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Day 1   Arrival in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India! On arrival, your Adventure Leader will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities for today. After your long flight, you may want to freshen up and relax. If you arrive early and feel like going out to see the city, just talk with your Adventure Leader who will be on hand to assist you with directions, give you information on places to see, organize transport and point you in the right direction. Make sure you get plenty of rest today as we will start early in the morning tomorrow. This evening there will be a group orientation meeting complete with traditional North Indian snacks, refreshing drinks and dinner where you'll have the opportunity to get to know your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers while discussing the adventure that lies ahead. (Snacks, Dinner)

Day 2   Roopangarh

Today, we set out into the desert traveling to the historical village of Roopangarh, once a hub of activity as it was located strategically on one of the main routes of the Mughals. Built by Maharaja Roop Singh in 1648, we will be staying at Roopangarh Fort Palace, a captivating example of Rajput defensive architecture. Inside its intimidating fortifications are underground passages, armories and granaries, all evidence of its chivalrous past. The Maharajas here were also patrons of the arts and the area's paintings, including those that adorn the palace walls, are well known throughout India. On arrival, you'll have time to freshen up before we meet on the royal terrace of the palace for drinks, snacks and stunning views of the surrounding desert. After drinks, we'll head out on foot from this over 350 year-old medieval fort-palace into the narrow-winding lanes and colorful streets of its surrounding village learning about the kingdom's rich history. As the sun sets, we'll settle down back at the palace on the royal terrace for dinner under the stars with epic views of the moonlit desert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3   Bikaner

Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a lively desert outpost surrounded by scattered sand dunes. Located on the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes, Bikaner was built as a trading center centuries ago. The charm of its golden days is still evident in the forts, palaces and havelis (mansions) that fill the city. Before arriving in Bikaner we'll stop at the village of Deshnok to visit the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple, home to hundreds of rats who roam freely as they are considered sacred. After arriving at our heritage hotel, one of the old palaces of the Bikaner royal family, and freshening up, we'll meet in the early evening for drinks in the garden before sitting down for a tasty vegan dinner in the palace's regal dining hall.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4   Bikaner

After yoga in the garden, we'll join a local Rajput family at their home for a tasty, traditional vegan breakfast. Finishing breakfast, we'll explore the city's storybook-like streets visiting the 16th-century impregnable Junagarh Fort. Considered one of India's most impressive forts, it is also one of the few forts that were not built on a hill. This did not make it any less secure, with its formidable walls and moat - it was never conquered. From here we'll continue to explore the heart of the old city including its auspicious temples. We'll also make a special visit to a local orphanage where we'll join the kids in playing India's most favorite pastime - a game of cricket. As evening approaches on Bikaner, we'll move on from the orphanage back to the hotel where you'll have time to freshen up before we meet our friends - who just happen to be very good cooks! This evening we'll be their guests as they teach us how to prepare an absolutely delicious Bikaneri vegan meal! Our first stop: the wet market. Here we'll learn about the local bazaar scene and pick up the fresh ingredients we'll need for tonight's cooking class. After the market, we'll head to the kitchen where we'll roll up our sleeves and not only learn, but also cook, tonight's meal - a delectable Rajasthani vegan feast. Pre-requisite for the evening: a hearty appetite! So be prepared to eat - and eat well! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5   Jodhpur - Bhadrajun

Today we travel to the rustic yet charming village of Bhadrajun. Here we'll be staying as personal guests of the Raja (equivalent of a Lord) at his 16th century palace residence. In this picturesque village we have the opportunity to experience India well off the beaten track. On the way we'll stop in Jodhpur for lunch and visit the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the blue city on a rocky ridge. Upon arrival in Bhadrajun, with its palace nestled among the red-tinted rocky desert hills and its delightfully peaceful village, you'll have free time to relax and take in the serenity of rural Rajasthan. As the sun sets over the desert landscape we'll meet up in the palace dining room for dinner.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6   Bhadrajun

The history of Bhadrajun actually dates back thousands of years and is even mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. We start the day with yoga on the palace walls and a hearty breakfast before heading off to visit a local school in a nearby village as guests of the students and teachers. Later, we'll return to Bhadrajun and explore the narrow-winding streets of this centuries-old village before going by jeeps on safari into the desert to watch sunset from atop a sand dune. As the sun dips off into the arid horizon, we'll continue our journey out to a remote and auspicious Hindu temple that dates back well over 3,000 years for their aarti (Hindu ritual) ceremony. At nightfall, we'll return to our palace residence for traditional local drinks and a candlelight dinner as personal guests of the Raja's family. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7   Bhadrajun

After yoga we'll visit the Bishnois. The Bishnois are strict vegetarians and have been strong environmentalists for centuries. Known for their protection of the trees and wildlife that surround their villages, the Bishnois are self-sustaining and many of their villages, like the one we visit today - look similar to the way they've looked for hundreds of years. For lunch we'll join one of the Bishnoi families at their home for a traditional local vegan Bishnoi meal. After lunch we'll head back to the palace where you'll have time to freshen up and relax. In the late afternoon we'll visit a local girl's school where we'll join the students in the popular village game of sitolia. From the school we'll head outside the town to a colorful shepherds village, where brightly attired locals go about their lives much as they have for centuries - their vibrant clothes standing out in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. In the evening we'll return to the royal residence where we'll meet on the ramparts of the palace with breathtaking views overlooking the desert for drinks, snacks, dinner and a colorful evening of traditional Marwari music and dance.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8   Aranyawas

After yoga and breakfast, we drive to the magnificent 15th century Ranakpur Jain temple - one of the five holiest sites in the Jain religion. This awe-inspiring temple sprawls over 48,000 square feet, has 20 domes and is supported by 1,444 pillars. Later, we head up into the Aravalli Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in Asia, to Aranyawas, a serene hillside eco-retreat surrounded by forests, rivers and small villages. This will be our home for the next two days where we stay in cottages with scenic views. Checking in to our hillside chalets, we'll have time to relax and take a dip in the retreats step-well inspired pool. In the early evening, we'll meet for tea under the Banyan tree before setting out on a scenic hike around the eco-retreat's gardens. As the colors of the surrounding hills and forest change to night, we'll make our way to the eco-retreat's kitchen for our cooking class where we'll help create tonight's dinner. After preparing a tasty North Indian meal, we'll sit down around the campfire for dinner under the stars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9   Aranyawas

Our journey today takes us to the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh. This massive 15th century fortress rises 1,100 meters from a prominent ridge and is encompassed by a 20-mile long defensive wall. It has seven majestic gates, seven ramparts, soaring watchtowers and rounded bastions making it nearly impregnable. It also boasts excellent panoramic views of the Shero Mallah Valley. After spending the early afternoon at Kumbhalgarh, we'll head back to Aranyawas for a late lunch before hiking through the surrounding fields and forests to a nearby Bhil (local tribe) village. As the evening approaches we'll settle down back at the retreat for a night of Bhil tribal music, dance, drinks and of course - more tasty food! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 & 11   Udaipur

The enchanting oasis city of Udaipur, often referred to as the Venice of the East, is one of the most romantic cities in India. Surrounded by lakes and rich in history, we'll spend our time here taking in the alluring princely charm of Rajasthan visiting stunning palaces, ancient temples and vibrant bazaars. Our home for the next two days will be at a charming old noble's haveli nestled on the tranquil banks of Lake Pichola where we'll be staying in lakeside rooms with great views of the old city and palaces along the water's edge. One of the highlights of our stay here is our visit to a very special animal rescue organization known as Animal Aid. Located in a nearby village, they not only offer a hospital, but a home for the abused and neglected animals of the city. On our last night in the "city of lakes", we'll sample the tastiest cuisine the oasis town has to offer - a Mewari feast at a local Rajput family's home while enjoying traditional live music and folk dances and plenty of refreshing cold drinks. (Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2))

Day 12   Kishangarh

From Udaipur, we make our way through the desert to the Kingdom of Kishangarh. Founded by a Jodhpur prince four centuries ago, the kingdom flourished due to its military prowess and fortunes earned as a member of the Mughal court. Here, we'll be staying at the Maharajah's beautiful monsoon palace, the Phool Mahal. Located on the edge of Gundalao Lake, the palace was built in 1870 just outside the walls of the massive Kishangarh Fort on land that was originally used as the pleasure gardens of earlier Maharajahs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet up for sunset tea and snacks overlooking the lake. During our stay here, be on the lookout for kites, peacocks, herons and wild ducks that call the nearby fields and monsoon fed lake home. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13   Kishangarh

After yoga we'll set out to learn a little bit about marble. Rajasthan is famous for its marble - you'll see it in temples, homes and palaces and this morning you'll get a chance to find out how it comes to be - from the quarry, to the cutting factory to the final product. After learning about marble we'll head out to the banks of one of India's largest salt lakes, Sambhar Lake, which has provided the local communities with salt for thousands of years. Throughout its history Rajputs, Mughals and British alike, have all exploited this rich source of salt. Here, we'll visit the salt works and pans where we'll see salt "farmed" using many of the same methods they used centuries ago. If we're lucky we may also see some of the area's colorful but shy winged visitors, the flamingos. We'll return to the palace in the afternoon for lunch where you'll have time to relax before we head out on foot into the village exploring the colorful bazaar and centuries-old streets of this princely state founded in 1611 AD. As the sun sets, we'll return to the palace for a delicious feast of local vegan Marwari cuisine! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14   Bharatpur

In the morning we set out for Bharatpur, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Keoladeo Ghana National Park. On the way to Bharatpur, we'll stop in the village of Abhaneri to visit the epic Chand Baoli. Said to be the deepest and largest step-well in India, its history dates back well over half a millennium. After checking in to our hotel in Bharatpur and freshening up, we'll head into the national park. A haven of wetlands and forests, the sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds including a selection of herons believed to be among the best in the world, along with a wide variety of other wildlife. We'll explore the park by bicycle or peddle rickshaw (your choice) traversing the back trails of the sanctuary with our naturalist guide before returning to our hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15   Bharatpur and The Taj Mahal

In the morning after yoga and breakfast, we'll visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, the well-preserved ruins were the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 AD before being deserted. After exploring this ancient city we'll head out for Agra where we'll visit India's most famous landmark - the stunning Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal of course needs no introduction, and is a remarkable mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his favorite wife - Mumtaj Mahal. When one sees it in person understanding its history, the feeling is best summed up in the words of Rabindranath Tagore who described the tomb as "one tear drop" upon the cheek of time". Returning to our hotel you'll have time to relax and freshen up before we meet in the evening for snacks, drinks and a farewell vegan feast for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16   Delhi

Today we travel to Delhi where our adventure ends after lunch. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel here or for any onward assistance, please talk with your VegVoyages Adventure Leader who will be more than happy to help. (Breakfast, Lunch)

WHAT'S INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION: 15 night's accommodations... - 3 nights at hotels - 5 nights at Maharajahs' palaces - 3 nights as guests of a Raja at his palace - 2 nights at a hillside eco-retreat - 2 nights at a lakeside royal mansion MEALS: All meals... - 15 breakfasts - 15 lunches - 15 dinners TRANSPORT: - Private air-conditioned cars - Jeep - Boat - Rickshaws - Bicycles STAFF: VegVoyages Adventure Leaders & Local Guides OTHERS INCLUDED: - 11 yoga lessons - Vegan cooking classes - All site entry fees - All local guide fees - Live music and folk dances - All activities as per the itinerary - All entertainment as per the itinerary - Airport arrival transfer in India NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, visa for India, travel insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

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