Timeless India NEW

Timeless India

14 days from $4,335 Immerse yourself in India, from Delhi to the Taj Mahal to enchanting Rajasthan, where you’ll explore Jaipur and Udaipur, stay in family-owned palaces, and get acquainted with the rhythms of rural life.

WHERE TO STAY

The Imperial New Delhi – One of Delhi’s

finest heritage hotels, built in 1931 by a renowned architect during the colonial period and furnished with art and antiques. Coral Tree Homestay – An intimate, familyowned hotel with spacious rooms and private verandas situated amid bird-filled gardens, just a few minutes’ walk from the Taj Mahal. Dera Mandawa – A lovely example of Rajasthani architecture in Jaipur with the ambiance of an authentic Indian home, offering cooking classes and temple ceremonies. Fort Barli – A rural fortress-palace owned by the descendants of Rajput warriors for 16 generations, surrounded by gardens and a pool.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal on a privately guided tour. � Experience Jaipur’s palaces with a private guide and climb the ramparts of Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort. � Stay in two historic palaces, owned by families that descend from the maharajas of old. � Set sail on Udaipur’s Lake Pichola at sunset and take in views of shimmering Lake Palace.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Delhi, India

Arrive in Delhi and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Then set out to discover the contrasts of Old and New Delhi with a private guide.

Days 3–5 – Agra and Jaipur

Travel to Agra by private car or by train and explore the city and its Red Fort with your guide. Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise on a private guided tour, and enjoy free time to stroll the surrounding gardens. After breakfast, visit the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, now a World Heritage site. Continue to Jaipur and spend a full day discovering this enchanting “Pink City” with your private guide. Venture into the Amber Palace and the City Palace, and admire the intricate facade of the Palace of the Winds. Then see 17th-century astronomical instruments at the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Days 6 & 7 – Barli

Travel to the rural village of Barli, making sightseeing stops along the way. Settle into your hotel, a historic fortress-palace, and explore its spectacular grounds. During a free day, choose from a variety of activities: go birding on a 4-wheel-drive excursion, tour the historic fort, visit the spa, or ride a bullock cart to nearby villages.

Days 8 & 9 – Jodhpur

Continue with your driver to the “Blue City” of Jodhpur, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Then take a private tour including Mehrangarh Fort, the blue houses of the old city, and the colorful bazaars around the clock tower.

Days 10 & 11 – Chanoud

Travel to the oasis of Chanoud, where your home is a family-owned 300-year-old palace. Set off with local guides the next day to visit surrounding villages. Learn about rural life and meet the pastoralist Rabari people, known for their vibrant clothing and jewelry. Cap off your stay with a drink while watching the sun set on a salt lake.

Days 12–14 – Udaipur and Delhi or Mumbai

On your way south, visit the 15th-century fortress of Kumbhalgarh and the marble Jain temples of Chaumukha Mandir. Arrive in Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” poised between the mountains and Lake Pichola. Take a private tour that includes the City Palace. Then set sail on Lake Pichola on a sunset cruise, taking in views of the iconic Lake Palace. The next day, fly to Delhi or Mumbai to catch your flight home.