Detailed itinerary

Day 1

07 March 2025 (Fri). Arrive Delhi. By: International Flight (own arrangements).

Arrive in Delhi by international flight. Following customs, Immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by your local host outside the arrival hall, after which you will take part in a Mouli ritual and transfer to your hotel.

(Mouli is a cotton red thread, considered to be very sacred and used in religious ceremonies in India. The Mouli can be modified to enhance its look for people who like to wear it for a longer period around their wrist.)

Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Due to the later arrival in Delhi this evening is at leisure, you may like to meet with the other ladies in one of the beautiful bars or restaurants of the hotel for a welcome drink.

Delhi: India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

Room: Grand Deluxe Room. Meal: None.

Day 2

08 March 2025 (Sat). Delhi.

In the morning participate in a Laughter Yoga session with a yoga guru in one of Delhi's lovely parks.

Laughter Yoga Clubs were started in India in 1995 with just five people. Today, the Laughter Movement is widely accepted and has become a global phenomenon with over 6000 clubs in 60 countries. Realising the tremendous power of laughter and its efficacy as the best prescription for wellness, Laughter Clubs have brought smiles and laughter to the lives of many people suffering from physical, mental and emotional upsets.

We give you an opportunity to participate in one such session with a Laughter Yoga Practitioner in the beautiful backdrop of one of the best gardens of Delhi. The money paid for this experience goes to a Womens Health Care Organisation.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a very unique and very 'Indian' speciality experience - a grand wedding tour!

Don't we all love weddings? And Indian weddings happen to be grand and colourful celebrations that go on for days and often for as long as a week! This is an exciting way to learn why Indian's are obsessed with our weddings and what's a must to-do list for a bride/groom to be! This tour is Indian Weddings 101.

We take you through a market that's become the go-to destination for all things wedding! The market itself is so exciting because it's an urban rural melting pot where one can witness many subcultures of the city. Once a part of one of the ancient cities of Delhi, today Shahpur Jat is home to a community living harmoniously surrounded by a market that's bustling with stores of many artists, fashion designers and hip cafes, one minute, you're checking out beautiful jewels and another you're next to a school that's leading you a 14th century tomb!

Much like our weddings, the tour has everything for everyone!

Visit a fashion design studio to learn about the colours and weaves of wedding outfits and what's currently trending in the wedding industry!

 Under the watchful eyes of an expert, participate in the Indian Wedding Stitch Workshop as you acquaint yourself with Indian weaves, motifs and embroideries.

The best of the shoes, jewellery, skincare and more!: Your guide will introduce you to critical touch points of typical wedding preparation. We've selected some of the best stores at the market where we'll briefly feast our eyes on gorgeous stuff wedding dreams are made of!

Fun and engaging workshops: Participate in a 30 minutes exclusive dance workshop to learn our celebratory Indian wedding dance! OR Get the juicy details on your love life by participating in a fun Indian Vedic astrology reading which often decides the roadmap to the wedding for soon to be weds!  

Gorge on delicious food that is representative of meals served typically at an Indian wedding!

At the conclusion we will make a brief stop at the famous Dilli Haat market. A visit to Delhi is not complete without experiencing this vibrant and colourful gift and homewares market.

Enjoy an evening tour of Delhi where you will view the cities monuments and landmarks by twilight and tuk tuks.

The evening will finish in Delhi's Connaught Place. One of the city's most popular food and beverage destinations where the group can opt to enjoy a dinner together (own arrangements).

Room: Grand Deluxe Room. Meal: Breakfast.

Day 3

09 March 2025 (Sun). Delhi.

Enjoy a morning visit to Jama Masjid, which is said to be the last edifice built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648. It is the largest mosque in India - where 22,000 people can pray together at any given time.

From here walk through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk & visit the biggest spice market in Asia called Khari Baoli. Khari Baoli is a street in Delhi housing Asia’s largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea.

At the conclusion of the market tour you will enjoy a bicycle-rickshaw ride and a visit to an authentic historical Delhi stepwell - Agrasen ki Baoli.

Return to hotel for lunch at leisure (own arrangements) and a few hours to explore the hotel, enjoy the pool or take in a little rest and relaxation.

In the afternoon a local chef will meet you at INA Spice Market to refresh the senses with the fragrance of fresh spices & vegetables. At the conclusion of selecting our ingredients, the chef will then welcome you at her residence for an authentic hands on cooking session followed by dinner on the rooftop.

Room: Grand Deluxe Room. Meal: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 4

10 March 2025 (Mon). Delhi/Agra. By: Coach

This morning we will be travelling by coach to Agra (3-4 hrs drive approx). Two masseurs will travel in the coach to provide head or hand massages – a great way to relax and enjoy the drive!

Agra: In terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.

On arrival in Agra, enjoy lunch together at one of the local restaurants (own arrangements).

In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort which is a fine example of Mughal imperial fortifications and it served as the residence of the Emperors for three generations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses splendid pavilions, gardens, mosques, and royal audience halls built with an aesthetic blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture that was signature to the Mughals.

And in the early evening you will enjoy a very special experience with a visit to the The Mehtab Bagh. The Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden stands in perfect alignment with the gardens of Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. Believed to be the last in the series of eleven pleasure gardens commissioned by Babur, this has been the focal point of many intriguing tales and lore. Today it provides a beautiful vantage point from where you can gaze at the magnificent Monument of Love.

In the evening upon return to the hotel, enjoy a dinner together at Peshawari (own arrangements). This restaurant is famous for its North-West Frontier Cuisines and you can watch as the chefs prepare and cook the amazingly oversized naan breads right in front of you. The food is so good you have to wear bibs to stop yourself from drizzling it all down your front!

Room: Mughal Chambers Room. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5

11 March 2025 (Tue). Agra/Bharatpur/Ranthambore. By: Vehicle/Train.

This morning we embark on a very special experience, witnessing the beautiful sunrise over the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Nothing can quite prepare you for how you will feel once you lay eyes on this majestic beauty.

Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Return to the hotel and after breakfast this morning, depart for Bharatpur visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route (Approx. 58 kms / 2 hrs drive).

Fatehpur Sikri, a visual experience of an ancient city abandoned by its ruler and yet well preserved to this day. One can visualise the splendour and glory of a bygone era. Fatehpur Sikri radiates a true sense of faith and belief in oneself and in God. Even today, people visit a shrine within the complex and pray for a better life.

Lunch stop enroute (own arrangements)

After the visit, continue the drive to Bharatpur Railway Station to board the train for Ranthambore.

Departure: Bharatpur At: 2:50 pm By: Train – Jan Shatabdi Express

Arrival: Ranthambore At: 5:13 pm Class: AC Chair Car

Upon arrival in Ranthambore, you will be met and transferred by private cars to the hotel for check in.

Ranthambore National Park: One of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of south eastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.

Room: Luxury Cottage. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Serves veg meal.

Day 6

12 March 2025 (Wed). Ranthambore.

Morning and afternoon game drive in private safari jeeps at the National Park to view wild tigers in the park.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Room: Luxury Cottage. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7

13 March 2025 (Thu). Ranthambore/Jaipur. By: Train.

Morning game drive in private safari jeeps at the National Park.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Ranthambore Station for your onward train journey to Jaipur.

Departure: Ranthambore At: 2:30 pm By: Train – Ranthambore Express

Arrival: Jaipur At: 4.35 pm Class: AC Chair Car

Upon arrival in Ranthambore, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check in.

Jaipur: presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendor are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur’s bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add color to this fascinating city.

This evening you will enjoy a traditional Saree tying lesson with local women and attend a dinner in your Saree attire at our beautiful hotel.

Room: Deluxe Suite. Meal: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 8

14 March 2025 (Fri). Jaipur.

This morning you will be escorted outside of the hotel to celebrate the Holi Festival with locals.

India is renowned for its monsoonal showers, but on one day in March the rain that falls is a multi-coloured spectacular one. The Holi festival is an excuse to release your inner child. Some may dream of bathing in spaghetti, others may relish squashed tomato fights, but this is the festival that kaleidoscope fantasies are made of. Blue, green, red, yellow, pink and purple clouds billow out from the crowds.

The world’s brightest festival is held on the full moon day in the month of March and this year it takes place on March 14th. Showers of coloured dust represent the start of spring. Traditionally spice is dyed in preparation for the festivities and local vendors can be found selling rows of metal bowls piled high with the substance.

After lunch you will return to the hotel to enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. Enjoy a swim in the pool or a spa treatment.

Room: Deluxe Suite. Meal: Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 9

15 March 2025 (Sat). Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort.

It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.

Ascend the Amber Fort by jeeps.

Continue to Dera Amer for an elephant interaction followed by lunch. You will arrive at Dera Amer Camp where you will be greeted by the Elephants. Make the first contact with these kind hearted giants by the way of feeding bananas. Spend some time with the elephant mahout and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the elephants.

From here you will start your elephant trek (walking with the elephant) conducted in the original Aravali forests surrounding the camp and follow a route passing by hutments, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments.

The elephant trek will come to an end at the camp where you will be served lunch. The most satisfying experience in privacy and exclusivity.

Enjoy fresh farm home-made food for lunch and have your hand painted with traditional henna. Historically, henna with its cooling properties, was applied on hands and feet to cool one's body. The beautiful stain that it left on the skin after its application led to the practice of making designs with it on one's hands and feet. Henna is now a popular form of body art in India.

After lunch you can enjoy an afternoon of shopping at the local markets / bazaars or optional visit to Nila Jaipur.

At an early stage on its path, Nila has proven itself to be a project of significant influence and capability for impact. While slow crafts take time, Nila has already made significant headway, both at the grassroots level and in the public domain. We continue to work hard to honour our founding objectives and the communities we have pledged to support.

FOUNDING OBJECTIVES

• Celebrate and preserve India’s rich heritage of traditional craft
• Support and honour rural artisan communities
• Provide livelihood opportunities for women through craft
• Support the revival of regenerative, localised craft value chains from farm to textile
• Revive and preserve ecologically sensitive, endangered crafts, principally: natural dyes, hand-spinning and handloom weaving.
• Stand as a beacon of excellence in the growing conversation around the preservation of handmade textile and the promotion of sustainable design
• Create a dynamic platform for artistic exchange, innovation and education at Nila House

Dinner this evening is included at the hotel.

Room: Deluxe Suite. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 10

16 March 2025 (Sun). Jaipur

This morning you can enjoy an optional visit to Surman Sansthan (An ISO 9001:2008 certified NGO), working for providing shelter and other necessary amenities for destitute, abandoned children and women of the society from last 17 years. (http://www.surmansansthanglobal.org) - approx. 45 minute drive from hotel to NGO.

Surman Sansthan saw the day of light after the long cherished desire and ideology of the founder, Mrs. Manan Chaturvedi, ultimately took a structural shape.

Surman is a divine place where abandoned and orphan children are given shelter and an atmosphere where they can also see their dreams coming time. We all are concerned about our own lives and families and do our utmost to keep them healthy and happy but we should never forget that “HUMANITY IS THE HUMAN RELIGION”.

The Meaning of word itself describes the Deep Passion and Nobel cause of the founder Mrs. Manan (Maa as called by Kids)

S ­ Samanta (Equality)

U ­ Umeed (Hope)

R ­ Raah (Path)

M ­ Mann (Soul)

A ­ Ahaan (Dawn)

N ­ Nirmal (Pure)

Later we will drive past the beautiful façade of Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds) for a photo stop before enjoying lunch across the road at Tattoo Cafe & Lounge (own arrangements). The Tattoo Cafe and Lounge has undoubtedly the best uninterrupted views of the Palace of the Winds.

After lunch the group will visit the beautiful City Palace built in 18th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces and courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The Palace houses various structures such as, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and the Govind Dev Ji Temple.

Our last stop for the day is the famous Patrika Gate for a stunning photo opportunity.

The rest of the day is at leisure at the hotel or last minute bargain hunting in the local markets.

In the evening feel free to join Erin for a fun tuk-tuk ride and beautiful optional dinner in the Pink City palace restaurant - Baradari.

Room: Deluxe Suite. Meal: Breakfast.

Day 11

17 March 2025 (Mon). Jaipur/Delhi. By: Domestic Flight.

After breakfast you will visit Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple) - an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site that consists of a series of temples built in to a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. The temple is famous for its natural water springs, which accumulates in tanks (kunds). There are seven tanks, the holiest being the Galta Kund, which never goes dry. Not well known to tourists, you'll see mainly locals who descend to bathe in the holy waters.

At the conclusion of our visit, we will depart for Jaipur airport for the onward flight to Delhi.

Departure: Jaipur At: 12.15 pm By: Air - Air India Express

Arrival: Delhi At: 1.20 pm Class: Economy

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to the Leela Palace Delhi.

On our last evening we will conclude our amazing time together with a finale dinner at the hotel (own arrangements) and the Ceremony of Light that takes place at the Leela Palace Delhi.

To honour the transition of day to night, The Leela Palace New Delhi celebrates with a traditional evening Aarti. The essence is to express gratitude towards the God who has bestowed light throughout the day, and during the ceremony we thank the Almighty for all of the love, light and devotion we receive every day.

The Aarti takes place in the inner courtyard of the Palace every evening, where the ‘Devi’ idol sits atop her throne. Ladies dressed in traditional sarees come together to perform the ceremony and help those who want to float candles and wish for their loved ones. The ritual is brought to an end with prasadam, an Indian drink from Jamavar, distributed to everyone at the end of the pooja.

This ‘ceremony of light’ resonates with essence of culture in India and fills the space with a wave of positivity and hope.

Room: Grand Deluxe Room. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12

18 March 2025 (Tue).

End of Tour - individual guests to depart for home or post tour extension.