Metropolis, Desert + Jungle
Transport back to ancient times as you explore historic cities, palaces, monuments and other architectural wonders. Enjoy top-notch service following you from the heart of the city of Delhi, to the dunes rolling across Jaisalmer, to the rich forests of Bandhavgarh National Park. Whether it's rest and relaxation or action and adventure that you seek, this trip delivers all of the above and more.
At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to India might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India. Upon arrival, a Travel Beyond representative will welcome you at the airport arrival lounge and transfer you to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern-day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history.
The LeelaMeals: N/A
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel. As the city wakes up, you will be transported to the times of the grandeur and subsequent ruin of the Mughal Empire. Colorful, vibrant, noisy and chaotic are words that best describe what many call Old Delhi. The empire was built by the mighty Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Here you will visit India’s second largest and most aesthetically designed Mosque, the Jama Masjid. Walk through the streets and markets of this 17th century imperial capital city of the Mughal empire where royalty once descended. Savor the fragrances of the boisterous spice market, one of Asia’s largest, and be dazzled by the glitter of India’s largest jewelery markets. Catch a glimpse of the once-glorious Havelis (royal mansions) of Old Delhi. Discover hidden gems while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-year-old markets in the city, built at the acme of Mughal Empire, India’s most glorious monarchy.
This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, offering even more historical sites than Old Delhi. The city was founded by the imperial British government in 1911 to move their capital from Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta). Spectacular sights include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament House and the President’s Residence. End your tour with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure.
The LeelaMeals: B
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for your transfer to Agra. This afternoon, you will visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well-preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.
After your tour, enjoy your evening at leisure at the Oberoi Amarvilas. This hotel enjoys an unrivalled position, just half of a mile from the iconic Taj Mahal. Each room affords uninterrupted views of this ancient monument to love, while elements of the layout and design pay homage to its Mughal splendor.
The Oberoi AmarvilasMeals: B
At sunrise, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is the sole raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
After your visit, return to the hotel for breakfast before your five-hour drive to Jaipur. The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, also known as “Pink City,” owes its name, foundation and planning to the great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls. Besides cultural sightseeing, Jaipur is also known for shopping and is famous for fabric, gems, jewelry and handicrafts.
Taj Rambagh PalaceMeals: B
After breakfast, enjoy a morning city tour to see the gems of Jaipur. Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, the most iconic monument of Jaipur. Travel on jeeps to the top of the hill where the fort is situated. Housing many palaces, halls, gardens, and temples – including the Sheesh Mahal, an elaborate mirror Palace, a visit to Amber cannot be missed. Later embark on a uniquely designed cycle rickshaw tour and gain insight on the socioeconomic aspects of the city. Every lane in the walled city has something interesting to offer, and the relaxed rickshaw ride is the best way to explore the city like the locals do.
This afternoon, experience Jaipur’s heritage through bazaars, crafts, and cuisine. Jaipur offers a dazzling immersion into the riches of traditional India. Since its foundation in 1727, the royal family and nobles of Jaipur have employed various craftsmen and artisans in the Pink City. Many of these traditions continue to this day, making the modern day Jaipur a favorable destination to witness India’s rich artwork and craftsmanship. Mingle and talk with locals while sampling some of the region’s culinary delights – be sure to try Samosa Kachori, Kulfi and Lassi. Sample sweets from some of the city’s most popular Mithai Walas, and observe local artisans like silversmiths and bangle makers at work. Meet a local family and experience Indian hospitality.
Taj Rambagh PalaceMeals: B
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Jaipur airport for your private charter plane to Jaisalmer, where you will be met and driven to The Serai.
The Serai Luxury Desert Camp and Spa is set on a private hundred-acre estate of indigenous desert scrub. 21 guest suites, each pitched on a base of beautiful Jaisalmer Stone comprise the encampment. The six Luxury Tented Suites have a private plunge pool set in a walled garden, and the Royal Suite holds its own pool, spa area, and dining and lounge tents. An infinity pool, inspired by the timeless design of traditional step-wells and raised ten feet above the ground, grants a panoramic view of the camp and its surrounding wilderness.
The SeraiMeals: B
After your leisurely breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest fully preserved, fortified cities in the world. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort’s massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila, or Golden Fort. Located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name, its dominant hilltop location makes the sprawling towers of its fortifications visible for many miles around.
This evening, enjoy sundowners at the dunes. The solitude and sunsets of the magical desert in Jaisalmer are best experienced at nearby private sand dunes near the village of Rasla. Occasional visitors may be local herdsmen grazing their goats or a stray camel. The drive traverses through scrub, sand, stone and thatch villages that provide a sweeping view of life in rural Rajasthan. Sightings of the elusive chinkara (Indian gazelle) are unusually frequent along this stretch, punctuated by seasonal mustard fields. At the dunes, your private butler awaits you with a picnic, champagne and other refreshments, looking out towards the sun setting over the Thar.
The SeraiMeals: B/L/D
Enjoy your morning and afternoon at leisure.
This evening, depart on a camel ride in the vicinity of The Serai.
The SeraiMeals: B/L/D
After your leisurely breakfast, you will be met by your driver for your six-hour transfer to Jodhpur.
When you arrive at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Taj Umaid Bhawan PalaceMeals: B
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Following this, visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium built in 1899.
Walk through the streets of Jodhpur to feel the pulse of this vibrant city. This walking tour provides great opportunities for meeting people, sampling food and witnessing artisans at work.
Later you will dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of this enchanting city. Learn about interesting legends from the past, peep into the life of locals, meet and interact with the city’s residents and wander through narrow alleyways dotted with indigo colored houses.
Taj Umaid Bhawan PalaceMeals: B
After breakfast, your driver will meet you for your transfer to the Jodhpur airport for your commercial flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Dehli, you will be transferred to the JW Marriott where you are free to enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure.
JW MarriottMeals: B
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the Delhi airport for your connecting flight to Jabalpur. From here you will be met for your road transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park.
Set amongst The Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of 168 square miles of sal and a mixed forest with large stretches of bamboo and grassland, making a unique landscape. There are at least 150 species of birds in the park, along with mammals such as tiger, sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, mongoose, and three kinds of deer – chital, sambar and barking, to name a few.
Samode Safari Lodge is located in the heart of tiger country, adjacent to Bandhavgarh National Park. This gorgeous lodge is the creation of the Samode family and was inspired by their safaris in Africa. Beautifully designed and sustainably managed, the lodge reflects the style of local village architecture while exuding warmth and luxury. The main lodge is raised on a platform with an exposed wooden ceiling, fantastic wildlife photography and artwork adorning the walls and a collection of books on Indian wildlife, history and culture. Meals can be served in the adjoining dining area, in your villa or beneath the trees for a private bush dinner. At the center of the property is a swimming pool and spa. The villas are light and spacious with both air-conditioning and heating, fabulous indoor and outdoor bathroom areas and a private veranda. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic naturalists will accompany you on safari in Bandhavgarh.
Samode Safari LodgeMeals: B/L/D
On safari! Prepare for early morning wakeup calls with a knock on your door and tea or coffee. Wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make an exciting start to your day. As soon as dawn breaks, leave for your jungle safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4×4 Jeeps.
Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the middle of the jungle, and the rest of the morning at leisure. Opt for a nature walk or cultural visit to a nearby village/school or engage yourself in cooking demonstration. Return for an afternoon game drive, then back to the lodge for evening tea and free time for stargazing.
Samode Safari LodgeMeals: B/L/D
After breakfast, you will be met for your transfer to the Jabalpur airport for your flight to Delhi. Here you will connect to your final destination. Safe travels!
Overnight FlightMeals: B
