Picturesque Solo India Tour

Welcome to India! Delhi is a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples, and tombs. Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, you will head on a tour of Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. Drive past the Red Fort, the famous landmark where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly independent India on August 15th, 1947. There you will trade your vehicle for bicycle rickshaws. Weave through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship for which the country is known for and continues to thrive. Visit the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The majestic Jama Masjid — meaning the World-reflecting’ mosque — is the principal place of worship in Old Delhi, and the largest and most renowned of its kind in India. Built-in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, it is an elaborate structure boasting an expansive geometric base topped with globe-shaped minarets crafted from strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a massive courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people. In the afternoon you will visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a breathtaking 240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. In the afternoon you will drive to the medieval city of Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations specifically for this reason, although its attractions also extend to a wide range of other impressive historical sites. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.

Overnight in Agra

Early this morning you will visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the breathtaking transformation of lights and sun rays before you return to your hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or perhaps join an optional tour. 

Overnight in Agra

Optional: Half Day Agra City Tour
Begin your tour with a visit to the Itmad-Ud-Daulah monument, known as the "Baby Taj", the first Mughal structure that was entirely built from marble. Later, you will visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site developed and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was primarily built as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace before it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects a fascinating synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

Drive to Jaipur with an en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri — an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his famous works. Sadly, it served as the capital for little more than a decade and was eventually abandoned for a lack of access to water. Later, join a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing. In the evening you will check in to your hotel upon arrival. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname will become immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings rising at every turn.

Overnight in Jaipur

Optional: Authentic Rajasthani dinner with local family
Your journey to India can never be complete without a culinary experience with a Rajput noble family. Learn about the secret home recipes and culture over an exclusive time booked with your host for dinner.  You can also participate in the preparation of the meal and know about the ingredients and techniques that are age-old, time-tested and good for your health.

Begin your next day of this trip India with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort. Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well-preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.” Spend your afternoon at leisure or perhaps join our optional tour.

Overnight in Jaipur 

Optional: Half Day Jaipur City Tour
Begin your tour of the city with a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built for the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 by the ruler Amber Sawai Jai Singh II. This palace takes a large part of the total area of Jaipur and is surrounded by battle doors. The complex was built like there is a city in a city, boasting courtyards, gardens, buildings, temples, fountains, pounds, courts, horse stable, workshops, and playgrounds. Continue your tour to the Jantar Mantar, an impressive astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the astronomer to which this city owes its name. The term "Jantar Mantar" literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". It houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interest of astronomers, historians, and architects around the world. It is one of the largest observatories ever built. While you are in the city, you may also visit the nearby popular street markets of Jaipur such as the Johari Bazaar with hundreds of jewelry vendors, plus handcrafted clothing, furniture, artwork, and more to choose from.

In the morning, you will begin your journey back to Delhi, where you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport to check-in for your onward flight.