Northern India: Taj Mahal, Forts & River Safaris — 15 Days
Delhi to Mumbai via Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, with safaris on the Chambal River and in Ranthambore National Park
This 15-day itinerary moves through northern India's principal architectural and natural landmarks, beginning in Delhi and concluding in Mumbai. The route traces colonial and Mughal heritage through Agra's Taj Mahal and Fort, follows the Chambal River by boat near Dholpur, enters Ranthambore National Park for wildlife safaris, and examines the astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar in Jaipur. The journey incorporates village visits in Rajasthan, textile workshops in Chandelao and Jodhpur, the marble temples of Ranakpur, lakefront stays in Udaipur, and concludes with the rock-cut caves of Elephanta Island near Mumbai. Throughout, the trip includes guided walks in historic quarters, interactions with artisan communities supported by nonprofit initiatives, and transfers by private vehicle, train, and domestic flight.
Highlights
- Guided tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra
- Boat safari on the Chambal River searching for gharials and migratory birds
- Jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park for leopards, deer, and Bengal tigers
- Amber Fort and Panna Meena stepwell walk near Jaipur
- Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur — astronomical instruments dating to 1727
- Brahma Temple visit in Pushkar with local pandit and optional Savitri Temple hike (900 steps, 650 feet elevation)
- Mehrangarh Fortress overlooking Jodhpur's blue-painted old city
- Ranakpur Jain Temple — 15th-century white marble structure with 1,444 individually carved pillars
- Sunrise cycle to Badi Lake in Udaipur with breakfast
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Elephanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage site near Mumbai — 5th-century rock-cut Hindu temples
- Block printing workshop with artisans in Jaipur and Chandelao
- Cooperative craft market visit in Jodhpur supporting 35+ women artisans
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi airport · The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa · Delhi's streets · local restaurant
Arrival in India. You will be met at Delhi airport by your included arrival transfer.
Once settled at your accommodation, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (or similar), you will meet your trip leader and fellow travellers for an orientation meeting. This provides an opportunity to connect with the group and receive information before the adventure.
The afternoon includes an orientation walk through Delhi's streets. As evening falls, you will head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group.
Meals included: Dinner
2Delhi: Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Old City BazaarsMehrauli Archaeological Park · Qutab Complex · Kinnari Bazaar · Jama Masjid · Gurdwara SisGanj · spice markets · The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa
Begin your Delhi experience with a morning walking tour through Mehrauli Archaeological Park, one of the city's oldest quarters. The park contains ancient ruins, tombs, and historic mosques across its grounds, each structure marking different periods of Delhi's history. You will walk through the Qutab Complex alongside your trip leader, moving through centuries of architectural history.
In the afternoon, navigate Old Delhi's narrow bylanes and markets. Visit Kinnari Bazaar and the historic havelis of Chandni Chowk. The Jama Masjid, known as the Great Mosque, dominates this section with its large courtyard, with capacity for up to 25,000 worshippers. Visit this structure alongside the Gurdwara SisGanj, a Sikh temple established in 1783.
Ride an auto-rickshaw through the spice markets and narrow commercial streets to observe daily trading activity and community commerce.
You will stay at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (or similar). Breakfast is included.
3Train to Agra: Taj Mahal and Agra FortTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Dholpur · Narsingh Bagh · Delhi to Agra
A train departing Delhi travels south to Agra, approximately 2–3 hours. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the Taj Mahal is included. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble structure is a monument of Mughal architecture. Your trip leader and local guide will provide architectural and historical context during the tour.
After the Taj Mahal, the group visits Agra Fort, constructed from red sandstone and white marble. This fort documents the reach and organization of the Mughal Empire.
In the afternoon, a private vehicle carries the group on a 90-minute drive to Dholpur. You will stay at Narsingh Bagh, a collection of stone cottages providing accommodation outside the city activity.
4Dholpur: Chambal River Safari and Bicycle BirdingChambal River · Narsingh Bagh to Talab-E-Sahi
The morning begins with a motorboat safari on the Chambal River, 1–1.5 hours in duration. The landscape is observed from the water, with migratory birds present along the banks. Gharials (narrow-jawed crocodilians) inhabit the river, and the area shows traditional riverside settlement.
The afternoon includes a 6-kilometer bicycle route with no elevation gain, departing from Narsingh Bagh to Talab-E-Sahi through surrounding jungle. A guide leads stops for bird observation and photography. The route is accessible for all cycling levels. Return to the hotel for afternoon tea.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
5Ranthambore National Park: Tiger and Leopard SafarisRanthambore National Park · Jungle Vilas Resort · Dholpur to Ranthambore National Park
A four-hour private transfer from Dholpur delivers you to Ranthambore National Park. Upon arrival, you will stay at Jungle Vilas Resort before heading out for an afternoon safari.
Your jeep safari, 2–3 hours in duration, is led by local rangers through dense forest interspersed with historical ruins. Wildlife in the park includes Bengal tigers, leopards, Bengal foxes, wild boar, langurs, and various deer species. Tiger sightings are not guaranteed. Return to the lodge as daylight fades.
6Ranthambore Safari to Jaipur: Pink City Arrival and Block Printing WorkshopJaipur · Ranthambore National Park · local artisan workshop · Narain Niwas Palace · Ranthambore National Park to Jaipur
The day begins before dawn with an early morning safari through Ranthambore National Park, 3–4 hours in duration, led by local rangers. Departure for Jaipur follows the safari.
The drive to Jaipur spans approximately 165 kilometers, requiring 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes by private vehicle.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, a brief walking orientation introduces the city's layout and its distinctive pink-coloured buildings.
A hands-on block printing activity is included at a local artisan workshop, where you will learn block printing techniques and receive local snacks prepared by your hosts.
You will stay at Narain Niwas Palace, a heritage hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
7Jaipur: Amber Fort, Panna Meena Stepwell, and Jantar MantarAmber Fort · Panna Meena stepwell · Jantar Mantar · Hawa Mahal · Narain Niwas Palace
Your Jaipur exploration begins with a walking tour that includes the Panna Meena stepwell and Amber Fort, a fortress perched on elevated terrain showcasing Hindu and Muslim design elements throughout its halls, courtyards, and chambers.
Before heading to Amber Fort, visit the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Its distinctive honeycomb façade features small windows. The carved pink sandstone is photographable.
After lunch, a guided tour of Jantar Mantar includes an astronomical observatory containing a collection of astronomical instruments, some dating to 1727. The complex houses the world's largest stone sundial. Walking among these structures provides information about pre-modern astronomical observation and calculation.
You will stay at Narain Niwas Palace or a similar heritage hotel.
8Pushkar: Brahma Temple, Optional Activities, and Desert Sunset with Traditional DancersPushkar · Brahma Temple · Savitri Temple · Jaipur to Pushkar · sand dunes, Pushkar
A 2.5–3.5 hour private drive from Jaipur delivers you to Pushkar, one of India's oldest cities. The city is home to a temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu creator deity.
Your morning begins with a guided orientation walk through Pushkar's landmarks, including lakes and ghats. At the Brahma Temple, you will meet a local pandit who guides you through ritual practices.
The afternoon offers two options:
Option 1: A one-hour yoga class followed by a wellness and spirituality discussion.
Option 2: A visit to Savitri Temple, accessed via 900 steps climbing 650 feet in elevation along a mostly paved path. The ascent becomes uneven toward the summit and provides views across Pushkar and the surrounding desert landscape.
As daylight approaches dusk, the group reconvenes on sand dunes for refreshments and a cultural performance. Traditional Kalbeliya dancers perform as the sun descends. A barbecue dinner follows.
Accommodation is at Atithi Luxury Resort or similar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9Chandelao: Historic Fortress and Village Textile TraditionsChandelao · Pipar village · Chandelao Garh
A 3.5–4 hour private drive from Pushkar brings you to Chandelao, a small settlement anchored by an ancient fortress. The property has been home to the same family for generations.
After settling in, a jeep excursion takes you into surrounding hamlets, culminating in Pipar village. Families here practice block printing and tie-dye techniques that have been largely unchanged for over a century. Conversations with the artisans reveal how these methods persist in rural India.
You will stay at Chandelao Garh, a heritage property within the fortress grounds. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fortress and the Blue CityMehrangarh Fortress · Jaswant Thada · local craft enterprise · Mehrangarh Fortress ramparts
The morning includes a half-day exploration of Jodhpur city and Mehrangarh Fortress, which sits at the summit of a dramatic cliff. Its honey-coloured stone walls contain a museum documenting the fortress's strategic importance across centuries of Rajasthani history. From the ramparts, the Blue City unfolds below in its distinctive palette. The tour includes Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial located nearby.
In the afternoon, visit a local craft enterprise operated by women, producing textiles, jewelry, and handmade items. This visit provides opportunity to understand community-based production and to purchase items directly from producers.
You will stay at Chandelao Garh or a similar guesthouse. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
11Ranakpur's Marble Temples and Udaipur's LakefrontChandelao · Ranakpur Jain Temples · lakeside restaurant · Fateh Niwas by Fateh Collection · Udaipur old city
The journey begins with a 3.5-hour drive from Chandelao across 160 kilometers. Ranakpur Jain Temples are white marble structures devoted to Adinath, a central deity in the Jain faith. The main temple features 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, each distinct, supporting the sanctuary. These pillars reflect the Jain principle of ahimsa, non-violence toward all living beings.
After exploring the temple complex, the route continues south toward Udaipur, another 2.5-hour drive across 90 kilometers. Upon arrival, a guided orientation walk leads through the old city's winding lanes, introducing local markets and key landmarks. The day concludes with a group dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
You will stay at Fateh Niwas by Fateh Collection. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
12Udaipur: Badi Lake Cycle, Jagdish Temple & Pichola Lake SunsetBadi Lake · Jagdish Temple · Lake Pichola · Fateh Niwas by Fateh Collection
Start before dawn with a 12-kilometer bicycle ride through Udaipur's ancient hills and village tracks to Badi Lake, taking 2–3 hours on a traditional bike at a gentle pace. Breakfast is provided on the lake's bank.
Return to the city for a guided visit to Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. The shrine features intricately carved stonework and a black stone image of Vishnu housed within. Your trip leader will provide context on the temple's role in the city's spiritual life.
The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing time for independent exploration of the city.
As evening approaches, board a boat for a 1–2 hour tour on Lake Pichola. The water reflects the city's palaces, most notably the City Palace, and the hills beyond.
You will stay at Fateh Niwas by Fateh Collection.
13Flight to Mumbai: Dhobi Ghat, Malabar Hill, and Marine DriveDhobi Ghat · Malabar Hill · Marine Drive · Udaipur · Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport · Trident at Nariman Point
After a relaxed morning in Udaipur, depart on a flight of 1 hour 15 minutes to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, an airport transfer takes you directly into a driving tour.
The route includes a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, where hundreds of workers wash textiles daily by hand in orderly rows of concrete tanks. The drive ascends Malabar Hill to the Hanging Gardens, a topiary-covered reservoir. From here, the vantage point offers views across the Arabian Sea and the bay below.
The tour descends through Marine Drive, a curved coastal road, leading to your hotel, the Trident at Nariman Point (or similar).
Breakfast is included.
14Elephanta Caves and Gateway of IndiaGateway of India · Elephanta Island · Elephanta Island cave temples · accommodation / local markets · farewell dinner location
Begin the day at the Gateway of India, an architecturally splendid colonial-era arch built during British rule. This monument overlooks the Arabian Sea.
From here, board a private boat for a one-hour journey to Elephanta Island, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's cave temples were carved into rock during the 5th century and were dedicated to Lord Shiva. Walking through the columned passages, you will encounter sculptures and carvings depicting Hindu iconography and cosmology.
A half-day visit allows time to move through the caves at a deliberate pace.
The afternoon is yours to structure as you wish—rest at your accommodation, visit local markets, or enjoy a meal. As evening settles, join your trip leader and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
15Departure from MumbaiMumbai
Your adventure concludes today. Depart at a time that suits your schedule. Breakfast is included before you leave. Your trip leader remains available to assist with any onward travel arrangements you may require.
Where you go
- 1Taj Mahal
- 2Agra Fort
- 3Jaipur
- 4Amber Fort
- 5Jantar Mantar
- 6Hawa Mahal
- 7Pushkar
- 8Brahma Temple
- 9Savitri Temple
- 10Chandelao
- 11Jaswant Thada
- 12Chandelao
- 13Jagdish Temple
- 14Lake Pichola
- 15Udaipur
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
- Your G for Good Moment: Sunder Rang Cooperative Visit, Chandelao
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your OMG Day: Yoga Class or Savitri Temple Hill Walk, Pushkar. Welcome and Farewell Dinners. Namaste Delhi Walking Tour. Old Delhi Walking Tour with Stops at the Jama Masjid. Agra Fort Visit. Taj Mahal Guided Tour. Chambal River Safari. Dholpur Cycling Tour. Safari in Ranthambore National Park. Jaipur Orientation walk. Hawa Mahal Visit. Amber Heritage Walk and Panna Meena Stepwell. Visit Amber Fort. Jantar Mantar Observatory Guided Tour. Pushkar Holy Town Walk with Brahma Temple. Kalbeliya Traditional Dancing Demonstration. Changelao Garh Orientation Walk. Sunder Rang Cooperative Visit. Mehrangarh Fortress. Ranakpur Jain Temples. Udaipur Prientation Walk. Badi Lake Cycle. Jagdish Temple Visit. Lake Pichola Sunset Boat Ride. Elephanta Island and Caves Excursion. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Activities: Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.