 

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur (about 4 hours drive). Upon arrival, step into the well maintained Mehrangarh Fort, a massive complex standing at the hillside overlooking the old city of Jodhpur and the imposing Jaswant Thada, where the true Rajput culture and style settles the history.

Note: We suggest you take the optional activity- Flying Fox that you will enjoy the amazing views of the Fort by the zip tour.

Today a jeep safari will take you to the rural Bishnoi Village, a nice break from the forts and temples. And then follow the winding narrow alleys at Clock Tower to explore the local markets which is full of textiles, silver and handicrafts.

Ranakpur is a little village tucked away in the Aravalli hills between Udaipur and Jodhpur (about 2 hours drive). The tour today brings you to one of the biggest and most important clusters of Jain temples in India. Built in marble and supported by over 1,444 exquisitely carved marble pillars with no two of which are alike. Head to Udaipur (about 4 hours drive) after the tour. 

This morning, you first wander through the markets and bazaars to visit the Jagdish Temple and admire the royal heritage City Palace. After, take a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola (1 hour), before heading for the Garden of the Maids of Honour and Folk Art Museum. You will finish your day by an unforgettable sunset visit to the Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace).

Enjoy a free morning before heading to the airport for the flight to Delhi or Mumbai to connect your onward flight.