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’.

This morning you will depart to the small untouched village of Ramathra.
Approximately 225 Kms – 06 Hours Drive including Fatehpur Sikri.

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.

After the visit continue drive to Ramathra.

Today we take you into the quiet country side off the beaten track for a truly unique stay in a 17th Century hill fort. You will now be leaving the highways to go on to the smaller country road. One sees an un adulterated version of India that seems to have leapt out of picture books. You pass by little village markets crowded with handsomely turbaned men and women in colorful local outfits. Further into the countryside you pass by the field of wheat. Shepherds with their livestock and a tune on their lips. Children waving out to you from their homes as you pass by. Peacocks sitting on ledges of homes.

We propose a stay in Ramathra. This small hamlet that lies between two wildlife reserves. There are no monuments to see in Ramathra neither are there any museums. The fort, the lake and countryside are the three big attractions of Ramathra Fort. Your stay will be in one of the beautifully designed rooms inside the fort and you will be hosted by Raviraj and Geetanjali, the aristocratic family that owns the fort.

At sunset take a village boat ride on the lake or a stroll through Ramathra village. The farmers returning from working in their field or tending the cattle and the wives filling up the pails of water from the local well. Don’t be surprised if someone invites you home for a cup of tea and introduce you to the extended family, the life-stock included.

A perfect place to relax, enjoy the serenity of rural India and interact with locals.

After a sumptuous breakfast drive to Jaipur.
Approximately 175 Kms – 05 Hours Drive.

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.

Breakfast at the hotel depart in the direction of Shahpura.
Approximately 200 Kms – 04 Hours Drive.

Nestled in 45 acres of gardens, fields and woods, this is the beautifully renovated 19th Century summer residence of the Rulers of Shahpura own private lakes.

Though Shahpura is not a luxury address it certainly provides the client a unique experience. To experience life at a slower place in the countryside. This is not just any hotel it is a home of an erstwhile ruling family that still resides here.

Walking trails skirt the lakes, hammocks and charpoys are located at scenic spots to relax, read, meditate or watch spectacular sunsets. Along with this is a heated outdoor pool which is surrounded by colourful bougainvillas and chirping birds.

Shafeeq, a Shahpura local will take you on a walking tour of the town where he introduces you to the hidden pathways and local trades and traits.

It gives you an interesting view of small town India which is moving on with time and yet holding on to its traditions. The market is buzzing with activity in the morning. You could get a pir of custom made Rajathani pair of shoes at a nominal cost. Peek into the many silversimth’s ateliers that line the market. Make a stop at the local incense or sari shops.

After this you make your way to the farm to enjoy an alfresco Lunch made using ingredients from the farm. Afternoons are great to soak up some sun.

Contact Equinox for more ideas on how to explore this little town of Shahpura.

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.

Take a jeep safari at the crack of dawn to explore the village and spot the leopards in their natural habitat.

This land also belongs to the Rabaris, a tribe of ancient nomadic shepherds and herders who once roamed the deserts of western India. Their sparse farmlands encircle the hillocks and extend to the water bodies further down to the plains. The bizarre incongruence of this setting is reminiscent of Noah’s Arc where predator and prey lived side by side, in harmony. In the face of rampaging human population, where land is always at a premium especially to the mining, timber and other interest groups- these herdsmen need to protect this heritage, and the leopard is their unlikely mascot.

At dusk depart for another to explore a different region of Bera, maybe even taking a trip to the lake where you could spot beautiful migratory birds including the pink flamingo!

You could choose to spend a leisurely morning and later drive to Jodhpur, approximately 135 Kms – 03 Hours Drive.

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 bestpreserved 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.

Contact Equinox for our secret ingredients for exploring Mumbai before the city wakes up!

Explore Mumbai; your tour will include the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

Next you will visit the Prince of Wales Museum, which was built between 1904 and was used as a hospital during World War I. The museum houses a priceless collection of art that is considered to be one of the best in all India.

We drive past University of Bombay, High Court of Bombay, and Crawford Market. You will also visit the Hanging Gardens, which are located on the crest of Malabar Hill. The garden is a welcome oasis of green in a city built almost entirely of concrete and cement. Visit the renowned Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhawan) and Jain Temple. Return to the hotel via Marine drive, popularly known as the Queen’s Necklace which offers a breath-taking view of the beautiful Arabian Sea.

There are many off beat ways to explore Mumbai from exclusive jazz nights to crowded local trains. Contact Equinox for handcrafted experiences on exploring Mumbai.