India Off the Beaten Path

Enjoy a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, exploring the city’s fascinating blend of history and modernity. Begin with the Jama Masjid and a walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where you will sample Delhi’s famous snacks of Delhi from a hygienic eatery on a guided food walk (closed on Sundays). Drive past India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Later in the day, visit Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nawalgarh, a charming town located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan—often referred to as the “Open-Air Art Gallery of India” for its beautifully painted havelis and frescoes. The drive takes approximately 6 hours through the rustic countryside dotted with small villages and desert landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your heritage hotel, Roop Niwas Kothi, a former royal residence that exudes old-world charm. In the afternoon, proceed to explore the town’s artistic treasures, including the exquisitely adorned Podar Haveli and Morarka Haveli, renowned for their intricate murals and architecture. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to soak in the regal ambiance of your surroundings. Overnight stay in Nawalgarh.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Gajner, a serene destination near the Thar Desert, known for its royal heritage and natural beauty. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. En route, stop at Bikaner to visit the magnificent Junagarh Fort, an impressive structure built in the 16th century that stands as one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hill. Explore its grand palaces, ornate balconies, and intricately carved courtyards that reflect the rich history of the region. Continue your drive to Gajner and check in at the stunning Gajner Palace, a former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Bikaner, now a heritage hotel set by the tranquil Gajner Lake. Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings or taking a stroll along the lake. Overnight stay in Gajner.

After breakfast, journey deeper into the Thar Desert to reach the golden city of Jaisalmer. Check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the picturesque Gadisar Lake, followed by a stroll through the lively bazaar illuminated under the desert sky. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Explore the living Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its intricate Jain Temples and centuries-old havelis such as Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli. In the evening, drive to the Sam Sand Dunes for a thrilling camel ride at sunset, followed by folk music and dance performances under the stars. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” On arrival, visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s most majestic hill forts, offering sweeping views of the blue-painted old town. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Later, check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, drive to Narlai, a quaint village nestled at the foothills of the Aravalli Range. Check in at the charming heritage property, Rawla Narlai, a former royal hunting lodge. In the evening, enjoy a heritage walk through the village or relax with high tea by the stepwell. Overnight stay in Narlai.

After breakfast, continue to Udaipur, the romantic “City of Lakes.” On arrival, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, and the magnificent City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola. In the evening, enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola as the sun sets behind the Aravalli Hills. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided exploration of Udaipur’s cultural and architectural gems. Visit the Crystal Gallery and Vintage Car Collection, and later explore the vibrant bazaars for local handicrafts and miniature paintings. The afternoon is at leisure or you may choose an optional excursion to Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Deogarh, a charming town surrounded by lakes and hills. On arrival, check in at Deogarh Mahal, a majestic heritage property offering panoramic views. In the evening, set out for a Rural Ramble, a scenic countryside drive offering a glimpse into rural life, with farmers tending their fields amid serene natural beauty. Visit an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved within a volcanic rock overlooking green fields and rugged landscapes. End the journey by a tranquil lake, enjoying refreshments as migratory birds and wildlife appear against the glowing sunset. Overnight stay in Deogarh.

After breakfast, drive to Bundi, one of Rajasthan’s lesser-known but most beautiful towns. Upon arrival, visit the ornate Taragarh Fort, Chitrashala, famed for its frescoes, and the impressive stepwells such as Raniji Ki Baori. Explore the blue-painted lanes of the old town. Overnight stay in Bundi.

After breakfast, depart for Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, with a scenic drive of approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. As evening descends, we will pick you up to experience a moment of serene spirituality with the aarti ceremony at Birla Mandir. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Morning unfolds with a journey into Jaipur’s royal heart, beginning at the majestic Amber Fort, where ramparts whisper tales of valor and grandeur. Soak in the regal splendor of this hilltop fortress as sunlight dances upon its sandstone walls and mirrored halls. After descending from this royal citadel, step into the world of science and stars at the Jantar Mantar Observatory, an astronomical wonder that has measured time for centuries with celestial precision.

Pause for a moment before the Hawa Mahal, the enchanting Palace of Winds, its honeycombed façade weaving a story of elegance and imagination. Continue onward to the resplendent City Palace, where Mughal grace meets Rajasthani artistry. Within this grand complex lies the sacred Govind Dev Ji Temple, a divine haven dedicated to Lord Krishna. Here, devotion blends seamlessly with royal majesty, the air filled with chants, incense, and a sense of timeless serenity. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Leave by road for Agra, pause to marvel at the enchanting Abhaneri Stepwell, a masterpiece of intricate architecture and ancient ingenuity. En route, we also stop at the capital of the Mughal Empire, and now a deserted town of Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to Agra, arrive, and check in at the hotel. Evening proceed for serene Moonlight Garden (Mehtab Bagh), where you can enjoy picturesque views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and nature. Overnight stay in Agra.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Agra, beginning with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, symbolizing eternal love in white marble. Continue to explore the Agra Fort, an imposing red sandstone fortress showcasing the grandeur of the Mughal era, followed by a visit to the elegant Itmad-ud-Daulah, often referred to as the “Baby Taj.” Later, transfer to the Delhi airport for your flight to Delhi at 16:35 hrs, arriving at 18:25 hrs, and connect for your onward international departure.