DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi.

Upon arrival, VIP Meet and Greet service is arranged for you. A representative will meet you at the jetway with a paging sign displaying your name and guide you through immigration, baggage collection, and customs.
Transfer to your hotel, The Roseate House Aerocity, located near Delhi airport, where you have a room booked for the night. ROSEATE HOUSE NEW DELHI

DAY 2: DELHI / BHUJ
Journey to Kutch: Delhi to Bhuj

Today, enjoy a morning at leisure.
You will be transferred from your hotel to Delhi Airport in time to connect to your flight to Bhuj.
Upon arrival at Bhuj Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel, The Bhuj House. Located on a busy side street, with wandering cattle, food carts, beeping rickshaws, and the evocative call to prayer, it offers the opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle and into another world. Lose yourself in the history of the house, sip chai in the open pantry, and soak in the tranquility of the inner, leafy courtyard. THE BHUJ HOUSE HOTEL – (B,L,D)

DAY 3: BHUJ
Woven Heritage & The Palace of Mirrors

Begin your day at the Living and Learning Design Centre (LLDC), a museum dedicated to the rich textiles and crafts of Kutch. The exhibits showcase the intricate embroidery, weaving, and block printing defining the region while highlighting the traditional techniques and lifestyles of local artisans.

Continue to Bhujodi, an artisanal village celebrated for traditional weaving. The Vankar community here has an enduring legacy of crafting wool and cotton shawls using supplementary weft techniques, weaving extra threads into the fabric to create raised, tactile patterns. Featuring motifs inspired by regional heritage, from geometric forms to stylized florals, these textiles utilize natural dyes to produce earthy hues and vibrant shades.

During your visit, observe master weavers in action and witness authentic wooden looms at work. After lunch at your hotel, explore Aina Mahal, the storied 18th-century “Palace of Mirrors”. Built by Rao Lakhpatji and designed by European-trained master craftsman Ramsinh Malam, the palace features Venetian glass, ornate chandeliers, stained glass, and historic artifacts. The highlight is the Hall of Mirrors, showcasing an elaborate, luminous mirrored interior. In the evening, embark on a guided walking tour through Old Bhuj to experience the festive energy and vibrant shopping rush of last-minute Diwali preparations.
THE BHUJ HOUSE HOTEL – (B,L,D)

DAY 4: BHUJ
The Living Arts: Ajrakhpur & Master Needlework

Immerse yourself in Bhuj’s vibrant artisanal culture today. This morning, travel to Ajrakhpur, a village renowned for the ancient art of Ajrakh block printing. Derived from the Arabic word for “blue,” Ajrakh is defined by its deep indigo hues and intricate, symmetrical patterns inspired by sacred geometry, stars, and florals. Brought to Kutch by the Khatri community from Sindh, this labor-intensive craft relies on multi-stage resist dyeing, washing, and block printing using organic dyes sourced from minerals and plants. During your visit, observe master artisans hand-carving teak blocks and stamping natural textiles with remarkable precision.
In the afternoon, visit a local establishment to witness the sacred Chopda Pujan ceremony, the ritual blessing and worship of new accounting ledgers, timed specifically to an auspicious mahurat.
Later, meet the esteemed Wazir family, celebrated collectors and custodians of Kutch’s embroidery heritage. Renowned worldwide for complex stitches, vibrant color palettes, and diverse regional traditions, including Rabari, Ahir, and Sindhi styles, Kutchi needlework reflects generational identity. The Wazir family specializes in heirloom, museum-quality textiles, vintage quilts, and fine printed fabrics. Learn about the cultural history embedded in every pattern and witness firsthand how these museum-grade pieces are meticulously stitched. THE BHUJ HOUSE HOTEL – (B,L,D)

DAY 5: BHUJ
Crafts of North Bhuj & The Desert of Dhordo

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to the Banni Villages in North Bhuj.
Through this experience, you will explore various local communities and their traditional crafts, including embroidery, Rogan art, lacquer work, and copper bell making. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a workshop at Sumrasar village with Tana Bana. After lunch, drive to the Salt Desert near Dhordo village, a 30-minute journey.

This area is part of the Great Rann of Kutch, one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The salt pans here are formed by seasonal flooding from the sea, followed by evaporation that leaves behind vast stretches of crystallized salt. The Salt Desert has historical and cultural significance, with local communities harvesting salt as part of their traditional economy. As you explore the Salt Desert, you will be struck by its vastness and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a unique location to experience the raw beauty of Kutch and learn about the local practices of salt harvesting.

Please note that White Rann can be viewed / visited only if water has dried up. Drive back to Bhuj (Approx. 2-hour drive) and spend the night at your hotel after a full day of exploration. THE BHUJ HOUSE HOTEL – (B,L,D)

DAY 6: BHUJ / VARANASI
Sacred River Rhythms: Twilight Over Varanasi

This morning, transfer to Bhuj Airport to board your flight to Mumbai.
Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, collect your baggage and proceed to the check-in counter of Air Akasa for your connecting flight to Varanasi. Special assistance at Mumbai airport is arranged for you. The representative will help you with baggage handling and check-in formalities inside the airport. Layover time is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport, a Big Five representative will receive you with a paging sign indicating your name. Transfer to your hotel, the BrijRama Palace. This heritage hotel offers an emerging, unique experience that holds a lot of promise for those seeking unique and authentic experiences in Varanasi. A uniformed team in a canopied boat welcomes guests with a cool, local drink, setting the tone for Varanasi hospitality. The 3-storied property can be accessed by an elevator – a one-of-its-kind mechanism installed in a palace turret.

This evening, witness the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges. No trip to Varanasi is complete without a visit to the banks of the river Ganges. Just before sunset, you will be guided to the steps that lead down into the river, to witness an Aarti Ceremony, an evening ritual of lighting lamps against the darkness and offering prayers to the river deity. BRIJRAMA PALACE – (B)

DAY 7: VARANASI
Dawn on the Ganges, Royal Silks & Sarnath

Experience the timeless morning rhythms of Varanasi, a sacred city with over 3,000 years of living history revered by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. At dawn, step down to the riverfront for a serene rowboat journey along the Ganges accompanied by live instrumental flute music. Watch the ghats awaken as thousands of pilgrims perform ritual ablutions, pour offerings to the rising sun, and chant ancient prayers along the river’s stone steps.

After breakfast at your palace hotel, tailor your afternoon with your choice of two immersive excursions:

Option 1: Traditional Silk Weaving Looms. Visit the private homes of multi-generational weavers producing world-renowned Benaras silk saris. Famed for their compact weave and luxurious texture, these heirlooms feature opulent gold and silver brocade (Zari), showcasing patterns once reserved exclusively for royal patronage.

Option 2: Historic Walking Trail. Navigate the city’s labyrinthine alleyways, discovering vibrant bazaars filled with aromatic spices, fresh flower garlands, and brassware. The trail weaves past neighborhood shrines and hidden artisan lanes before opening onto the lively riverbanks.

In the afternoon, drive to Sarnath, an ancient seat of Buddhist philosophy where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon on the Dharmachakra and introduced the Eightfold Path following his enlightenment. Visit the sacred Bodhi tree commemorating this pivotal moment in world history before returning to your hotel. BRIJRAMA PALACE – (B)

DAY 8: VARANASI / DELHI
Flavors of the Past: Old Delhi Rickshaw Trail & Haveli Dining

This morning you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport terminal, VIP Meet and Greet service is arranged for you. A representative will receive you across the jetway with a paging sign indicating your name and take you through baggage collection and customs. A Big Five representative will then transfer you to your hotel.

If trees and streets could talk, the stories that would pour out of Delhi would keep listeners mesmerized for years. With a history as a capital, Delhi has seen the tides of several rulers, from those that people the pages of the epic poem, Mahabharata, to the Tughlaq and Mughal empires from Persia, from the imperial colonial armies to the present-day government. Looted, plundered, and resurrected over the years, Delhi emerges from the ashes of her past to take her place in the world as a global capital – politically, culturally and commercially.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Old Delhi to explore its lanes partly on foot and partly on pedal- or battery-operated rickshaws for an exciting ride across the city of Shahjehanabad. This is one of India’s biggest trading centers where there’s a structure in the chaotic business deals, a bonhomie in the different ways of life that is typical of India. You’ll ride past Churches, Mosques, Temples, walk through a wholesale spice market, smell freshly cooked street food, and simply immerse in the quirks of Old Delhi.

In the afternoon, enjoy a course-wise street food dining experience at Haveli Dharampura. THE OBEROI HOTEL – Luxury Room (B, Hi Tea)

DAY 9: DELHI
Empires to Urban Art: Delhi Across the Centuries

Begin your morning at Humayun’s Tomb, the 16th-century red sandstone mausoleum of the second Mughal Emperor. Set within tranquil Persian-style charbagh gardens, its grand dome and vaulted arches served as the architectural prototype for the Taj Mahal. Continue to the historic Nizamuddin Basti to participate in an enriching, hands-on community workshop, discover hidden neighborhood secrets, and savor an authentic, delicious lunch prepared by local neighborhood entrepreneurs.

Next, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, an active sanctuary of devotion for Sikhs across the globe. Crowned by a gleaming golden dome, the serene complex centers around a sacred pool (sarovar) renowned for its spiritual and healing properties. Step inside the principal shrine to witness daily devotional prayers, then tour the bustling mega-kitchen to observe the preparation of the traditional community langar meal served freely to all visitors. If you wish, you can volunteer alongside the disciples in the community kitchen.

Afterward, drive past Colonial New Delhi’s monumental administrative landmarks designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. View India Gate, a triumphal arch honoring over 70,000 Indian soldiers of World War I, alongside the Secretariat North and South Blocks, the historic old Parliament building inaugurated in 1927, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.
Conclude the afternoon with an immersive walking tour through the Lodhi Art District, Delhi’s premier open-air public art neighborhood. Tracing its heritage from the Lodi dynasty to a modern cultural hub, you will explore vibrant, large-scale murals by renowned international street artists addressing pressing global themes like climate change, nature, and social justice, revealing the power of contemporary street art in shaping urban life. THE OBEROI HOTEL – (B)

DAY 10: DELHI / AGRA
A Journey of Compassion: Elephant Rescue to Agra

This morning, your drive to Agra commences. En route, visit the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation Center. Founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani dedicated this non-profit organization to protecting India’s environmental and wildlife resources from unsustainable exploitation.

Walk through the premises with and volunteer and learn about the tireless efforts to rescue and rehabilitate elephants that were tamed and used for commercial gain by their owners. Working against animal cruelty and rescuing wildlife in distress, Wildlife SOS has continually worked to resolve man-animal conflicts while promoting and educating the public about the need for habitat protection. Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. THE OBEROI AMAR VILAS – (B, L)

DAY 11: AGRA / JAIPUR
Symmetry & Stone: The Taj Mahal to Rajasthan’s Royal Palace

Wake early to experience the magnificent Taj Mahal in the subtle, tranquil morning light before larger crowds arrive. Immortalized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, this white marble mausoleum was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Accompanied by your storyteller guide, explore the monumental complex, listen to the romantic history of its creation, and admire its sublime symmetry, intricate marble inlay, and reflecting pools. After exploring the grounds, return to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for Jaipur by road. En route, stop at the remarkable 8th-century stepwell of Chand Baori in the rural village of Abhaneri. Unique to arid India, stepwells served as public reservoirs, royal summer retreats, and communal gathering spaces. Marvel at Chand Baori’s geometric genius, featuring over 3,500 steep, symmetrical stone steps patterned in inverted ‘V’ formations that plunge thirteen stories into the earth. Explore the carved verandas overlooking the subterranean depths, which once housed private royal baths. Adjacent to the stepwell, visit the ancient Harshat Mata Temple, an active sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Durga, adorned with sculpted friezes of Hindu deities. Opened to the public in 1960 under the Archaeological Survey of India, Abhaneri offers a rare glimpse into monumental ancient engineering far from typical tourist crowds.

Continue to Jaipur, the famed Pink City of Rajasthan. Check in to the legendary Taj Rambagh Palace, the former royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Offering a taste of authentic royal living with palace butlers, marbled corridors, manicured gardens, and lavish rooms dressed in rich fabrics and warm tones, spend the remainder of your evening relaxing at leisure. TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL – (B, Packed Lunch)

DAY 12: JAIPUR
Royal Bastions & Gentle Giants: The Soul of Jaipur

Erected during the 18th century by the ruler of Amer as a ‘city of victory,’ Jaipur was North India’s first planned city. Famously known as the ‘Pink City’—both for the rosy sandstone used in its architecture and the terracotta wash applied to welcome the Prince of Wales—it strikes a beautiful symphony between antiquity and modern life, seamlessly balancing gridded avenues with vibrant bazaars and traditional artisanal crafts.
This morning, drive to Amer Fort, an awe-inspiring fortress showcasing a magnificent blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. As the principal citadel of the Kachhawaha clan and the royal residence of the Rajput Maharajas before the capital shifted to Jaipur, Amer stands among the most intricate fortifications in India. Explore its sprawling palace apartments, landscaped pleasure gardens, mirrored pavilions, and carved temples reflecting the extraordinary craftsmanship of yesteryear.

Continue to Dera Amer, a serene private retreat set on the outskirts of Jaipur, providing a natural habitat and healing sanctuary for rescued animals. Spend meaningful time with the lovely resident elephants and enjoy a special organic, farm-fresh meal at an exclusive wilderness venue. Later, tour the historic City Palace complex, which features an impressive array of courtyards, landscaped gardens, and palatial buildings. The palace continues to serve as the official home of Jaipur’s Royal family, housing the young Prince and his family.

Thereafter, enjoy an inspiring pink city rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the old city. This pioneering social initiative provides employment opportunities to women from low-income households. Navigated by these smart, well-trained drivers in eco-friendly electric rickshaws, soak in the sights, colors, and bustling energy of Jaipur’s historic bazaars. TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL – (B,L)

DAY 13: JAIPUR
Great Exotic Flower Experience

Today, immerse yourself in the Great Exotic Flower Experience, discovering how blooms have long been woven into Jaipur’s cultural heritage—offered in sacred temples, infused into royal cuisine, and repurposed into sustainable art. Begin at a bustling local flower market where vendors expertly weave fragrant garlands, devotees select sacred offerings, and traders negotiate over sacks of marigolds and roses. Learn how these blossoms play an integral role in temple rituals and ceremonies. From spiritual offerings to culinary heritage, join a hands-on session preparing traditional Rajasthani sweets infused with edible blooms, tasting flavors that have graced royal kitchens for centuries. The experience culminates at an innovative design studio where discarded temple flowers find new life as natural dyes and eco-textiles—a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and conservation.

Return to your hotel for some time at leisure. Later this afternoon, choose between two enriching experiences:

Option 1: Sanganer Artisan Workshop. Visit Sanganer, renowned for its handmade paper, historic Jain temples, and world-famous textile printing bearing an official Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Featuring bright patterns hand-printed onto crisp white backgrounds, this ancient craft traces its roots to early Asian woodblock traditions. Participate in an interactive workshop with a master craftsman to learn the art of printing fabrics using hand-carved wooden blocks.

Option 2: Interactive Rajasthani Cooking Experience. In this hands-on culinary session, actively participate in preparing classic Rajasthani dishes alongside a welcoming local family. Gain authentic insights into regional food culture, the historical significance of traditional spices, and time-honored cooking techniques before savoring a delectable dinner together. TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL – Palace Room (B)

DAY 14: JAIPUR / PUSHKAR
Thar Desert

Today, commence your drive to Pushkar. Tucked between the rugged Aravalli hills and the golden sands of the Thar Desert, Pushkar offers an explosion of color, sound, and spirituality. At its heart lies a sacred, mirror-like lake ringed by 52 historic bathing ghats and hundreds of pastel-blue buildings. Here, the air is constantly filled with the scent of fresh roses, incense, and the gentle chime of temple bells.

Pushkar seamlessly blends the ancient with the adventurous. Wander through bustling, narrow bazaars overflowing with vibrant Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, and street food. Home to one of the world’s only temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, Pushkar carries a mystical, serene energy that invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the true, beating heart of Rajasthan.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel, the Ananda Resort.
(Only available in November) Later, visit the Pushkar Cattle Fair with an expert. Also known as the Pushkar Mela, it is an annual multi-day livestock trading event held in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. This is one of the largest and most famous livestock fairs in India and is known for buying and selling camels, horses, and cattle. ANANDA RESORT – Luxury Tent (B)

DAY 15: PUSHKAR
Pushkar Cattle Fair
(Only available in November)

Today, revisit the Cattle Fair ground.
Apart from trading cattle, the Pushkar Cattle Fair features cultural events such as folk music, dance performances, camel races, and competitions on different days. Popular local contests include the longest mustache competition, bridal competition, and matka-phod (pot-breaking). It is the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, traditions and rural life of Rajasthan in a colorful and lively way. ANANDA RESORT – (B)

DAY 16: PUSHKAR / JODHPUR
Ramparts of Jodhpur: Feudal Splendor & Walled City Walks

This morning, commence your picturesque drive to Jodhpur across the changing desert landscapes of Rajasthan. Epitomizing the romance, chivalry, and feudal splendor of the region with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort towering dramatically over it, the city of Jodhpur was once a flourishing desert trade center for opium, silk, and copper. Painted a brilliant shade of pale indigo and cobalt blue, Jodhpur stands as the last bastion of monumental fort ramparts, colorful bazaars, and animated people with rich storytelling traditions before the golden desert sands and dunes stretch away towards the horizon.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your boutique heritage hotel, the RAAS. Situated right in the heart of the walled city, this property offers a seamless harmony of authentic old-world stone architecture and modern luxury, featuring magnificent close-up views of Mehrangarh Fort rising high above the central courtyard.

This afternoon, ascend to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most majestic forts in India, described by author Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants.” Its massive, forbidding ramparts stand in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces, mirrored galleries, and delicate sandstone lattice screens within. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and expanded by successive rulers between the 17th and 19th  centuries, explore the fort’s vast museum galleries housing royal palanquins, weaponry, and miniature paintings.

Later, enjoy a guided walking exploration through the vibrant bazaars of the old city. In historic Sardar Bazaar, nestled beneath the ornate clock tower, discover traditional handicrafts, spices, textiles, and copper wares set alongside ornate red sandstone havelis. Conclude at the bustling local produce market before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. RAAS HOTEL – (B)

DAY 17: JODHPUR
Mharo Khet Farm Table & The Walled Indigo City

This morning, drive to Mharo Khet, a chemical-free farm on the outskirts of Jodhpur. The farm tour is entertaining and educational where you learn about the importance of sustainable farming, the benefits and challenges of chemical-less agricultural practices, and an opportunity to harvest some fruits/vegetables during the tour. Enjoy an early supper with a table-to-the-farm, pre-plated, plant-forward meal, which is an amalgam of art, freshness, and flavor.

Late afternoon, return to Jodhpur and enjoy the walk of Blue City that has a mysterious quality to its quiet lanes, exquisite havelis, and pale indigo walls. Many believe that indigo was mixed in the lime to provide a cooling effect against the harshness of the desert sun. Your guide will take you through the by-lanes and you’ll learn more about the proud heritage of the inhabitants of the city. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. RAAS HOTEL – (B,L)

DAY 18: JODHPUR / DELHI
Return to Delhi

Enjoy this morning at your hotel at leisure. In time you will be picked up and transferred to Jodhpur Airport to board your flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival at Delhi International airport terminal, VIP Meet and Greet service is arranged for you. A Big Five representative will receive you across the jetway with a paging sign indicating your name and take you through baggage collection and customs. You will then be transferred to your hotel: Roseate House.

Conveniently located close to Delhi airport; this hotel stands out due to its modern architecture and top-notch amenities. The hotel’s well-appointed rooms, fine dining restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, and the modern spa and fitness facilities offer a comfortable and upscale experience. ROSEATE HOUSE HOTEL – (B)

DAY 19: DELHI / DEPARTURE
Departure Back Home

Today, fly back home.
In time for your flight, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your flight for onward destination. Special assistance on departure at the airport is arranged for you. The representative will help you with baggage handling and check-in formalities inside the airport. (B)

Land Only $950.00Per Person, Per Day, Double Occupancy