

Asia
13 days
12 nights
14 people
Easy
Art & Culture
Rajasthan is India at its most colorful. This adventure uncovers every shade of the rainbow as you gaze upon rosy Hawa Mahal and its 953 windows, roam the ornate mosaic halls of Amber Fort, and explore the dazzling "Blue City" of Jodhpur. Loop the “Land of Kings” from Delhi and back to spot leopards on a safari, wander street markets and bazaars, and experience the cultural maze of Jaipur. Journey by rail, a highlight of South Asian travel, back to Delhi, enjoying miles of gorgeous countryside and sips of masala chai tea.
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.
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.
Hotel Diplomat or similar, New Delhi
Welcome Dinner
Hotel Diplomat or similar, New Delhi
Welcome Dinner
Begin your first full day on a walking tour in the old city of Delhi, the center of dynasties and empires 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.
Begin your first full day on a walking tour in the old city of Delhi, the center of dynasties and empires 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.
Hotel Diplomat or similar, New Delhi
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Diplomat or similar, New Delhi
Breakfast, Dinner
Trains connect every corner of India. Your journey to Jaipur introduces you to the friendly locals and gorgeous scenery that define an Indian rail adventure. Jaipur is both a cultural capital and a marvel of city planning, where the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, where maharajas once lived. Watch a Bollywood movie this afternoon in one of the most popular and majestic cinema halls in the country, a red-carpet spot for Indian film premieres since the 1970s. Then enjoy a thrilling eco-friendly rickshaw ride that will take you past the famous sights of Jaipur, such as the Hawa Mahal palace, the Albert Hall Museum and bustling spice markets.
Trains connect every corner of India. Your journey to Jaipur introduces you to the friendly locals and gorgeous scenery that define an Indian rail adventure. Jaipur is both a cultural capital and a marvel of city planning, where the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, where maharajas once lived. Watch a Bollywood movie this afternoon in one of the most popular and majestic cinema halls in the country, a red-carpet spot for Indian film premieres since the 1970s. Then enjoy a thrilling eco-friendly rickshaw ride that will take you past the famous sights of Jaipur, such as the Hawa Mahal palace, the Albert Hall Museum and bustling spice markets.
Hotel Alsisar Haveli or similar, Jaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Alsisar Haveli or similar, Jaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a visit 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.
Start your day with a visit 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.
Hotel Narain Niwas, or similar, Jaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
For departures before May 1, 2024 this day will be a rick-shaw tour through the city and a Bollywood film at an iconic theater.
Hotel Narain Niwas, or similar, Jaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
Today, venture to Bundi, which boasts the ornate palaces and vibrant artistic tradition of India’s must-see cities, concentrated in a charming hillside village. Take in some of the best of Indian life, from savoriing the famous, local masala chai to breathing in the aromatic spices from the town’s eclectic street food vendors.
Today, venture to Bundi, which boasts the ornate palaces and vibrant artistic tradition of India’s must-see cities, concentrated in a charming hillside village. Take in some of the best of Indian life, from savoriing the famous, local masala chai to breathing in the aromatic spices from the town’s eclectic street food vendors.
Hotel Hadoti Palace, or similar, Bundi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Hadoti Palace, or similar, Bundi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a traditional Indian breakfast, venture through the lush lakes and “broken hills” of the Aravalli Mountains on your way to the incredible 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. This evening, revel in a vivid display of traditional dance in a heritage haveli (traditional, private dwelling), demonstrating why Udaipur has assumed a reputation as a vanguard of traditional Rajasthani artistic traditions.
After a traditional Indian breakfast, venture through the lush lakes and “broken hills” of the Aravalli Mountains on your way to the incredible 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. This evening, revel in a vivid display of traditional dance in a heritage haveli (traditional, private dwelling), demonstrating why Udaipur has assumed a reputation as a vanguard of traditional Rajasthani artistic traditions.
Hotel Udaigarh, or similar, Udaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Udaigarh, or similar, Udaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
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. After an afternoon free to explore the streets and lakeshores of town, learn the masala method at an Indian cooking class.
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. After an afternoon free to explore the streets and lakeshores of town, learn the masala method at an Indian cooking class.
Hotel Udaigarh, or similar, Udaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Udaigarh, or similar, Udaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
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. This evening, we reach our home for the next two nights, the luxury tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge.
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. This evening, we reach our home for the next two nights, the luxury tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge.
Tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge, Jawai Dam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge, Jawai Dam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jawai is a small village known for a large dam. You’re one of the few lucky travelers that will discover the stunning natural beauty of this area, a lushness that attracts and supports a wide diversity of wildlife. Head out on safari to find the many leopard for which this area is known, but don’t let that limit you. Panthers, hyenas, gazelles, bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species also call this home. Back at camp, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani banquet feast, trading wildlife stories and photos with your fellow adventurers.
Jawai is a small village known for a large dam. You’re one of the few lucky travelers that will discover the stunning natural beauty of this area, a lushness that attracts and supports a wide diversity of wildlife. Head out on safari to find the many leopard for which this area is known, but don’t let that limit you. Panthers, hyenas, gazelles, bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species also call this home. Back at camp, enjoy a traditional Rajasthani banquet feast, trading wildlife stories and photos with your fellow adventurers.
Tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge, Jawai Dam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tents at the Jawai Pug Marg Safari Lodge, Jawai Dam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jodhpur is a striking azure contrast to the pink of Jaipur. This “Blue City” is known for its equestrian culture, the eponymous riding pants, and the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort that watches over it upon a hill. Explore the fort’s expensive courtyards and inspiring collections of art before moving on to the ornate marble palace of Jaswant Thada. Aside from also being built as a memorial, this building’s intricate carvings and symmetry draw obvious comparisons to the Taj Mahal.
Jodhpur is a striking azure contrast to the pink of Jaipur. This “Blue City” is known for its equestrian culture, the eponymous riding pants, and the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort that watches over it upon a hill. Explore the fort’s expensive courtyards and inspiring collections of art before moving on to the ornate marble palace of Jaswant Thada. Aside from also being built as a memorial, this building’s intricate carvings and symmetry draw obvious comparisons to the Taj Mahal.
Kankariya Heritage, or similar, Jodhpur
Breakfast, Dinner
Kankariya Heritage, or similar, Jodhpur
Breakfast, Dinner
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. After a stop at the surreal hand-carved sandstone staircases of Toorji Ka Jhalra, it’s time to take a sleeper train - an unmissable Indian travel experience - back to Delhi.
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. After a stop at the surreal hand-carved sandstone staircases of Toorji Ka Jhalra, it’s time to take a sleeper train - an unmissable Indian travel experience - back to Delhi.
Sleeper car on the train
Breakfast, Dinner
Sleeper car on the train
Breakfast, Dinner
One of the greatest experiences of traveling in India is wandering, exploring, and talking to the kind people. 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 discovery easy. Gather for a delicious farewell dinner, telling stories of adventures shared and savoring one last Indian meal together.
One of the greatest experiences of traveling in India is wandering, exploring, and talking to the kind people. 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 discovery easy. Gather for a delicious farewell dinner, telling stories of adventures shared and savoring one last Indian meal together.
The Park, or similar, New Delhi
Breakfast, Dinner
The Park, or similar, New Delhi
Breakfast, Dinner
An incredible journey has come to an end… or has it? If you so choose, extend your trip to see India’s most famous wonder: The Taj Mahal.
Transfer by private car to the Northern Indian city of Agra, one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to one splendid building, the Taj Mahal. This breathtaking monument to heartbreak was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his most beloved consort. See it the way it was meant to be seen: at sunset, when the pink sky tints the marble dome.
An incredible journey has come to an end… or has it? If you so choose, extend your trip to see India’s most famous wonder: The Taj Mahal.
Transfer by private car to the Northern Indian city of Agra, one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to one splendid building, the Taj Mahal. This breathtaking monument to heartbreak was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his most beloved consort. See it the way it was meant to be seen: at sunset, when the pink sky tints the marble dome.
Hotel Atulya Taj, Agra
Breakfast, Dinner (for Taj Mahal extension)
For the Agra extension, the group will continue on without their Trip Leader. A private driver will take the group down to Agra where a local guide will join.
Hotel Atulya Taj, Agra
Breakfast, Dinner (for Taj Mahal extension)
The morning begins with a trip to Agra’s other unmissable attraction, the mighty, red-walled compound of the Agra Fort. Be guided through this defense structure turned grand palace that was a jewel in the crown of various empires that have ruled this area. This afternoon is free to explore the markets and lively streets of Agra. We highly recommend a visit to the Sheroes Hangout, a humanitarian project and cafe that employs women disfigured by acid attacks.
The morning begins with a trip to Agra’s other unmissable attraction, the mighty, red-walled compound of the Agra Fort. Be guided through this defense structure turned grand palace that was a jewel in the crown of various empires that have ruled this area. This afternoon is free to explore the markets and lively streets of Agra. We highly recommend a visit to the Sheroes Hangout, a humanitarian project and cafe that employs women disfigured by acid attacks.
Hotel Atulya Taj, Agra
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Atulya Taj, Agra
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning offers a few final adventures, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, an enormous abandoned city, on your way back to Delhi where our adventure comes to an end. Make sure not to book a flight before 8 pm, as you won’t be back in the city until at least 3 pm.
The morning offers a few final adventures, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, an enormous abandoned city, on your way back to Delhi where our adventure comes to an end. Make sure not to book a flight before 8 pm, as you won’t be back in the city until at least 3 pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy. The cost of the Taj Mahal extension is $390 per person based on double occupancy. The Taj Mahal extension will not be offered from May 1st, 2024 onwards.
The minimum group size for us to operate the extension is 4 guests. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in taking the extension. Before booking your international airline tickets, check with us to ensure the trip and extension are confirmed above minimum participation requirements.
Two of our departures will occur during Indian festivals. Holi is the Festival of Colors and will take place in March. Held in the spring, it is a vibrant celebration of love often featuring colored powder liberally shared.
Diwali is the five day Festival of Lights taking place in late October. Diwali celebrations are varied and diverse, but often include fireworks, exchanging sweets and gifts, and a focus on renewal and prosperity. There is a modest surcharge on both of these departures to accommodate the popularity of accommodations and other services during this period.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy. The cost of the Taj Mahal extension is $390 per person based on double occupancy. The Taj Mahal extension will not be offered from May 1st, 2024 onwards.
The minimum group size for us to operate the extension is 4 guests. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in taking the extension. Before booking your international airline tickets, check with us to ensure the trip and extension are confirmed above minimum participation requirements.
Two of our departures will occur during Indian festivals. Holi is the Festival of Colors and will take place in March. Held in the spring, it is a vibrant celebration of love often featuring colored powder liberally shared.
Diwali is the five day Festival of Lights taking place in late October. Diwali celebrations are varied and diverse, but often include fireworks, exchanging sweets and gifts, and a focus on renewal and prosperity. There is a modest surcharge on both of these departures to accommodate the popularity of accommodations and other services during this period.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $975. The extension single supplement is $75.
Supplemental cost for trips after May 1, 2024: $760USD
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $975. The extension single supplement is $75.
Supplemental cost for trips after May 1, 2024: $760USD
India is a bustling country with many high-population cities. Travelers should be prepared for high-energy, high-stimulation (sounds, and colors, and sights, and smells). Some may find the air quality challenging in cities with dense traffic. This trip covers a lot of ground so travelers should be able to easily move their suitcases on and off of cars and trains.
In general, travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles over the course of each day, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
India is a bustling country with many high-population cities. Travelers should be prepared for high-energy, high-stimulation (sounds, and colors, and sights, and smells). Some may find the air quality challenging in cities with dense traffic. This trip covers a lot of ground so travelers should be able to easily move their suitcases on and off of cars and trains.
In general, travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles over the course of each day, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
You should plan to arrive in Delhi any time on Day 1. We recommend booking your flight home with a departure time from Delhi any time on Day 13. If you are joining the extension, we will return to Delhi around 3:00 p.m. on Day 15 so connecting international flights should not depart before 8:00 p.m.
You should plan to arrive in Delhi any time on Day 1. We recommend booking your flight home with a departure time from Delhi any time on Day 13. If you are joining the extension, we will return to Delhi around 3:00 p.m. on Day 15 so connecting international flights should not depart before 8:00 p.m.
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Your participation in this trip will provide significant financial contributions to the communities we visit, directly supporting small businesses, schools, villages, and local families. In addition, this trip's focus on traditional customs will help to preserve and maintain them for future generations.
India can easily accommodate vegetarian travelers as a significant portion of the population doesn't eat meat. Most other dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in most cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you. It can be difficult to guarantee there is no risk of cross contamination.
A visa is required for travel to India. Please check requirements for travel to India and any countries passed through in transit. Apply online or through a visa service. A passport is required for international travel. We recommend your passport expire at least six months after your return home.
The CDC recommends all travelers be up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Please check these recommendations and discuss them with your doctor.
You should plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 13. Delhi International Airport (DEL) connects to a range of flight hubs in Asia and Europe. The best flight connections to Delhi are offered by Air India and Turkish Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip for more details.
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
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Have a question for us? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.