India with a Twist - Not Your Typical Rajasthani Routing

Revisit the timeless beauty and mesmerizing cultures of India's Rajasthan - literally "Land of Kings". Larger than life, northwesterly Rajasthan floods your senses with its filigreed cities, opulent palaces, colorful customs, bazaars and on this journey, remote leopard habitats. Dive deeper into Rajasthan and Punjab on a Luxury Boutique Private adventure escorted by superb local guides.  

• Venture off the beaten path to reveal India’s hidden wonders in Delhi, Jodhpur, Jawai, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Amritsar - enjoying stays in distinctive boutique accommodations along the way.
• Visit Jodhpur’s magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, pausing in villages perched on the edges of the great Thar Desert.
• Embark on morning and afternoon game drives from Suján Jawai Camp.
• Take in the grandeur of the great Jain temple at Ranakpur, a stunning architectural marvel of marble pillars, spires and domes.
• Explore the colorful markets and bazaars of Jaipur, India’s “Pink City”.
• Uncover the many facets of Amritsar as you explore its Golden Temple and sample its delicious Punjabi cuisine.

DAY 1
ARRIVE DELHI, INDIA
Upon arrival in Delhi, you are met and transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
The Lodhi - New Delhi - Luxury Boutique Hotel convenient to New Delhi’s historic sights

DAY 2
DELHI | ARCHITECTURAL ICONS 
Begin your exploration of Delhi at Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor of the Taj Mahal. Then, take in the striking Qutub Minar, an ornate minaret jutting up from Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first mosque in India. Continue on to the India Gate, a triumphal arch towering more than 130 feet. Then, drive along the broad ceremonial boulevard of Rajpath (King’s Way), and see the presidential residence of Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The Lodhi - New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3
DELHI | MOSQUES & MARKETS
Today, begin with a visit to the great Jama Masjid, the largest and most important mosque in India. Move among locals engaged in daily prayer, taking in the Mosque’s two minarets, each over 130 feet tall. Then, set off on an exciting rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk bazaar — one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, frequented by locals and visitors alike. Next, view the red sandstone walls of the Red Fort and the sacred site of Raj Ghat, a simple platform of black marble marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.
The Lodhi - New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4
JODHPUR | MEHRANGARH FORT 
Fly to Jodhpur and begin the day’s explorations at Mehrangarh Fort, which stands atop a rocky cliff, some 400 feet above the city. Enter one of its seven fortified gateways, touring its museum and palaces. Descending toward town, stop at Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph remembering the former maharajas and maharanis of Jodhpur. After lunch, travel outside the city to your exclusive fort. 
Mihir Garh -  Boutique luxury hotel perched atop a dune just outside of Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 
JODHPUR | TRIBAL TRADITIONS
Set out to explore a Bishnoi village and experience rural Rajasthan’s legendary history and customs. Witness a traditional medicinal ceremony; visit with a family of potters as they demonstrate their craft; and see the phenomenal pattern work created by local weavers of traditional rugs. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Mihir Garh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6
JAWAI BANDH | INTO THE WILD
After breakfast, set out on a short drive to your safari camp in Jawai, a secluded wilderness tucked among the Aravalli Hills. After settling in, embark on a game drive exploring this pristine enclave where leopards roam freely and humans live in harmony with the land.
Suján Jawai - Luxurious, tented mobile camp set in the heart of India’s prime leopard habitat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 
JAWAI BANDH | LAND OF LEOPARDS
Today, continue your wild exploration with morning and afternoon game drives. Venture out into the vast scrublands and granite hills beyond in search of leopards and other exotic species. Encounter the local Rabari herdsmen, an indigenous people who live at one with their surroundings.
Suján Jawai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 
RANAKPUR | PILLARS OF THE JAIN TEMPLE 
This morning, embark on one last game drive for a final chance to spot the elusive leopard. Later, take a short drive to Ranakpur and explore its Jain Temple, an ornate, 15th-century structure boasting five spires, 20 domes, 29 halls and 420 pillars. Continue on to your lodge and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at your boutique lodge.
The Mountbatten Lodge - Colonial-inspired luxury lodge set high in the Aravalli Hills near Kumbhalgarh Fort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9
UDAIPUR | FASCINATING TEMPLE COMPLEXES
After breakfast, drive outside of the city to Delwara and the temple complex of Eklingji and Nagda, to explore its more than 100 temples dedicated to Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and savor the tranquil atmosphere of prayer time. Transfer to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
RAAS  Devigarh - Luxury boutique hotel occupying a former palace atop the Aravalli Hills
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10
JAIPUR | THE PINK CITY
This morning, fly to Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, set out to explore the “Pink City,” named for its use of local pink plastered stone. Tour the City Palace, a complex including the ornate Mubarak Mahal palace. Next, visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century, and drive past the spectacular Hawa Mahal. 
Suján Rajmahal Palace - Luxury boutique hotel ensconced within a former royal guesthouse of Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 
JAIPUR | LOCAL FARMING LIFE 
Today, explore Jaipur’s Amber Fort, one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding, richly decorated Mughal courts. Then, make the short journey to Dera Amer, a private Rajput farm. After meeting your hosts, saddle up for a camel ride exploring the nearby landscape. Next, enjoy an al fresco lunch overlooking an elephant polo field. Finally, visit a local market to bargain hunt among its colorful stalls. You may want to visit one of the well-recommended gemstone merchants. 
Suján Rajmahal Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12
AMRITSAR | HALLOWED GROUND
This morning, fly to Amritsar by way of Delhi. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, visit the Golden Temple, hallowed ground and sanctuary to the Adi Granth, a sacred Sikh text.
Taj Swarna - Amritsar - Contemporary luxury hotel near the city’s iconic Golden Temple
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13 
AMRITSAR | TRADITIONS OF FAITH & COUNTRY 
After breakfast, return to the Golden Temple to see its community kitchen and learn how it serves some 35,000 pilgrims a day. Continue on to visit Jallianwala Bagh, Rambagh Gardens, Khalsa College and the Hindu Durgiana Temple. Later this afternoon, drive to the Wagah border to witness the changing of the guards, an elaborate ceremony filled with pomp, circumstance and national pride. This evening, return once more to the Golden Temple and witness the Palki Sahib, a nightly ceremony venerating the Adi Granth as it's carried in procession from the temple to the Akal Takht, seat of the Sikh parliament.
Taj Swarna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14
DELHI | A PARTING GLIMPSE
Enjoy some free time to explore Amritsar before heading to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
The Oberoi Gurgaon
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15
DEPART DELHI
This morning after breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast

Luxury Private Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and provide expert local guides throughout your journey.
This itinerary can be customized to your interests.
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