Itinerary

Day 1   Arrival in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! On arrival, you will be met at the airport by your VegVoyages' Adventure Leader and chauffeured to the hotel in your own private air-conditioned vehicle. There are no planned activities until the evening. After your long flight, you may want to relax, freshen up with a dip in the pool, get a soothing massage in the hotel's beauty center or head to your room to catch up on some rest before we meet in the evening. At sunset, you'll sit down with your Adventure Leader for your orientation meeting where, over candlelight snacks and drinks, we'll discuss the adventure ahead in detail. After the meeting, we'll head out into the heart of New Delhi to a popular local vegetarian cafe for a tasty feast before returning to the hotel for the evening. (Snacks, Dinner)


Day 2   Bharatpur

After a hearty buffet breakfast, your adventure will begin as we head to Bharatpur - home of the UNESCO World Heritage Keoladeo Ghana National Park - stopping for lunch along the way. We'll be staying at a 200-year-old royal garden retreat set amongst 12 acres of verdant trees and flowers. After checking in, we'll head to 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. You'll explore the park by bicycle or peddle rickshaw (your choice) traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide before returning to your hotel. Arriving back at the hotel, you'll have a time to cool off in the pool and freshen up before sitting down for a candle lit dinner in the royal garden. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 3   Bharatpur

Following yoga in the garden and breakfast, we'll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by the religiously tolerant Muslim Emperor Akbar, the well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 AD before being deserted. Fatehpur Sikri's architecture is a combination of both Islamic and Hindu elements. Next, it's on to Agra - home of the Taj Mahal. First, we'll eat at a popular South Indian vegetarian restaurant for lunch, before visiting India's most famous landmark - the stunning Taj Mahal, a remarkable mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife - Mumtaj Mahal. When one sees it in person understanding its history, the feeling is best summed up in the words of Rabindranath Tagore who described the tomb as "one tear drop...upon the cheek of time". Returning to our royal garden oasis in the early evening, you'll settle down for a rejuvenating traditional Ayurvedic massage - the perfect way to end a day of exploring. After, you'll have a romantic candle lit dinner by the pool before calling it a day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 4   Kishangarh

After yoga and breakfast, you'll set off across the desert with your Adventure Leader to Kishangarh. En route you'll visit Abhaneri village and its epic Chand Baoli step-well. Said to be the deepest and largest step-well in India, its history dates back well over half a millennium. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in the romantic desert 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. The Maharajahs here were not only known for their successes on the battlefield, but also as patrons of the arts and the area's paintings, many of which adorn the walls of their palaces - including the one you'll be residing at for the next two nights, are well known throughout India. While here, you'll be staying at the Maharajah's beautiful monsoon palace built in 1871 just outside the massive walls of the medieval Kishangarh Fort on the banks of the monsoon fed Gundalao Lake. Your lakeside room has gorgeous views of the calm waters of the lake that catch the desert winds and are home to kites, peacocks, herons and wild ducks. After arrival, you'll have time to freshen up, relax and enjoy the palace grounds until we meet up in the early evening on the palace verandah for fresh limejuice, tea and snacks before heading out to explore the colorful bazaars and centuries old streets of this charming princely state. As night slowly falls upon the desert landscape, you'll return to the palace and freshen up before enjoying a romantic candle lit dinner on the palace rooftop terrace overlooking the lake. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 5   Kishangarh

Today it's breakfast in bed before setting out to learn a little bit about marble. Rajasthan is famous for its marble - you'll see it in temples, homes and palaces and this morning you'll get a chance to find out how it comes to be - from the quarry, to the cutting factory to the final product. After learning about marble, we'll head out to the banks of one of India's largest salt lakes, Sambhar Lake, which has provided the local communities with salt for thousands of years. Throughout its history Rajputs, Mughals and British alike, have all exploited this rich source of salt. Here, we'll visit the salt works and pans, where you'll see salt "farmed" using many of the same methods used centuries ago. If we're lucky, we may also see some of the lakes colorful but shy winged visitors, the flamingos. After visiting the salt flats, we'll head to the village of Roopangarh for lunch where we'll dine in a royal palace that dates back to 1648 before exploring the centuries-old streets of this colorful medieval town. Returning to our palace in the late afternoon, you'll have free time to relax, explore the village on your own or just kick back on the verandah outside your lakeside room taking in the royal splendor and peacefulness of a bygone era. In the early evening, you'll settle down on the royal terrace of the palace where you'll enjoy great views of the lake and old city over drinks, snacks and local Marwari cuisine while being serenaded by local village folk musicians. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 6   Jodhpur

After yoga and a sumptuous breakfast on the verandah of your room looking out over the lake, we'll depart for the 15th century medieval city of Jodhpur. Reaching Jodhpur, you'll check into the deluxe suite of an old regal residence owned by one of the members of the Jodhpur Royal Family. Your suite opens up to a beautiful garden often visited by peacocks. You'll enjoy a peaceful lunch in the lush garden before having some time to relax and take a dip in the pool. Later in the afternoon we'll make our way to the center of the old city and up to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Referred to as the "citadel of the sun", the foundation of this fort was laid in 1459. The fort is the centerpiece of the town as it towers over the city on a rocky ridge overlooking the blue painted Brahmin houses sprawled out below. Surrounded by huge thick walls, a series of winding lanes and solid, elephant proofed spiked gates; the fort can be seen jetting out on the horizon from miles away. After, we'll return to Devi Bhawan - where you'll have time to freshen up before settling down for a soothing traditional Indian massage to help you unwind before dinner. Tonight you'll enjoy a candle lit dinner at the current palace of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan. This beautiful palace is a testament to the local artisans and builders' skills, and has been visited by royalty from around the world. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 7   Bhadrajun

After enjoying a late breakfast in bed, we'll head well off-the-beaten-track and cut deep into the hinterlands of Rajasthan's desert to the rustic yet charming village of Bhadrajun. For the next three days this will be your home where you'll be staying as personal guests of the Raja (equivalent of a Lord) of the village at his 16th century palace residence where you'll have a chance to experience local village life, customs and culture.
 
he history of this picturesque town dates back thousands of years and is even mentioned in the Mahabharata. Bhadrajun's name is actually based on a romantic story in its own right, an ancient Indian tale. It is believed that the greatest warrior of that age "Arjun", an archer, fell in love with "Subhadra", the sister of Lord Krishna. They were undergoing a sentence where they had to stay in the jungle for 11 years and stay hidden for the last one year. The love affair started during the last year of the sentence; hence Arjun and Subhadra had to marry without being identified by any body. Lord Krishna had no objection to this marriage and helped the lovers move as fast as they could in a twin-horse driven chariot for three nights and two days nonstop to reach the valley where the village of Bhadrajun is situated today. The eloped couple got married here in the valley. Soon after Subhadra and Arjun got married in the valley, people started settling in this area and the new village was named "Subhadrajun", which was later abbreviated to "Bhadrajun".
 
After settling into your room and freshening up, we'll sit down for lunch in the palace dining hall where you'll have the opportunity to learn a little more about the village and palace. After lunch, you'll have time to relax a little before we set out to explore the storybook-like streets of this centuries old village visiting local artisans in their workshops making everything form clay pots to gold and silver jewelry. In the late afternoon you'll walk to a small hill fort that was once used as a lookout point and barracks for the palace's army. Here you'll enjoy stunning views of the desert plains and vistas while sipping on traditional India "masala chai" (spiced tea). We'll return to our palace residence where you'll have time to freshen up and relax before sitting down for traditional local drinks and snacks as personal guests of the Raja's family. After drinks, you'll enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner on the palace ramparts accompanied by the timeless, seductive tunes of local village musicians. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 8   Bhadrajun

After yoga and a leisurely late breakfast, you'll hop aboard the Raja's jeep and head outside the palace walls to visit a nearby local farmhouse. After, we'll continue on to the local village school where you'll be welcomed as honored guests of the students and teachers. We'll then head out to an old temple with great desert views for a sumptuous picnic lunch. Returning to the palace after lunch, you'll have the chance to relax before we meet in the late afternoon for a jeep safari deep into the desert where you'll catch a splendid sunset viewed from the top of a sand dune. As the sun slowly dips into the arid desert horizon, we'll continue by jeeps out to a remote and auspicious Hindu Temple that dates back well over 3,000 years for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony. As the moon begins to light up the desert sky, you'll settle down atop a sand dune around a campfire for a romantic dinner and drinks under the stars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 9   Bhadrajun

Enjoy another leisurely late breakfast before heading out into the desert. Today you'll visit a local Bishnoi village. 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 one of the Bishnoi families at their home for a traditional local vegetarian Bishnoi meal. After lunch, we'll head back to the palace where you'll have time to freshen up and relax until we meet later in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, we'll visit a local girl's school located just outside the village walls where we'll join the students in the popular village game of sitolia. From the school we'll head further outside the walled town to a colorful shepherds village, where brightly attired locals go about their lives much as they have for centuries - their vibrant clothes standing out in stark contrast to the desert around. As the sunsets, you'll return to the palace where you'll have time to freshen up before meeting on the ramparts. Settling down in royal fashion on cushions and bolsters under a moonlit sky with breathtaking views of the village and the endless desert horizon beyond, you'll enjoy a colorful evening of traditional music, dance, drinks, snacks and a tasty feast of local vegetarian specialties. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 10   Aranyawas

After sleeping in, we'll say goodbye to Bhadrajun and head outside the village walls for our last time. We'll continue to make our way across the desert where we'll stop for breakfast before reaching the foothills of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravalli Mountains. Here, we'll stop at a local fresh produce market where you'll have the chance to choose the vegetables you'd like cooked for tonight's dinner. Heading further into the foothills, we'll reach the stunningly beautiful Jain temple complex of Ranakpur. This marble marvel dates back to the 15th century and is constructed entirely of carved white marble. The temple is one of the 5 holiest sites of the Jain religion. After taking in this majestic and tranquil temple complex, we'll ascend the Aravalli Mountains to a serene hillside eco-retreat surrounded by forests, rivers and small villages. Checking in to your hillside chalet, you'll have time to relax or take a dip in the retreats step-well inspired pool. We'll meet in the early evening for a scenic hike around the eco-retreat's gardens before we hit the kitchen! Tonight you'll participate in cooking the food for tonight's meal under the guidance of a master chef. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the key ingredients and cooking methods of Indian cuisine. After helping to cook your evening meal, you'll move over to your own private verandah overlooking the valley, lake and lush green hills where we'll have a campfire set up for you for an evening of food, drinks and traditional village music by the Bhil tribes of the surrounding hills.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 11   Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur

After yoga and breakfast in bed or on your verandah overlooking the valley, you'll set out on a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Aravalli's where quaint roadside villages and rural farmhouses, meandering water buffalos, camels and peacocks are the norm before arriving at Kumbhalgarh Fort. This massive citadel was once the capital of the Mewar Kingdom and dates back to the 15th century. It 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, several soaring watchtowers and rounded bastions making it nearly impregnable. The fortress, with its turbulent history, has also seen more than its fair share of epic battles. From atop the palace roof - which we will be making a leisurely climb to, the fort also offers some impressive, 360 degree, panoramic views. After descending from the fort, we'll explore the ramparts and centuries old temples at its base before we unwind over some cool drinks. You'll also enjoy a picnic lunch before we set off for the fabled "city of lakes", Udaipur!
 
Arriving in Udaipur in the mid-afternoon, you'll check into your home for the next three nights - the Royal Suite of a beautiful old converted regal haveli (mansion) set alongside the banks of Pichola Lake. Your royal Suite is complete with striking views of the lake, old city, the Royal Palace and the renowned Lake Palace. You'll have time to relax and take in the views and old world charm of Udaipur. Just before sunset, we'll meet on the haveli's verandah where you'll catch your own private boat for a peaceful sunset cruise around the lake. Seeing the "city of lakes" from the boat offers a totally different perspective of this medieval city with its old palaces and ancient temples cradling the water's edge and is a relaxing way to end the day. Arriving back at your haveli, you'll have time freshen up before sitting down on the rooftop where you'll watch the colors of the old city and the palaces along the banks of the lake change to night while enjoying a variety of tasty North Indian snacks, refreshing cold drinks and a sumptuous dinner! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 12   Udaipur

After breakfast in bed or on your verandah overlooking the lakeside palaces and havelis that hug the shore, you'll depart for Animal Aid. A very special animal rescue organization, Animal Aid provides a free hospital and home for the wounded animals of the city and the surrounding areas. Their patients (and residents) include everything from donkeys to dogs, cows to water buffalos, monkeys to pigs - whoever is in need, gets the help. Animal Aid not only offers a hospital, but also a home for the abused and neglected animals of the city. On the way back into the city, we'll stop at the Garden of Maidens, also known as Sahelion Ki Bari, where fountains fill a peaceful royal garden. The garden was built in the 18th century for the women of the royal court at an elevation just below the lakes that feed it enabling all the fountains to run on water pressure alone - no pumps involved.
 
After lunch at a popular local vegetarian eatery, we'll set out to explore the Royal City Palace. One of the most impressive of India's palaces, it is a series of palaces built by different kings over the centuries, the first being built in 1559 AD. In addition to its intricate durbars, courtyards and rooms, the palace also offers some great views of the surrounding city and lakes. While here, you'll visit the palace's Crystal Gallery where a wide array of the erstwhile royal family's collection of silver, gold, crystal items and priceless jewels are displayed. You'll return to your haveli where you'll have time to freshen up after a long day of exploring before settling down for an invigorating traditional Indian massage.
 
In the evening, your Adventure Leader will pick you up in an auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) and head out to Jagdish Temple. After visiting the temple, he will accompany you by foot down the fable-like alleys to a local Rajput family's home for an evening of traditional festivities. Starting with sundowners on the rooftop with epic views of the old city, you'll watch the colors change over the royal palace and old city while enjoying snacks, plenty of refreshing cold beverages and live traditional folk music and dance. Later, you'll come down from rooftop for a delicious home-cooked traditional Mewari feast, closing the evening with a tasty local desert and a session of henna - traditional Indian hand painting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 13   Udaipur

After a light breakfast overlooking the lake, you'll be met at the haveli by your Adventure Leader and one of our close friends who just happens to be very good chef! For lunch today - you'll be her guest as she teaches you how to prepare a delicious traditional Indian vegetarian meal. So be prepared to roll up your sleeves as you begin your cooking class as you'll not only learn, but also cook, today's lunch. Your first stop during the cooking class: the wet market. Here you'll be introduced to the colorful local bazaar scene and pick up fresh local ingredients before heading to the kitchen to cook up a delectable Rajasthani vegetarian feast for lunch. After lunch you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to just kick back and relax, get in any last minute souvenir shopping, or just meander around the charming streets of this centuries-old lakeside city. In the evening, we have a very special, romantic poolside dinner at the royal palace arranged for you where you'll enjoy excellent vegetarian food, drinks, a regal atmosphere and enchanting music while being served like royals. (Breakfast, Dinner)


Day 14   Udaipur - Delhi

Enjoy your last breakfast in bed or on your lakeside verandah in Udaipur before your Adventure Leader meets you at your hotel to chauffeur you to the airport for your flight back to New Delhi. Your adventure ends in Delhi on arrival at the airport. If you would like to extend your stay in India or for any onward assistance, please contact your Adventure Leader who will be more than happy to help. (Breakfast)

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