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   Bharatpur

After breakfast, we hit the road 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 3   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 early evening, we head back to our hotel and gather around the campfire for snacks, drinks and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 4   Kishangarh

Founded in 1611, the Kingdom of Kishangarh 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 built on the banks of a monsoon fed lake just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll explore the colorful bazaars and centuries old streets of this charming princely state. After exploring the village, we’ll return to the palace for an evening of drinks, food and traditional Marwari music. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 5   Kishangarh

After yoga, we set 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. Later, we’ll head out to explore the nearby village of Roopangarh where we’ll catch sunset at its palace enjoying epic views of the surrounding desert, drinks, snacks and a feast of local Marwari cuisine! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 6   Bhadrajun 

Today we get an opportunity to experience India well off the beaten track as we travel on the back-roads of Rajasthan 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. The history of Bhadrajun actually dates back thousands of years and is even mentioned in the famous ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. This picturesque village will be our home for the next three days as we focus on local rural village life, culture and customs. Upon arrival in Bhadrajun, you’ll have time to freshen up before we head outside the village walls by foot into the countryside to a nearby farmhouse for sunset, sundowners, snacks and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7  Bhadrajun

In the morning, we begin our day with yoga on the palace walls before we set out to visit a nearby local school. Returning to the palace, we’ll explore the narrow-winding storybook-like streets of this centuries old village. Later in the afternoon, we’ll hop aboard jeeps and go on safari into the desert outback to catch sunset from atop a sand dune. After the sun dips into the arid desert horizon, we’ll continue by jeeps further out to a remote and auspicious Hindu temple that dates back well over 3,000 years for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony. As night falls, we’ll 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 8   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 join a local family at their home for a tasty vegetarian meal. Returning to the palace, we’ll freshen up then we’re off to spend time at a nearby village before visiting a local Jain temple for aarti. Later, we’ll meet on the ramparts of the palace with breathtaking views overlooking the desert for a colorful evening of traditional music, dance, drinks, snacks and dinner! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 9   Aranyawas

Today 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, the oldest mountain range in all of India, 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 10  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. In the afternoon, we head back to Aranyawas for lunch before taking a scenic hike through the surrounding fields and forests to a nearby Bhil (local tribe) village. As evening approaches, we’ll settle down back at the retreat for a night of Bhil tribal music, dance, drinks and more tasty food! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 11   Mount Abu

With lush forests, lakes and a cool climate, it is no wonder why the picturesque town of Mt. Abu, located on the highest peak of the Aravalli Mountains, attracted the ruling elite of old Rajasthan including the British, who made it their summer capital. However, well before they set up shop, sages and saints were attracted by the peak’s serenity, making it home to many sacred sites – the most stunning of which is the legendary Jain Dilwara Temples. Dating back to the 11th century, the craftsmanship of these intricately-carved marble temples is nothing less than striking. After the temples, we’re off to Guru Shikhar. Standing at 5,676 feet, it is the highest peak between the Himalayas in the north and the Nilgiris in the south. On reaching the top, we’ll enjoy brilliant views for sunset before heading back to town where we’ll take a stroll along Nakki Lake and have dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12   Ahmedabad

After breakfast, we head out for Ahmedabad, the central city and economic capital of Gujarat - one of the staunchest vegetarian states in India. Here we’ll visit the grandest of Gujarat’s famous step wells, Adalaj Wav. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, the reigning Islamic ruler of the time, Adalaj Wav was a reprieve for the royal family as well as for weary travelers and pilgrims during the long dry summer months. From the step wells we set off for Sabarmati Ashram. Founded by Mahatma Gandhi on the outskirts of the main city, the ashram was the base for the Indian freedom struggle transforming it into a symbol of non-violence and peace. After returning to our hotel and freshening up, we’ll go for dinner at one of the city’s finest vegetarian restaurants for a pure Gujarati feast. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)   

Day 13   Sasan Gir – Safari Tent Camp

Today we drive across the plains of Gujarat to Sasan Gir – home of the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.  We’ll be roughing it out for the next couple days staying just outside the sanctuary on the edge of the forest in tents where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the jungle and its surroundings.  Before arriving at Sasan Gir, we’ll stop at the Mahabat Maqbara in Junagadh. A stunning and intricate catacomb of the former Nawab rulers, the Mahabat Maqbara is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture found in Gujarat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 14   Sasan Gir – Safari Tent Camp 

The last remaining habitat of the Asiatic Lion, the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a mixture of thick forests, banyan trees, rivers and streams.  In addition to being the home of the last remaining Asiatic Lions in the wild, the wildlife sanctuary is also home to leopards, deer, antelope, wild boar, monkeys, jackals and a plethora of bird varieties. After our morning yoga session down by the creek and breakfast, we’ll visit the sanctuaries orientation center where you’ll find information and details on the animals of the national park. After lunch, we’ll hop aboard jeeps and head out into the jungle on safari returning to camp at nightfall. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)   

Day 15 & 16   Diu

Leaving the jungle behind, we head out for the western coast of Gujarat stopping at Somnath Temple, a highly sacred Hindu pilgrimage site held in great reverence throughout India. After visiting the temple, we travel to the 15th century colonial Portuguese island settlement of Diu. Nestled off the coast of Gujarat in the Arabian Sea, Diu is a unique fusion of history, sun, sand and sea. The town is a maze of winding streets filled with colorful buildings and ornate cathedrals; the centerpiece being the 1541 built massive and impregnable Portuguese Fort - complete with a moat. We’ll spend two days here taking in the relaxed pace of the old settlement including exploring the island’s historical sites as well as natural beauty where you’ll have plenty of free time to wander around the town, spend time on the beach - or both - whatever you feel up for. (Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1), Dinner (x1))

Day 17 & 18   Palitana

From the coast of the Arabian Sea, we journey inland to Palitana, the most important pilgrimage site in the Jain religion. A faith devoted to strict vegetarianism, Jainism is based on the principals that all living creatures should be treated with mutual respect and no one life is greater than the other. Resting at the foot of Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana is the base camp of one of India’s most scenic and extraordinary pilgrimage sites. Here we begin our climb up 3,500 steps to the summit where over 850 meticulously carved temples adorn the tranquil spiritual peak, which is complimented by epic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and valleys below. While here, we’ll be staying outside the town at the hundred year old, royal country retreat of the Gohil Rajputs, where we’ll also visit the nearby tribal villages. (Brunch (x1), Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1), Snacks (x1), Dinner (x2))  

Day 19, 20 & 21   Udaipur 

After breakfast, we set out on the road leaving the plains of Gujarat behind heading back into the desert for the enchanting oasis city of Udaipur.  Arriving in the early evening at our home for the next three days, a charming old noble’s haveli set alongside the banks of the Lake Pichola, we’ll settle into our rooms with picturesque views of the lake, the historical city and Royal Palace. After freshening up, we’ll meet on the rooftop where we’ll unwind over snacks and drinks while watching the colors of the old city change to night.

Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is one of the most romantic towns in India. Surrounded by lakes, rolling hills and rich in history, we’ll spend our time here taking in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan visiting this over four centuries old city’s 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. We’ll spend the morning and early afternoon with them out at their base in the village of Chota Hawala where 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 chilled juice or a cold beer. (Breakfast (x3), Lunch (x3), Dinner (x2))

Day 22   Udaipur - Train to Delhi 

You’ll have the day free to wander around the city on your own before we meet up in the evening to catch the night train to Delhi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 23   Delhi

We arrive in Delhi by train and 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. (Lunch)