India Experience, 13 Days

Arrive in Delhi and meet your group and your tour leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

Today you dive deep into the sights, sounds and smells of Delhi. Wandering the streets of Chawri Bazaar, your local guide will show you how little traditional life has changed. You'll get a taste of India's renowned cuisine as you sample local delicacies - street-side chaat, anyone? This afternoon you visit the magnificent, red-marbled Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and learn how religion has shaped this country. To finish off the city tour, you'll also visit Rajghat Memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and visit a Sikh Temple

Leaving the hectic streets of Delhi, this morning you'll catch a short flight to Jodhpur, a 700-year-old city in the desert famously known as the 'blue city'. You'll hop on some tuk tuks for a tour of the city before watching the sunset and heading out for dinner. 🌱 Small Change: You'll visit a local family-run cafe to enjoy masala chai tea at sunset.

Dominating the Jodhpur skyline, the impressive Mehrangarh Fort stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city and the desert plains below. Today you visit this sight to find out about the history of the area and check out some pretty impressive views. 🌱 Small Change: You'll visit Bishnoi Village to learn about the rural areas around Jodhpur, whilst supporting their family businesses.

It's time to leave city life behind as you venture into the Desert. You'll head out on a beautiful dune experience in some open-top Jeeps for sunset. Later, you will experience true Rajasthani hospitality and learn some traditional dancing.

Pushkar, one of India's holiest cities, is next on the agenda. You'll explore this city built around a holy lake with a walking tour, where you'll begin to understand why it is a sacred place for Hindu pilgrims to visit at least once in their lifetime. Boasting beautiful markets and (more) delicious food, this city is like nowhere else in Rajasthan. In the morning, you'll get a great view from Savitri Devi Temple to see the city from above. This afternoon you'll have some time to explore more of the city, or lounge by the pool.

Where better than the birthplace of yoga to get in touch with your inner yogi, so this morning you'll stretch into physical and mental peace with an included sunrise yoga class. After breakfast, you'll head to Jaipur, aka 'Pink City', where extravagant rose-tinted buildings await. This evening you visit a local family and help them prepare dinner. 🌱 Small Change: A local cooking demo at a family home, learning about local cooking techniques and supporting a family business.

Next you'll visit Jantar Mantar, Jaipur's Observatory. At almost 200 years old, it still houses incredibly sophisticated instruments, another marvel of Indian achievement.

Today, get a little wild. Leaving the madness of rickshaws and scooters behind, you're going for a complete change of pace, heading for the outskirts of one of India's largest and most renowned national parks. After checking in to the accommodation, there's time to chill. Later you're going full Indiana Jones mode, voyaging into the untouched jungle to explore Ranthambore Fort.

Tiger time! This morning is an early start as you head out on a sunrise safari to try and spot these big cats in the wild. Ranthambore National Park is brimming with wildlife - monkeys, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, peacocks, and even leopards, so you're sure to have an adventure. After the safari, check out the local area or have some well-earned R&R by the pool.

Departing the jungle, en-route to the next location you will stop at the Abhaneri Stepwell, an otherworldly structure built over 1000 years ago to conserve water and provide respite from the intense heat. Photos snapped, you'll make tracks to Agra and get a taste of what is to come by visiting the tomb of I'timãd-ud-Daulah, otherwise known as the Baby Taj. You're getting excited now…

Wake up early and witness the dawn illuminate the famous Taj Mahal with mesmerising golden glow. Yup, the best is saved til' last. One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, your local guide will share the Taj's history and secrets and show you some iconic spots to snap pics. With awoken imaginations and full camera rolls, you head back to the hotel for breakfast and drive back to South Delhi. Tonight you celebrate your adventure together with one last Indian feast, some drinks, and maybe even some Bollywood dancing.

Your 13 day tour must come to an end, but the majesty of India will stay in your memories for eternity. Those flying home or on to Sri Lanka as part of the combo tour will make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in India with your tour leader's help and the new friends you've made.