Day 1; Arrival to Delhi
Embark on an unforgettable 15- day journey through India that blends regal opulence, rich history, vibrant culture, and sacred rituals. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene lakes of Udaipur, the majestic forts of Jaipur, and the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, each destination offers a unique window into the soul of India. Track tigers in the wild jungles of Panna, witness spiritual devotion on the ghats of Varanasi, and end your adventure in the cosmopolitan charm of Mumbai. With stays in India’s most iconic luxury hotels and curated local experiences, this journey is an immersive celebration of heritage, nature, and the extraordinary spirit of the subcontinent.
Day 1 - 3: Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be warmly received by an Explore Journeys representative who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind after your journey. Take this time to rest, acclimatize, or explore the hotel’s amenities at your own pace.
Overnight: The Oberoi, New Delhi (Deluxe Room) Meals: No Meals
The Oberoi New Delhi
2 Nights
Day 2: Old Delhi
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before diving into the heart of Old Delhi. Your first stop is the majestic Jama Masjid, an architectural marvel commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. From here, hop onto a cycle rickshaw for an unforgettable ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk—alive with colors, aromas, and centuries of history. Wind your way past spice markets, jewellers, and old havelis before heading to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a breathtaking example of Mughal garden tomb architecture.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a handpicked restaurant, offering regional delicacies in a refined setting.
In the afternoon, continue your discovery in New Delhi, where broad avenues and elegant buildings from the British Raj narrate a different chapter of the city’s story.
Overnight: The Oberoi, New Delhi (Deluxe Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3 - 5: Udaipur
After breakfast this morning, you’ll be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your flight to the enchanting city of Udaipur, often referred to as the Venice of the East.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to refresh before heading out for a private cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Drift past Udaipur’s iconic ghats, heritage havelis, and the majestic City Palace, with the Aravalli hills forming a dramatic backdrop. Stop at Jag Mandir, an island palace with centuries of royal history, and enjoy a scenic sundowner as the sky transforms into hues of gold and rose.
Return to your hotel for a relaxed dinner and a serene evening by the lake. Overnight: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Luxury Lake View Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Taj Lake Palace
2 Nights
Day 4: Udaipur
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the regal charms of Udaipur. Your first stop is the magnificent City Palace—a sprawling complex of marble and granite that stands proudly on the banks of Lake Pichola. Wander through its intricately decorated courtyards, balconies, and mosaic-lined corridors as you uncover tales of Mewar royalty.
Next, visit the Crystal Gallery, home to one of the largest private collections of crystal furniture and artefacts in the world—an opulent display of royal extravagance. Continue to the Sahelion Ki Bari, or the Garden of the Maidens, a lush oasis built for the queen’s attendants, featuring lotus pools, marble pavilions, and delightful fountains.
By midday, head to a specially curated Chef’s Table experience, where you’ll enjoy a live cooking demonstration of classic Rajasthani or Indian fare, followed by a delicious lunch that reflects the region’s culinary heritage.
Overnight: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Luxury Lake View Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 - 7: Jaipur
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan famously known as the Pink City.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel to freshen up before stepping out to explore the city’s royal legacy. Begin with a visit to the City Palace, an exquisite complex blending Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, still partially home to the former royal family. Stroll through its courtyards and halls, including the elegant Mubarak Mahal (Palace of Welcome), which now houses a fascinating textile museum showcasing royal garments and intricate handwoven fabrics.
Continue to the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring colossal instruments that remain astonishingly accurate even today.
Return to your hotel for a relaxed and elegant dinner, reflecting the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (Palace Room) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Rambagh Palace
2 Nights
Day 6: Jaipur
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore more of Jaipur’s architectural wonders. Begin with a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, an extraordinary five-storied façade with 953 lattice-worked windows designed for royal women to observe street life unseen.
Continue to the majestic Amber Fort, perched high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. With its grand gateways, mirror-palace halls, and intricate frescoes, Amber Fort offers a glimpse into the royal splendor of Rajasthan’s past. Wander through its sprawling courtyards and royal chambers, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills.
After a traditional Rajasthani lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to Design Your Day. Choose from a rejuvenating private yoga session set in a serene location, an insightful visit to a local craft center to see block printing or blue pottery artisans at work, or a guided walk through Jaipur’s lively bazaars, where you can shop for gemstones, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Each experience offers a unique connection to the city's vibrant culture and spirit.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (Palace Room) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 - 9: Agra
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra—once the heart of the Mughal Empire and home to some of India’s most celebrated monuments. Upon arrival, check in to your luxurious hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch while taking in views of the iconic landmark nearby.
In the late afternoon, set out for a magical sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, the eternal symbol of love. As the sun dips below the horizon, watch the white marble monument glow in soft golden hues, a truly unforgettable sight. Your guide will unravel the poignant story behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Return to your hotel with the lingering image of the Taj etched into memory. Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (Premier Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
The Oberoi Amarvilas
2 Nights
Day 8: Agra
Rise early for a breathtaking sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, when the first light of day casts a soft, ethereal glow over its pristine white marble. In the quiet of the morning, with fewer crowds and cooler air, experience the monument’s serenity and grace at its most enchanting. After soaking in this unforgettable moment, return to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast.
Later in the morning, set out to explore the grand Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an imposing red sandstone fortress that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Walk through its impressive gates, elegant palaces, and audience halls, all of which reflect a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. From its ramparts, enjoy panoramic views of the Yamuna River—and a distant glimpse of the Taj Mahal itself.
In the evening, return to your hotel and unwind over a leisurely dinner, surrounded by the quiet elegance of your regal setting.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (Premier Room) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 - 11: Panna
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the railway station for your train journey to Jhansi—a comfortable ride that offers a glimpse of India’s heartland through its passing countryside. Upon arrival in Jhansi, you’ll be met by your driver for a scenic road transfer to Panna National Park, located in the Vindhya hills of central India. En route, take in the changing landscapes as you leave the urban bustle behind for the tranquil beauty of forests and rivers.
Arrive at your wilderness lodge and settle in with a delicious lunch, surrounded by nature’s calm. In the late afternoon, delve into an insightful cultural experience with a visit to the Pardhi tribal community, once traditional hunters who are now powerful allies in tiger conservation. Learn how their deep knowledge of the jungle has been transformed into a force for wildlife protection and eco-tourism—an inspiring story of change, resilience, and coexistence.
Return to your lodge for dinner under the stars, as the sounds of the forest set the tone for your stay in the wild.
Overnight: Pashan Garh, Panna (Cottage) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Pashan Garh, A Taj Safari
2 Nights
Day 10: Panna
Wake up before dawn and head out for a thrilling morning safari just as the forest stirs to life. Panna National Park, a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its dramatic gorges, teak forests, and the sparkling Ken River that runs through it. This lesser-known reserve offers a rich biodiversity — keep your eyes peeled for royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds, from Indian vultures to paradise flycatchers.
Midway through your safari, stop for a picnic-style breakfast in the heart of the jungle — surrounded by the sounds of nature, under a canopy of trees. It’s the kind of wilderness moment that stays with you.
After a relaxed lunch back at the lodge, gear up once again for an afternoon safari. As the sun dips low, the forest changes its rhythm — golden light filters through the trees, and wildlife stirs once more, offering a second chance to spot elusive creatures.
Return to your property for a hearty dinner under the stars, swapping stories from the day’s adventures.
Overnight: Pashan Garh, Panna (Cottage) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 - 12: Khajuraho
Begin your day with an early morning game safari, venturing deep into the wilderness as the forest awakens. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive tigers, leopards, and a variety of birdlife as your naturalist guide helps bring the jungle to life with stories and insights.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by check-out. You’ll then embark on a scenic drive to Khajuraho—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures.
Upon arrival, check in and unwind before heading out to explore the legendary Khajuraho Temples. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, these temples are world-renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings that celebrate life, love, and spirituality in all its forms.
Overnight: The Lalit, Khajuraho (Temple View Room) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho
1 Night
Day 12 - 13: Varanasi
After breakfast, bid farewell to Khajuraho and transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed lunch, followed by some time to refresh.
As evening falls, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the sacred Ganges River. With priests in saffron robes performing synchronized rituals to the rhythm of chants, bells, and flames, the ceremony is a deeply moving expression of devotion and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful evening after a day rich in history, spirituality, and tradition.
Overnight: Taj Ganges, Varanasi (Superior Room) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Taj Ganges
1 Night
Day 13 - 15: Ganges
Begin your day with a magical sunrise boat cruise on the sacred Ganges River—a truly soul-stirring experience. As the first light of dawn glows over the water, glide past the ancient ghats where pilgrims perform their morning rituals, priests offer prayers, and the city slowly awakens in a timeless rhythm. The spiritual energy and serenity of this moment offer a powerful glimpse into the heart of Varanasi.
Return to your hotel for breakfast, followed by check-out.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, India’s dynamic metropolis and the beating heart of Bollywood, finance, and culture. Upon arrival, check in to your iconic hotel and take the rest of the evening at leisure—whether you choose to unwind, explore the vibrant local neighborhoods, or enjoy the views of the Arabian Sea.
Dinner will be served at your hotel, offering a blend of regional flavors and refined ambiance to end the day on a delicious note.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Superior City View Room) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
The Taj Mahal Palace
2 Nights
Day 14: Mumbai
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore the iconic sights of Mumbai, a city where colonial charm meets modern dynamism. Begin at the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it stands as a grand symbol of Mumbai’s historic past.
Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), a stunning Indo-Saracenic building housing an impressive collection of Indian art, sculpture, and antiquities. Then visit Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi in Mumbai, now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy. Gain insight into the man behind India’s independence movement through photographs, letters, and personal belongings.
Your final stop is the fascinating Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Watch hundreds of dhobis (washermen) skillfully washing clothes by hand—a unique and rhythmic display of Mumbai’s everyday life.
In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the extraordinary journey you’ve experienced—from palaces and temples to jungles and sacred rivers.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Superior City View Room) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Onward travels
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. At the scheduled time, you’ll be transferred to Mumbai Airport to board your onward flight. As you depart, carry with you unforgettable memories of India’s royal heritage, spiritual depth, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.