Compare Classic Rajasthan by Intrepid Travel vs Meaningful India by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early and have the day free, consider joining one of our Urban Adventures for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, maybe head out for your first optional dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Day 2 Delhi

This morning, you'll navigate the city’s metro system and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour with your leader. Hitch a ride on a traditional cycle rickshaw through a classic Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest, and escape the city streets by ducking into a Sikh temple, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all, and there's a chance to have a simple meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi.

Day 3 Agra

Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains. Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal and learn why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great emperor. For a meal that makes a difference, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout, a remarkable social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks.

Day 4 Madhogarh

Take a private bus to Madhogarh this morning. When you arrive, walk through the village and see the local craftspeople at work making resin bangles. These families are from the Lakhera community and in Hindu mythology, Lakheras are considered to be created by Lord Shiva for making bangles for Goddess Parvathy. This practice is a traditional art and you can see for yourself how they heat the resin and shape it with handmade tools. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Day 5 Jaipur

Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur. When you arrive, take a walk around the ‘Pink City’ with your leader. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After the tour, you'll have further free time to spend as you wish.

Day 6 Jaipur

Today is a full free day that you can jam-pack with experiences of your choice. This morning, you could take an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to experience a Bollywood film.

Day 7 Ranthambhore National Park

Continuing on from Jaipur by private vehicle, head to Ranthambhore this morning. Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and was one of the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park’s 10th-century fort, and in the evening take a 4WD bus safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is about 16 km from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area and spottings are more favourable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of Ranthambhore.

Day 8 Bundi

Today, you'll travel to Bundi by private vehicle. When you arrive, navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an insightful walking tour, including wandering through the downtown market and meeting jewellery merchants, street dentists, and fabric dealers. Learn the secret of chai making from a local chai master and try a fresh brew. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and intricate step wells (baori), an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the 16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.

Day 9 Paangarh Lake

Take off from Bundi and take a local train to Bassi. cross the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. Enjoy the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake. You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore - a truly relaxing experience away from the chaos of India's cities.

Day 10 Bijaipur

This morning we drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past tranquil villages. You might be lucky enough to spot some native wildlife as we drive through the region. Meet some villagers and maybe even get a henna tattoo - a temporary but very traditional souvenir. Arrive at our next heritage stay and enjoy a meal of authentic local specialties. 

Day 11 Udaipur

Depart the heritage stay and begin your next journey by private vehicle takes us to Udaipur. Take in the city’s hills, lakes, and white marble palaces, or delve into its twisting alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods, and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and musicians, there’s plenty to entertain you here. After a city walk with your leader, the rest of your day is free.

Day 12 Udaipur

Visit Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Some suggestions for your free time after the tour include an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to marvel at the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir and seeing a cultural performance that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances in the evening.

Day 13 Pushkar

Today, take an air-conditioned train to Ajmer and then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar, a place synonymous with Rajasthan. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At dinnertime, share a meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore further.

Day 14 Pushkar - Delhi

Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town this morning. Board the Shatabdi Express train, departing Ajmer around 2 pm for the trip back to Delhi, arriving at around 10:40 pm. Transfer to the hotel on arrival for your final night of the trip.

Day 15 Delhi

There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will assist with with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore, unwind and rejuvenate.

Day 02 Delhi

This morning after breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi. Hop on to a cycle rickshaw and ride through the rugged-rustic lanes of Old Delhi. The tours take you through some iconic streets like Chandni Chowk and other important landmarks of Old Delhi including mansions and colourful bazaars. During the tour you will be savouring some hot Jalebi’s a traditional Indian sweet and Samosa at a nearly 200-year-old sweet shop. Drive past the Red Fort made of Red sandstone built by Emperor Shahjahan. Drive around Lutyens Delhi which was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Drive past India Gate which was built to commemorate the undivided British Indian Army who died in World War I (1914-21). A stone’s throw away from India Gate lies the Rashtrapati Bhavan or Presidential Palace built between 1919 to 1925.

Post Lunch visit Mukti Ashram Founded in 1991 by Nobel Peace Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and managed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Mukti Ashram was formed as the first centre in India for rescued child laborers. It is a transit center where children stay for a short period of time till their repatriation. The transit rehabilitation center provides a holistic support for rebuilding lives of these children. The ashram receives custody of rescued child laborers on the order of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). In addition to care and protection, the centre also caters to medical, psychological, recreational, social and learning needs of Children.

Day 03 Delhi / Agra

After breakfast its time to head to the medieval city of Agra located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. During the Mughal reign, began the golden age in Agra. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Check in and have lunch.

Following lunch proceed to visit the Agra Fort. The Fort was built by Akbar in 1565 and further developed by successive generations. This well-preserved fortress built of red-sandstone is a UNESCO site and dominates a bend of the river Yamuna- with a magnificent view of the Taj. The interior boasts of many grand buildings which include the Royal Pavilions, the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience) and Diwan-e-khas (hall of private audience) usually reserved for other kings and dignitaries.

At sunset visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) – Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtāz Mahal. It took 22 years to build. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of 1000 elephants was used to transport the material. Post the tour return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Abhaneri / Jaipur

Post breakfast check out and proceed to Jaipur. Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri – the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and built entirely of red sandstone, except the tomb of the Saint Salim Chisti, which in stunning contrast, is made of pristine white marble.

Post lunch continue to Jaipur , stop at Abhaneri village and visit Chand Baori the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and the most photogenic step well in India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty and therefore named after the King. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old. Yes, it is older than Taj Mahal. The city back in the days was called Abha Nagri. When you stand next to this 13 story deep step well with 35,000 symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom, you cannot but be mesmerized. After the visit continue to Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur, Stop for a photo visit of the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women’s chambers) from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside without showing themselves.

Continue your tour and visit the Amber Fort – where you ascend the hill “Maharaja-style” on Elephant back. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. This magnificent fort has recently been wonderfully restored bringing back some of its past glory. During return, Continue and enjoy a photo-stop at Jal Mahal Palace.

Post lunch proceed for shopping. At around 5 pm proceed to Dera Mandawa where we shall arrange for Rangoli an art form, originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Hindu festivals in the Indian subcontinent. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.

Later participate in cooking demo followed by dinner with a respected Indian family.After dinner return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 Jaipur / Rohet

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, its time to head to Rohetgarh, enroute visit Tilonia, a small village in the desert regions of Rajasthan, India, is home of the Barefoot College. Since 1972, the College has worked to improve the lives of the rural poor by addressing basic needs for water, electricity, housing, health, education and income. Tilonia helps these rural artisans to market their products in India and around the world. With new markets for their crafts, their livelihood is improved and the traditional crafts are continued. Nearly 400 artisans earn supplemental income through sewing, needlework, embroidery, tie-dying, block printing and weaving. Designs and production methods draw on Indian craft traditions that are centuries old – but create modern opportunities for these rural women and men.

Proceed to Rohet and remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 07 Rohet

After breakfast, it’s time to explore an unknown side of India by taking a rural day drive seeing the unspoilt, simple, and pure rural countryside in its full glory. You traverse barren landscapes and witness colourful communities with varied wildlife and avian life. You experience the simplicity and purity of the Indian village life that inexplicably will make you question the complexity of your own. This unique and authentic rural experience is complete with the opportunity to interact with different people from different communities first hand, visit their dwellings, understand their lives, sample rural cuisine and witness other aspects of their day.

Start off-roading and begin with a thrilling dry riverbed drive. The dry riverbed drive is a unique signature experience of Overlander India. Experience 4×4 exhilaration first hand as you power and navigate your way through the cracked crevasses and uneven challenges of a dry riverbed. Various species of birds and some antelope like black buck can be observed as part of the natural habitat. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Bishnoi community, agricultural communities live in family hamlets of hutments in the midst of their lands. A visit to such communities including the Bishnois, who are known for their conservation and preservation of the environment, provides you with the rare inside into the lives of the world’s first environmentalists and the founders of the “Chipku” movement. Visit an elementary village school to see what the government does for children, we organize a stop at a rural elementary school. Here, a small rural school greet you with a cheerful “good morning” and a prayer as your host explains everything about educating village children. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Pittal community. See a rural kitchen in action with bread making and sampling. Inspite of being a desert void of fresh produce, the Thar is known for its delicacies, flavours and spices. You get the privilege of seeing a functioning rural kitchen and sample freshly made local breads. Your lunch comprises of vegetables grown in an organic garden, but made in a “smoked” wood village stove. Learn how to craft and Indian “chapatti” with your hands and enjoy lunch in the pure village air. After a truly unforgettable experience you return to your hotel by sundown with memories of a rural visit completely off the beaten path unlike anything else you will experience during your visit to India. Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 08 Rohet / Ranakpur / Udaipur

This morning post breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha. Later we continue our drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and check in hotel. Udaipur is a city built around shimmering, clear blue-water lakes that reflect the green of the surrounding Aravalli hills. The famous Lake Palace, that seem to emerge from the peaceful Lake Pichola, whisper memories of tradition and glory. The city of Udaipur is gathered around three lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Udaipur

This day proceed for tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, built in 1725, is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Next visit The Crystal Gallery, one the most lustrous attractions for tourist showcasing the rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure. The gallery is nearly 129 years old (at the time of writing) with the magnificent collection of Oslers Crystals. These precious crystals were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England around 1877 A.D. These treasured crystals are kept in the charismatic City Palace Complex.

Afternoon proceed for a walking tour of the old town where you can walk around and see the artists painting the famous miniatures depicting the glory of the Mughals.

Later in the evening you enjoy boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you can see the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. During the boat ride you also visit Jag Mandir Palace. An unforgettable sight on Lake Pichola is the island of Jag Mandir. Maharana Karan Singhji built the palace in 1622 A.D, as a pleasure palace for royal parties and functions. This magnificent monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a special approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to be guarding the island. . Post the ride return to the hotel.

Day 10 Udaipur

This morning we drive 30 mins to visit Sadhana. The three hour tour includes the Delwara Heritage and Community Walk and a visit to the Sadhna facility for a guided stitching and block printing workshop.

Sadhna was established in 1988 to provide alternative incomes for women in Udaipur’s rural, tribal and urban slum belts. As these communities were not dependent on agriculture, handicraft was chosen to be introduced to them. Sadhna taught Patchwork, Appliqué and Tanka embroidery skills to the women for them to earn a secure living. Today, Sadhna provides continuous training to women artisans to improve their skills, a support network to them in their villages and a respectable position in their family and society. Drive back, rest of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Udaipur / Delhi

This morning it’s time for some fun in the old town with a short tuk tuk ride. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you will be met upon and transferred the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Depart Delhi

It’s time to say goodbye to India. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.