Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your Indian adventure in its charismatic capital city - Delhi! Meet your friendly driver and transfer to your hotel where you will gather with your fellow travelers and guide for a spice-laden welcome dinner.

Begin your first full day on a walking tour in the old city of Delhi, the center of dynasties and empires for centuries, and Northern India’s cultural and historical heart. Visit an 18th century Sikh Temple, and wander around the central market of Chandni Chowk, a chaotic, colorful maze of vendors selling everything from vivid saris and essential oils to silver jewelry and traditional Indian sweets. After the first of many cups of steaming masala chai, hop on a rickshaw for a memorable ride around the city, before exploring the exotic flavors of Asia’s biggest spice market, Khari Baoli. A delicious home-cooked dinner with a local family awaits you this evening.

Take a private transfer to the Northern Indian city of Agra, where you’ll tick one of the seven wonders of the world off your bucket list; the iconic Taj Mahal. This breathtaking monument to love and heartbreak was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his most beloved consort. Take time to admire the awe-inspiring blend of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture, and wander the lush gardens, where there’s a majestic vista at every turn. Later, meet a local carpet maker who will give you an insight into the complexities of Mughal carpet making, an art form that was introduced to India by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.

Wake up bright and early for your private transfer to the pink-hued city of Jaipur, where bejeweled maharajas once ruled. The region’s cultural capital and a marvel of city planning, Jaipur is where the past comes alive in the form of magnificent forts, bustling bazaars and ornate palaces. Watch a Bollywood movie this afternoon in one of the most popular and majestic cinema halls in the country, a red-carpet spot for the grandest Indian film premieres since the 1970s. Then enjoy a thrilling eco-friendly rickshaw ride (run by a female-led rickshaw company)  that will take you past the famous sights of Jaipur, such as the Hawa Mahal palace, the Albert Hall Museum and bustling spice markets.

Today is dedicated to the stunning 10th century hilltop Amber Fort, which offers incredible panoramic views, intricate marble archways, and puzzling mosaics in its Hall of Mirrors. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh in 1592, the Amber Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers. There will be some time to explore on your own, before meeting up with your group again for dinner.

Today, you’ll time travel back to the 14th century for a visit to the charming town of Bundi, once the inspiration for Kipling’s epic novel, ‘Kim.’ which boasts the elaborate palaces, forts and exquisite stepwells of India’s must-see cities, conveniently concentrated in the form of a charming hillside village. Experience the best of Indian life here, from savoring the famous local masala chai to breathing in the aromatic spices from the town’s eclectic street food vendors.

After a traditional Indian breakfast, venture through the lush lakes and “broken hills” of the Aravalli Mountains on your way to the vibrant city of Udaipur, a lakeside oasis that has long attracted India’s elite. Feel like royalty as you boat around the vast palace floating on Lake Pichola. Enjoy some solo exploring this afternoon. This evening, revel in a vivid display of traditional dance in a heritage haveli (traditional, private dwelling), demonstrating why Udaipur has earned a reputation as the faithful protector of Rajasthani artistic traditions.

Explore the vibrant day to day life of Udaipur as you walk from fragrant markets to serene ghats (steps leading to a holy water source). Survey the ornate, deeply-inspiring carvings of the Jagdish Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this has been a site of continuous Hindu worship and pilgrimage since 1651. You’ll have a few hours free to explore the streets and lakeshores of town, before learning the masala method during an Indian cooking class.

Arriving in Piplantri, you’re instantly struck with the health and density of its surrounding forests. This is for very good reason - every time a girl is born in the village, the village bands together to plant 111 trees in her honor. The results of this tradition are tremendous - not only are little girls welcomed with gratitude, but the village itself has also benefited from greater harmony and environmental security. Enjoy an authentic Rajasthani lunch, cooked for you by the women of the village. This evening, you reach your home for the next two nights, the luxury tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge.

Jawai is a small, off-the-beaten track village known for its large dam. You are one of the few lucky travelers that will discover the stunning natural beauty of this area, with a lushness that attracts and supports a wide diversity of wildlife, including more than 100 species of migratory birds each year.  Wander around the village in the morning, before heading out on a leopard safari in the afternoon. You might also spot panthers, hyenas, gazelles, bears, and crocodiles. After watching the sunset over the river with a cup of tea in hand, you’ll return to your camp, to enjoy a traditional Rajasthani banquet feast, trading wildlife stories and photos with your fellow adventurers.

Jodhpur is a striking azure contrast to the pink of Jaipur. This ‘Blue City’ is known for its equestrian culture, eponymous riding pants, and the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort that watches over it upon a hill. Enjoy a guided walk around some of the highlights of the city, such as the 18th century Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell, the clock tower and the eclectic markets of Jodphur.

It’s hard to imagine, but there are still more incredible sites to see in marvelous Jodhpur. The mesmerizing Umaid Bhawan Palace contains one of the world’s largest private residences, and it still has room for a Taj Hotel and a museum complex on the same property! The combination of Western Art Deco and Indo-Saracenic influences make this “Indo-Deco'' compound unique. Mehrangarh Fort is next. Explore the fort’s expansive courtyards and inspiring collections of art. In the evening, it’s time to take a sleeper train - an unmissable Indian travel experience - back to Delhi.

One of the greatest experiences of traveling in India is wandering, exploring, and talking to the locals. Back in Delhi, search for mementos at the street markets, try some chaat (snacks) from a street stall, or adventure to the parks and promenades of posh South Delhi. The day is yours to enjoy. If you’d like to continue with your guide, we’ll have a range of tours available to make further discoveries easy. Gather for a delicious farewell dinner, telling stories of adventures shared and savoring one last Indian meal together.

An incredible journey has come to an end… or has it? If you so choose, you could extend your trip to see more of this beautiful and unique country. Check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to India for itinerary inspiration.