Gay Travel India Adventure Tour: The Road Less Traveled

Day 1: Arrival

Guests arriving in Delhi will be met and transferred to our lovely hotel. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the 11th to 20th centuries. The region has seen the rise and fall of many emperors who left thousands of monuments commemorating the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can boast such a profusion of architectural styles. To allow maximum flexibility of flights, there are no activities or group meals planned today.

Day 2: Old Delhi Walking Tour

After breakfast this morning, we will walk the streets of Old Delhi with a private guide and be immersed in India’s history. Gain a new understanding of the country’s ancient cultures while seeing life at the local level. Learn about the impressive design of the city’s ‘Havelis’ (private mansions), discover the significance of historical sites like the Red Fort, and admire handmade crafts sold at the market in Chandni Chowk. By walking the same paths that the locals do, you’ll be genuinely immersed in the Old Delhi lifestyle.

Lunch today will be on your own. This afternoon we will visit New Delhi, which was designed and built by the British in the 1920′s. It’s a city of wide boulevards, impressive government buildings, as well as green parks and gardens. We will also visit a monument from Delhi’s past – Humayun’s Tomb. This evening we will visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; one of the most prominent Sikh temples. Our drive will take us along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. We will dine together this evening at a delicious restaurant in town for our Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Off to Jaipur

Today we will head to our hotel in Jaipur, a city known for its historic forts, palaces, and gardens. On the way to Jaipur, we’ll see the evidence of lucrative trade routes over the Thar Desert: remains of luxurious palaces, temples, and forts built by successive rulers, including Hindu Rajputs and Muslim Mughals. A feudal legacy lives on here, in ornate pleated veils, voluminous turbans, tinkling bells, and mirrored saris – all symbols of an exotic past. This is a great destination for shopping, with outstanding values in textiles, jewelry, metals, and precious stones.

This afternoon, we will explore Galta Ji, a large Hindu temple complex. Enjoy these temples that are home to a large colony of monkeys, which has led to its nickname, the monkey temple.

In the evening we will enjoy a thrilling jeep safari to see the city at night. Take in the views of Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Birla Mandir and Jal Mahal. The drive will continue on to the Amber Fort with a breathtaking display of lights on the majestic bluff-top building. Tonight we’ll have the evening to explore and have dinner independently.

Day 4: Amber Fort

This morning we will make our way to Amber Fort (also known as the Amer Palace), a spectacular fortress that protects a complex of palaces, temples and exquisite marble and mirror halls and apartments. From here we will hike 2-3 hours to Jaigarh Fort, then drive to Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the city of Jaipur with fantastic views, a beautiful palace complex, and a uniquely designed stepwell. As you ascend, you will have beautiful views of the valley, covered in dense forest and streams.

Later tonight we will have the option of learning about Rajasthan’s traditional art of block printing. This process flourished since the 12th century when the art received royal patronage from the kings of the era.

Day 5:  Cycling to Ramgarh

Departing through the outlying settlements of Jaipur and with the Amber Fort as our backdrop, we commence our bicycle ride. By noon, we will arrive at Ramgarh Lake and enjoy lunch under a huge Banyan tree. After lunch, we will explore the village on foot and Jeep. Guests may enjoy an optional camel ride this evening before shuttling back to our Jaipur hotel. Dinner tonight will be on our own.

Day 6: Birding in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur

After breakfast, we will start our drive to Agra. Along the way, we will stop near Bharatpur to explore Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a small but important bird sanctuary. Originally a duck-shooting preserve, the wetland is now a world-renowned birding destination. We’ll walk or cycle along the narrow road to the open wetlands at the end. We’ll then continue to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, and check in to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free. Feel free this evening to enjoy the optional activity of a grand, Bollywood-style live performance “Mohabbat-e-Taj”, based on the love story that inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal, or an optional yoga and meditation session before sunset on the lovely hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

Day 7: Taj Mahal – Monument of Love

Rise early today to get a sunrise perspective of Shah Jehan’s monument to love. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor as the final resting place for his favorite Queen, Mumtaz. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652 A.D) of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build. It was designed by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa. Verses of the Holy Quran are inscribed in the main building and at the top of the gate’s 22 small domes, which signify the number of years the monument took to build. The elegant main dome of the Taj has a diameter of 60 feet, and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Fantastic inlay work of semi-precious stones decorates the exterior and interior.

During our sunrise walk, we will gain breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal. We’ll enjoy the beauty of the monument from different perspectives and angles, as the colors shift subtly with the increasing daylight.

After some downtime, we will head to Agra’s Old City. Here we will learn about the legacy of India’s long history including Hindu traditions and a 200-year-old sweets shop. Equally important, we will get a local perspective about how modern-day India is reshaping itself to be prepared for the future. We’ll enjoy dinner together tonight in Agra.

Day 8: Temples and Aarti

Today we drive from Agra to Delhi Airport, then fly to Rishikesh, which calls itself “Yoga Capital of the World”. This area offers a myriad of yoga and meditation classes, surrounded by forested hills, soothing and tranquil for mind expansion. There are opportunities for crystal healing in this gorgeous location, known also as the gateway to treks in the Himalayas.

Day 9: Rafting and Trekking Rishikesh

We will awake to a spiritually refreshing yoga and a meditation session to start the day off-balanced. After breakfast, we will prepare for a morning of whitewater rafting. Before we hit the water, we’ll make a stop at Shivpuri for some rock climbing! Then we will enjoy the light river rapids with our expert guide. We will enjoy lunch together and a little relaxing before we head out for our next activity.

The adventure continues this afternoon, as we hike the Mala Kunti Trek, in the nearby mountains.  After a full day of adventure, we will enjoy dinner together at a local Rishikesh restaurant.

Day 10: Trekking to Kunjapuri Temple

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a full-day trek to Kunjapuri Temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines. As we hike through green forests we will have spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas.  There are 290 stairs on along the way so we will take our time and enjoy a day out in nature. From the temple, we will enjoy views of Haridwar, Rishikesh and the Doon Valley.

This evening we will make our way to the Ghats of the Ganges River and enjoy the Aarti Ceremony, which is part of the evening puja (prayers) to thank Mother Ganges for her divine light. As the Aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells are rung and the chanting/singing provides a fascinating, magical and spiritual closure to the day. We will then enjoy our farewell dinner together.

Day 11: Departure

Today we will fly from Rishikesh to Delhi for connecting flights home. In Dehli, a few day rooms are available for a shower or brief rest before your connecting flight. After a tour full of exotic adventure and outdoor activities, we’ll all head home with lifetime memories and cameras full of colorful images.