Rejuvenate in India, Wellness, Wildlife & Wonder
Discover the perfect blend of adventure and rejuvenation with this thoughtfully curated India itinerary. Begin your journey in Delhi, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Explore bustling markets, grand monuments, and vibrant cultural experiences. From here, travel to Agra to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a sight that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Continue to Ranthambore, where thrilling safaris offer a chance to spot majestic tigers in their natural habitat. Amidst the untamed wilderness, unwind at a luxurious spa, indulging in treatments inspired by ancient Indian traditions. The journey then takes you to Jaipur, the Pink City, with its regal palaces and artisanal crafts. Enjoy wellness therapies designed to refresh your body and mind at a serene retreat here.
Conclude your journey at Vana, a renowned wellness sanctuary near Dehradun. Here, immerse yourself in tailored Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, and holistic healing practices, all set against the tranquil backdrop of lush greenery. This itinerary offers an ideal balance of cultural discovery, wildlife adventure, and personal renewal, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a rejuvenated spirit.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to New Delhi - the capital city of India, home to approximately 17 million inhabitants! The city is divided into two parts including Old Delhi, located near the River Yamuna, and New Delhi, home to the national government, the imperial city created by the British Raj. This city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern and paints perfect picture rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens.
Upon arrival into Delhi, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to allowing you to settle into your new home away from home experience.
DAY 2Delhi
This morning, you will be escorted on a full day tour. We will start the day traveling by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi. Visit India’s largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid or “Friday Mosque.” Enjoy a photo opportunity of the iconic Red Fort (drive past), built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan before leaving Old Delhi.
Later explore New Delhi, crafted by the British in the 1920s. Its broad, tree-lined avenues guide us to colonial-era government edifices. We’ll drive along Rajpath, catching sight of iconic landmarks like India Gate and Parliament House.
Visit the Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, who spearheaded the nation’s struggle against British colonial rule. (Closed on Mondays)
Next, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple known for its commitment to seva (selfless service). Witness community service at the Langar, where food is served, vegetables are cut, and roti is made, offering insights into cultural traditions and the spirit of giving.
Discover Humayun’s Tomb, constructed in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun. This red sandstone marvel is hailed as a precursor to the Taj Mahal and stands as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Later, you will be taken back to the hotel to enjoy the facilities, with the evening at your own leisure.
DAY 3Delhi - Agra, (4 hrs drive)
Morning drive to Agra. This is a fascinating way to see the country as we wind our way down from the foothills back to the plains and onward to the city of love Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. On arrival check- in at your hotel.
This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a great monument of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River and was constructed by the Mughals. The Fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creative builders during the time of Akbar and later Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
DAY 4Agra - Ranthambore, (5 hrs drive)
Wake up early this morning for a special sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Our guide will take you to the perfect architectural symmetry, the wonderful proportion and the sheer scale to inspect the exquisite detail covering every inch of marble. Fantastic inlay work, using semi-precious stones, decorates the exterior and interior. (Closed on Fridays) Upon completion of tour, return to the hotel to enjoy the breakfast.
Later in the morning, drive to Ranthambore, near Sawai Madhopur. Watch the landscape transform from bustling highways to the serene, lush forests of Rajasthan. The journey offers glimpses of the state’s natural beauty, leading to the renowned Ranthambore National Park. Known for its rugged terrain, ancient ruins, and tranquil lakes, Ranthambore was once a royal hunting ground and now serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.
DAY 5Ranthambore
Set out on morning and afternoon safaris by 4x4 jeep in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, venture deep into the jungles of Ranthambore. Besides the majestic tiger, you may encounter leopards, spotted deer, blue bulls, jackals, wild boars, and sambar deer. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s colorful birdlife, including vultures, eagles, peacocks, owls, and flycatchers.
DAY 6Ranthambore
Enjoy another day of exhilarating morning and afternoon safaris. The lush surroundings and captivating wildlife sightings make each journey unique. Keep your eyes peeled for tigers, deer, and the occasional sighting of a leopard, while birdwatchers can spot vultures and other colorful species that inhabit this thriving ecosystem.
DAY 7Ranthambore - Jaipur, (4 hrs drive)
This morning, drive to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the “Pink City” for its stunning pink sandstone architecture. Explore the city’s rich Rajput heritage through its magnificent forts, opulent palaces, and lush gardens. Named after its founder, Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a meticulously planned city reflecting the grandeur of its royal past.
En route, get to know the exciting stories in Tales of Textiles in Jaipur. Discover traditional art in Jaipur! Visit the local block printers. You will meet with a printing expert who has been involved in block printing for over two decades! After your introduction, participate in a special block printing workshop to understand the entire process. This famous Rajasthani method of printing involves the artistic use of wooden blocks that are used to imprint on textiles with the help of naturally obtained vegetable dyes.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace.
DAY 8Jaipur
In the morning, explore the majestic Amber Fort, a stunning blend of palaces and temples. Admire the Rajput architecture, terraces, and ramparts overlooking Maota Lake. Inside, marvel at royal halls adorned with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork, along with exquisite wall paintings. Experience the grandeur of an unconquered kingdom as you move through this historical masterpiece.
Behold the majestic City Palace in all its glory, a former royal residence blending Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Explore its courtyards, palaces, and museum showcasing Jaipur’s regal heritage with a remarkable artifact collection.
We shall drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), where a high and intricately carved wall confined the women of the court while allowing them to watch processions below.
Rest of the day is free for shopping. Jaipur is one of the only places in India where you will find places with a rich history of supreme craftsmanship dating back centuries. From handicraft, souvenirs to jewellery, shopping in Jaipur is an experience for all the senses. Block-printed and tie-and-dye textiles, Jaipuri quilts, Meenakari and Kundan jewellery to Jaipuri mojaris, we shall explore the exquisite boutiques that are vibrant with artistic handicraft products. Jaipur is also known for its stunning gems and semi-precious stones. Here is where one can get a peek into statement pieces right from the royalty to everyday wear. While in Jaipur, you can also have a close look at the traditional process of hand block printing on textiles, with lush natural colours, that has been practiced in Rajasthan for around 500 years. From high-end designers, contemporary home decor to local stores, Jaipur is an incredible mix of modern and traditional.
DAY 9Jaipur
Late this morning, discover the lively markets, where spices, vegetables, and fruits abound. Select fresh ingredients to embark on a culinary journey into authentic Indian cuisine. Following your market exploration, join the home chef for a cooking adventure that emphasizes ingredients promoting a healthy lifestyle. Unearth the well-kept secrets of regional cuisine, cultivate deeper connections with local culture, and depart with cherished culinary skills and lasting memories. Relish a homemade, authentic Indian meal while immersing yourself in the stories, traditions, and way of life of your host family.
Evening, drive to Dera Amer, a preserved wilderness of natural beauty creating a sanctuary for animals to live in. The elephants and camels are adopted from Amer Fort and rescued from a life of hard labor. On arrival, enjoy a friendly interaction with elephants. You’ll tour the nearby forest area and be greeted by elephants. You will take the elephants for their evening walk along the treks conducted in the original Aravalli forests surrounding the camp. End your day with an intimate jungle dinner at Dera Amer under the stars and drive back to the hotel.
DAY 10Fly Jaipur - Dehradun - Vana
Today drive to airport and fly to Dehradun. Upon arrival, drive to Vana, situated inside the Sal forest of Dehradun, the retreat gives a sweeping view of the Indian Himalayas and welcomes you with warmth and kindness inside its healing premises.
Based on your arrival consultation and wellness screening, the doctors will plan treatments from leading practitioners of Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies during your stay.
Day 11-12Vana
Engage in Wellness Retreat Program with yoga, meditation, cuisine lessons, functional fitness, talks, music and more.
DAY 13Vana - Dehradun (1.5 hrs drive)
Fly Dehradun - Delhi
Departure
Today check out and drive to Dehradun airport and fly to Delhi.
Upon reaching Delhi, rooms are reserved at a hotel near the airport for wash and change. Depending on your flight details, we will organize a departure transferto ensure you connect with your international flight back home, carrying a suitcase full of memories from this stunning ancient land.