Day 1   Arrival in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! On arrival, your Adventure Leader will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities for today. After your long flight, you may want to freshen up and relax. If you arrive early and feel like going out to see the city, just talk with your Adventure Leader who will be on hand to assist you with directions, give you information on places to see, organize transport and point you in the right direction. Make sure you get plenty of rest today as we will start early in the morning tomorrow. This evening, there will be a group orientation meeting complete with traditional North Indian snacks and drinks where you'll have the opportunity to get to know your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers. After our orientation meeting, we’ll walk to a nearby local eatery for some tasty masala dosas (South Indian crepe stuffed with potatoes & spices). (Snacks, Dinner)

Day 2   Kishangarh

Today, we set out into the desert traveling to the kingdom of Kishangarh. Founded by a Jodhpur prince four centuries ago, the kingdom flourished with its military prowess and fortunes earned as a member of the Mughal court. Here, we’ll be staying at the Maharajah’s monsoon palace that was built in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before we head into the village exploring the colorful bazaar and centuries old streets of this founded in 1611 AD princely state. During our stay, be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon fed lake home. (Breakfast, Lunch) 

Day 3   Bikaner

Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a lively desert outpost surrounded by scattered sand dunes. Located on the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes, Bikaner was built as a trading center centuries ago. The charm of its golden days is still evident in the forts, palaces and havelis (mansions) that fill the city. Before arriving in Bikaner, we’ll stop at the village of Deshnok to visit the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple, home to hundreds of rats who roam freely as they are considered sacred. After arriving at our hotel and freshening up, we’ll meet in the early evening for drinks before heading off for dinner at an old royal palace a short distance from our hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4   Bikaner

After yoga, we’ll join a local Rajput family at their home for a tasty, traditional vegetarian breakfast. Finishing breakfast, we’ll explore the city’s storybook-like streets visiting the 16th century, impregnable Junagarh Fort. Considered one of India’s most impressive forts, it is also one of the few forts that were not built on a hill. This did not make it any less secure, with it’s formidable walls and moat - it was never conquered. From here, we’ll continue to explore the heart of the old city including its ancient ruins and auspicious temples. In the late afternoon, we’ll make a special visit to a local orphanage before settling down for the evening as guests of our friend and his family at their home for drinks, snacks and a delicious, home-cooked Bikaner-style vegetarian dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5   Jodhpur - Bhadrajun

Today, we travel to the rustic yet charming village of Bhadrajun. Here, we’ll be staying as personal guests of the Raja (equivalent of a Lord) at his 16th century palace residence. In this picturesque village, we have the opportunity to experience India well off the beaten track. On the way, we’ll stop in Jodhpur for lunch and visit the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the blue city on a rocky ridge. Upon arrival in Bhadrajun, we’ll freshen up before heading outside the village walls to a nearby farmhouse for sundowners and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6   Bhadrajun

The history of Bhadrajun dates back thousands of years and is even mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. We start the day with yoga on the palace walls, then we’re off to visit a local school. Later, we’ll explore the narrow-winding streets of this centuries old village before going by jeeps on safari into the desert to a remote and auspicious Hindu temple that dates back well over 3,000 years for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony. At nightfall, we return to our palace residence for traditional local drinks and a candlelight dinner as personal guests of the Raja’s family. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7   Bhadrajun

After yoga, we visit the Bishnois. The Bishnois are strict vegetarians and have been strong environmentalists for centuries. Known for their protection of the trees and wildlife that surround their villages, the Bishnois are self-sustaining and many of their villages, like the one we visit today – look similar to the way they’ve looked for hundreds of years. For lunch, we’ll be guests of a local family at their home before visiting a nearby village and Jain temple for aarti. In the evening, we’ll return to the royal residence where we’ll meet on the ramparts of the palace with breathtaking views overlooking the desert for drinks, dinner and a colorful evening of traditional music and dance. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8   Aranyawas

After breakfast, we drive to the magnificent 15th century Ranakpur Jain temple - one of the 5 holiest sites in the Jain religion. This awe-inspiring temple sprawls over 48,000 sq. ft., has 20 domes and is supported by 1,444 pillars. Later, we head up into the Aravalli Mountains to Aranyawas, a serene hillside eco-retreat surrounded by forests, rivers and small villages. This is our home for the next two days, where we stay in cottages with scenic views. The food prepared here is not only vegetarian, but also organic, with many of the vegetables grown in their own garden. At sunset, we hike into the fields where we’ll pick the veggies we’ll be using in tonight’s cooking class. Rolling up our sleeves, we’ll all pitch in under the guidance of the chef, where we’ll not only learn, but also cook, tonight’s meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9   Aranyawas

Our journey today takes us to the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh. This massive 15th century fortress rises 1,100 meters from a prominent ridge and is encompassed by a 20-mile long defensive wall. It has 7 majestic gates, 7 ramparts, soaring watchtowers and rounded bastions making it nearly impregnable. It also boasts excellent panoramic views of the Shero Mallah Valley. After spending the early afternoon at Kumbhalgarh, we head back to Aranyawas for a late lunch before taking a scenic hike through the surrounding fields and forests to a nearby Bhil (local tribe) village. As the evening approaches, we’ll settle down back at the retreat for a night of Bhil tribal music, dance, drinks and of course - more tasty food! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 & 11   Udaipur

The enchanting oasis city of Udaipur, often referred to as the Venice of the East, is one of the most romantic cities in India. Surrounded by lakes and rich in history, we’ll spend our time here taking in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan visiting stunning palaces, ancient temples and vibrant bazaars. One of the highlights of our stay here is our visit to a very special animal rescue organization known as Animal Aid. Located in a nearby village, they not only offer a hospital, but a home for the abused and neglected animals of the city. On our last night, we’ll sample the tastiest cuisine the oasis town has to offer – a Mewari feast at a local Rajput family’s house while enjoying traditional live music and sipping on a juice or a cold beer. (Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2))

Day 12   Roopangarh

From Udaipur, we make our way to the historical village of Roopangarh, once a hub of activity as it was located strategically on one of the main routes of the Mughals. Built in 1648, we’ll be staying at the Roopangarh Fort Palace, a captivating example of Rajput defensive architecture. Inside its intimidating fortifications are underground passages, armories and granaries, all evidence of its chivalrous past. The Maharajas here were also patrons of the arts and the area’s paintings, some of which you’ll see in the palace, are well known works of art throughout India. On arrival, you’ll have time to freshen up before we explore this medieval fort learning about the kingdom’s rich history. At sunset, we’ll settle down for tea and snacks on one of the royal terraces of the palace with stunning views of the surrounding desert before having dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13   Roopangarh

After yoga, we’ll explore the village of Roopangarh before setting out for India’s largest salt lake. Designated as a Ramsar site (recognized wetland of international importance), Sambhar Lake is home to thousands of migratory birds, including its most famous visitor - the colorful flamingo. The lake has also provided salt for the local communities for thousands of years. After exploring the lake’s wildlife, we’ll visit the local salt pans here where salt “farming” has been a way of life for generations and where they use many of the same methods used centuries ago. We’ll also visit the nearby Naliasar excavation site where 3rd century artifacts have been found and stop at Naliasar pond, a common watering hole for birds. As the sun sets, we’ll return to the palace for an evening of traditional music, drinks and a feast of local Marwari cuisine! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14   Bharatpur

In the morning, we set out for Bharatpur, home of the World Heritage Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. After checking in to our hotel and freshening up, we’ll head into the national park. A haven of wetlands and forests, the sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds including a selection of herons believed to be among the best in the world as well as a wide variety of other wildlife. We’ll explore the park by bicycle traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist before returning to our hotel for snacks, drinks and dinner around the campfire. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15   Bharatpur

In the morning, we’ll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, the well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 AD before being deserted. After exploring this ancient city, we’ll head out for Agra where we’ll visit India’s most famous landmark – the stunning Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal of course needs no introduction, and is a remarkable mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife – Mumtaj Mahal.  In the evening, we’ll gather around the campfire back at the hotel for snacks, drinks and a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16   Delhi

Today we travel to Delhi where our adventure ends after lunch. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel here or for any onward assistance, please contact your Adventure Leader who will be more than happy to help. (Breakfast, Lunch)