DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.

DAY 2: DELHI

You will spend the day visiting Delhi’s major attractions including the Red Fort [exterior view only] and Humayan’s tomb. Try some of Delhi’s delectable famous street cuisine for lunch and explore the Old Delhi market by rickshaw. You will also take a heritage walking tour in Food Street and the Spice Market. Delve into the antiquated maze of organised chaos of Chandni chowk. Explore Paranthe Wali Gali. The atmosphere here in the old part of Delhi is filled with high pitched shouts of shop owners articulated bartering and chaos from the maze of busy alleyways as porters carrying sacks and boxes to the roads to await transport. As the world goes by, you will be captivatingly drawn by the salubrious aromas of stuffed parathas being dipped into large cauldrons, where they emerge golden and beautifully transformed. Hard to resist a snack at this point.
Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 3: DELHI - AGRA [Train or Drive options]

Today you will be transferred to the railway station to engage in the experience of a train journey to Agra [or by car if preferred]. On arrival be transferred to the hotel for check in. Later a visit to Agra fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar. Later visit to Mehtab Garden to see the picturesque majestic Taj Mahal across the river. You have the opportunity if you wish to meet with India’s third sex, Hijras. India being the only country where the tradition of eunuchs is still prevalent today. The Hijra live a low status in society yet are granted the honour of blessing the birth of newborn babies, weddings and other auspicious occasions. Maybe the superstitious belief of their power to bless or curse maybe the explanation. Their surreptitious life stories are intriguing.
Overnight in Agra.

DAY 4: AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR

At sunrise, a visit to the undoubtedly most romantic burial site in the entire world, The Taj Mahal. It was built by Shah Jahan as a token of his love for his deceased wife and has gleamingly stood since showcasing his affections immortalised in time. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later drive to Jaipur. On the way a visit to Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri step well [Chand Bori]. The 64 feet deep stepwell is a captivatingly maze of geometric patterned play of light and shadows, which makes for a photographer’s dream.
Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 5: VISIT OF JAIPUR

After breakfast it’s off to explore the enchanting Pink City. The harmonious consolidation of old and new propitiously comforted over Jaipur’s shoulders like that old favourite jacket that’s buttons have since been replaced with a modern zipper. It still has the same feel, it’s just more functional. The regal bygone opulent era merged with modernity gently stirred not shaken created this appetizer of a city. Enough to drown the thirst of any traveller with its vast array of offerings. The perfect cocktail of past and present will leave you astonishingly in admiration of the countries first planned city.

You will visit the famous Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Amber Palace and Water Palace. An optional stroll through the Old City, giving you an opportunity to maximise you’re understanding about Jaipur and experience the hidden corners of this captivating city. Your guide will take you through the vibrant bazaars and lanes that interweave the Old City in a lattice patchwork of inspiration. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals and try some of the delectable street food delicacies of Rajasthani cuisine.

Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 6: JAIPUR - UDAIPUR [FLIGHT]

Today, a transfer to the airport to board a flight to Udaipur. You will be then transferred to the hotel for check in. Later in the day an exploration of the 10th century Sahastra Bahu temples in nearby Nagda.

DAY 7: UDAIPUR

After breakfast, an exploration of the palatial regal city of Udaipur.
A visit to the opulently ostentatious City Palace which is the second largest palace complex in India. The extravagant City Palace stands majestically on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Flanked by the Aravali mountain range, The City Palace is worth admiring for its natural settings that offer a breathtaking view of its surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh II chose a new capital for his kingdom near Lake Pichola that shielded the territory from its enemies, well surrounded by forests, lakes and the imposing Aravalli hills. Also visit Garden of Maids. Later float away on a boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola as your eyes zoom in with awe on the floating Lake Palace.
Overnight in Udaipur.

DAY 8: UDAIPUR - AHMEDABAD

This morning drive to Ahmedabad. Arrive and visit the Adalaj stepwell, the symmetry of the 15th century built, five story carved ornamentation of mythology of wonderous structural art is indeed a sight to see. The Sidhi Saiyad mosque, renown for the stunning intricacy of its stone carved lattice windows. The Sabarmati Ashram the former residence of Mahatma Gandi and his wife Kasturba.
Overnight in Ahmedabad.

DAY 9: AHMEDABAD - PATAN - MODHERA - BAJANA

This morning drive to Bajana via Patan and Modhera. Stopping at Patan to see the famous Patola weaving. The Patola silk sarees only worn once upon a time by royalty and aristocratic families. The master weaver has been gifted his calling from generations past and will continue to teach the skilled art onto the sons of generations to come. The true Patola is woven from mulberry silk and natural dyes. A full length Patola saree weighs just 450 grams. It requires precise calculative attention and a vivid imagination and patience of steel to create such a masterpiece. Then onto wander around the most exquisite example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat, dedicated to the solar deity Surya, the Modhera Sun Temple. The stunning 11th century temple will radiate your curiosities with its intricate amorous carvings and astounding architectural beauty. Then onward drive to Bajana.
Overnight in Bajana.

DAY 10: BAJANA - LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

After breakfast, a jeep safari into the saline grasslands of the Raan of Kutch. The Little Raan is a protected sanctuary for the Asiatic Wild Ass. Being the largest sanctuary in India spanning 5000 kilometres. The sanctuary is home to a vast variety of wildlife in its raw natural beauty including wolves, desert foxes, jackals and antelopes as mother nature intended. It seems as Mother nature herself scattered pink rose petals to float across the lake as the mass of Lesser flamingos beautify the scenery. Pretty in pink they wade in the water. As they take flight, they resemble the graciousness of a delicate pink silk saree caught by the wind. The mudflats are intriguingly textured weathered seasoned shapes that span for miles across the horizon as far as the eye can see. A visit with the salt farmers is an intriguing awakening as to where it all starts before making its way to our plates.

In the afternoon, a drive to nearby pastoral settlements and villages along the Rann of Kutch. Visiting the rural Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weavers colony at Dasada, and Ambala village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds.
Overnight in Bajana.

DAY 11: BAJANA TO BHUJ

After breakfast drive to Bhuj. On the way a stop at the small village of Dharmadka renown for Ajrakh Block Printing. Being the most popular crafts of Kutch shrouded in centuries of tradition the artisans expertise their unique skills using recipes past down from a generational given rite of natural colours and dyes. The fashioned fabrics are used to create beautiful bed covers, sarees, dress material, cushions and tablecloths. Arrive in Bhuj and check into the hotel. Later head to the government’s reserve office to fill in the formalities for permits to enter the Great Raan of Kutch the day after tomorrow.
Overnight stay Bhuj.

DAY 12: EXCURSION TO BHUJODI - TUNDAWANDH

Excursion to Bhujodi and Tundawandh.
The highly skilled process of the technique of bandhani tie dying is fascinating to watch. As the married ladies pluck away at the cloth winding tread in intricately fastidious pattens making it look effortlessly second natured. The laborious time tedious tradition dates back over 5000 years. You will also see Mashru Weaving. Originating for the Muslim communities whose beliefs prevented them from wearing silk as it is not to touch the skin. Ingeniously crafting a solution by interlocking silk and cotton in a fashion so the shiny silk is on the outside. So, by still honouring their beliefs can wear beautiful fashionable clothing.
Overnight in Bhuj.

DAY 13: BHUJ - BANNI VILLAGES & GREAT RANN OF KUTCH.

After breakfast, a visit to Banni villages, Banni and other areas (Khavda, Hodka, Ludiya, Bhirandiyana) known for their rich array of handicrafts including embroideries of Rabaris, Bharwads, Jaths, Muthwa and Harijans. Then after lunch a drive to The Great Raan of Kutch. In the true decadence of nothingness, isolated in stillness quietness and solitude as only you could imagine an immortal on a cloud looking beyond the universe. Clocked in white beyond the horizon as it meets the horizonal azure of the heavens. The Great Raan of Kutch is like no other place on earth. Covering 10,800 square miles flooded in a salt sea of water in summer the season. As it opposes itself dry as a bone in winter makes for an unforgettable experience alike to no other.
Overnight in Bhuj.

DAY 14: BHUJ - GONDAL

Today drive to Gondal. Once the capital of a princely state with a string of palaces. Ruled progressively during the British Raj, the Jadeja Rajputs who believe they are the dependence of Krishna have a collective of heritage palaces. Naulakha Palace, built in the 17th century and the 19th century. Riverside and Orchard palaces presently converted to museums and hotels. The Jadejas' vintage car collection is worth a prince's ransom itself, boasting of a 1950s Cadillac Eldorado limousine, the 1935 Mercedes seven seat salon and a 1959 Jaguar amongst other treasures. Some of the cars have been driven by the maharajas in rallies across the world. Modelled on Eton, with its Gothic architecture, Italian marble floors and old European laboratory equipment stands the Sangramji High School.
Overnight in Gondal.

DAY 15: GONDAL - SASANGIR

Today a drive to Sasangir. After checking into the hotel it’s time to jump into a jeep for a Safari. 258.71 sq km of the Gir Forests was declared the Gir Forest National Park in 1965. The SasangirNartional Park situated in the Junagadh region of Gujarat in the dry, deciduous forests of Gir is home to a dense population of the almost extinct Asiatic Lion. Seeing the King of the felines with all its dignity pomp and regal graciousness the Asiatic Lion of the Gir with its authoritarian stance of dignity in its natural habitat is an exhilarating experience. To witness the sheer beauty of the muscular carnivore Felidae mammal is unforgettable.
Overnight in Sasangir.

DAY 16: SASANGIR

Today you have the day to go on another two safaris. As experience has shown one is never enough. The thrill of the open top jeeps entering the home of the predator is rather an addictive daring feeling. Dinner and overnight in Sasangir Hotel.

DAY 17: SASANGIR - RAJKOT - DELHI

Today drive to Rajkot airport to board a flight to Delhi in Connection to your flight back home.  Or, if preferred another night in Delhi can be arranged.