The Wandering Earl Tour Experience All of our unique tours focus on local interaction, local activities and genuine education. We also keep our itineraries flexible so that you always get the absolute most out of your trip! Of course, we do see the main stuff too, but these are not standard, cookie-cutter group experiences. Always small groups, always laid-back, always diving straight into the true heart of every destination we visit!
ITINERARY
March 1st: DELHI / ARRIVAL DAY
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to our hotel by a private driver and a member of our team will be there to greet you. The remainder of the day will be yours to rest and recover from jet lag and meet your fellow travelers. We’ll then have a tour orientation in the evening followed by our welcome dinner.
March 2nd: DELHI
The tour begins with a visit to the wonderfully welcoming Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, a beautiful holy shrine where we encounter Sikh pilgrims from around the country. Over 5000 meals per day are provided, free of charge, to anyone who visits the temple. We’ll take a unique behind-the-scenes look at the massive communal kitchen where volunteers prepare the meals. After a traditional lunch, we’ll wander around the Chandni Chowk market, full of lanes and stalls selling everything from wedding jewelry to saris to sweets, spices, traditional instruments, vegetables, textiles and more.
March 3rd: DELHI / AGRA
After breakfast, we’ll hop into our comfortable vans and drive straight to Agra. The trip will take approximately 3.5 hours and upon arrival, we’ll visit Sheroes Cafe for lunch. This cafe/ organization empowers local women who would otherwise be without a means to support themselves. In the early afternoon we’ll check in to our rooms at the lovely guesthouse run by the welcoming Faujdar family. At around 3pm, we’ll meet our local guide and head off to see the incredible Taj Mahal, finishing our visit right after sunset. Back at the guesthouse, we’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner prepared by the family.
March 4th: AGRA / RANTHAMBORE
Leaving Agra after breakfast, our destination will be the quiet, countryside village of Ranthambore. The trip will take approximately 7 hours, including stops for lunch and at a mesmerizing stepwell in a remote village that almost nobody knew about until a few years ago. Once we reach Ranthambore in the evening, we’ll head straight to our peaceful accommodation, with its gardens, pool and well-appointed rooms. Dinner will be served shortly after our arrival.
March 5th: RANTHAMBORE
Early this morning, we’ll head straight into Ranthambore National Park for a two-hour tiger safari led by a professional guide and naturalist. Considered one of the best locations in India for tiger spotting, we’ll also be on the lookout for endless varieties of colorful birds and other wildlife. After lunch, we’ll head up to the imposing Ranthambore Fortress to wander through this impressive piece of history. From here, we’ll stop at the Dastkar collective where we’ll learn about this wonderful organization, meet the local craftspeople and admire their beautiful creations.
March 6th: RANTHAMBORE / BUNDI
After a quick two-and-a-half-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Bundi, where we’ll get situated in our centrally-located heritage hotel. After lunch, we’ll walk up to the ruins of the grand Bundi Palace, towering over this magical blue town. Our walk will take us through narrow lanes, past ancient homes and mansions and bring us into contact with friendly families, shopkeepers and more. We’ll also stop for a special chai demonstration with a local vendor who will serve up some of the most amazing masala tea on the planet. Our day will finish with dinner overlooking the palace and fortress high above the town.
March 7th: BUNDI
Heading to a local, rural school in the morning, we’ll meet and interact with both teachers and children, giving everyone a chance for a rewarding cultural exchange. Following lunch, we will enjoy a private puja (traditional Hindu ceremony) with a local priest at an incredible 1000-year old temple. Later in the day, back in Bundi, we’ll visit some of the town’s beautiful, ancient stepwells before some free time to wander the peaceful town on your own or relax at the hotel.
March 8th: BUNDI / UDAIPUR
Today we’ll drive approximately six hours to Udaipur across the vast plains of Rajasthan. We’ll pass the imposing fortress of Chittogarh, and stop to take in the vistas and eat lunch along the way. Once in Udaipur, we’ll check into our hotel near the edge of stunning Lake Pichola. After a rest, we’ll go for an afternoon wander to watch the sunset over the lake. We’ll have dinner on the roof of our hotel, with a stunning view over the water and of several sprawling palaces dotting the landscape. You’ll quickly see why Udaipur is considered India’s most romantic city.
March 9th: UDAIPUR
The day begins with a guided visit to the famous City Palace, one of the best preserved in the entire country, where we’ll wander through the courtyards, audience halls, bedrooms, antique textile exhibitions and more. From here, we’ll visit the main Hindu temple in the Old Town as well as some of the famous shops that sell authentic Rajasthani crafts. After our tour, you’ll have free time to explore the rest of the old town, continue shopping, enjoy an ayurvedic massage or visit one of the famous local tailors who can quickly create custom-made garments to your specifications. (Udaipur is the best place in India for excellent tailor-made clothes at very affordable prices.)
March 10th: UDAIPUR
Today the animal lovers among us will hop into our vans for a short drive into the countryside to visit Animal Aid Unlimited, the groundbreaking organization caring for Udaipur’s sick and injured animals. After a tour of the grounds, that includes interaction with the animals, we’ll stop by the beautiful Saheliyon ki Badi Royal Gardens that was designed specifically for the royal ladies of this prestigious city. Later in the day there will be an optional cooking class scheduled with a local family for those who wish to learn about the ingredients and cooking styles required to create India’s vast and complex cuisine. In the evening, we’ll take a relaxing boat trip around Lake Pichola in order to witness the City Palace lit up along the lakeshore.
March 11th: UDAIPUR / JAIPUR
Leaving in the morning, we’ll take the main highway straight to the Pink City of Jaipur, a journey of 7 hours. We’ll stop along the way in off-the-beaten-track towns and enjoy a picturesque lunch before reaching our palace hotel in the late afternoon. After check-in, there will be time for a rest until our first dinner in this most royal of cities.
March 12th: JAIPUR
After a quick 1.5 hour flight back to Delhi, we’ll check-in to our hotel, relax and have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the gorgeous Akshardham Temple, considered the largest religious complex in the world and one of the most impressive temples in the country. From there, you can return to the hotel or visit one last textile market before we sit down for our final group dinner in the evening.
March 13th: JAIPUR
Today you’ll be able to fill your time as you wish. With transportation and guides on hand, we’ll be ready to take you to the opulent Patrika Gate, museums, antique shops, markets, parks, historical sights or anything else that might strike your fancy in this vibrant city. We’ll then all meet up in the evening for a beautiful rooftop dinner overlooking Jaipur.
March 14th: JAIPUR / DELHI
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll board our vans for the 5 hour ride back to Delhi where we’ll arrive in the early afternoon. After getting settled at our hotel we’ll visit our final sight, the incredible Akshardham Temple, considered the largest religious complex in the world and one of the most impressive temples in the country. Following this fascinating experience, we’ll settle in for a wonderful farewell dinner at one of Delhi’s best restaurants.
March 15th: DELHI / DEPARTURE DAY
You’ll be transferred to the airport by private driver in time of your departing flight.
INCLUDED – Small group (max 12 participants) – Wandering Earl Tours group leader – Local guides in each destination – All accommodation (14 nights – 3*/4* hotels and guesthouses) – Breakfast every day, 4 lunches and 9 dinners – Transportation in India (vans, train, internal flight) – All activities mentioned – All entrance fees for sights visited – Bottled water throughout the trip – All airport transfers NOT INCLUDED – Flights to/from India – Passport/visa fees – Meals and activities not mentioned – Travel insurance (mandatory) – Gratuities
TOUR COST $3845 USD per person, single room (there are 6 single rooms available on this trip) $3345 USD per person, twin-share room (solo travelers will be paired together in a room with two beds) *BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: To reserve your spot on a tour, a $500 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be 100% refundable until 6 months prior to the trip start date.
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU? The physical demands are moderate. While the activities on our tour itinerary are not very strenuous, please note that this trip can involve the following:
- Somewhat long days, walking tours in crowded, chaotic cities and dusty villages, a local cuisine that may not be suited to restrictive dietary requirements, potentially warm, sticky weather and early morning wake-ups.
- Due to the remote and widespread destinations on our itinerary, there are a few long drives, a train ride and a domestic flight included on this trip offering you the chance to enjoy the diverse scenery and become better acquainted with each other. Although we travel comfortably in large vehicles with wonderful drivers to cover most of our overland travel, we will likely use a variety of transport to get around that may include rickshaws and trains. Packing light is recommended and will simplify moving from place to place!
