India – Colors & Culture of Northern India

After enjoying our breakfast, we will delve into the charm of Old Delhi. Guided by a local storyteller, we will navigate the labyrinthine streets and explore the most notable culinary destinations in the area. This tour will encompass several of Delhi’s remarkable landmarks, and we will relish lunch at one of the city’s iconic restaurants. The morning will be dedicated to immersing ourselves in the Indian atmosphere and experiencing the local street customs.

Following this tour, we will proceed to visit the impressive Akshardham Temple complex, and afterward, return to our hotel for some rest. As the day comes to a close, we will make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutb Minar to witness a beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we’ll depart from Delhi for a scenic 5-hour drive to Jaipur. Upon reaching Jaipur, we’ll settle in and enjoy a satisfying lunch. We’ll then explore the heart of the city, visiting key landmarks of the city center and allowing time for you to explore the vibrant markets that surround us. After a full day of exploration, we’ll wind down with a group dinner and some leisure time in the evening.

Early in the morning, we’ll set out on a brief hike to witness the sunrise over Jaipur, providing a magical start to the day. Next, we’ll explore the striking Jaipur wall and pay a visit to the majestic Jaipur Fort, where we’ll delve into the city’s rich heritage and culture. Our next stop will be the picturesque Jal Mahal, a palace seemingly afloat on a serene lake, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

Afterwards, we’ll savor a delightful lunch and then visit the impressive Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan temple. Following these enriching experiences, we’ll return to our hotel for some well-deserved rest. In the evening, we’ll relish a dinner at a charming rooftop restaurant.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque Patricia Gate. From there, we’ll take a short drive to a charming local village renowned for its handicrafts, with a special emphasis on block printing. Our day begins with an immersive village tour, where we’ll gain insights into the craft and its cultural significance to the local people. Following that, we’ll participate in a hands-on workshop where we’ll learn the art of creating the vibrant colors used for the prints. Once we’ve mastered this technique, we’ll have the opportunity to design and print our own patterns on a scarf, a beautiful keepsake to bring back home with us.

We depart from Jaipur in the morning and make our first stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. The site features an array of monuments and temples, including the grand Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. After our visit, we continue our journey to Agra, where we will check in to our hotel and take some time to unwind. In the afternoon, we partake in a Yoga session with the Taj Mahal as a backdrop and enjoy a delightful cooking class in the home of a local family.

To beat the crowds and witness the Taj Mahal’s beauty at its best, we head there at sunrise. We have ample time to explore this iconic monument and capture some stunning photographs. Following our visit, we will return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Later, we visit local marble artisans to discover the techniques employed in crafting the Taj. Our day continues with a visit to the historic Agra Fort and concludes with a brief sunset tour.

After breakfast, we embark on a captivating walk through Agra’s Old Town, unearthing the city’s hidden treasures. We then visit a workshop where skilled embroiderers practice the traditional art of Zardosi. Following this, we explore lesser-known monuments in Agra before returning to the hotel to freshen up. In the evening, we board a first-class sleeping train, experiencing an Indian overnight train journey.

Upon reaching Varanasi train station, our driver will pick us up. We begin with a walking tour along the ghats, guided by a local expert who introduces us to one of the world’s oldest cities and India’s spiritual heart. After lunch and some leisure time, we enjoy a boat ride at sunset to the renowned Dashashwamedh Ghat, where we witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a significant Hindu ceremony.

With the sunrise, we embark on a boat ride to witness the city’s beauty from the water, with Varanasi’s birds flying above us. Following this, we journey to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Here, we explore various landmarks before returning to the hotel for a relaxed evening.

Following breakfast, we embark on an art tour, gaining insight into the craftsmanship of saree silk artisans. Later, we head to the airport and return to Delhi. After some downtime, we venture out for our farewell dinner, with the option of an enjoyable night out.

As our journey concludes, we provide breakfast and coordinate airport transfers based on your flight schedule. We trust you had an enjoyable trip and wish you a safe and pleasant flight back home.