Beyond the Taj – Inside the Real India

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Board your overnight flight for the journey to India. 
• Day 2
  After your overnight flight, you’ll arrive in Delhi, and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager. A private all-female driven transfer will take you to the first hotel in a quiet neighbourhood of the city.   In the afternoon, the exploration will begin with a visit to one of Delhi’s most famous and historical monuments, Qutub Minar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a five-story tower built from red sandstone and marble and adorned with intricating carvings. Forming part of the Qutb Minar complex, it was believed to have been constructed as a victory tower or a minaret attached to a mosque.  You’ll then have an opportunity to traverse the bustling city in various modes of local transport, including a tuk-tuk, the Metro and a rickshaw.   Dinner will be enjoyed back at the hotel on the rooftop overlooking the city.  
• Day 3
  Following breakfast, set off on a morning sightseeing excursion of Old Delhi, where you’ll witness its vibrant culture and rich history. This enlightening tour encompasses all the city’s major historical landmarks, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, Raj Ghat, the majestic Humayun's Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture Gandhi’s cremation site, and Agrasen-Ki Baoli, a centuries-old step well. An exhilarating rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, known for its markets and street food, will serve as another memorable highlight.   Later in the day, you’ll journey on a culinary walking tour around Old Delhi while learning about how the city has preserved its cultural history and epicurean traditions. During the tour, you’ll call at foodie spots, which are considered landmarks on Delhi’s culinary map and favoured by locals while tasting recipes that have been passed down through generations.  Later, you’ll pass by the India Gate, modelled after the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It serves as a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War I. The journey then takes you past the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, known as the Lal Qila deriving its name from the red sandstone that embellishes its soaring walls. This historic fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Lastly, you'll pass by the grand government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and the impressive Parliament House. These colonial-era architectural marvels blend British and Indian design influences.   In the afternoon, the group will visit an organisation that is dedicated to women's empowerment and child education. Non-profit groups like this in India play a crucial role in uplifting the lives of marginalised communities, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that children have access to quality education  An evening tea with Mrs. Khanna, the owner of Colonel Retreat, offers a unique and enlightening opportunity to learn about her entrepreneurial journey, challenges, and successes.  After a full day, you can join your fellow travellers for dinner.
• Day 4
  Have breakfast, check out of the hotel, and board the coach to the railway station. You’ll then travel on the high-speed Gatiman Express to Agra, taking in the Indian countryside as you go. Once you’ve arrived in Agra, your exploration of the city will begin with visits to two of its most famed landmarks.   The first stop will be the Taj Mahal, and you’ll get to see the famed monument of love up close, glistening in the sunshine. This ivory-white marble mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircled by expansive Mughal gardens, is one of the greatest architectural achievements and a wish-list spectacle. Completed in 1648 and built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, it’s renowned for its Mughal design and elements, including a central dome, minarets, and reflecting pool.   Next, you’ll visit the royal pavilions, palaces, and courtyards of the majestic, red sandstone Agra Fort. From this 16th-century fortress set on the Yamuna River, you’ll experience your first view of the incomparable Taj Mahal and its gardens. Explore the intricate maze of structures within the fort as you learn about how it served as the residence of Mughal emperors for over three centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar and later expanded by his successors.   After the morning's sightseeing, you'll head to a restaurant for lunch, Sheroes’ Hangout. This café, activism workshop, and community radio hub empowers remarkable women who have overcome heinous chemical burns. Defining themselves as ‘fighters’, these inspiring women have experienced unimaginable challenges, and during your visit, you can gain an insight into their journeys and help support their mission.    Post-lunch, your journey continues as you leave the city for rural Rajasthan to a tranquil village retreat. Get settled into your cottage-style accommodation, enveloped by the lush Aravalli Hills, and have dinner. 
• Day 5
  Wake up in a serene paradise for breakfast and then set off on a morning excursion to. Chand Baori Stepwell, which was built over 1,000 years ago and is one of the biggest stepwells in the world. With intricately geometrically designed staircases, this architectural wonder serves as a source of water and a place of respite in the desert heat.   Adjacent to the stepwells, you’ll find the Harshat Mata Temple. This ancient place of worship is dedicated to the goddess of happiness and joy, Harshat Mata, and dates back to the 7th century before being damaged in the 10th century. Today, many of the statues, pillars and columns are dispersed throughout the site, and only the main parts of the shrine have survived.   The rest of the day is yours to savour at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the in-house activities at the retreat or embarking on a walk to the nearby village. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in local life, observe the workings of an organic garden, and discover various elements of traditional farming.   In the afternoon, you can engage in a talk with the manager of the retreat. While listening to this, you can learn about the retreat’s sustainability initiatives and activities, eco-friendly practices, and community involvement. One of the stand-out initiatives at the retreat is ‘SAHIL’, a children's library. Through this small but impactful project, the retreat is able to provide a safe and educational space for the local children. After their school hours, they’re encouraged to visit the library to learn English.   As the day comes to a close, dinner will be had back at the retreat.  
• Day 6
  Your day will start with breakfast at the retreat before venturing on a scenic drive to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan.   Along the way, you’ll stop at Ikaki Bagh, an organic farm located just outside the city, which is centred around eco-friendly practices. You’ll walk through the nearby village, connecting with the warm local people and seeing their homes. A delicious lunch, prepared with fresh, regional ingredients from the farm will then be enjoyed.   Later, you’ll call at a family home in Jaipur, and be welcomed into the traditional Rajasthani hospitality. This is another chance to go beyond the guidebooks and gain a glimpse of the daily life and customs of a local family.   In the evening, the tour will stop at Birla Mandir, also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Built from pristine white marble and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this impressive structure is covered in detailed carvings. Your visit coincides with the evening aarti, the Hindu ceremony of light before relaxing over dinner at your hotel. 
• Day 7
  Fuel up for the day ahead, as you’ll journey by Jeep to Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire and home of the extraordinary hill-top Amber Fort. You’ll get to explore the Royal Hills of this 6th-century hilltop structure and take in the magnificent views from the red sandstone ramparts. After you’ve visited the fort, you’ll get to learn about its ancient water harvesting system, partake in a workshop at a block printing studio, and visit a workshop where paper is made from elephant dung.  The exploration of Jaipur continues with a sightseeing tour. You'll visit the City Palace, a magnificent complex that blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century. You'll also drive past the Hawa Mahal, a stunning pink palace with intricate lattice work that allowed royal women to watch street processions without being seen.    To appreciate the old part of the city from another angle, you’ll board electric eco-friendly rickshaws operated by well-trained women drivers from low-income households. The company that runs this rickshaw service provides visitors with a unique perspective on the city and also supports local women’s empowerment.   Taking a break from the bustle of the streets, you’ll travel to the Marigold Hotel, situated in the old part of Jaipur, for afternoon tea. This allows you to embrace a moment of relaxation after all the activities and to share stories with the other travellers over hot refreshments and baked treats.   Following another meaningful day of discovery, you’ll return to the hotel for dinner.  
• Day 8
  Once you’ve had breakfast, the tour will take a culinary turn, beginning with a walk through a local market. As you stroll, you can soak up the colours and aromas of the stalls, engage with vendors, and witness the variety of goods on offer  In the afternoon, you’ll join the women from a local family on a visit to a vegetable market. Here, you'll have the chance to handpick fresh vegetables for your evening dinner and learn about the importance of fresh, locally sourced produce. With your fresh vegetables in hand, you’ll be shown how to cook traditional and popular dishes with a local family and be guided by the expertise of your hosts as you prepare a meal. Dinner will then be served, and you’ll get to taste your efforts while listening to stories and engaging with the family.  
• Day 9
  The day kicks off with a conveniently packed breakfast, as you’ll travel early to the railway station and board a train to Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’ set around artificial lakes and home to a collection of magnificent royal residences.  At the station, you’ll be met by a guide and driven to the hotel, just a short walk from the City Palace and Lake Pichola. You’ll have some time to relax before embarking on a boat ride across the serene waters of Lake Pichola. This picturesque lake is surrounded by palaces, including the famous Lake Palace, which seems to float on its waters. As you glide along the lake, you'll witness the architectural beauty of Udaipur's waterfront.   In the evening, you’ll visit a local temple, where you’ll get to witness another spiritual aarti ceremony of prayers and lighting lamps.   The group will then return to the hotel for dinner.  
• Day 10
  Have breakfast and a leisurely morning or join an optional early morning cycle tour of Udaipur.   This will start with a ride to Fateh Sagar Lake as the sun rises before you weave your way through the lanes of the city, passing the lakes as you go. You’ll then come across Shilpgram, a handicraft village cooperative, where tribal and rural artisans showcase and sell their work. As you continue, you’ll head towards Badi Lake and turn onto a serene country road running alongside several waterfalls. At the lake, you can hydrate, enjoy a light refreshment, and take some photographs. The group will then return to the city via a different route, winding through forests and villages.   A morning city tour will then commence, stopping by the majestic City Palace, a grand structure of towers and balconies, and Rajasthan’s largest palace. You’ll also visit Jagdish Temple, a towering Hindu shrine, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the beautiful gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the ‘Gardens of Maidens’, adorned with marble fountains and encompassing lush lawns.   For lunch, you’ll enjoy a special Thali lunch, a traditional Indian meal that consists of a variety of dishes served on a single platter. The group will continue to a vintage car museum, which houses a collection of cars owned by the royal family of Udaipur. Here, you can admire the classic automobiles, carriages, and other historical memorabilia.  The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore the city at your own place, or you can see a local potter's colony, where you'll witness the skilled artisans at work, shaping different ceramics. Alternatively, you can wander around the nearby vegetable market.   As night falls, you can make your way back to the hotel for dinner.