India - Rajasthan, Tigers & Taj (Cultural Walking Adventure)
Watching the sun's first rays tint the Taj Mahal saffron and coral? Or walking with a
goatherd on a quiet country lane. As we look back on India, we never can decide which was more memorable. India is fantastical— and we visit sumptuous palaces and temples
for the photogenic proof. India is intensely human too, but visitors who only see the
raucous cities miss the point. So we arrange one-of-a-kind countryside walks that
introduce you to villagers and rural life...as well as descendants of royal families, sari and
turban-tying experts, and eminent naturalists. India is a rush of mind-bending
contradictions. (Think: "safaris" into the jungle habitat of tigers, New Delhi, and the
desert at Osian—on camelback.) Most of all, our beloved India is epic.
Extension Kochi & Kumarakom Discover the sultry, coastal
personality of India with an extended visit to the exotic state of
Kerala, near the Subcontinent’s southern tip. After the highland
jungles and deserts of the north, the palm-lined canals around the
spice-trade center of Kochi offer startling and beautiful contrasts.
We indulge in lazy cruises, settle into a waterside resort, and experience a completely different culture. It’s a perfect (and perfectly luxurious) picture of India’s rich diversity. The extension ends with a guided visit of Mumbai.
brief itinerary
DAY 1: Delhi New Delhi heritage walk, Old Delhi exploration by rickshaw, Welcome dinner
Day 2: Delhi - Agra Visit Agra Fort to for memorable sunset views of the Taj, Meet up with marble inlay artisans
Day 3: Agra - Ranthambore Explore the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Travel to Sawai Madhopur by train l
Day 4: Ranthambore Pre-dawn and afternoon safaris in a world-renowned tiger preserve
Day 5: Ranthambore to Jaipur Walking tour of Ranthambhore Fort, Drive to Jaipur
Day 6: Jaipur Elephant ride to Amber Fort, Receive a welcome from a local family in a private sanctuary, Turban- and sari-tying instructions
Day 7: Jaipur – Jodhpur – Osian Start the day with a morning yoga session, Dinner at sand dune with folk musicians & dancers, Overnight at a desert encampment
Day 8: Osian - Narlai Meet with local tribal people on a morning camel safari, Enjoy a countryside walk at sunset, Linger over high tea at a scenic lakeside setting
Day 9: Narlai - Udaipur Amble on a village to village countryside walk, Refresh over a picnic lunch, Explore the Jain Temples in Ranakpur
Day 10: Udaipur Join a guided city walk through Udaipur, Shop the produce market with a local chef and then enjoy a cooking instruction in her home, Enjoy an afternoon walk with bird’s eye views of the City Palace and lakes
Day 11: Udaipur - Delhi Flight to Delhi, Day use of hotel room
Day 12: Kochi - Riceboat cruise to resort Exploration by traditional rice boat
Day 13: Kumarakom / Bird Sanctuary See kingfishers, egrets and Siberian storks on a walking tour of a bird sanctuary
Day 14: Spice Plantation A morning at leisure to sleep in or explore the resort on your own, Afternoon guided walk through a spice plantation
Day 15: Mumbai Flight to Mumbai, Guided afternoon visit around famed Mumbai
Day 16: Depart Mumbai Depart Mumbai
