Colours of India | 2027

Breakfast at the hotel at 8am, then we head into Old Delhi.

Nothing quite prepares you for it. The moment you step in, you're hit with a wall of sensation. The sharp bite of spices in the air, the blare of horns, the flash of colour from every direction, bodies and bicycles and sacred cows all somehow moving in chaotic harmony. It can feel overwhelming at first. Let it. Once you surrender to it, something shifts, and you realise you're standing in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

We explore by rickshaw, threading through laneways so narrow the walls almost touch above you, past shops spilling silk, silver, and street food onto the cobblestones. Our route winds through Asia's largest spice market, where mountains of turmeric, cardamom, and chilli create a landscape that's almost too vivid to believe.

Lunch is at Lakhori, Haveli Dharampura, a UNESCO-awarded 200-year-old haveli where ornate archways open onto shaded courtyards and the food is honoured by centuries of tradition. You'll be treated to a five-course gourmet tasting menu of Mughal and North Indian cuisine, the kind of meal that feels like a moment in itself, not just a pause between sights.

The afternoon takes us to Delhi's largest Sikh temple, where a community kitchen serves over 10,000 free meals every single day, run entirely by volunteers. Strangers feeding strangers, no questions asked. The scale of it is staggering. The warmth of it even more so. Roll up your sleeves and join in, or simply stand and take it in. Either way, it stays with you.

We end the day back on the rooftop as dusk settles over the city, sharing dinner and the first real reflections of the journey together.

Overnight: The Colonel's Retreat, Delhi

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

At 8:00am, begin your day with a hearty breakfast, taking in the morning essence of Delhi one last time before setting off on the next chapter of your journey. As you sip your tea or coffee, take a moment to reflect on the vibrant life of the city before we bid it farewell.

At 9:30am, we will drive to the airport for our short flight to Jodhpur, where the energy shifts from the bustle of Delhi to the slower, stately beauty of Rajasthan’s famed Blue City. As we soar above the landscapes, a new side of India begins to reveal itself, where royal heritage and striking blue rooftops stretch out across the horizon.

We are scheduled to arrive in Jodhpur mid-afternoon and check into Pal Garh Heritage Resort, the ancestral home of the Pal family, a heritage property set in a tranquil village just ten minutes from the city. Furnished with antiques, surrounded by Char-Bagh gardens and home to a museum of family heirlooms, weapons and vintage cars. It's the kind of place that feels like it has stories in its walls.

At 4:30pm we head out on foot into the heart of the city. Jodhpur's streets are a sensory feast.Wander through bustling markets, vibrant alleyways, and centuries-old streets that tell tales of the city’s rich culinary and artisanal heritage. From aromatic spice stalls to intricate handicrafts, this immersive exploration will connect you to the heartbeat of Jodhpur. We wander, we explore, we get beautifully lost.

At 6:00pm, we will gather for dinner at the rooftop terrace of Indique Restaurant, where Rajasthani flavours and traditions will come alive under the open night sky.

Overnight at Pal Garh Hotel, Jodhpur

A heads up, today's flight timing means lunch isn't included. Breakfast will be generous, but tuck a snack in your bag for the airport just in case.

Laundry opportunity
We are staying here for more than one night, making this an ideal stop to have laundry done (own expense).

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

Breakfast at 7:30am, then we head to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most commanding fortresses in all of India. It emerges from the rock like it was carved by the earth itself, rising 120 metres above the city on a sheer sandstone cliff, its amber walls glowing against the Rajasthan sky. Walking through its towering gates, you feel the weight of centuries. Grand halls with latticed windows that filter the light into something almost sacred, courtyards adorned with carvings so intricate you could spend an hour on a single wall. The views back over the sea of blue rooftops below are breathtaking.

Take your time here. Let it sink in.

Lunch is at On the Rocks Restaurant, set amongst dramatic rocky outcrops with Rajasthani food that's as generous and bold as the landscape around it. A proper, unhurried pause.

After lunch we hop into tuk-tuks and descend into the Blue City itself. Up close it's even more extraordinary than it looks from above. Ancient walls in every shade of cobalt and indigo, washing lines strung between balconies, the scent of incense threading through the warm air, life spilling out of every doorway. It's joyful and chaotic and utterly alive.

By 3:30pm we're back at Pal Garh, where the gardens are waiting and high tea is served in the kind of unhurried, shaded calm that makes you forget the world exists outside these walls.

We close the evening with dinner at Indique Restaurant, good food, warm company, and the fort glowing golden above the old town as night settles in.

Overnight: Pal Garh Heritage Resort, Jodhpur.

Accommodation names give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character, and while small changes may occasionally occur, your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, with a printed copy waiting for you on arrival.

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at 9am, savouring your final moments in Jodhpur before setting off on a scenic journey through Rajasthan's ever-changing landscapes.

At 10:30am we begin our two-hour drive to Manvar, travelling through golden dunes and remote villages where Rajasthan's raw beauty and timeless traditions come into view.

We arrive at Manvar Shergarh Resort, a luxurious retreat tucked into the heart of the Thar Desert. Think open-air pavilions, warm stone, and the sound of almost nothing. After settling in, enjoy a delicious lunch at the resort before an afternoon of exploration and cultural immersion.

As the day softens into golden hues, we embark on our sunset camel safari, a magical journey across the undulating dunes. Feel the rhythm of the desert beneath you as the sun paints the sky with fiery shades of orange and pink. The vast, untouched landscape paired with the gentle sway of your camel creates a moment of pure tranquillity and wonder.

As night falls we gather under a starlit sky for a traditional Rajasthani folk performance. Local musicians and dancers bring the spirit of the desert to life with vibrant rhythms and timeless stories shared through song and dance.

We close the evening with a relaxed dinner in the soft night air, wrapped in the warmth of the desert and the simple beauty of connection.

Overnight: Manvar Shergarh Resort, Thar Desert

Accommodation names give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character, and while small changes may occasionally occur, your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, with a printed copy waiting for you on arrival.

Breakfast at 8am, one last breath of peaceful desert stillness at Manvar, and then we're on the road.

At 10am we set off across the Thar. It's a remarkable drive. The desert doesn't empty out the way you might expect. The Thar is actually the most densely populated desert in the world, and as you move through it you catch glimpses of remote villages, camel herds, and women in vivid saris moving through the golden landscape like something from another century.

Around 1pm we arrive in Jaisalmer and check into out hotel. Step outside and there it is. Jaisalmer Fort, rising from the desert like a mirage, its honey-coloured sandstone walls glowing in the afternoon light. A thousand years old and still very much alive. We settle in over a late lunch and let the magic of this place wash over us.

In the afternoon we head out into the bazaars to choose our white outfits for Holi, a ritual in itself. Wandering the market stalls, holding fabric up to the light, the vendors enthusiastic and the choices endless.

As the sun begins to lower, we make our way to the residence of the royal family of Jaisalmer for the Holi Fire Ceremony. This ancient ritual marks the eve of Holi, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Timing follows the Hindu calendar and will be confirmed on the day.

Dinner is at a local restaurant chosen on the ground, because sometimes the best meals in India are the ones recommended by our trusted guides on the day.

Overnight at Gulab Haveli or Similar, Jaisalmer

Laundry opportunity
We are staying here for more than one night, making this an ideal stop to have laundry done (own expense).

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We begin the day with a festive breakfast at 8am, fuelling up for one of the most exhilarating experiences of the journey. Holi, the festival of colours, awaits. After breakfast we head to Jaisalmer Fort, ready to be swept up in a breathtaking celebration of joy and vibrancy.

There is no easing in gently. The air fills with clouds of fuchsia, cobalt, saffron and green. Strangers become friends in seconds, laughter is the only language that matters, and somewhere in the middle of it all, covered in colour and grinning from ear to ear, you'll have one of those moments where you think, I can't believe I'm here.

Holi is more than a festival. It is a full-bodied, whole-hearted celebration of unity, love and the spirit of life itself. Every handful of colour thrown is a wish of happiness, every song a reminder that joy is meant to be shared, every dance a surrender to something bigger than yourself. It is India at its most alive, and it will get into your soul the same way the colour gets into your hair. Everywhere.

The afternoon is yours. We return to the hotel to freshen up, a process that takes longer than you'd expect, and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Later we gather as a group for a reflection session with Jodi. A chance to pause, to speak, to sit with everything the journey has stirred up so far. After that the afternoon is free. Wander, rest, explore, or simply sit and watch Jaisalmer come back to itself after the festivities.

As night falls we gather for dinner near the fort, good food, warm company, and a sky full of stars over the Golden City.

Overnight: Gulab Haveli, or similar Jaisalmer

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

A peaceful morning in the desert to begin. Breakfast at 7:30am, soaking up the last of Jaisalmer's golden charm before we depart for the airport at 9am for our 11:30am flight to Jaipur, the enchanting Pink City.

We arrive around 1pm and check into Pearl Palace Heritage Hotel, a boutique stay designed to resemble a royal Rajput residence, with hand-carved stone, opulent interiors, and 20 unique rooms, each one different. The kind of place where the building itself is worth stopping to look at.

Lunch is at the Peacock Rooftop Restaurant at the hotel's sister property, where the rooftops of the Pink City stretch out beautifully below you. Take a moment afterwards to settle in and soak up the energy of Jaipur. It has a warmth and vibrancy all of its own.

Late afternoon we head out for a Bollywood dance session, pure fun, no experience needed. You'll be guided every step of the way, moving to the infectious rhythms that are woven into the heart of Indian culture. It's joyful, it's energetic, and it's one of those experiences that leaves everyone smiling.

At 6:30pm we gather for dinner, following our local guide's lead. They always know somewhere extraordinary that no review will ever find, and that's exactly the kind of evening we're after.

Overnight: Pearl Palace Heritage Hotel, Jaipur

Laundry opportunity
We are staying here for more than one night, making this an ideal stop to have laundry done (own expense).

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will begin the day with a delicious breakfast at 8:00am, preparing for a hands-on and culturally rich experience that dives deep into Rajasthan’s artistic heritage.

At 9:00am, we will head out for a traditional block printing session, learning about the centuries-old art form that Jaipur is famous for. Guided by local artisans, you will have the chance to create your own block-printed piece, an authentic and personal reminder of your time in the Pink City.

After the immersive creative session, we’ll head to a much-loved local spot for a Rajasthani thali lunch, offering a flavourful variety of traditional dishes that reflect the region’s culinary richness. After lunch, those interested can opt to visit a renowned gemstone store. Jaipur is renowned as the world’s capital for gemstone cutting, particularly emeralds, and is a fascinating place to observe the craft up close or to find a unique memento.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll explore the bustling markets of the Pink City, where Jaipur truly comes alive. Stroll through vibrant lanes filled with colourful textiles, handcrafted jewellery, leather goods, intricate pottery, and plenty of simple, affordable souvenirs - perfect for gifting or keeping a little piece of Jaipur with you. This is where the city’s vibrant spirit shines the brightest.

As the day winds down, we’ll gather for a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and celebrating a day filled with creativity, culture, and colour.

Overnight at Pearl Palace Heritage Hotel

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast at 8:00 am, taking a final moment to savour the spirit of Jaipur before setting off towards Agra at 9:00am, a place close to heart as it is the birthplace of Jodi's father.

Along the way, we will take a fascinating detour to explore an ancient step-well, known as the largest of its kind in the world. These breathtaking structures, once vital water reservoirs, now stand as masterpieces of historical engineering, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and ingenuity of past civilisations. Take a moment to walk through this incredible space and feel the deep history it holds.

After visiting the step-well, we will enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant, sharing a relaxed meal before continuing our journey to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra, we will head straight to one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey, a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. As the sun descends, the marble masterpiece shifts through hues of pink, gold, and white, casting a soft, timeless glow. Take in the serenity and splendour of this iconic symbol of love, and allow the moment to settle into your heart.

As evening falls, we will retreat to Coral House and Coral Tree Homestays, your welcoming haven in Agra. Here, we will gather for a traditional home-cooked dinner, reflecting on a day filled with beauty, history, and connection.

After dinner, you are invited to enjoy a traditional henna session at the homestay. Each delicate swirl and motif tells a story, symbolising joy, celebration, and the rich traditions of India.

Overnight at Coral House and Coral Tree Homestays, Agra

Laundry opportunity
We are staying here for more than one night, making this an ideal stop to have laundry done (own expense).

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will wake before dawn at 5:00am for a magical sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an experience that will stay with you forever. As the first light of day touches the white marble, the symbol of eternal love awakens in a soft golden glow, casting a gentle reflection in the Yamuna River. The early morning stillness makes the moment even more powerful, creating a deep sense of peace and awe.

After this breathtaking start to the day, we will return to our homestays for a relaxed breakfast, taking time to savour the meal and the quiet beauty of the morning. The rest of the morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace .Agra is famous for its age-old handicrafts, including marble inlay carving and hand-woven carpets. This is the perfect time to find meaningful souvenirs for your family, friends, or yourself.

Midday brings a delicious lunch at Pinch of Spice Restaurant, a chance to reflect on the morning’s wonders before stepping into the next chapter of Agra’s story. In the afternoon, delve into the grandeur of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the powerful seat of the Mughal Empire. Walk through its red sandstone walls, opulent palaces, and intricate courtyards, imagining the era when emperors ruled from this very place.

From its ramparts, enjoy a stunning view of the Taj Mahal, offering a new perspective on this city’s rich past.

As the day winds down, head to Taj Jerokah Restaurant for a traditional dinner and sunset view, where you can share stories and impressions of your journey through Agra. Let this evening be a time of connection and reflection, as you cherish the experiences that have made your time in this historic city so special.

Overnight at Coral House and Coral Tree Homestays, Agra

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will begin the day with breakfast at 8:00am, taking in the final moments of Agra’s timeless charm before setting off on our journey back to Delhi.

We will depart at 9:00am, travelling through the landscapes that connect these two historic cities. As the road unfolds, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the past days. The sunrise over the Taj Mahal, the grandeur of Agra Fort, and the quiet echoes of Mughal history. The drive will take around four hours.

On arrival in Delhi, we will head to Haldiram’s, a culinary institution loved across India. What began as a small snack shop in Bikaner in 1937 has grown into one of India’s most iconic food brands, blending tradition with modern flavours. At Haldiram’s, you can savour a wide range of India’s favourite comfort foods. Try crisp, tangy chaats like Raj Kachori, Papdi Chaat, and Dahi Bhalla, or enjoy hearty North Indian thalis with comforting curries, soft rotis, fragrant rice, and traditional sweets like Rasgulla or Gulab Jamun. Whether you are in the mood for something light or something rich, Haldiram’s offers a delicious showcase of Indian street food and homestyle cooking.

After lunch, we will head to the Domestic airport in Delhi to catch our flight to Rishikesh, our next destination at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Once we reach Rishikesh, our drivers will be there to pick us up and take us to our Hotel in Rishikesh. After check-in at the Hotel, we will head for Dinner at the Hotel.

Overnight at Antalya Hotel, Rishikesh

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

The day begins gently, with an optional morning yoga session. A soft and grounding way to awaken the body and settle the mind in a place that has drawn seekers from around the world for centuries. Rishikesh is widely regarded as the birthplace of yoga, and practising here, even just once, feels like something more than exercise.

From there we make our way to Vashistha Cave, an ancient meditation space nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges. It's quiet in a way that feels intentional, as though the stillness has been held here for a very long time. Sit in meditation within the cave, or walk down to the river's edge and simply be with the Ganges. Both are worthwhile. Neither needs to be explained.

We return to Rishikesh for a relaxed lunch, a chance to refresh and let the morning settle.

The afternoon is yours. You might wander through Tapovan, Rishikesh's most soulful neighbourhood, known for its yoga schools, tucked-away cafés and gentle spiritual energy. Or lose yourself in the local markets, where textiles, handcrafted goods and small treasures reflect the essence of this remarkable town.

As evening arrives we gather for dinner at Tattv Café, a space known for wholesome, thoughtfully prepared food that feels as nourishing as the day itself. A gentle close to a day rooted in stillness, connection and quiet discovery.

Overnight: Antalya Hotel, Rishikesh

Laundry opportunity
We are staying here for more than one night, making this an ideal stop to have laundry done (own expense).

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will begin the day early with a pre-dawn drive to Kunjapuri Temple, departing at 4:00am. Perched on a hilltop, this revered Shakti Peeth offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks at sunrise, with panoramic vistas over the Ganges valley below. Soak in the silence and the spiritual energy as the sun rises over the mountains.

After sunrise, we will return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast around 8:00am. Following breakfast, we will enjoy a short outing to Neer Garh Waterfall, a lush natural escape nestled into the nearby forest. It is the perfect place for a refreshing pause in nature.

At 1:00pm, we will head to Arches Café and Bakery, a charming spot known for its fresh, healthy fare. After lunch, around 2:30pm, we will begin a gentle walking tour starting at the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge rich with mythological lore. We will wander through colourful markets filled with textiles, incense, and local crafts, and pause by the sacred Ganges to feel the quiet strength of the river.

From there, we will visit Gita Bhawan, a peaceful ashram dedicated to spiritual teachings, before continuing to the famed Beatles Ashram. This historic site, where the Beatles studied meditation in 1968, now stands covered in murals and surrounded by the silence of the jungle, holding a spirit of creativity and mysticism.

As the sun begins to set, we will make our way to the Ganges ghats to witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti ceremony. This gathering of fire, chanting, and devotion along the riverbank leaves a lasting impression of serenity and awe. After the ceremony, around 6:30pm to 7:00pm, we will return to Ram Jhula Parking and hop onto tuk-tuks for the ride back to our hotel.

We will gather for our final dinner together at Antalya Hotel, a special evening to connect, share memories, and celebrate the journey taken together.

Overnight at Antalya Hotel, Rishikesh

Please note - accommodation names are shared to give you a sense of the style and comfort to expect. Small changes may occur to ensure the best experience, but every stay is chosen with care, warmth and character. Your final confirmed itinerary will be provided before departure, and a printed copy will await your arrival. 

We will begin the day early with a special Closing Ceremony at 7:00am, coming together one last time to reflect on the journey we have shared. This is a sacred moment to honour the laughter, the challenges, the beauty, and the deep connections made during our time in India. Take this time to soak in the energy of Rishikesh and all that this experience has awakened within you. Following the ceremony, we’ll move into a gentle morning yoga session to ground ourselves and integrate all that we’ve experienced on this journey. After yoga, we will enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel at 9:00 am. The morning is then yours to pack, pick up any last-minute gifts, or simply enjoy a little quiet time before our departure.

At 12:30pm, we will leave for the airport

This journey home is not just about distance. It is about carrying forward everything you have discovered, felt, and become.

We expect to reach Delhi Airport Terminal 2 around 4:35pm. The International Terminal (Terminal 3) is just a short five-minute walk from Terminal 2. To allow plenty of time for check-in and knowing the rhythms of India, we recommend booking your international flights for on/around/after 10:00pm.

As you travel homeward, take a moment to breathe in the incredible adventure you have just completed. From golden deserts to sacred rivers, from vibrant cities to silent temples, you have not only discovered India’s culture but touched its spirit. The memories, friendships, and transformations will travel with you, staying alive long after you leave this magnificent land.

At the airport, we will share our final goodbyes and step into the next chapter, carrying India with us in our hearts.