After a final morning tiger safari, depart from Ranthambore and make your way to Jaipur. Known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the color of its historic buildings, Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is steeped in rich cultural heritage, reflected in its majestic forts, opulent palaces, and intricate architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the majestic Amer Fort, and the City Palace tell tales of bygone eras. Bustling markets filled with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and traditional jewelry offer a glimpse into Rajasthan’s local culture. Settle into your hotel.

In the evening, meet your guide for an enchanting walking tour, engaging with locals while wandering the bazaars and savoring regional culinary treats like Samosa Kachori, Kulfi, and Lassi. Witness artisans, including silversmiths and bangle makers, showcasing their craft. Stand in awe of the Hawa Mahal, palace of the winds, façade. Embrace Indian hospitality by visiting a local family, offering insights into Jaipur’s rich artistic traditions, and experiencing the city from a local perspective.

A visit to Amer Fort is a journey through history and grandeur. The imposing fort towers above Jaipur, standing as a testament to the rich architectural and cultural heritage of India. Enter the fort with your guide, exploring the intricate design of the fort’s palaces, courtyards, and gates, including the famed Sheesh Mahal with its dazzling mirror work. The fort also offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, transporting visitors to the opulent era of the Rajput kings. Option to visit the Anokhi Museum on the way down from the fort. Set inside a restored 16th century haveli mansion, this UNESCO recognized museum showcases one of Jaipur’s most famous crafts, block printing.

Lunch is at a heritage home. Your host is a Renaissance man who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, current affairs, and is a bank of knowledge so vast that he has a point of view on anything under the sun.
Have some time to tour the family home, learn about traditional kites, or try your hand at some traditional folk instruments before a cooking demonstration and meal. You’ll have a chance to try your hand at some of the techniques before sitting down altogether for a lunch feast of what you’ve created.

After lunch, enjoy a private guided tour of the City Palace, offering a glimpse into Jaipur’s royal history. Explore the main palace and Chandra Mahal, the current royal family’s residence. The access to these private rooms is breathtaking, featuring stunning courtyards, gardens, and buildings adorned with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and ornate decorations.

Say goodbye to Jaipur and board a flight east to Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest and most revered cities in India. Nestled along the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is steeped in spirituality, religion, and rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its numerous ghats (riverfront steps) lining the Ganges, labyrinthine alleys bustling with vibrant markets, ancient temples, and traditional music. Varanasi emits an aura of mysticism from the moment you arrive until you depart. After settling into your hotel, enjoy some free time.

As the sun goes down, meet your private guide and stroll to the ghats for an Aarti ceremony. This ritual is a daily offering of gratitude and devotion to the divine, featuring tiered ceremonial brass lamps and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras.

Experience the essence of Varanasi during the Subah, the morning. At dawn, embark on a boat journey along the Ghats, gliding from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. Embrace the serene hues of the Ganges under the soft morning light, observing pilgrims paying homage to the rising sun– the golden and crimson tones of the river, temples, serene ashrams, and ornate pavilions. As Varanasi awakens, arrive at Kedar Mandir, an iconic temple cherished more by locals than tourists. Wander through the quiet alleyways before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, set out on foot to explore the enchanting landscape near Assi Ghat, the southern bank of the revered Ganges River. Today’s walk is designed to allow you and your guide to dive deeper into Varanasi and can be tailored to your interests. Art, craft, music, literature, dance, and textile traditions of Varanasi date back thousands of years. Begin the walk by retracing the steps of the 16th-century Banaras poet and mystic, Pandit Goswami Tulsidas. Learn about the history and mythology of Varanasi through a variety of temples as your guide tailors the walk to your specific interests. 

Bid farewell to Varanasi and transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.