Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets

If you arrive early, wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colourful spice market -- a great photo opportunity.

Agra is best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a guided visit to this icon of Mughal architecture either in the morning or late afternoon for the best light (this depends upon your arrival time). You also have the option to visit the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument.

Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds".

Take a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. If you haven't tasted one yet, this is a great place to try a delicious masala chai (Indian chai tea).

In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

Go on an included guided walk through the local village and opt to participate in a cricket match with some locals.

Have a final taste of rural village life with a traditional lunch before travelling to Pushkar.

This morning, travel to Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar. The site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma, Pushkar is often called "Tirth Raj," the Raj (king) of pilgrim centres.

After settling into our accommodation, we will take an orientation walk around Pushkar.

Before dawn today, we climb to the hilltop Savitri temple. After the morning walk, there is nothing better than spending time at one of the many cafés in town.

All rested, head into the desert and enjoy to a traditional meal prepared and served by local cameleers, with gypsy dancers and music.

Continue south to lakeside Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city.

With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through.

Opt to shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea, and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel next door. From here boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or place of caves), famous for is cave temples carved straight from the rock.

People-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. Try some of the many local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants, or go out on the town and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.

Relax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the old churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital.