Rajasthan by Foot: Forts, Temples & Tiger Reserve — 15 Days

Arrival at Delhi Airport with a group transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing independent exploration or rest.

After an early breakfast, a guided walking tour of Old Delhi begins at the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest and most important mosques, completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan, the architect of the Taj Mahal. The route passes the Red Fort, still in use by the Indian military, and continues through Chandni Chowk, the historic market district known for silk saris and silver jewellery. The narrow streets and bustling bazaars offer a vivid sense of Old Delhi's ancient character. The tour progresses to Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial and the site of his cremation, followed by the Rajpath, an avenue lined with Lutyens-designed governmental buildings. Here stands the India Gate, a humbling memorial to the 13,000 men who gave their lives for the Commonwealth during World War I. The day's centrepiece is an afternoon visit to the Sikh Gurdwara of Bangla Sahib. Participants join the temple kitchen in preparing food—baking chapattis and cooking rice and lentils for the langar, or free community meal. Each day, approximately 10,000–15,000 visitors and devotees receive a meal through this charitable endeavour, making it a profound experience of Indian hospitality and service. An evening transfer takes the group to Delhi railway station to board an overnight sleeper train to Jodhpur, an authentic and quintessential way to travel across India.

After arriving in Jodhpur and transferring to the hotel, a guided walk begins at the white marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. The route then ascends to Meherangarh Fort, one of India's most imposing fortifications, perched on a hill above the city. The fort's walls enclose a palace with intricately carved lattice windows and panoramic views; cannon ball scars from the 19th century remain visible on the walls. The royal family still resides within the complex. The descent passes through the 16th-century city walls and narrow lanes of the old blue city, past havelis (traditional townhouses), temples, and bazaars. The walk concludes at a local Brahmin house with views of the sunset, where masala chai is available. Total walking time: approximately three hours.

A scenic drive of four to five hours from Jodhpur leads to Kumbhalgarh, located in the Aravalli Hills at approximately 1,100 metres altitude—the highest point of the itinerary. The Aravalli range, among the world's oldest mountain systems, now forms an eroded ridge running from Delhi to Gujarat. Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 15th century, features defensive walls stretching over 38 kilometres. A guided walk traverses sections of these walls, offering views across surrounding hills and plains. Total walking time: approximately two hours.

An early-morning trek through the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary takes you deep into dry deciduous forest. The landscape supports a rich variety of wildlife: leopard, wolf, bear, monkeys, and wild boar roam here, while numerous bird species inhabit the canopy above. Your route passes through a village of the Bhil tribe, one of the region's indigenous communities, and continues past Thandi Beri—known locally as Crocodile Lake—where you can observe crocodiles sunbathing along the water's edge. After lunch, the trek resumes through hamlets inhabited by the Garasiya, another Rajasthani tribal group whose presence shapes the cultural fabric of these forests. The walk concludes at the historic Muchhala Mahavir Jain Temple, a significant landmark marking the end of the day's trek. From there, you transfer to Ghanerao village, where you settle into a heritage hotel for the evening. Total walking time: five to six hours.

After breakfast, a short drive returns to Muchhala Mahavir Temple, where a walk continues through the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary with opportunities to observe wildlife. Forest trails lead to Ranakpur, home to remarkable white marble Jain temples, among the most important in India. After visiting the temple complex, a drive of several hours leads to Udaipur, set on the banks of Lake Pichola with the Aravalli Hills dominating the skyline. The town's architecture includes fairy-tale palaces, temples, and winding narrow lanes. An evening stroll to the water's edge offers views of the bathing ghats, palaces, and temples reflected in the lake. Total walking time: approximately three hours.

After a short transfer from the hotel, a morning trek connects several Bhil and Rajput tribal villages in the Aravalli Hills. The Rajput, historically a warrior caste, now work primarily as farmers. The villages provide insight into traditional ways of life, and the walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The route concludes at two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the mother goddess Shakti. Returning to Udaipur, the afternoon includes a visit to the City Palace, a complex added to by successive maharanas (warrior kings) and completed in 1725. The palace features filigreed balconies, cupola-topped towers, ornately decorated courtyards, and suites largely unchanged since the royal family's occupation. The palace served as a filming location for the James Bond film Octopussy. The day concludes with a visit to the Jagdish Temple and a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. Total walking time: approximately four hours.

A drive of five to six hours leads to Pushkar, a pilgrimage town set on a sacred lake with significant spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. The town is home to India's only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator deity. According to legend, the lake was created by Brahma himself. Pushkar is also known for its annual camel fair, a large and colourful gathering. After checking into the hotel, participants have the option to ride a camel cart, a common local form of transport. The afternoon includes a visit to the Brahma Temple and the bathing ghats beside the sacred lake. In the evening, participants may attend one of the prayer ceremonies held on the lake's banks, where bells from surrounding temples sound as the sun sets, candles are lit, incense is burned, and flower petals are scattered into the water.

Before dawn, a climb of 890 steps ascends Ratnagiri Hill, which overlooks Pushkar. At the summit stands the Savitri Temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma's consort. The ascent is timed to reach the top as dawn breaks, offering views across Pushkar and the surrounding hills. After descending, participants visit local market stalls and bazaars before a late breakfast. The remainder of the day involves a drive to Jaipur, known as the Pink City after being painted pink in 1876 to celebrate a visit by Prince Albert. The city now holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Total walking time: approximately three hours.

The morning begins at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), notable for its intricate five-storey pink sandstone facade. The route continues to Amber Fort, a sprawling fortification strategically positioned above the city, featuring frescoed courtyards, ornate doorways, and far-reaching views from its walls. A walk extends to nearby Amber Village, passing temples and a lake while meeting members of the Meena tribe who inhabit the area. Returning to Jaipur, the afternoon includes visits to the ornate City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a royal astronomical observatory consisting of large stone monuments that use shadows to track celestial objects. A walk through local markets showcases the abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices. The evening includes time spent with a local Rajasthani family, who demonstrate traditional cooking using fresh market produce. Dinner is shared with the family. Female participants may receive henna decoration, while male participants may learn to tie a traditional safa turban. Total walking time: approximately three hours.

After breakfast, a drive leads to Ranthambore National Park, a landscape formerly used for private hunting by the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Now a protected tiger reserve, it ranks among the world's best locations for observing tigers in the wild. Upon mid-afternoon arrival, a walk to Ranthambore Fort stretches the legs. The fort, perched on a hilltop, contains decaying pavilions, temples, and palace structures slowly being reclaimed by forest vegetation. This landscape inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Overnight accommodation is at a nearby hotel. Total walking time: approximately two hours.

Two safari drives in shared open-air 4x4 jeeps take place on this day—one in early morning and one in late afternoon. The morning drive aims to spot tigers, though sightings are not guaranteed. Other wildlife visible in the reserve includes leopards, hyenas, monkeys, birds, and deer. The reserve encompasses varied terrain: dry deciduous forest and open grassy meadows. Participants return to the hotel between drives for lunch and rest.

After a leisurely breakfast, a drive toward Agra passes through rural India and includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a fortified royal city founded in 1571 by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The city served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years before being abandoned in 1585, widely attributed to failure of the water supply and distant military conflicts. The red sandstone architecture incorporates Persian, Hindu, and Muslim elements, reflecting Akbar's effort to unite the ethnic and religious factions within his empire—a design philosophy visible in the colonnades and ornate carvings. The city remains largely intact, offering insight into Mughal-era urban planning and aesthetics. The drive continues to Agra, where participants check into the hotel.

A pre-dawn departure allows arrival at the Taj Mahal as the sun rises, illuminating the ivory marble of the mausoleum. Built by Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz, the structure is surrounded by gardens and water features that frame the central building. The surrounding structures are architecturally significant in their own right. The marble surface is inlaid with intricate patterns of gemstones and black onyx calligraphy. Following this visit, the route moves to Agra Fort, the former primary residence of Mughal emperors before the capital relocated to Delhi. The fort complex comprises white marble palaces, red sandstone gates, and barracks still in use. In a far corner, a cell holds historical significance: Shah Jahan was imprisoned here by his own son, who had overthrown him. From the cell window, a view of the Taj Mahal remains visible. After lunch, a guided walk visits the heritage of Agra beyond the two main monuments. The route begins at the Jama Masjid and winds through narrow streets, visiting the Hindu temple of Mankameshwar Madadev and the spice markets of Rawat Para. The remainder of the evening is unscheduled. Total walking time: approximately three hours.

After breakfast in Agra, we begin the drive to Delhi, offering time to reflect on the journey through Rajasthan's splendours. Arriving in Delhi, day-rooms are available at a hotel conveniently located near Delhi Airport, providing a comfortable space to rest and freshen up before the evening. A single late transfer to the airport is provided for your departure.