Classic Rajasthan

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider joining one of the Urban Adventures on offer, for a great introduction to the city. After meeting your group, maybe step out for dinner – this is your first chance to get into India’s iconic food scene and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Start the day navigating the city’s metro system like a local and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw and weave through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, and India’s largest. Then, enter the calm of the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to share a simple meal in the communal kitchen that’s open to all. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.

After breakfast, travel to Agra on one of India’s express, air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Head inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar’s Mausoleum. Tonight, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – this social enterprise supports survivors of acid attacks – for a meal with a difference.

Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local Lakhera craftspeople at work making resin bangles. In Hindu mythology, Lakheras are created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art, and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. Tonight, stay in Fort Madhogarh, a heritage property that has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Continue to Jaipur and head out on a walking tour through the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Wander busy bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort – an excellent example of Rajput architecture – set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. The walls are completely covered in little mirrors, so the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.

Today, shape your day with optional activities or independent exploration. This morning, maybe opt for a hot air balloon ride – floating across the skyline of Jaipur is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Or, jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds.’ Perhaps you’ll head to Jaipur’s Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, maybe head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to see a Bollywood film – a fun local experience.

Today you’ll head to Ranthambhore National Park – once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and one of the original Project Tiger reserves. In the evening, you’ll take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, like hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between July 1st and September 30th each year. On trips departing during this time, you’ll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km (10 mi) from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn’t as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area, and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.