Inspirational India

Welcome to vibrant India! A delightful melting pot of old and new, you’ll start in dynamic Delhi, with its bustling backstreets, rich history and wealth of colours. On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. At 17:00, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant. Meals: D

In the morning you’ll be taken to Old Delhi where you will meet Masterji Kee Haveli, for a local foodie walk in Old Delhi, where you’ll witness the creation of Delhi’s famous street food, Indian culture and rich heritage. The tour takes you through the beautiful, narrow lanes of Delhi. Immerse yourself in the colour of this place while taking a walk either on foot or rickshaw. Visit an elegant old mansion that Masterji Kee Haveli built in typical ancient Indian architecture where you will be served a sumptuous meal. In the afternoon, visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to locals, travellers and those in need. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and children help serve food to the pangat. Meals: B, L

In the morning, enjoy sightseeing of New Delhi as you wander through the wide boulevards and drive along the ceremonial Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Humayun, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Explore more with Insight Choice. Choose an afternoon jewellery experience with a female artist and help create your own glass jewellery to take home. Alternatively, enjoy an Abhyangam wellness experience, a relaxing introduction to Ayurveda with two therapists massaging in a synchronized manner. Meals: B

In the morning, you’ll begin your journey to Agra. The main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty, this historical fort is made up of several impressive buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and The Muthamman Burj. It may not hold the same fame as the nearby Taj Mahal, but it is no less impressive. This evening visit Sheroes Hangout, an inspirational, one-of-a-kind women’s café that employs and empowers acid attack survivors from various backgrounds. Meals: B

This morning you will be shown how to dress in a saree to wear this traditional garment whilst visiting the lustrous Taj Mahal. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City, after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Along the way stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Jaipur this evening, visit an Indian family to join their Holika Dehan celebrations – a festivity before the main Holi festival. The family will perform a ceremony by lighting a bonfire to burn the evil on the eve of Holi. Later, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner with the family. Meals: B, L, D

This morning join in the festival of colour, Holi, symbolizing the end of winter and encouraging people to play, laugh, forgive and forget. You will be given Kurta pajama (Indian traditional dress) before taking to the streets to join the festivities with gulal (coloured powder) and water guns. After time to freshen up, in the afternoon, ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built-in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerize with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Once here, experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. For dinner, you’ll dine at 1135 A.D restaurant at Amber Fort. Situated at one of its highest points, the restaurant serves Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by beautiful décor and impeccable service. Meals: B, L, D

Start your day with early morning yoga alongside a female yoga guru and explore the deeper meaning of the postures, breathing and yogic activities. Later, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. Meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw, a company dedicated to supporting the employment of women from low-income households. Listen as they recount stories of their lives from growing up in the slums to proudly developing their skills to be part of this inspiring opportunity. Delight in their enthusiasm and knowledge as they take you on a city tour of Jaipur. Explore more with Insight Choice. Enjoy a hand painting demonstration to discover the art of ‘Mehndi’ with natural ‘Henna’ powders. Alternatively, join a fun Bollywood dance class to learn the famous dance form used in Indian films. Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the blue city of Jodhpur, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri for the many Brahmins that live there. Stop at Sunder Rang arts and crafts project in the village of Chandelao. Sunder Rang means beautiful colours in Hindi, symbolizing women’s colourful clothes and men’s bright turbans along with the richness in culture, crafts, people and traditions in Rajasthan. The project started on International Women’s Day in 2007 with an average of 20 women working at the centre, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts items for both local and export markets and all working on a fair-trade basis. This evening walk through Jodhpur’s bustling clock tower market and experience everyday life in the city. Meals: B, L

Enjoy a visit to a Bishnoi village by jeep. The Bishnois have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the survival of species like the rare Black Buck antelope, India’s most beautiful antelope. In the afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. The Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a 150-metre hill, is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. The architectural landmark of Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Next, get in touch with your mystic as you meet a women astrologer who will try to predict your destiny by studying the palm of your hand or the stars based on your birth date and place. This evening, dine at the niche Khaas Bagh restaurant, where vintage class and imperial flamboyance meet. The stunning Indo-Islamic-Colonial style building is complemented by handpicked memorabilia of the ‘Raj Period’ including a fleet of classic vintage cars. Meals: B, L, D

In the morning, depart for Udaipur. Dating back to 1559, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. Along the way visit Ranakpur Jain temples and explore their elaborate carvings and classic architecture. Meet the priest of the temple and attend an exclusive prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Meals: B, L

Start with a morning visit to Udaipur, explore the City Palace complex and wander through the markets and bazaars to visit the Jagdish Temple, as well as the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Visit the non-profit organization – Seva Mandir, which works not only to improve women’s material well-being but to build stronger and more ethical communities by making them aware of their rights. This evening, cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola before enjoying a special Celebration Dinner with the Bedla family, who welcome you with fascinating stories and a variety of culinary delights based on authentic family recipes inherited over two centuries. Meals: B, D

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Udaipur airport. An included flight back to Delhi is available. Meals: B