Your journey begins with the overnight flight to Delhi.

Welcome to India! At Delhi airport you are met and taken to your accommodation. Depending on availability you can move into your room straight away or freshen up first. If you arrive before 3 a.m., an extra hotel night is included. Today you get to know the many facets of Delhi. You take the metro to Old Delhi and from Chandni Chowk station explore the historic heart of the city on foot: narrow lanes, small shops, street vendors and countless people. At the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country, you make a first photo stop. On a food walk you try various northern Indian specialities at selected traditional stalls. A cycle rickshaw then takes you to the Red Fort, which you see from the outside. Afterwards you drive to spacious New Delhi with the Mahatma Gandhi statue, India Gate and the government buildings. At the Bangla Sahib Sikh temple your tour guide explains the basics of Sikhism and shows you the community dining hall where free meals are served every day. At golden hour a special photo opportunity awaits: the Qutb Minar (UNESCO World Heritage), a victory tower begun at the end of the 12th century. Afterwards you return to your accommodation. 1 night in Delhi. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Radisson Hotel is located on lively MG Road in Delhi, with good connections to the sights and the airport. There is an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant with international cuisine and a bar. The modern rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, desk, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

In the morning you drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Passing agricultural regions, you get a first glimpse of life away from the big cities – and quickly notice that different standards apply in India: traffic is lively and even short distances take longer. After arriving in the afternoon you first rest at your accommodation. Towards evening you visit the white marble Lakshmi Narayan Temple, one of India’s best-known Birla temples; with a bit of luck you witness a traditional prayer ceremony. On the way back you make a photo stop at Patrika Gate, whose ornately painted arches are among the most colourful sights of the “Pink City”. 2 nights in Jaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 280 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The V Sarovar Portico is located in the heart of the “Pink City” of Jaipur. An outdoor pool and fitness area offer relaxation, two restaurants serve Indian and international specialities, and there is a bar. Rooms in warm colours have a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

Your day begins at Amber Fort, a mighty fortress high on a hill. You explore spacious courtyards and palaces as well as the famous Mirror Palace, whose delicate glasswork reflects the light many times over. On the way back you pass the City Palace, the former seat of the maharajas and still partly home to the royal family, and make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds”. At the Jantar Mantar observatory (UNESCO World Heritage) you learn more about astronomy and the importance of horoscopes in Indian culture. On a walk through the bazaars you come across textiles, jewellery, spices and crafts; during a short break you learn how traditional masala chai is made. To finish, you enjoy the panoramic view of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort in the Aravalli Hills over tea or coffee as the sun goes down. (B)

After breakfast you continue to Bharatpur. Breaks liven up the drive – often with small shops selling spices and souvenirs, or simply with a cup of chai. In the early afternoon you reach Bharatpur. After a short lunch break you visit Keoladeo National Park (UNESCO World Natural Heritage): the former hunting ground of the maharajas is now one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Asia. A naturalist first introduces you to the park’s habitats and species. You then explore the sanctuary on a cycle rickshaw ride of about two hours. With a local nature guide you look out for herons, storks, kingfishers and many other birds in the wetlands – depending on the season, migratory birds too. If time allows, you also visit a nearby village. 1 night in Bharatpur. (B) (Distance: approx. 195 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Udai Vilas Palace heritage hotel is in Bharatpur, not far from Keoladeo National Park. Built in traditional style and surrounded by well-kept gardens, it recalls the era of the former rulers. There is a restaurant with Indian, Rajasthani and international cuisine, a bar and an outdoor pool. The rooms are well kept and classically furnished.

Today you head to Agra on the Yamuna River, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. On arrival you visit Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage): for a long time the vast red sandstone fortress was the residence of the Mughal emperors; behind its walls lie courtyards, palaces and ornate buildings. Afterwards you have some time to relax at your accommodation. In the late afternoon you visit India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage). Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the white marble mausoleum built in the 17th century in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Clear symmetry, balanced proportions and the tranquillity of the gardens define the complex, and towards evening the changing light makes the marble look different again and again. In the evening you are the guest of an Indian family: in a personal atmosphere you learn about the spices and cooking methods of home-style cuisine and enjoy the freshly cooked dishes together with your group. 1 night in Agra. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 55 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Golden Tulip is conveniently located near Agra’s main sights such as the Taj Mahal. It has a restaurant serving international and local breakfast, a wellness and spa area and a roof terrace with pool and fine views. Rooms have a private bathroom, safe, air conditioning, TV and minibar.

Today you experience an important part of Indian everyday life: travelling by train. Early in the morning you board the train to Varanasi in Agra and, with a packed breakfast, travel for around seven hours across the plains of northern India – small stations, fields and villages pass by. In Varanasi you are met and taken to your accommodation. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered by many Hindus to be one of the holiest places in the country. In the late afternoon you ride by cycle rickshaw through the busy streets to the ghats, the steps leading down to the Ganges. At sunset you experience an Aarti ceremony – from a boat or from the bank, depending on conditions: priests perform rituals with fire, chanting and bells, and the lights on the river make this moment a powerful introduction to the spiritual heart of India. 2 nights in Varanasi. (B/S)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The India Benares is located in the quiet Cantonment district of Varanasi. There is a restaurant, a bar and an indoor pool. The simply and contemporarily furnished rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, desk and tea and coffee making facilities.

Before the bustle of the day, you glide past the ghats by boat at sunrise. Daily life is already under way on the banks: people pray, perform ritual ablutions or prepare for the day. You then stop at selected temples and ghats and drive through the university district (outside view) – religion, everyday life and modern city life sit right next to each other here. After breakfast at your accommodation the rest of the morning is yours. In the afternoon you visit Sarnath, one of the most important places in Buddhism, where the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon. Stupas, ruins and the peaceful atmosphere form a deliberate contrast to lively Varanasi; afterwards a short break in a local café is a good idea. The evening is yours. (B)

Today you fly to Khajuraho in around an hour – a small, quiet town and a deliberate counterpoint to the past days. After the transfer to your accommodation you have time to settle in. In the evening you watch the 40-minute light and sound show at the temple complex, which brings the origins and significance of the temples to life with light, music and short explanations – an atmospheric start to the coming visits. 2 nights in Khajuraho. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Bundela Resort is quietly located in Khajuraho, surrounded by gardens. It has a restaurant and bar serving local and international food and drinks, and a boutique. The rooms, decorated in earthy tones, have air conditioning, private bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a desk.

Early in the morning you join a yoga session with your small group at the accommodation – a calm, mindful start to the day. After breakfast you turn to the Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage). You see intricate reliefs with religious and mythological motifs as well as scenes from everyday life of the time. Your tour takes in both the western and eastern groups of temples, including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, one of the largest and most impressive buildings of the complex, dedicated to Shiva. There is plenty of time to look and linger. The rest of the day leaves room for the impressions to sink in. (B)

Today you drive through rural central India, past small villages, fields and the first forests – the closer you get to the national park, the greener and quieter it becomes. In Bandhavgarh you check into your safari lodge on the edge of the national park and have lunch there. The afternoon is deliberately quiet, for a rest or a walk around the grounds. In the evening a naturalist tells you about the park’s habitats and wildlife and prepares you for the safaris and how to behave in the reserve. Bandhavgarh is one of the best-known habitats of the Bengal tiger; leopards, wild dogs, various species of deer and a rich birdlife also live here. 2 nights in Bandhavgarh. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Tathastu Bandhavgarh lodge lies amid dense forest on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park. There is an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving regional and international dishes. You stay in detached cottages with private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, desk, minibar and kettle.

Your day begins early with a jeep safari, as wildlife is often particularly active in the cool morning hours. Accompanied by the call of peacocks, you explore forests and clearings with an experienced naturalist, paying attention to tracks, sounds and movements. With patience you see deer, wild boar, many birds and – with a bit of luck – tigers or leopards. The safari lasts around 3.5 hours; the lodge provides a packed breakfast. Afterwards you have plenty of free time to enjoy the lodge and swap first sightings and photos with your fellow travellers. In the evening you can watch a short nature or wildlife documentary at the lodge. (B/L/D)

Early in the morning you head out on safari in Bandhavgarh once more – on different tracks, in different light, with new perspectives. This drive also lasts around 3.5 hours, with a packed breakfast. You then drive through the heart of central India to Kanha National Park, known for its high density of tigers; on the way there is a break with a packed lunch. In the afternoon you check into your accommodation near the park. Later in the day you visit a nearby village and chat with the residents about work in the fields, family and life in the region. 3 nights in Kanha. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 215 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Tathastu Kanha lies amid sal and bamboo forests near Kanha National Park. There is an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving local and international dishes. You stay in cottages with private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, seating area and tea and coffee making facilities.

It’s worth getting up early again today: with a naturalist you explore different parts of the park on a first jeep safari, from open meadows to dense forest. With patience you see barasingha deer, gaur, wild dogs and many bird species; the big predators usually stay in the background. The morning safari lasts around 3.5 hours, with a packed breakfast. After lunch at the lodge you set off on a second safari of about 2.5 hours into another part of the park. Tracks in the sand, calls from the forest and wide vistas show you the diversity of this habitat. In the evening you end the day around the campfire. (B/L/D)

Before breakfast you set off on a last jeep safari in Kanha National Park. Often it is the quieter impressions – tracks, sounds, brief moments of movement in the undergrowth – that shape this morning. This safari also lasts around 3.5 hours, with a packed breakfast. Afterwards you have free time to relax and let the safari days sink in. Depending on local conditions, a short nature walk in officially permitted areas may be offered in the afternoon, focusing on plants, tracks and small details. (B/L/D)

Today you say goodbye to central India and drive to Jabalpur. From there you fly to Mumbai in around two hours – from the silent national parks to one of the liveliest cities in the country. After the transfer to your hotel you have time to rest. In the evening a short walk around the area is a good idea: busy streets, lights and noise – a striking contrast to the nature experiences of the past days. 2 nights in Mumbai. (B) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Fariyas Hotel is in the lively Colaba district, close to the Gateway of India – ideal for exploring sights, markets and the seafront on foot. It has a restaurant with international and local cuisine and an outdoor pool. The functional rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

In the morning you set off on a themed “Shantaram” tour. The name comes from the novel by Gregory David Roberts, which describes Mumbai in all its contrasts – between poverty, energy, everyday life and colonial history. The tour uses this approach to show the city as a many-layered interplay of worlds. Stops include the Gateway of India on the harbour and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum with its collections on Indian art, history and culture. On a drive through the colonial centre you see the imposing CSMT railway station (UNESCO World Heritage) and the university buildings around the Rajabai Clock Tower. A striking contrast is the Dhobi Ghat, the huge open-air laundry, which shows how the city runs on well-rehearsed routines. After a break at the hotel you take a guided walk through Colaba with its small shops and cafés in the early evening. To finish, your tour guide treats you to a cool drink at a long-established café that has been a city meeting point for decades. (B)

Depending on your flight time, you may have time on your last morning for a short walk, a last chai or a look at the bustle of the city. You are then taken to Mumbai airport and set off home with many impressions of nature, culture and city life. (B) (Distance: approx. 25 km; driving time: approx. 1.25 hrs)