We meet in Delhi (2 nights). Our foot tour of the Old City is just a hint of the sensory extravagance ahead. We may sample street food in the Chor Bazaar, but save room for tonight’s dinner in a private home. After a flight to Udaipur (2 nights), we walk a country lane to 450-year-old Delwara to meet the villagers. Back in the city, we’ll explore the white marble palace complex, then shop the spice market with a chef followed by a cooking lesson in her kitchen.

En route to our luxury encampment in Pushkar (2 nights), we’re treated to a privately guided tour of the Hindu temples. Our walk here offers great bird watching and also crosses paths with local blacksmiths and goatherders. The new morning begins with asanas (yoga exercises) before a visit to the Brahma Temple and a Hindu prayer ceremony.

Our drive to Jaipur (2 nights) passes through the villages of Rajasthan. On elephant back, we’ll visit the Amber Fort and pause for refreshments at a farmhouse. A hunting lodge (2 nights) is our base at Ranthambhore National Park, the world’s best-known tiger preserve. Finally, in Agra (2 nights), we’re not content just to see the Taj Mahal—our hotel overlooks it for uncrowded access at dusk and dawn. On our final day, we part company in Delhi—or you can opt to continue with us on our 5 day/4 night Kochi Extension.