Wake up like a Delhi-ite

Wake up like a Delhi-ite : If you wish to assimilate into the daily life of the people we recommend a walk in the picturesque Lodhi Gardens. Located in the heart of Delhi this is Delhi’s version of Central Park. One can see small groups of people doing Yoga or laughter therapy. Youngsters playing a game of cricket on weekends. Or simply soak in the sound of the chirping birds and the hustle of the aged trees.

Head back to the hotel for breakfast.

Today’s tour comprises of 2 powers that had a profound effect in moulding much of India’s history, culture and architecture.

We start with the Mughals who ruled a large part of the subcontinent for more than 350 years. Delhi being the imperial capital lived up to its image of the most illustrious town of medieval India. Today Delhi’s walled city is known as Old Delhi. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Possessing remarkable talent in architecture he brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. Trade flourished and continues to do so… We have an exciting way for you to discover these maze like lanes. Take an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride that passes through the colourful Kinari bazaar. This experience ends at the majestic Jama Masjid, 18th Century mosque known for its restrain in architecture.

Footsteps of Lutyens. The greatest British architect
Drive past the Imperial part of the city designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the British in the 1920s. Continue along the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate and past the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence and the Parliament Buildings.

Visit the Delhi Sultanate
Qutab Minar, visit the tallest minaret in India.
And Humayuns Tomb, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Community kitchen of holy proportions
At Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, a historic Sikh shrine in central Delhi, everybody is welcome to a meal, and nearly everybody comes. The ‘langar,’ or free kitchen, operated by a Sikh shrine in Delhi dishes out an astonishing 10,000 meals a day. Anyone can volunteer at a Gurdwara, and although the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara is the largest, you’ll find smaller versions in most Delhi neighborhoods. Everyone is welcome to come to Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and be part of Vaṇḍ Chakkō, the Sikh uplifting concept that translates to ‘share and consume together’.

A sumptouous breakfast at the hotel later drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri.
(Approximately 240 kms / 06 hours drive)

En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri a citadel built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar that was later abandoned for the lack of water. Abandoned cities have always had an allure in peoples mind. The perfectly preserved buildings with a little bit of imagination paint the picture of the of the opulent court culture of a bygone era.

One Stepwell at a time. In the dry and desert like region of Rajasthan water was a precious resource. One had to dig deep into the land to find the source of this life giving element. These are the step wells of Rajasthan. While some were modest in their size others are several stories deep. They also were used as a community space where locals could interact with each other. A short drive from Jaipur takes you to the massive stepwell of Abhaneri built to conserve rainwater is 20 m deep with 13 levels. It is considered the deepest and largest of its kind in India. The architecture is a perfect symmetry and has formed a backdrop for several Hollywood films given the dramatic effect that it can create.

Continue drive to Jaipur.

Upon arrival check in at Hotel.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, Indias princely state with its magnificent palaces. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City” for its trademark building color.

Jaipur is one of our favourite towns and we would love to share some of our personal favorite activities with you depending on the time of year and of-course everything personalized to your interests.

This evening is at leisure. Contact Equinox take your pick from one of Equinox’s signature experiences.

After breakfast drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur (330 km, approximately 6 hours).

Jodhpur – was formerly the seat of a princely state & the capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. The city is also known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades.

Head for a visit of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons . Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun, for truly, it is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in India.

After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial Cenotaphs of the Royal Family.

Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City due to the light blue shade that is common for the majority of the houses found in the Brahampuri area of the Walled City. Tucked away from the popular Clock Tower Bazaar, the Blue City is an unexplored treasure trove of exquisitely carved havelis and unknown Bazaars. Visit numerous shops showcasing traditional clothes like Saris, Safas and Poshaks to the Jewelers and bangle makers.

Contact Equinox for our signature experiences to explore this royal town.

Royal Lakes and Palaces of Rajasthan
Visit the Magnificent City Palace, an enormous edifice that stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single stunning façade.
Walk through the bustling colorful by-lanes of Rajasthani Bazaar with rich folk art and craft. Jostle with the camels and the rickshaws and visit the gentle holy temples in every crook and corner.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari. Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. It is said he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period.

Sunset Hues on the Royal Palaces
At sundown, take a cruise around Lake Pichola on an exclusive boat. Sit back and watch the lights of the City Palace cast its reflection on the still waters of the lake.