Mysteries of India

Mysteries of India

Be dazzled by India’s colorful interior on a 15-day adventure through its history and heritage. Explore the sprawling mansions and palaces of the imperial Mughal cities of Agra and New Delhi. Meet the elders of the traditional village of Chandelao. Peruse the markets of the old city of Bikaner alongside a local expert. Each day brings a new twist of the kaleidoscope – and a brighter understanding of this amazing country.

What's Included:

• Explore the Caravan Route, Bīkāner
• Discover Village Life, Chandelao
• Family Home Meal, Udaipur
• Women on Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
• City Walk, Delhi
• Orientation tour of colonial Delhi
• Tour of frescoed havelis of Shekhawati
• Visit Junagarh Fort and Deshnoke's Karni Mata Temple (or Rat Temple)
• Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Clock Tower
• Excursion to rural hamlets of Chandelao and Jojawar
• Explore Udaipur
• Visit Ranakpur Jain temples
• Explore Jaipur and Amber Fort
• Visit Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort of Agra
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through Women on Wheels, a G Adventures-supported project.

Day 2: Delhi/Mandāwa

Enjoy a youth-led morning walk through Delhi by G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Continue on to Colonial New Delhi for an orientation tour then drive to Mandawa village.

Day 3: Mandāwa/Bīkāner

Start the day with a walking tour of Mandawa then drive to Bikaner and stay in a heritage hotel, once the residence of nobility. Visit the town's colourful markets and havelis. Option to visit a camel breeding centre.

Day 4: Bīkāner

Explore traditional markets in the old city of Bikaner with a local expert. Learn about the age-old traditions of bartering and trading in tea and spices and how modern business practices are still influenced by the the old caravan routes. Later visit Junagarh Fort and the infamous Karni Mata (rat temple).

Day 5: Bīkāner/Jodhpur

Arrive at the "Blue City" and visit Mehrangarh Fort in the afternoon, built in the 15th century and well-known for its iconic Clock Tower.

Day 6: Jodhpur/Chandelao

Take a Jeep excursion into the countryside to visit tribal hamlets of Bishnois and Prajapats. Continue on to Chandelao Garh and explore the village and local markets.

Day 7: Chandelao

Enjoy Chandelao Garh and explore the village and local markets. Meet with the village elders and teachers and discuss various aspects of daily life, economy and culture in rural areas. Also visit the Sunder Rang Project at Chandelao which is striving to help village women become more economically independent by training them in traditional crafts.

Day 8: Chandelao/Udaipur

Drive to Udaipur, visiting the stunning Ranakpur Jain temples en route. This afternoon, take an orientation walk with your CEO in Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur

Explore the City Palace museum, Pichola Lake with a boat ride, and a visit to the Jagdish Temple. For lunch enjoy a cooking demonstration at the home of a local family.

Day 10: Udaipur/Jojawar

Stay at a heritage home in Jojawar village and take a train safari through the picturesque Aravali mountains.

Day 11: Jojawar/Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan.

Day 12: Jaipur

Visit the 15th century Amber Fort which was the former capital of the region. Take a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Day 13: Jaipur/Āgra

Drive to Agra, stopping to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In Agra, visit the famed Agra Fort.

Day 14: Āgra/Delhi

Rise early to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal and enjoy the stunning sunrise views. Continue to Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi

Depart at any time.