Art & Temples of India

(18 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho & Panna National Park, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Mumbai

This is the ultimate private tour of India’s most compelling art, architecture and ancient religious sites, including Varanasi, Khajuraho and the Taj Mahal. In addition, the tour features a private wildlife safari, the best of Indian lifestyle, and accommodation at luxurious palace-style hotels and resorts.

Begin in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. During private touring with your expert local guide, experience the best of Old and New Delhi: ride a rickshaw through bustling markets and bazaars overflowing with spices, bangles and saris; browse fashionable districts filled with galleries and boutiques selling beautiful Indian crafts and decorative items; tour historic attractions and UNESCO sites such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and Jama Masjid; and visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Crafts Museum or other specialty museums. Other options include culinary touring, personalized shopping tours, visiting the Lodhi Gardens and more.

Next, visit Varanasi (Benares), one of the oldest cities in the world, and, as the spiritual center of the Hindu world, a major Indian pilgrimage site. Enjoy a private boat ride on the Ganges River to see daily rituals along the ghats (stone steps), and watch a fascinating aarti religious ceremony involving fire, incense and chanting along the river. Also visit renowned silk shops in Varanasi’s old town, and take an excursion to Sarnath, where the faithful believe the Buddha gave his first sermon. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange visits to master silk weavers.

Fly to Khajuraho, one of India’s most renowned temple complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your private guide, tour centuries-old Hindu and Jain stone temples covered with sculptures depicting ancient myths, daily life and erotic acts. Stay at a luxury safari lodge in Panna National Park, and enjoy private game-viewing excursions to look for local wildlife such as tigers, leopards, gazelles, sloth bears, Indian vultures and peregrine falcons.

Continue to Agra to visit the spellbinding Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. During a private tour, learn about the history of the ornate marble mausoleum, and admire the incredible craftsmanship of inlaid stone decorations and carved marble screens. Also visit local marble studios, markets and Agra Fort. Stay at the beautiful Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with an open view of the Taj, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Jaipur, the famed Pink City of Rajasthan. During private touring see the highlights of the vast City Palace, admire the beautiful carved sandstone facade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind), and walk around the sculpture-like structures of the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One day, visit Amber Fort, an impressive hilltop fortress and UNESCO site, and see its spectacular Sheesh Mahal, a room covered in dazzling mirror mosaics. Jaipur is also known for bazaars, shops and decorative arts, and there will be time to experience the top boutiques, woodblock print studios, jewelry stores, markets and museums. If desired, also experience the city’s beautiful cafes and other architectural highlights. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange visits to local philanthropic projects. One evening, enjoy a fascinating aarti religious ceremony at a white marble Hindu temple.

Continue to Udaipur, a beautiful city built around lakes and hills. During private touring, enjoy a private cruise on Lake Pichola, tour the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, see decorative arts highlights, walk through whitewashed backstreets, browse local bazaars, and visit local studios specializing in miniature paintings and folk art. One day, take a private excursion to see interesting local temples and enjoy a memorable lunch in an 18th-century palace with amazing views. Another day, Artisans of Leisure will arrange an insider culinary experience at the home of a prestigious local family. During leisure time, enjoy the luxurious facilities at the lavish Udaivilas resort.

Next, visit Ajanta and Ellora, two UNESCO-inscribed ancient religious complexes filled with extraordinary art. During private touring, explore Ajanta’s spectacular Buddhist cave temples and monasteries, which are carved from rock cliffs and filled with stone sculptures and colorful murals. At Ellora, see incredible rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples excavated from basalt cliffs and covered with intricate carved religious images.

Conclude in exciting Mumbai (Bombay), the economic capital of India and the home of the Bollywood film industry. During private touring, explore the lively food and art scene, walk along the waterfront, visit the most interesting neighborhoods to browse boutiques or stop in cafes, visit Crawford Market, tour top cultural attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum and UNESCO-listed Victorian architecture, walk through bazaars dedicated to flowers and jewelry, tour contemporary art galleries or see Dhobi Ghat, a famous open-air laundry. Upon request, we can also arrange Jewish touring or in-depth culinary touring [in Mumbai. Also take a private boat ride to Elephant Island and the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO-listed site of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at Mumbai’s top restaurants or tickets for Bollywood shows.