Gems of India trip

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Julie
Trip plan crafted byJulie
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IndiaIndia flagTravel Expert

Starting from:

6835 USD

per Adult

Let the gems of India trip awaken your senses and redefine the way you travel. Thoughtfully tailored and intimate, this journey is created for travelers seeking meaningful India trips that go beyond the expected.

Come face to face with living traditions, sunlit palaces, fragrant markets, and village storytellers, guided by a private expert who reveals beauty hidden beyond the postcards. Every element is crafted to reflect your interests, pace, and style.

Reserve your place today and begin shaping a personal itinerary that brings the true soul of India to life.

Gems of India trip highlights

  • Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: Witness sunrise at the Taj Mahal with a private guide, capturing timeless photography and quiet reflection.
  • Bespoke royal experiences: Explore Jaipur’s palaces and hidden haveli courtyards on a tailor-made route.
  • Authentic culinary and market tours: Savor street-food and spice market tours led by insiders, customized to your tastes and dietary needs.
  • Soulful Varanasi river experience: Float on the Ganges at dawn, join intimate rituals, and meet artisans shaping centuries-old traditions.
  • Flexible, curated travel support: Enjoy door-to-door logistics, private drivers, and adaptive pacing.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Delhi

• Arrival and private transfer

• Welcome by local representative

• Curated heritage walks, monuments, markets, or street food tastings

Delhi
2Delhi

• Old Delhi walk

• Rickshaw ride through narrow lanes

• New Delhi highlights

Delhi
3Delhi → Agra

• Drive to Agra

• Guided visit to Agra Fort and Mughal palaces

• Rickshaw ride through Rawatpara Spice Market

• Sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna

Agra
4Agra → Jaipur

• Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal

• Guided tour with photography and reflection time

• Drive to Jaipur

• Pink City bazaars, craftspeople, street food

• Local home visit with Rajasthani hospitality

Jaipur
5Jaipur

• Visit Amber Fort

• City Palace and Jantar Mantar

• View Hawa Mahal from outside

• Guided shopping, craft demonstrations, Rajasthani tastings

Jaipur
6Jaipur → Chhatrasagar

• Drive to Chhatrasagar village

• Check in at the luxury tented camp

• Village walks, cycling, birdwatching

• Sunset over reservoir, sundowner

• Chef prepared dinner under the stars

Chhatrasagar
7Chhatrasagar

• Sunrise yoga by Chhatra Sagar Lake

• Boat excursion on the lake

• Birdwatching with over 200 species

Chhatrasagar
8Chhatrasagar → Jawai

• Drive into the Jawai wilderness

• Leopard tracking among granite outcrops

• Meet Rabari herdsmen

• Visit Ranakpur temples and Adinath Jain shrine

Jawai
9Jawai

• Dawn 4x4 leopard safari

• Wildlife and bird photography

• Visit Rabari settlement

• Learn about desert crafts and coexistence with wildlife

Jawai
10Jawai → Udaipur

• Scenic drive through the Aravalli hills

• Explore Lake Pichola, City Palace, bazaars

• Optional private sunset boat ride

• Artisan workshops and heritage dining

Udaipur
11Udaipur

• City Palace and Museum

• Pratap Memorial and Jagdish Temple

• Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens

• Evening home-hosted cooking class

Udaipur
12Udaipur → Mumbai

• Flight to Mumbai

• Fort district walk

• Street food tastings in Colaba

• Sunset drive along Marine Drive

• History of Bombay’s transformation

Mumbai
13Mumbai

• Boat ride to Elephanta Island

• Elephanta Caves and Maheshamurti

• Market walk

• Mumbai Devi Temple

Mumbai
14Mumbai

• Community-led Dharavi tour

• Visit small-scale industries, schools, and clinics

• Dhobi Ghats visit

• Marine Drive scenic drive

• Relax at Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai
15Mumbai

• Leisure breakfast

• Private airport transfer

• Departure

Places you'll visit

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Day01

Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. On arrival, you are greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, marking the beginning of a personalized, tailor-made journey.

Start your India travel experience with thoughtfully curated activities, from guided heritage walks and visits to serene monuments to explorations of lively markets and authentic street food tastings.

Red Fort Delhi
Day02

Old and New Delhi city tour

Begin the day with an authentic exploration of Old Delhi. After breakfast, your driver takes you to Jama Masjid, followed by a walk through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys, browse the aromatic spice markets, and catch glimpses of centuries-old havelis.

In the afternoon, discover the graceful landmarks of New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb and a drive along Rajpath past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s Residence, concluding with a visit to the Diplomatic Enclave.

Jama Masjid Mosque in old Delhi, India © Curioso.Photography/Shutterstock
Day03

Delhi to Agra, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal

Drive from Delhi to Agra, one of the best places to visit in India for its rich Mughal heritage.

In the afternoon, explore the impressive Agra Fort, a red sandstone citadel transformed into an elegant marble palace under Shah Jahan. Visit the Pearl Mosque, Diwan e Am, Diwan e Khas, Jehangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Musamman Burj, gaining tailored insight into Mughal artistry and court life.

As evening falls, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Rawatpara Spice Market for a sensory introduction to local culture, then cross the Yamuna River to admire the Taj Mahal glowing at sunset.

Red Fort Agra
River Yamuna Taj Mahal
Day04

Morning visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra to Jaipur

Begin the day with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, enjoying the soft morning light on its white marble and gaining insight into Mughal architecture, gardens, and artistry during a tailored guided tour with time for reflection and photography.

Later, drive to Jaipur, the historic Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II. On arrival, explore its lively bazaars and meet local silversmiths, bangle makers, and block printers whose crafts date back centuries.

Sample Jaipur’s favorite street foods, visit a local home for warm Rajasthani hospitality, and enjoy traditional touches such as a colorful turban or henna as a memorable keepsake.

The Taj Mahal on the south bank of the Yamuna river, Agra, Uttar Pradesh © Yury Taranik / Shutterstock
Dry Sari Clothes
Day05

Jaipur bazaars, cuisine, and crafts

Explore Amber Fort, the romantic Rajasthani palace begun by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Jai Singh I. Wander through grand courtyards, mirror-lined halls, and landscaped gardens where Mughal and Hindu styles blend harmoniously.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory, and view the iconic Hawa Mahal from outside. Conclude the day in Jaipur’s bustling bazaars with guided shopping, traditional craft demonstrations, and tastings of local Rajasthani specialties.

Hawa mahal
Day06

Jaipur to Chhatrasagar Village

Drive from Jaipur to Chhatrasagar village and check in at the Chhatrasagar luxury tented camp, set within a century-old former hunting estate surrounded by wheat, mustard, cotton, and chili fields. The camp blends understated luxury with authentic rural charm.

Enjoy tailor-made experiences such as guided village walks, cycling through open pastureland, birdwatching, and farm-to-table dining. As evening falls, watch the sun set over the reservoir, followed by a curated sundowner and an intimate chef-prepared dinner under the stars.

Gulab Jamun is a milk-solid-based Indian sweet © StockImageFactory.com/Shutterstock
Day07

Sunrise yoga and boat excursion at Chhatra Sagar

Begin your day as part of your India itinerary with sunrise yoga overlooking the serene Chhatra Sagar Lake. Guided by an experienced instructor, the session is enriched by the hush of dawn, birdsong, and the gentle rhythms of nature.

Later, glide across the lake by boat to explore mangroves and abundant birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded throughout the year. Choose a quiet vantage point for observation or follow a guided trail for closer encounters with this pristine wetland ecosystem.

Namaste
Birding India
Day08

Chhatrasagar to Jawai

Drive from Chhatrasagar into the striking wilderness of Jawai. Explore dramatic granite outcrops, watch the waters of Jawai Bandh flow gently around the rocks, and track elusive leopards in their natural habitat. Along the way, meet Rabari herdsmen to learn about their pastoral traditions and distinctive crafts.

En route, visit the magnificent Ranakpur temples, including the Adinath Jain shrine, and admire its extraordinary marble complex with 1,444 intricately carved columns during a guided exploration of this revered Rajasthan pilgrimage site.

Ranakpur
Day09

Jawai leopard safari and Rabari settlement

Begin at dawn with a 4x4 leopard safari in Jawai. Accompanied by expert naturalist guides, traverse rocky hills and open grasslands in search of leopards, birdlife, and other native wildlife, with opportunities for photography and insight into animal behavior.

Continue with a visit to a Rabari settlement to meet shepherd communities who shape this landscape. Observe daily life among potters, bangle makers, weavers, ironsmiths, and musicians, and learn how these resilient desert communities coexist in harmony with the region’s iconic leopards.

Leopard in India
Rabari desert
Day10

Jawai to Udaipur

Drive from Jawai through the Aravalli hills to Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East. On arrival, explore Lake Pichola, the City Palace, and the city’s winding bazaars with a knowledgeable local guide.

Enhance your stay with tailor-made experiences such as a private sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, hands-on artisan workshops, and curated dining in a historic haveli.

temple flower vendor with cow, Udaipur
Day11

Udaipur city tour and cooking class

Discover the highlights of Udaipur with visits to the grand City Palace and Museum, the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap at the Pratap Memorial, and the 17th-century Jagdish Temple.

Stroll through the serene Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens and wander narrow lanes leading to the washing ghats along Lake Pichola.

In the evening, enjoy a home-hosted cooking experience, where local hosts share traditional recipes, culinary techniques, and stories over a warm, home-cooked meal.

Jag Mandir Palace, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Indian Thali
Day12

Udaipur to Mumbai

At the appropriate time, your driver transfers you to Udaipur Airport for the short flight to Mumbai. On arrival, meet your private transfer and proceed to your hotel.

A local guide then introduces you to the spirit of the city with curated experiences, including a walk through the historic Fort district, street food tastings in Colaba, and a sunset drive along Marine Drive.

Along the way, discover how Bombay was handed to the British in 1662 and how seven islands were united to form today’s vibrant metropolis, India’s financial capital and city of dreams.

Marine Drive - quay Mumbai (Bombay) © Skreidzeleu/Shutterstock
Day13

Mumbai markets and temples

From the Gateway of India, board a motor launch to Elephanta Island to explore the Elephanta Caves, famed for their dramatic basalt carvings of Shiva, including the iconic Maheshamurti. Smaller cave shrines reveal traces of early Buddhist influence.

Return to the city for an immersive market walk through Crawford Market, the spice-scented lanes of Mirchi Galli, Mangaldas Cloth Market, Zaveri Bazaar for gold and jewelry, and the vibrant Phool Galli flower market.

Conclude at Mumbai Devi Temple, meeting artisans and gaining insight into the trades that animate the city.

Busy street scene at the Chhatrapati shivaji terminus
Day14

Community experience tour in Dharavi

Explore Dharavi on a community-led tour that offers meaningful insight and challenges common perceptions. Discover small-scale industries in recycling, textiles, leather, and pottery, and learn about an informal economy valued at over one billion US dollars.

Meet residents, visit schools and clinics, and gain an understanding of everyday life within this vibrant community.

Continue to the iconic Dhobi Ghats, Mumbai’s open-air laundry, before a scenic drive along Marine Drive. End the day relaxing at Chowpatty Beach, a favorite gathering place for locals.

Dharavi Slums
Day15

Farewell to India

Your India trip concludes today. After a final breakfast and time to savor local flavors or choose handcrafted souvenirs, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your onward journey.

Depart with lasting memories of the Taj Mahal, vibrant bazaars, and thoughtfully tailored experiences that offered authentic connections and a seamless farewell.

Woman at Taj Mahal, Agra, India © SasinTipchai/Shutterstock