Today you fly to India for your adventures! You'll land at Delhi airport around midnight and your tour guide will take you to your accommodation. Vivanta Hotel New Delhi: The Vivanta Hotel New Delhi is located in the vibrant and up-and-coming suburb of Dwarka, just a few kilometers outside the metropolis. The rooms are modernly furnished, and large windows create a bright and airy atmosphere. Treat yourself to a relaxing break in the spa and wellness center or cool off in the outdoor pool. Afterward, the two on-site restaurants will delight you with regional Indian dishes and Italian cuisine.

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll set off to explore the bustling capital city. Marvel at the colorful chaos on your way to Old Delhi. Here, you'll visit, among other things, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Raj Ghat and the Chandni Chowk bazaar. Besides all sorts of trinkets, you can sample fresh fruit and Indian delicacies. India's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, with space for up to 25,000 worshippers, is also nearby. You'll switch from the bus to a rickshaw and visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple with its golden dome. Here, free food is distributed to thousands of people every day. Along the way, you'll see landmarks such as India Gate, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Parliament Building. Old and new, Hindu and Muslim, loud and quiet: a city full of contrasts. You'll return to your accommodation in the early evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price. At the Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, socks and shoes must be removed before entering. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

After the hustle and bustle of the big city, this morning offers a more tranquil experience with a visit to the Sanshil Foundation for Welfare. This non-profit organization helps people at the lowest social level find training and employment opportunities and is committed to environmental protection. During a tour, you'll gain insights into the daily work of the women and girls, most of whom are trained as seamstresses. Afterward, you'll travel to the "Pink City," as Jaipur is known due to the color of its houses and palaces. The city's past, once ruled by the Rajputs, comes alive again. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you'll check into your centrally located hotel. This evening, you'll be invited to the home of an Indian family and learn about their daily life over a traditional dinner. Included meals are breakfast and a traditional Rajasthani dinner at the home of an Indian family. Today you will be a guest of an Indian family who will go to great lengths to treat you to traditional delicacies. The food will be served in the traditional way. You will sit cross-legged at a small table. Ask for a chair if you find it uncomfortable. It is customary to eat with your fingers. Cutlery will be provided upon request. Enjoy this unforgettable evening! Alsisar Haveli Hotel: Just 500 meters from the old town, the Alsisar Haveli Hotel enchants you from the moment you enter with its beautiful mosaics and artfully painted arches. A gently babbling fountain here, a velvet-covered sofa there, and a sparkling chandelier suspended high above this ambiance. Explore the hotel's many retreats, such as cozy Rajput-style lounges, a reading room, and an artfully landscaped garden. An outdoor pool, the restaurant, and the spa complete an eventful day before you retire to your individually furnished room, some of which features antique pieces.

In the ancient capital, you'll ascend by jeep to Amber Fort, perched atop a rocky outcrop. Built around 1600, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll explore the imposing palace with its defensive walls and numerous gates. The Sheesh Mahal is so richly mirrored that a single lamp illuminates the entire hall. Afterwards, back in Jaipur, you'll marvel at the famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. This architecturally unique structure, built by the former Rajput princes, is renowned for its 953 intricately decorated niches and windows spread across five floors. From these, the harem women could observe the festive processions without being seen themselves. The magnificent City Palace, which follows, testifies to the opulence of bygone eras with its many artistic elements. If it were night, the historic Jantar Mantar Observatory would offer a fascinating interplay of celestial shadows. But even by day, its 18 astronomical instruments are captivating. Afterwards, you'll get to know the city in a different way: The Pink City Rickshaw Company supports women from socially disadvantaged families in this otherwise male-dominated profession by training them as tuk-tuk drivers. In this way, 200 women can improve their families' quality of life with their earnings. It's also worth mentioning that the tuk-tuks are environmentally friendly electric vehicles. We hope you enjoy your 45-minute tuk-tuk ride through the city's streets and alleys. The included meals are breakfast and dinner. If you'd like to experience even more, we have the following recommendation for you: Start your day with a hot air balloon ride over the villages surrounding Jaipur and Amber and enjoy the fantastic views. The price for the approximately one-hour balloon flight is US$250 per person, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. The duration and route of the flight depend on the weather and wind conditions. The balloon flight is accompanied by an English-speaking balloon pilot. It is possible that other international guests will also participate. Please book this excursion with us no later than 6 weeks before your trip. Payment is made on-site. You will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the previous night.

The journey continues to the ancient trading city of Bikaner, whose historic buildings are constructed from yellow and red sandstone. With approximately 650,000 inhabitants, Bikaner boasts an impressive urban heritage, laid out by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, which you will visit later on your trip. Upon arrival in Bikaner, you'll plunge into the bustling activity of this vibrant city. Explore the narrow, colorful streets on foot, just like the locals do. You'll pass market stalls, vendors, small temples, magnificent havelis, and the occasional cow that likes to block the way. Don't be surprised by the ubiquitous honking. It's much more than just a means of communication in traffic; it also serves as a pastime and a way to express one's current mood. The honking is so pervasive that it's barely noticed by locals. In the early evening, you can stroll through the old town with its numerous havelis. The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Narendra Bhawan: Once the residence of the last Maharaja, tonight your home. Located in Bikaner, the Narendra Bhawan Hotel enchants with its ornate red sandstone facade. Inside, exquisite furnishings, artistic tiles, and magical lighting complete the picture. The rooms are modern and decorated in warm colors. In addition to delicacies from the hotel's own bakery and regal cuisine from the restaurant, a spa area and the rooftop infinity pool nestled among palm trees offer opportunities for pampering.

After breakfast, you'll visit Junagarh Fort, one of the best-preserved fortresses in the area, with lavishly decorated interiors. Built in 1588, it's one of the few fortresses constructed not on a hill, but in the desert. Later, you'll reach Jaisalmer. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert and surrounded by a massive wall, the city seems to have sprung directly from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. In the evening, you'll depart for the Vyas ki Chhatri temple, where you'll have a magnificent view of the old city at sunset. The included meals consist of breakfast and lunch. Mandir Palace Hotel: Located in the heart of Jaisalmer, the "Golden City" of the Thar Desert, the Mandir Palace Hotel was built over 200 years ago for the royal family. Everywhere you look, you'll find intricate and detailed stonework. You'll sleep in one of the 28 rooms, which exude the charm of a bygone era while offering modern comfort. In addition to a swimming pool, the hotel boasts two restaurants, one of which is located on the rooftop terrace overlooking Jaisalmer Fort.

Today you'll immerse yourself in the desert city of Jaisalmer. You'll visit the still-inhabited fort, built in 1156. Constructed entirely of yellow sandstone, it rises approximately 100 meters above the city. Within its walls are, among other things, the famous Raj Mahal palace, the Lakshminath Temple, and the Jain Temple, which you'll see as you stroll through the narrow streets. Afterward, you'll visit centuries-old havelis, some of which are still inhabited—the homes of wealthy merchants. The construction of the Patwon Ki Haveli alone took 50 years. In the afternoon, you can explore the city on your own or relax at your accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Dinner is served on a rooftop terrace. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous night.

The Thar Desert stretches across more than 200,000 square kilometers – roughly ten percent of India's land area. From Jaisalmer on the western edge of the desert, you'll travel deeper into the sea of sand. Along the way, you'll transfer to a 4x4 vehicle that will take you to your accommodation. Between the sand dunes and grasslands, you might spot nomadic herding families. You can enjoy the evening with dinner, a dance show, and hopefully a cloudless sky with a clear canopy of stars above the sea of sand. The included meals are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch takes place after the thirty-minute cooking demonstration, and dinner is served around a campfire on the dunes. Dhora Desert Resort & Spa: Nestled on the slope of a sand dune, the Dhora Desert Resort & Spa is surrounded by the virtually untouched nature of the Thar Desert. Experience the unique magic of the desert landscape in one of twelve luxury tents. These spacious tents are tastefully furnished and feature a private terrace and large beds. Each tent also includes an en-suite shower, an open-air shower, and a toilet. Take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a wellness treatment at the on-site spa or cool off in the pool. With a bit of luck, you might even be treated to a breathtaking view of the magnificent starry sky in the evening.

Today you continue your journey to Jodhpur on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Perched atop a sandstone hill, the mighty Mehrangarh Fort stands guard. A narrow path leads you along the route once used by soldiers who struggled to keep attacking elephants at bay. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a view over Jodhpur and its blue-painted houses. You'll visit Jaswant Thada, a marble structure with columns overlooking the fort. Afterwards, you'll continue to Rohet and arrive at your accommodation in the evening. The included meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rohet Garh: An oasis of tranquility awaits you on the outskirts of Rohet. Even from afar, the Hotel Rohet Garh welcomes its guests with a beautifully frescoed entrance gate, and once inside, you'll be greeted by the warm and welcoming team. After settling into your spacious room, a lush garden with plenty of shady spots awaits your exploration. Or you can simply relax on the sun deck and enjoy the view of the water lily pond.

Today you'll have a fascinating encounter with the Bishnoi, a religious community that has lived in the Thar Desert for over 500 years. Bishnoi means "twenty-nine" and refers to the 29 spiritual and ecological precepts by which this community lives. Afterwards, you'll travel to Ranakpur, where you'll visit the Jain temples. The temple complex, with its enchanting marble sculptures, lies in a valley of the forested Aravalli Range. The temples impress with their magnificent architecture, beautiful decorations, and 1,444 pillars. In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner at the hotel. The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Deogarh Mahal Palace Hotel: The sprawling, labyrinthine Deogarh Mahal Palace Hotel in southern Rajasthan welcomes you with Indian hospitality and impressive architecture from the Mewar aristocracy. The comfortable rooms are designed with great attention to detail, and the friendly staff clearly enjoy working here. From the rooftop terrace, you have a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and lakes, and the swimming pool and whirlpool invite you to relax. The lively bazaar in Deogarh is just a few minutes' walk away.

Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage. A team from Kerala, the Ayurvedic heartland, is at your service to pamper you with a relaxing and therapeutic Ayurvedic massage. The cost for a roughly 60-minute treatment is approximately US$60 per person. Registration and payment are made on-site. Please contact your tour guide.

The saying "The early bird catches the worm" certainly applies in India: Therefore, a teacher will help you release any worries and achieve a sense of calm during an introductory yoga class. Once you've released yourself from your lotus position, you'll visit a local market before exploring the area around Deogarh. To cover the distances in rural Rajasthan, many Indians take the train. You'll do the same on your journey from Kamlighat to Phulad. Afterward, you'll depart for Udaipur on Lake Pichola. A special dance performance awaits you in the evening at Bagore-ki-Haveli. The included meals consist of breakfast. The journey by car covers approximately 130 km. Today's train journey takes place on an Indian regional train, which unfortunately does not have air conditioning. However, it makes for a very authentic experience. Your main luggage won't be traveling with you on the train today, but will be transported by bus. Therefore, we recommend packing a backpack for the train journey. Boutique Hotel Fateh Garh: Located on the outskirts of Udaipur, the boutique hotel Fateh Garh sits atop a hill in the Aravalli Range. Its elevated position affords this listed building stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Udaipur and Lake Pichola. The former fort was meticulously dismantled stone by stone from a nearby site and faithfully reconstructed here. Nostalgic charm and the history of bygone eras are palpable throughout. You'll sleep in spacious, bright rooms furnished with traditional furniture. Other hotel amenities include two swimming pools and a spa.

For a leisurely exploration of the old city's labyrinthine streets, you'll hop on a bicycle today. Early in the morning, you'll set off from Jagdish Temple towards Lake Pichola. Along the way, you'll visit a pottery workshop. On your bike, you'll be right in the heart of the action. Since 1570, the city has been dominated by the largest city palace in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple, built in 1652, will also impress you, as it's adorned with numerous depictions of Vishnu. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pichola. Breakfast is included for you. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Today we're off to Ranthambore National Park. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Later, you'll reach the park on the eastern edge of the Aravalli Range, famous for its Bengal tigers. Over 270 animal species have been recorded in the park, including leopards, crocodiles, jackals, spotted deer, and numerous bird species. You'll have the chance to see some of them tomorrow. Before that, a delicious dinner awaits you at a cozy farmhouse. The included meals consist of breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner. Ranthambore Regency: From the Ranthambore Regency, it's just a short drive to the entrance gate of the legendary Ranthambore National Park. You'll be greeted by the friendly team at this family-run hotel. In the beautifully landscaped garden, with its many thoughtful details, a pool invites you to relax and cool off. The hotel's restaurant prepares fresh regional specialties as well as Chinese and international dishes. Afterward, you can happily sink into the comfortable pillows in your well-appointed room.

Sunrise lends a picturesque atmosphere to the landscape with its lakes and ruined palaces. Perfect for your first tour in Ranthambore National Park. On an extended safari in a 4x4 vehicle, you might even spot tigers. The government and local people are working hard to increase the tiger population. In the afternoon, you'll have another chance to photograph the king of the jungle. The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. For safaris in Ranthambore National Park, open-top safari buses are used for groups of 8 or more guests. Groups of fewer than 8 guests use jeeps or open-top safari buses. Due to official park regulations, unused seats in the vehicle may be occupied by other international guests. The national park is divided into ten zones. At the entrance gate, each vehicle is assigned a zone to distribute visitors as evenly as possible. We ask for your understanding that we have no influence on the zone allocation. We will, of course, try to ensure that safaris do not take place in the same zone twice. Due to regulations implemented by the park administration, departure times may vary. Important: For your reservation, we need your passport number, passport expiry date, and date of birth. Please send us this information by email (info@silvertip.at) after receiving your booking confirmation. Please note that mobile phones are prohibited in the national park. Mobile phones are not permitted on the safari. We ask that you store your mobile phone securely before your visit and thank you for your understanding and cooperation in protecting the wildlife. Your main luggage will not travel with you on the train tomorrow. It will be transported to Bharatpur by bus. Therefore, we recommend packing a backpack for the train journey. The luggage transfer may take place this afternoon if the bus takes significantly longer than the train to Bharatpur due to poor road conditions. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Today you'll take the train from Sawai Madhopur to Bharatpur. Don't worry, no one has to sit on the roof. Enjoy the view of the passing landscape or have interesting conversations with local fellow passengers. In Bharatpur, you'll continue by bus to Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once planned as the capital, the city soon ran out of water and had to be abandoned. However, you can still visit the sandstone palaces with their intricately carved marble windows, as well as the ornately decorated main building with Persian domes and faded golden murals. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Agra. You'll visit the Itimad-ud-Daula Mausoleum, also known as the Baby Taj Mahal. The comparatively small, lavishly furnished tomb is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal and was conceived by the most influential woman in the history of the Mughals. The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast will be served as a packed breakfast today, as you are boarding the train early this morning. The journey by car is approximately 60 km. Tajview Hotel: The Tajview Hotel is one of the few accommodations in Agra where, on a clear day, you can admire the Taj Mahal from the rooftop terrace. The spacious rooms with marble floors are both elegant and charming, and the staff is helpful and welcoming. Relax in the outdoor pool, take a stroll in the large, well-maintained garden, or indulge in Indian and international cuisine in this unique atmosphere.

At sunrise, the moment arrives: you'll travel by electric vehicle to the highlight of your India trip. The Taj Mahal is everything you've heard, seen, and read about, and so much more. You'll experience this famous mausoleum and iconic symbol of India for yourself. Just two kilometers further on, another highlight awaits: the Red Fort of Agra, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1570 in the shape of a crescent moon, this majestic complex served as the seat and center of power of the Mughal Empire for generations. In the late afternoon, you'll travel to the Mehtab Bagh garden. From here, you'll have a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River as the sun sets. Breakfast is included in the price. The visit to the Taj Mahal may take place in the late afternoon rather than the morning. If it's foggy in the morning, you'll have a much better view of the monument in the evening. In this case, your tour guide will adjust the program in Agra so that none of the listed sights are missed. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Every end is a new beginning: You leave Agra behind and travel to Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna. According to tradition, Krishna was born in the Janmabhumi Temple in this city, also situated on the Yamuna River. Due to the story of his childhood, the city is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, you return to the starting point of your journey. Upon arrival in Delhi, your hotel offers you the opportunity to freshen up for a farewell dinner. Afterward, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport. The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. For your last evening, we have arranged a room for you at the Vivanta Hotel New Delhi or The Suryaa New Delhi, so that you can freshen up before your departure.

You will depart from Delhi during the night. After landing, you will continue your journey to your hometown.