Compare India: Rajasthan and Its Festivals by Myths and Mountains vs Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Met and Transferred to Hotel

Accommodation: The Oberoi Maidens or The Imperial

Arriving in Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will see our people holding a sign with your names on it. They will transfer you to the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi Touring

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: The Oberoi Maidens Or The Imperial

Today you can have a leisurely morning to recover from your trip. At a designated time set by you, your guide will arrive and you can explore a bit of Delhi, the third largest city in India located on the west bank of the Yamuna River. There is perhaps no place in India that can compare with Delhi in the number of its monuments, dating from the time of the imperial Gupta dynasty 1600 years ago, through the Pathan style Indo-Muslim architecture from 1193-1526; and into the Mughal architecture, represented most dramatically by the Red Fort (Lal Qal’ah.) Later architecture illustrates first the British period and then the search for a synthesis between the Indian and the western styles. Along the Yamuna River are memorials, set in striking flowering gardens, to India’s 20th century leaders – Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

You will begin your day walking around barefoot with the pilgrims at the Jama Masjid.

Next you take a rickshaw ride down Chandni Chowk, the old market street of Delhi. As you drive, you should think of the street as a supermarket with different departments - hair ornaments, pots and pans, blankets and the like. You will visit a marvelous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You will saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding saris, beautiful bangles and colorful turbans for the bridegroom. The Khari Baoli is all about spices - here, rice and dal, dry fruits, nuts and saffron dealers have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. In this experience, if you are lucky you will also be introduced to the art of pigeon flying by a kabootar baz (pigeon fancier).

After lunch, you are introduced to New Delhi. First is a stop at Gandhi’s home where he was assassinated. Simple in design, the site is visited by constant streams of Indians.

Next is a visit to Humayun’s Tomb built in 1570 by the wife of the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was the first “garden-tomb” on the Indian sub-continent, inspiring numerous architectural innovations that culminated in the Taj Mahal.

Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark – the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower has five stories, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the center of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D.), which has not rusted through the centuries.

The interesting buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi are the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House) and Parliament House.

Tonight, you will be hosted at a Welcome Dinner in a well-known Indian cuisine restaurant.

Day 3: Drive Agra and Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Taj Gateway or Amar Vilas

After breakfast, you head out for a 3½ hour drive to Agra. When you arrive, you will tour a bit of the bustling city of Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. More than 400 years ago, Agra was the capital of India. Today it is known not for its political glory but for its monuments.

You can begin with a visit to the Agra Fort, begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 as a military structure, and finished by his grandson, Shah Jehan, as a luxurious palace. Many of the historical events leading to the construction of the Taj occurred here.

Next you head to the Itmad-ud-Daulah, whose craftsmanship foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. This marble tomb was created by Emperor Jehangir's queen Nur Jehan in the memory of her father.

Continue to the ancient village of Kachpura. This village offers one the opportunity to explore some lesser known monuments and gives an insight into the Mughal history. You visit Humayun's Mosque, the historical wells of Baoli and Gyarah Sidi, a monument carved from a single stone and situated at the edge of the River Yamuna overlooking Agra Fort. You will also see the traditional art form of Sanjhi which is paper stencils drawn on the walls by young girls. The central courtyard of the village is the major attraction of Kachpura. Witness the traditions and customs and interact with the village people. Enjoy their rich talents at the regaling performance of street play.

Your heritage walk will end at Mehtaab Bagh which offers stunning views of Taj Mahal from the other side of river Yamuna.

Day 4: Sunrise at the Taj and Then Drive Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Samode Haveli or Rambagh Palace

Before breakfast, you can visit the Taj for sunrise and return to your hotel for breakfast. The mausoleum was built on the southern side of the Yamuna River by the Mughal emperor, Shah Agra. Distraught by the death in childbirth of his inseparable companion and wife of twenty years, Mumtaz Mahal, or “Chosen One of the Palace,” Shah Jehan began the building in 1632; and, with the help of 20,000 workmen, finished the mausoleum section by 1643.

After breakfast, you head out for Jaipur, stopping on the way at Fatehpur Sikri. Just over 400 years old, Fatehpur Sikri was the inspiration of the third Mughal Emperor – Muhammad Jalaludin Akbar. When the lack of a male heir, led Akbar to the door of the Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, his prediction of three sons led to the construction of a few royal palaces near the Saint’s hermitage. Then, once his son was born, Akbar made a second change, moving a part of his court from Agra to Sikri. Thus, was born Fatehpur Sikri - the first and only time a whole city was constructed using the prevailing Indo Saracenic or Indian-Islamic architectural styles. In its day, the city served as a joint capital with Agra. Built of red sandstone, this collection of extraordinarily striking disparate buildings is still as pristine and perfect as when it was chiseled.

Your path also takes you to Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Popularly known as Bharatpur, the 29-square kilometer Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the world’s most famous and interesting wetland areas. A haven for winter migrants and an important rookery for summer breeders, the range of bird activity is stunning. Among the approximately 385 species found here are waterfowl, waders, birds of prey, owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, minivets, shrikes and babblers, to name just a very few. The bird watching can be done on cycle rickshaws or bay foot.

When you arrive in Jaipur, you head to your hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur Touring

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Samode Haveli or Rambagh Palace

When you are ready, you will visit the city. There are two “cities” – the old walled Pink City and the Jaipur that extended beyond the city walls.

When prince, soldier, and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built the pink, harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa Shastra that is timely even today. With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, this state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and ruined fortresses.

Start the day with a visit to the milk market where large quantities of milk are procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices.

Then head to the ancient capital of Jaipur State, Amber Fort. The fort is perched high on a hillside overlooking a lake, whose waters reflect the terraces and ramparts of the fort Amber was begun in 1592 by the commander of Aqbar’s army, Raja Man Singh.

In the afternoon, you visit the City Palace, which, at the behest of Sawai Jai Singh, was built near the temple of his personal deity Govinda Deva. The seven stories Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems). Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection.

You should make time to see the Jantar Mantar, the largest and best observatory, built by Jai Singh in 1728. Even today, one can read time in the giant monoliths designed by the astronomers of 300 years ago. The rest of the day is spent wandering the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind, entering the busy markets of Jaipur. Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur after his palace was completed concentrated on building the bazaars and inviting traders from as far as Iran to come and settle in the city. As a result, these artisans who have been practicing their trade for generations have become an integral part of the city’s economic growth and strolling through the bazaars is a lesson in the diversity of Rajasthan’s hand made goods.

You will spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city, Johori Bazaar. It is the main shopping area for the local people. The market has temples, vegetable sellers, grocers, emerald dealers, and textile shops all in the same area.

Day 6: Continue Exploring Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Samode Haveli or Rambagh Palace

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be taken to explore old Jaipur in a walking tour seeing crafts and local shops. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewelry market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharon ka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Later in the evening, you will be taken to a Rajput home, where you will see and learn how some of the bestknown local delicacies are prepared. You will be the personal guests of the family, erstwhile feudal lords of a princely state.

Day 7: Drive Bikaner Via Shekavati

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Laxmi Niwas Palace – Deluxe Room

After an early breakfast, you drive to the Shekhavati region of northern Rajasthan. The merchants of Shekhavati, a feudatory of Jaipur until 1491, built themselves palatial havelis, inns and temples and employed a bevy of craftspeople to decorate their domains. Here we will find a veritable open-air art museum. With the help of fresco painters, the local merchants transformed their houses into a luxury of paintings. Thus, Shekhavati contains a feast of wall paintings in town after town, village after village; an abundance of art unmatched in the world.

On the way, your first stop will be the 15th century town of Fatehpur, established in 1451 as a capital for the Muslim Nawabs, but later taken over by the Shekhavati Rajputs in the 18th century. Here, instead of driving, you will take cycle rickshaws through the town. Of particular interest, are the Devra and Singhania havelis, which are considered to have the finest artwork in the region. The Bhartia havelis are decorated with mirrors, and quite unexpectedly, have entrances decorated with Japanese tiles patterned with depictions of Mt. Fuji. We continue to Nawalgarh arriving in time for lunch at the Roop Niwas Palace. The most famous haveli here is the Poddar haveli, which also houses an excellent museum.

Just before entering Bikaner, you visit a famous camel-breeding farm. This government-managed center for camel research is unique in Asia. There are hundreds of camels here, and it is a great sight in the afternoon, as the camels come back from grazing.

Day 8: Explore Bikaner

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Laxmi Niwas Palace – Deluxe Room

Bikaner owes its existence to a son’s ambition to strike out from his family and make his own kingdom. Beginning in 1468, Rao Bika used his military and political acumen to annex and consolidate what was later to become Bikaner. By 1587, the territory was secure, construction of the Junagarh Fort had begun, and Bikaner was thriving as a center of trade on the ancient silk route. Because of its remote location, even today Bikaner retains its traditional customs and lifestyle.

In the spring, you will enjoy the Bikaner Camel Festival.

Most well-known in town is the Lalgarh Palace, an imposing red sandstone structure built in 1902 A.D by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lall Singhj. This oriental fantasy designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely hybrid architecture, blending different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles, and can be categorized as Indo-Saracenic. The Rajput exterior of Lalgarh Palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental décor within. The intricately dexterous carvings on red stone are the hallmark of a great local craftsman.

A second famous site is the Junagarh Fort, built by one of Akbar’s generals, Raja Rai Singh, to protect the 37 palaces, temples, and pavilions within. The fort has the unique distinctions of remaining unconquered up to the present, and boasting stone carving that is among the best in the world. Balconies, painted walls, a cooling marble tank, mirror work, ivory beds, courtyards, and other touches lend an elegance, grace and dignity to this fort that are unmatched. There is also a museum housing sculptures, seals, domestic implements and toys.

You take cycle rickshaws through the old walled city to see the old havelis or mansions of the wealthy traders. Of the temples, the two most ornate are the 14th century Sandeshwar Jain Temple, which has interiors decorated with enamel and gold leaf frescos; and the Bhandeshwar Temple, decorated with carved wooden columns decorated with motifs of dancing maidens.

You can also wander the narrow lanes of the bazaar for handicrafts, painted lampshades made of camel hide, miniature paintings done in the Bikaneri style and silver jewelry. Terra cotta is an age-old craft of Rajasthan. Alwar produces paper-thin Kagzi pottery, red and clay articles with geometrics are made in Pokharan, and Bikaner is famous for its painted pottery tinted with lac colors. You will wander the area of the market where craftsmen practice making the terracotta pieces, as did their forefathers before them.

Day 9: Desert Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Desert Camp

This morning, you will be driven deep into the desert of Rajasthan (4 ½ hours). After a leisurely lunch en route, you arrive at your stunningly located campsite, surrounded by sand dunes on all sides.

Later in the afternoon, you will be taken on a camel to the neighboring sand dunes, ending the ride at a great location, where dinner has been laid out for you on a dune, with live music.

Day 10: Drive Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Raas Jodhpur - Luxury Room

After breakfast, you drive about 1 ½ hours to Jodhpur.

Founded in 1459, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar State and a major trade center in the 16th century due to its location on the ancient silk route. Today, Jodhpur has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan without shedding its medieval splendor.

Lunch will be at the Hauwant Mahal, with fabulous views of the palace.

In the afternoon, you can visit the city. The best way to trace the history of Jodhpur is to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, still run by the former Maharaja of Jodhpur. In a country of forts, Mehrangarh is considered the most impressive in all Rajasthan. It houses an incredible array of elephant howdahs, miniature paintings, folk instruments, Rajput costumes and armor, cradles, and a huge tent seized from a Moghul emperor. From the ramparts, you can look down over a sheer drop on the jumble of streets and blue Brahman houses of the city below. Near the fort is the Jaswant Thanda, a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

After exploring the fort, you can head down to the Clock Tower and wander the market.

Day 11: Free Day with Car And Driver

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Raas Jodhpur - Luxury Room

You have a full day to explore Jodhpur with a car and driver at your disposal. You may want to visit some of the different master craftspeople in the area, who make furniture or jewelry. There is also time to have lunch, sip tea, or have drinks in the garden of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, often the backdrop for Bollywood movies.

Tonight, we have arranged for a lovely dinner tonight at Chokhelao Terrace, which faces Mehrangarh Fort on one side and the blue city on the other.

Day 12: Drive Udaipur Via Ranakpur

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Fatehgarh Or Udai Vilas

After breakfast, you head out across the mountains and the desert to Udaipur. En route, you make a stop at Ranakpur, one of the most important of the Jain pilgrimage sites in India. The central temple, Chaumukha, is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara (revealer of truth), Adinath, and contains 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars, none of which are alike! Note that in India, feminine beauty is determined more by the fullness of the figure and the roundness of the hips and breasts. You might also want to think about our reverence for Michelangelo and his carvings, amidst this proliferation of extraordinary marble sculpture.

Leaving Ranakpur, you continue to Udaipur, arriving early in the evening. In the fall, you can celebrate Diwali, wandering the streets with the locals

Day 13: Udaipur Touring

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Fatehgarh Or Udai Vilas

Today, you soak up the pleasures of Udaipur, driving first to the City Palace, begun by Maharana Udai Singh. Of the many palaces of Rajasthan, the City Palace is one of the most beautiful in terms of artwork. The stained glass, inlay work, tiles, and miniatures - everything is exquisite. In the palace, you can visit the miniature art collection. Miniature painting in Rajasthan shows the exuberance of bright primary colors and the style differs, each area having its own particular genre. The Mewar School developed at the end of the 16th century and evolved into artists portraying their patron Maharaja in vast court scenes, with intricate movement and innumerable courtiers. The technique is complicated, the finer lines being drawn using the hair from the tail of a squirrel.

Sahelion-Ki-Bari are beautiful gardens laid out in the mid-18th century for a retinue of forty-eight young ladiesin- waiting who were sent to Udaipur as part of a princess's dowry. The gardens have beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains.

Situated close to the City Palace is the Jagdish temple built in Indo-Aryan style. It enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the creator of the universe.

After lunch at a city restaurant (included), explore a bit more of old town – do a bit of shopping, interact with people and see some local arts and crafts – before returning to your hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to Airport and Fly Delhi. Visit Old City and Dinner on Your Own

Meals: Breakfast

After a slow day (check out at 12 noon), you will be taken from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to tour Old Delhi. You will be later taken to a nearby restaurant for dinner (not included), before being escorted back to the airport for your flight back home.

Day 1: Welcome to Delhi

After your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, you are greeted with the traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow female travellers for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: The hustle and bustle of Old Delhi Relaxed Start

Dive into Old Delhi’s symphony of sounds, smells, tastes and colours as you wander down beautiful narrow lanes and taste authentic Delhi street food. Visit an elegant haveli, an old private mansion and enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family.This afternoon, visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and take a walk through their community kitchen where you witness the practice of langar: serving food free of charge to anyone who is hungry. This beautiful act promoting equality also involves the Sikh women who help with the preparation of the meals.

Day 3: Exploring New Delhi

Today explore New Delhi, largely built by the British in the early 20th century. Drive along the Rajpath to see the war memorial India Gate and the colonnaded Parliament House. Visit the 16th century Tomb of Emperor Humayun. This marvelous example of Mughal architecture went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue your exploration of Delhi with Insight Choice. Choose to get creative and hands on as you take part in a jewelery making class. Alternatively, enjoy abhyangam, an Aryuveda massage practice whereby oil is applied to your body by two skilled therapists.

Day 4: Delhi to Agra

Journey to Agra and visit its historical fort complex resembling a walled city. The Agra fort is made up of a series of impressive buildings including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Sheroes Café and meet the inspiring women behind it who are survivors of acid attacks. Be encouraged by their resilience and enjoy this opportunity to chat to them about their stories and support their cause in raising awareness.

Day 5: The unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal

Put on a traditional saree in preparation for your visit to the Taj Mahal, a true highlight of your journey. Following the death of his wife, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this mausoleum. You can’t help but be awestruck by this delicately carved white marble jewel. Later, enjoy lunch on your way to Jaipur, the stunning capital city of Rajasthan state. In the evening visit the local market and shop for a traditional Indian dress for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.

Day 6: Jaipur through the locals’ eyes

On your city tour see the Hawa Maha, the Palace of the Winds. Its stunning lace-like facadehas 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and the neighbouring City Palace, housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal art.  Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, dedicated to empowering women from low-income households. Continue your exploration of Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to take part in a demonstration of the art of Mehndi, the traditional henna body painting. Alternatively, learn a few new moves at an energetic Bollywood dance class.  Tonight, join a local family to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Get involved in the preparations for Lakshmi Puja by lighting oil lamps around the house, to invite the goddess Lakshmi to come home. Learn how to prepare traditional meals by watching a cooking demonstration before feasting on a delicious dinner.

Day 7: The Pink City

Start your day with a yoga session led by a female guru and explore the deeper meaning of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and the importance of harmony between body, mind and spirit. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to go on a walking tour in the bazaars where you will meet the colourful characters involved in gem-polishing, tie die or bangle-making as well as the world-renowned pickle makers. Alternatively, visit a Blue Pottery workshop and see how this characteristic local pottery is made. In the late afternoon, ascend the hilltop Amber Fort by jeep and experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special Hindu blessing ceremony. Feel like royalty as you dine at the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant and savour mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by impeccable service.

Day 8: Chandelao and the Blue City of Jodhpur

Meet the female artisans of the Sunder Rang Arts and Crafts Project in Chandelao village, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts. The workshop enables and empowers women to earn a fair living through developing their craft skills and providing a sustainable income. After your lunch, continue to the Blue City of Johdpur and tonight take a stroll through the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower market. Perhaps pick up some Mathania chilis or flavoured teas and try some lassi.

Day 9: Exploring Jodhpur

This morning, venture to a nearby village and meet the Bishnoi people, who for 500 years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species like the majestic black buck antelope. On your return to Jodhpur, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and see the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. In the afternoon, meet an astrologer and learn about the importance of the influence of planets. Indulge in a Highlight Dinner at Khaas Bagh, a worthy tribute to the legendary lifestyle of princely India surrounded by handpicked memorabilia of the Raj Period that include a fleet of dazzling vintage cars.

Day 10: Ranakpur And Udaipur

Travel to Ranakpur to explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the Jain Temples before meeting a priest and attending a special prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten Lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Continue to Udaipur. Founded in the 16th century, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills.

Day 11: Explore Udaipur Relaxed Start

Explore the City Palace complex, visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Seva Mandir Organization, working to empower women by building stronger and more ethical communities. Wander through the bazaars to see the spice and textile markets and later cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Tonight, experience Bedla hospitality at your Celebration Dinner. The Bedla Family had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Hear their fascinating stories and enjoy excellent entertainment while dining on superb culinary delights and toasting to your journey in incredible India.

Day 12: Fly to Delhi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you fly to Delhi and your journey comes to an end. For your onward travels please schedule your flight after 21:00 from Delhi.