Colourful Rajasthan & Himalayas

Your Indian adventure begins today with a private flight to Delhi, where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome to India early tomorrow morning! Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport by a member of staff and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey.

Before leaving Delhi, take a sightseeing tour to get a feel for the bustling capital city. In contrast, the former trading posts along the old east-west caravan route seem to be in a state of suspended animation. The small desert towns of the Shekhawati region, such as Alsisar, are particularly captivating thanks to their magnificent, almost princely havelis, which reflect the wealth of the merchants who once resided there.

The colorful and intricately detailed murals in the havelis of Alsisar tell stories from the daily lives, mythology, and religion of the former inhabitants, while some interiors offer glimpses into the often tradition-bound business and family structures. Mandawa is another prime example of the once-prosperous trading posts in the Shekhawati region, providing insights into both the past and present-day rural India. A camel ride at sunset followed by dinner allows you to experience the romantic atmosphere of the desert landscape from a unique perspective.

Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is a blend of history and modernity, where countless cars, tuk-tuks, and motorcycles, alongside bicycle rickshaws, camel carts, and elephants, navigate the streets and squares, weaving their way through daily life past historic buildings, colorful market stalls, and shops. A visit to a local family for tea offers a wonderful opportunity to chat with your hosts and exchange stories. In the evening, at the Raj Mandir Palace Cinema, you can experience the vibrant world of Bollywood with a current film screening – a truly special experience that is an integral part of everyday Indian life.

The golden Amber Fort, with its magnificent palaces and halls, offers royal splendor. From its elevated hilltop location just outside Jaipur, one can admire the surrounding hills and the Maotha Lake below. The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world, testifies to profound scientific knowledge that remains valid to this day, while the magnificent City Palace in the heart of the Pink City is still partly inhabited by the descendants of the former Raja. The famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, with its countless windows and bay windows, is one of India's most photographed landmarks and served as a special platform for the ladies of the court to observe the parades and processions on the street below unseen. A rickshaw ride through the bustling streets and bazaars of the city is the perfect way to end your day.

After breakfast, we leave the colorful state of Rajasthan, with its former Hindu rulers, and travel to the city of the Taj Mahal, a superb example of Mughal architecture. En route, we visit a unique stepwell, known as a Baori, built underground. Abhaneri boasts one of the oldest and most unique Baori stepwells in western India. Upon arrival in Agra, you can check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon.

The highlight of Agra is a visit to the Taj Mahal before sunrise. After breakfast, you will visit Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal Empire, from which three generations of the great Mughals ruled their realm. In the evening, you will admire the Taj Mahal at sunset from across the Yamuna River, followed by a visit to an Indian family for a cooking demonstration and a shared dinner.

Today promises to be an interesting and long day of travel. After an early breakfast, you will drive back to Delhi to catch your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival in Bagdogra, an exciting drive along winding roads will take you to Kalimpong, once the most important trading post for the various Himalayan regions.

After breakfast, you will visit the fascinating nurseries around Kalimpong and enjoy the sight of the vibrant flowering plants. Afterward, you will visit a local Buddhist monastery. In the afternoon, you will travel to the former summer capital of British India, Calcutta, which was the winter capital until the early 20th century. Located high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,134 meters, Darjeeling, the "Place of the Thunderbolt," offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with Kanchenjunga being the highest of them all. Often called the "Queen of the Mountains," Darjeeling remains incredibly charming with its tiny waterfalls, small villages, and a narrow-gauge railway. Surrounded by world-famous tea gardens and snow-capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake, in his book "An Introduction to Hill Stations on India," describes Darjeeling as offering a view that is hard to surpass on Earth. They are staying overnight in Darjeeling.

Early in the morning, you'll travel to Tiger Hill, 13 kilometers away, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga at sunrise. You'll witness the horizon changing color just before dawn, and then the entire Himalayan range turning golden. Return to the hotel for breakfast before taking the narrow-gauge railway to Ghoom, where you'll visit the oldest monastery in the area. Opened in 1881, this railway is a marvel of engineering. The miniature locomotive will take you on a winding journey at 10 km/h, offering stunning views along the way. Inside the monastery, built in 1875, you'll see a 15-foot statue of Mythey Buddha. In the afternoon, a city tour awaits. Highlights include the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay, and the Padmaja Naidu Zoo (both closed on Thursdays).

Today your journey takes you back to Delhi via Bagdogra. Make yourself comfortable on the drive and the plane. You can take some time to reflect on the impressions of your trip so far – or use the rest of the day for your own explorations. The last shopping trips or museums in Delhi still await you!

The imposing India Gate triumphal arch was erected to commemorate the fallen of World War I, while the grand buildings of the government district reflect the spirit of the waning days of British India. You will then be welcomed by the Sikh faith at its largest temple in Delhi, the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, where charity is a daily practice. Built as a victory and watchtower, as well as a minaret, in the early 13th century after the Muslim conquest of the city, the Qutb Minar reaches a height of over 72 meters. The adjacent remains of Delhi's oldest mosque, along with several other buildings, attest to the early Muslim influence on art and architecture. A hotel room near the airport awaits you for rest and freshening up before you enjoy a relaxing dinner to conclude your trip. From Delhi International Airport, you will depart for your return flight home after midnight. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back as our guests again soon.