Traditions & Wildlife of India By World Journeys

Traditions & Wildlife of India By World Journeys

18 Days / 17 Nights from $9,960 Price Per Person

Sales from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2026

**Day 1: Delhi**
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight. Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history.

**Day 2: Delhi**
After breakfast you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on a full-day journey through Old Delhi, founded as Shahjahanabad in 1639 as the capital of the great Mughal Empire.

Step back in time and discover the glory of the great Mughal empire and British Raj. Your own private guide will ensure you get an in-depth experience of these emblematic monuments, with glimpses of local culture. Afterwards, you embark on a rickshaw ride tour, exploring bustling streets and everyday life.

Continue your journey to New Delhi City, known for its innovative architecture from the 1930’s British Raj, and now the political heart of independent India. The rest of your journey will be filled with history, architecture and visits to hidden gems of Delhi. Later return back to your hotel.

**Day 3: Delhi > Varanasi**
After breakfast you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Later, at dusk, you will be taken to experience a very special sunset, witnessing the Aarti rituals performed on the shores of the sacred River Ganges. This is a Sanskrit prayer ritual worshipping the Ganges River, led by several priests and accompanied by bells, drums, cymbals and flower petals.

**Day 4: Varanasi**
Enjoy a sunrise cruise on the Ganges and witness morning rituals at the riverside ‘ghats’ that Varanasi is known for. The city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Later in the morning, you will visit maze-like streets of Varanasi and get an eye-opening insight to this holy city. You will also visit a traditional Indian Wrestling Joint Akhada to watch wrestlers perform using traditional exercises or doing Kushti – wrestling on fresh mud pits. Explore the Vishwanath Temple before returning to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

**Day 5: Varanasi > Delhi > Agra**
After an early morning breakfast you will be transferred to Varanasi airport to catch a flight back to Delhi, from where you will be driven to Agra, the legacy city of Mughal-Empire.

As the sun sets you will visit the sacred Yamuna riverside – Mehtab Bagh Gardens for your first glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure or relax at your hotel.

**Day 6: Agra > Jaipur**
At the break of dawn you will enjoy a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. This majestic architectural wonder was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and combines Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. Admire the structure’s magnificent construction, the intricate exterior and interior decor, the beautiful gardens and the outlying red-sandstone buildings.

Avid photographers may capture the changing faces of the Taj in different light conditions, and your expert guide will help you find the perfect vantage points.

Return to your hotel for breakfast, then later this morning visit the famed Red Fort of Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imperial residence of the 16th century rulers of the Mughal Dynasty.

You will then be driven to Jaipur, an historic pink-washed city and gateway to the colourful desert state of Rajasthan. Enroute you will visit abandoned ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the short-lived imperial capital of Mughal emperor Akbar.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel.

**Day 7: Jaipur**
This morning you will step back in time and enjoy many spellbinding sights painting a picture of the chivalrous Rajput era and its battle-scarred heritage.

Proceed towards the city outskirts and enter the ancient town of Amer that offers remarkable Rajput-Mughal architecture. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see of Jaipur, the Amber Fortress, and walk through the colourful bazaar to see the iconic facade of the Palace of Winds.

Later, you will go on a tuk-tuk ride tour through the ancient street markets of Jaipur Bazaar. Chaos and amusement goes hand-in-hand in these maze-like streets. Your thrilling Tuk-Tuk ride ends outside the 1976 Heritage Cinema Raj Mandir where you can watch a newly released Bollywood Blockbuster movie.

This evening, if preferred, visit a traditional Indian family home to indulge in ethnic North Indian cooking, enjoying dinner and the chance to interact with the family.

**Day 8: Jaipur > Udaipur**
This morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of the Rajasthan region with beautiful lakeside palaces. In the evening you will visit Monsoon Palace, a hilltop palatial residence overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake.

**Day 9: Udaipur**
After breakfast you will enjoy a city tour and explore timeless markets, ancient temples and fantastic palaces including Udaipur City Palace and Museum built in the 16th century by founder of Udaipur ‘Maharana Udai Singh II’. The palace towers glamorously over beautiful Lake Pichola.

After a visit to fascinating streets and famous sites you will join a Sunset Boat Cruise on shimmering Lake Pichola to experience Udaipur by night, with views of the 17th century pleasure palace of Jag Mandir and the world famous Lake Palace Hotel, both set in the middle of the lake, and popular amongst Hollywood films.

**Day 10: Udaipur > Narlai**
This morning you will drive to Narlai. Enroute visit the important Mewar fort of Kumbhalgarh to where rulers, sensibly, would retreat in times of danger. Afterwards continue the drive to Narlai, a great place to explore the untouched rustic countryside which is home to a tribal community called Rabaris.

Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a welcome ceremony at your hotel.

**Day 11:  Narlai**
Early this morning, you will be met and taken for a morning safari in and around Narlai in the hope of sighting the elusive leopards who live in the surrounding rugged countryside. After the safari, you will be returned to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening enjoy a very special candle-lit dinner with live musicians at the 16th century Historic Stepwells, sampling delicious traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

**Day 12: Narlai > Jodhpur**
Drive to the mystical blue-washed city of Jodhpur. On arrival you can relax at your hotel before the afternoon’s sightseeing. Embark on a walk to the legendary 15th century Mehrangarh Fortress that stands 410 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur offering stunning views of the city. Explore Jodhpur’s real lifestyle, its charming blue-washed houses, local history and discover some lesser-known secrets.

Later, board local vintage Jeeps for a tribal tour of the 15th century Bishnoi Village to encounter and interact with the raw tribal life of Bishnoi Tribes, known for their unique lifestyle, fine artwork and pottery making skills. Finish your day with a Jeep safari to spot rare fauna and flora near Guda Lake.

**Day 13: Jodhpur > Jaisalmer**
This morning after breakfast commence a journey deep into Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, arriving at the unique city of Jaisalmer. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

**Day 14: Jaisalmer**
Today after breakfast, enjoy a heritage walking tour inside the 1156 AD built golden-hued Jaisalmer Fort, offering panoramic views of the desert and renowned as world’s largest fortress. Next visit the Gadsisar Lake that is home to various migratory birds and offers spectacular bird sighting experiences. Afterwards, explore the culture and history of Jaisalmer before setting out on a camel safari towards the rustic village Dabdi. This evening some charming folk entertainment is followed by dinner.

**Day 15: Jaisalmer > Bikaner**
Travel to Bikaner after breakfast and check in at your hotel. Later, enjoy sightseeing and learn about the history and traditions of Bikaner. Explore traditional old mansions, once home of kings, rulers and warriors, including the stunning red sandstone Rampuria Haveli. End the tour at the bustling Bikaner street bazaar.

If time allows you will explore some unique Rajasthani-European architecture, including Junagarh Fortress and Museum and the distinctive gates of Daulat Pol.

**Day 16: Bikaner > Mandawa**
After breakfast you will be driven to an off-the-beaten-track Rajasthani town of Mandawa, famed for traditional Haveli houses decorated in unique frescoed wall paintings. Enjoy a sunset walk along the narrow lanes of Mandawa Village to interact with local tribespeople, view vibrant wall paintings and be entertained by the celebratory storylines of different houses. On way back to your hotel visit the rustic street bazaar and Royal Cenotaphs.

**Day 17: Mandawa > Delhi**
This morning you will be driven to Delhi. On arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

**Day 18: Delhi**
After breakfast you will be transferred to Delhi airport where arrangements end.

Tailor-made journey: This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.

Inclusions

• • 17-nights’ accommodation
  • 17 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Meet & Greet at all airports
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Shared jeep safari in Kumbhalgarh National Park
  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Economy class flight Delhi > Varanasi > Delhi & Jaipur > Udaipur
  • Goods & Services Tax (GST)