Immersive Tour of India

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Touchdown in the capital city! Widely known for being historic and vibrant, colourful and lively, Delhi will leave you dumbstruck with its culture, cuisines and chaos. This character-driven capital has so many diverse neighbourhoods, each filled with personality and local finds. Its beauty doesn’t only come from incredible monuments, but also from small backstreets, colourful houses, and corners drenched in centuries of history and of course the locals who put you at ease with just one lazy smile.

One part of the City is more advanced with high rise towers, an upbeat city life, and a blossoming culinary and contemporary art scene. In contrast, another part is packed with ancient yet vibrant art, beautifully preserved architecture, and a rich history. Sure, the crowded streets, incessant honking of horns, swerving motorbikes and rickshaws and the pell-mell of mixed traffic, where even cows compete for space may be a little overwhelming. But as you meander along the maze of streets with enthusiasm to get lost, and as you ramble past colourful, chaotic sprawl and bask in its captivating history and contemporary culture, you will find that the energy and the vibe is unlike any other place in the world.

Day 2: Delhi

This thriving, self-confident City exposes many different worlds, yet they all exist so fluently in one city-state. Split your time between some new hip places and some beloved old favourites. Witness the stories behind several of Delhi’s heritage landmarks and see relics of a Mughal past. From historical sites to temples and national museums, the City gives you all and more.

Regardless, which experiences you prefer, this is one City that can accommodate everybody. Havelis that tell fantastic stories of years past, or visiting historical sights and seeking out the Mughal-era characters amidst the crumbling old walls.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
We will take a 2-hour guided city walk through the bustling streets of Delhi, led by former street kids, where you will get to see a glimpse of the City, not many travellers discover. Get a sneak peek at what life is like behind the scenes as a former street kid and how tourism is benefiting the organization. Learn more about their story of transformation and impact. These kids, trained as local guides, show you Delhi through their eyes. They’re trying to repurpose their lives, increase their English, and learn about the rest of the world.

Over the past years, many have taken a walk and empowered several children, helping them to join mainstream life.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

About three hours of driving brings you to the City of Taj Mahal; an iconic city that has always inspired love. It may be clichéd, but no Indian landmark embraces blue sky as enthusiastically as Taj Mahal, no matter which way the compass needle swings, you will find it striking from any and every angle.

First off, explore Agra’s massive 16th century Red Fort, a sprawling former residence of the Mughal emperors. It’s a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
Before watching the magical sunset over Taj Mahal, discover the City on foot and capture some amazing behind the scenes of life and times. It may be clichéd, but no Indian landmark embraces blue sky as enthusiastically as Taj Mahal, no matter which way the compass needle swings, you will find it striking from any and every angle.

Best part being, the trail is a community-based enterprise where a youth from the local community will show you around into the ancient village of Kachpura.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur

Rise early to catch the first rays of dawn gleaming on the marble art, Taj Mahal, an absolute sight and a fascinating history that is difficult to escape. Taj Mahal is everything and more than we all can imagine.

After wiggling through Agra, perhaps pausing in for breakfast, squeeze back into your car and journey further towards Jaipur. Midway pause in for a visit at Fatehpur Sikri, an absolute fairy tale city in the yesteryears whose “ruins” are still pristine condition.

Meet Jaipur around midday and spend your remaining day exploring the manifold facets of “Pink” city. ‘Pink’ is a bold pick for a town and Jaipur flaunts it generously!

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
After admiring the Taj Mahal and learning about the love story behind the iconic white mausoleum, head to Sheroes Hangout. Unlike any other café or a general restaurant, this one is run entirely by female acid attack survivors. But this isn’t a place of pity. It’s a place of community, belonging, perseverance, triumph and courage. You will feel the happy vibes here, the fairy lights on the windows, the bright walls and the contented smiles.
The food is simple, with a strong focus on excellent and fresh ingredients. It is a pay as you wish, cash only format, but that ensures everything you give goes directly to support their efforts.

Day 5 – 6: Jaipur

Jaipur’s distinctive appeal lies in its historical artefacts, bustling bazaars, or even in its multi-coloured turbaned locals. From City Palace that is home to the former royal family to Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory upholding a fantastic aspect and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal staring the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the dry hilly outskirts surrounding the City is the legendary splendour of Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star magnet.

With so much on offer, Jaipur is sure to fascinate you with her princely past and fascinating crafts.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
Away from the hectic pace of the City, living on a farm in the gorgeous Rajasthani countryside and witnessing the daily lives of local farmers is an extraordinary experience as it not only helps the villagers but also provides a unique and authentic insight into the local way of life.
Here we take you to visit a local primary school and interact with teachers and students. Enjoy a lunch in the organic farm while learning more about organic and sustainable farming—an eco-experience which benefits everyone.

Day 7: Jaipur – Pushkar

From the urban wilds of Jaipur, we continue our way towards one of India’s most sacred towns, Pushkar. This town set around a series of Ghats; take a perch on the ghat front and just watch the world go past. The main street is one stretched bazaar, selling all kinds of things to delight your fancy, from hippy-chic tie-dye to didgeridoos. Explore what secrets the City can reveal.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
The Orchard family supports several schools in the area, and one of their most favourite excursions is a visit to the local school. Kids love meeting people from faraway places and hearing about where they live in the world. Take part in community service by feeding lunch to the children of a local school.
It is also an excellent opportunity to interact with the kids and teachers and gain an insight and a perspective of education culture in rural Rajasthan.

Day 8: Pushkar – Jodhpur

After breakfast, travel onwards in the direction of the City of immense Mehrangarh, the strong fort that sits over the Blue City of Jodhpur.

A drop of life painted in blue is what is Jodhpur seen from far when you look down on the desolate Thar Dessert. These parts of the golden sands feel like the skies caress them. This City is also known as “The Blue City” as everything is painted blue. Adding a romantic flair to Jodhpur are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people.

Later in the day stroll through the market and bazaar that are famous for its Jodhpuri coats, tie-and-dye fabrics, embroidered camel leather footwear, lacquer work, and cast toys. Jodhpur’s bazaar lies clustered around a clock tower. It is a fascinating area to explore with its little shops selling silver jewellery, lacquer bangles, tie-dyed fabrics, soft camel leather shoes, puppets, clay figurines, and colourful heaps of sweets and spices.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
As the day would melt into an inky darkness, sparkling bonfire, cheery women sporting dazzling colours with ornate jewellery, men in pride with bright turbans and bold moustache beckons a magical cultural evening. Quite a promising experience where the family and melodies come together, holding tall drinks for indulgence, dancing to the soulful rhythms of local folk beats, sharing stories behind living traditions, hearty laughter, is nothing but a joyous solace.

Day 9: Jodhpur

With the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort soaring over immense palaces, bluewashed houses and the golden sand of the Thar Desert, this symphonic City allows you to travel through time, from early history to present day. The enduring lure of Mehrangarh fort, one of the most majestic of Rajasthan’s Forts but exploring its ‘buzzy’ streets too tiny to be mapped, meeting and admiring the rhythm of the daily life of locals feels like tapping into the very lifeblood of Jodhpur.

Late afternoon, we recommend a visit/time volunteering for Sambhali Trust, a Jodhpur based NGO who works with women from the Dalit community, unfortunately, considered untouchables in India. Learn about the challenges faced by rural communities that prevent children from accessing education, including a lack of safe, quality classrooms and the inaccessibility and cost of secondary school.
Take the opportunity to organize and participate in workshops on health, hygiene and nutrition if you wish to.

Day 10: Jodhpur – Udaipur

Up next is Udaipur for a wholesome experience of cuisine, culture and adventure.
Along the route, stop off at Ranakpur to visit the Jain temple, an exquisite work of architecture and art. Dedicated to Jain Tirthankara, this Jain temple is nothing less than a masterpiece that sums up the ideologies, layers of history and foundation of Jainism in India.

Then it’s on to the City of lakes, Udaipur. Pictures can go some way to capturing the magnificence of this City. Still, nothing can beat the feeling of seeing it for real, that massive expanse of marble palaces, shiny lakes changing colour as the sun sets and rises and the bordering of country’s oldest mountain range, the Aravalis.

Stroll along the narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Walking to the charming Havelis, Ghats and temples scattered around the lake, are some splendid excursions by foot. For something a little more relaxing, a spa is always a good idea.

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
At the heart of Indian culture is – of course – Indian food. That’s why one of the best cultural experiences in India is a cooking class. Cooking with a local family is not only about learning how to make delicious Indian recipes, but it’s also an unforgettable communal dinner experience in a real Indian home.

Day 11: Udaipur

Your explorations of Udaipur will begin with a guided tour of the city palace. Meandering within the city palace justifies the cliché; majestic and unmatched. The magnificent palace walls spread over a mile on the eastern side of the lake, and within the palace are a web of inner courtyards, rooms and ornate halls. Wander through the galleries and see some of the royal possessions on display including the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

As the sun takes dip behind the mountains, pouring out it’s bright orange and red into the sky reflecting off subtle shades on the lake Pichola, embarking on a boat ride with hills on both side and the sounds of roosting birds for your company is one of the many pleasures Udaipur has to offer

TODAYS EXPERIENCE
This afternoon, meet and engage with women artisans, hear their stories and gain more in-depth insight into their culture, livelihoods and artisanal crafts.

Day 12: Udaipur – Delhi

This morning, you have some free time to take in some more of this town’s laidback vibes.

As per your flight timings, transfer to the airport and fly towards Delhi to connect with your onward destination.