Mumbai

Delve deeper into Mumbai today, starting with a visit to Dharavi – an immense community of people that’s also a thriving centre of smallscale industry worth US$665 million annually. Dosas and uttapam are among the offerings at lunch at one of the city’s most loved South Indian restaurants before a walk to Shivaji Park. Return mid-afternoon to the hotel and take some time to enjoy the facilities.

Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

"I don’t know a city that treads a finer line between thriving and collapsing. Downtown is just one aspect of this megacity – where heritage and modernity come together. But I’ll take you into the suburbs where traditional lifestyles hold sway and Mumbai’s spirit of can-do and communal harmony are so evident."
Lincoln

Mumbai—Jodhpur

Fly to Jodhpur, the ‘blue city’ of Rajasthan, and transfer to Raas – a contemporary design hotel. This boutique property offers views of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort from each room and is a favourite of Lincoln’s. Discover daily life in Jodhpur with a guided walking tour of its residential heart. Our party will surely linger tonight, with a rooftop dinner at Raas and remarkable views of the fort.

Overnight at Raas, Jodhpur

Jodhpur

Visit Jodhpur’s striking fort and stately palaces today. Mehrangarh Fort is one of India’s largest: unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Later, explore the old city with its narrow alleyways and lively bazaars bursting with textiles, silver and handicrafts. Our vehicle is at our disposal this afternoon. Antique warehouses are waiting to be explored or choose to pamper yourself at Raas with a spa treatment (additional cost).

Overnight at Raas, Jodhpur

Jodhpur—Chanoud

Journey by vehicle to Chanoud and for the next two nights experience authentic rural Rajasthan. Our hosts are descendants of local rulers and will welcome you warmly to Chanoud Garh, once a grand palace now intimate heritage hotel. The rooftop terrace beckons at sunset with 360-degree views.

Overnight at Chanoud Garh, Chanoud

"Jairaj and Mahiraj are our hosts at Chanoud Garh. Their care and attention to detail shows in the finer aspects of their property: light-filled rooms, lovely local fabrics, refreshingly earnest service from local staff. Their connection to the surrounding village goes back many generations – indeed, they are the patrons of the entire area – and the chance to understand more about the region and its people through this connection is very special."
Lincoln

Chanoud

Immerse yourself in Chanoud this morning and witness daily life in a Rajasthani village. Walk through the market and residential parts of the village, meeting villagers and colourful Rabaris, or shepherds, along the way. Later, venture to the open fields and salt-pans of the surrounding countryside during an afternoon jeep safari, and take pause for afternoon tea en-route.

Overnight at Chanoud Garh, Chanoud

Chanoud—Jaipur

Drive to Rani to board a train bound for Jaipur. India’s rail network is one of the largest in the world and a crucial part of the country’s infrastructure – an experience not to be missed. Our group will be met upon arrival in Jaipur and transferred to DeraMandawa, an intimate heritage property with spacious suites. Here you will meet Durga Singh, its charismatic proprietor and storyteller.

Overnight at DeraMandawa, Jaipur

Jaipur

Discover Jaipur with its painted pink city walls and rich royal history. We start our morning with a visit to the city’s wholesale milk market where the day’s milk is auctioned. Ride a decorated elephant to Amber Fort and marvel at the Palace of Mirrors inside. Visit Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is renowned for art and crafts and you may wish to shop for those in the afternoon.

Overnight at DeraMandawa, Jaipur

Jaipur—Varanasi

Fly to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, this is the city of Lord Shiva. The Ganga aarti is a powerful and uplifting devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering. Witness it from the water with a dusk boat ride.

Overnight at Jukaso Ganges, Varanasi

A conch shell is blown, echoing across the Ganges. Lamps are lit and circled around by saffron robed priests chanting songs in praise of Mother Ganga, goddess of the most sacred holy river in India. This is aarti.

Varanasi

Varanasi is the holiest city in Hinduism, filled with temples and teeming with cultural life. Interact with shopkeepers and temple attendants, sample local delicacies and experience this ancient and holy city first-hand during a guided walk that will reveal Varanasi’s old city – from its hidden alleys to its bazaars and oldest ghats.

Overnight at Jukaso Ganges, Varanasi

Varanasi—Khajuraho—Panna

Fly to Khajuraho and visit the World Heritagelisted sandstone temple complex. Marvel at the erotic carvings and intricate sculptures that adorn the temples. A short drive from Khajuraho is your home for the next three nights, Sarai at Toria. Renowned conservationists Raghu and Joanna will share their passion for the environment, good food and local knowledge with us, as well as their picturesque rural property. Raghu’s decade studying the tiger will allow us a personal insight into India’s parks and wildlife.

Overnight at Sarai at Toria, near Khajuraho

Panna

Enjoy a jeep safari either early in the morning or late afternoon at Panna National Park, viewing wildlife from deer to birds and possibly the tiger. Food is a highlight of our stay at Sarai at Toria. Savour the recipes passed down from Raghu’s family like sweet and sour lentils with fried coconut slices and peanuts, fresh green salads grown in the garden and hot lemon pudding. Dine by candlelight under the stars.

Overnight at Sarai at Toria, near Khajuraho

Panna

Fishing, birding or a walk in the countryside, are among your options this morning. With our vehicle at our disposal, in the afternoon an easy one-hour drive on quiet, rural roads can take us to the hilltop fort of Ajaygarh, believed to have been built by 9th century kings. Climb the 500 steps to the fort for views of the surrounding area.

Overnight at Sarai at Toria, near Khajuraho

Panna—Delhi

Having seen some of the remarkable places of North India and met its people, fly to Delhi for connecting international flights or onward travel. Continue your India exploration with our suggested tour extensions.