RAINBOW RAJASTHAN: An LGBTQI+ Women's Journey Through North India

Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India's vibrant and colourful capital. You arrive in India and feel the unmistakable energy of Delhi, a city where ancient empires and the rhythms of modern life meet. Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and refresh after your journey.

Set along the western bank of the Yamuna River, between the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, Delhi has been a centre of culture and power for centuries. Its historic heart, Chandni Chowk, remains a captivating maze of markets, monuments and bustling lanes.

Later in the evening, meet your Group tour leader and fellow travellers for an introduction to the wonderful journey ahead. We will celebrate the beginning of our adventure with a Welcome authentic Indian Dinner and a drink at a local LGBTQ+ venue, a vibrant and welcoming safe space for Delhi's queer community.

Step into the captivating chaos of Old Delhi on a guided walking tour through its crowded lanes, colourful bazaars and centuries of living history. Travel by metro, with the opportunity for the female presenting people in the group to ride in a women-only carriage, and gain a fascinating insight into how local women navigate this vast and energetic city. Non female presenting will ride in the mixed carriage.

Continue with a very special walking tour led by a member of Delhi's LGBTQ+ community. Uncover stories often absent from traditional history books, from the influential transgender Khwajasiras of the Mughal court to a queer Sufi saint of the seventeenth century. Along the way, pause for a fragrant biryani lunch in a traditional Old Delhi Haveli.

Later, climb aboard a cycle rickshaw and weave through the exhilarating streets of Old Delhi including the famous Chandni Chowk. Visit Jama Masjid and Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara before finishing the day at Dilli Haat, a vibrant open-air market.

Begin the morning at Mehrauli Archaeological Park, a remarkable landscape where centuries of Delhi's history lie scattered among ancient ruins, wooded pathways and forgotten tombs. Visit the sixteenth-century Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, believed to be the resting place of the celebrated Sufi poet Jamali and his close companion Kamali. The two graves placed side by side have often been interpreted as a poignant symbol of queer intimacy and enduring companionship.

Continue to the vibrant Lodhi Art District, India's first open-air public art district. Wander among striking murals created by Indian and international artists, each transforming the neighbourhood's walls into bold expressions of identity, community and contemporary culture.

Later, transfer to the railway station and board the train to Bikaner, watching the landscapes of northern India unfold as you travel towards Rajasthan. A packed dinner will be served aboard the train before your late-evening arrival. Upon arrival in Bikaner, transfer to your hotel and settle in for a well-earned rest after the evening's journey.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before setting out to discover the rich heritage and welcoming communities of Bikaner.

Begin at the magnificent Junagarh Fort, an imposing masterpiece of red sandstone and marble constructed between 1589 and 1594. Step through its grand gateways to explore a captivating collection of ornate palaces, peaceful courtyards and fascinating museums, each revealing another chapter of Bikaner's royal history.

From the fort, hop aboard a tuk-tuk and weave through the lively lanes of Bikaner's Old Town to visit a local family home. Here, a group of women will welcome you into their community and demonstrate how they prepare traditional papadums and bhajia. Sample the freshly made savoury snacks, share stories and enjoy a warming cup of chai together.

The women are part of a government-supported RGAVP initiative that nurtures women from low-income rural and urban communities to strengthen their economic independence. By transforming their cooking skills into a self-sustaining enterprise, they are able to supply snacks to local markets, develop new skills and create more secure livelihoods for themselves and their families.

This morning, journey approximately five hours across Rajasthan to Jaisalmer, a golden-hued city rising dramatically from the sands of the Great Thar Desert. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel before joining your tour leader for a walking exploration of this captivating desert stronghold.

Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput clan, Jaisalmer once occupied a strategic position along the ancient trade routes that crossed the desert. Its history has been preserved for centuries through the stories and songs of Rajasthan's traditional bards. As you wander through the city, your leader will bring its prosperous trading past to life with tales of merchants, royal families and travellers journeying between distant lands.

Enter the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, whose honey-coloured walls appear to glow in the desert light. Unlike many historic citadels, this remains a living fort: a fascinating maze of homes, temples, shops and restaurants shared by around 3,000 permanent residents.

Continue through the city's labyrinthine lanes to admire its elaborately carved merchant mansions. Marvel at the spectacular facades of Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, browse for dazzling Rajasthani fabrics or simply lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Golden City.

After breakfast, leave Jaisalmer behind and travel approximately three hours to Osian, an ancient desert settlement that flourished as an important trading centre along the Silk Route between the eighth and twelfth centuries.

Discover Osian's remarkable collection of intricately carved Hindu and Jain temples, some with origins dating as far back as the sixth century. Visit the majestic Sachiya Mata Temple and admire the architectural splendour of the Surya Temple, whose detailed stone carvings reveal the extraordinary craftsmanship and spiritual heritage of this historic desert town.

In the evening, spend time with members of the local community. While the men prepare a traditional Rajasthani dinner, enjoy the opportunity to meet and share stories with the women.

As darkness settles over the desert, gather for a captivating Kalbeliya dance performance. Dressed in flowing skirts, the dancers spin and sway with graceful, serpentine movements inspired by the snake charmer's traditional place in Rajasthani culture — a mesmerising celebration of music, movement and desert heritage.

This morning, leave Osian and travel approximately two hours to Jodhpur, a captivating city on the edge of the Thar Desert. Dominating its skyline is the magnificent fifteenth-century Mehrangarh Fort, a former royal palace set dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the old walled city. Below the fort, a patchwork of buildings painted in Jodhpur's distinctive shade of blue stretches towards the desert horizon.

Upon arrival, visit a local family in their home and sit down together for a freshly prepared lunch. Over food and conversation, enjoy a personal introduction to everyday life in Jodhpur and gain a deeper understanding of the family's traditions and local culture.

Later, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax among the peaceful surroundings or head out independently to experience more of the Blue City's colourful streets and lively atmosphere.

This morning, climb to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest and most impressive fortresses. Rising dramatically from a steep rocky hill above Jodhpur, its immense sandstone walls have watched over the Blue City for centuries.

Pass through a succession of gateways into a world of grand courtyards and beautifully preserved palaces. Throughout the complex, the intricate stonework tells a story of extraordinary craftsmanship, with solid sandstone transformed beneath the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri artisans into delicate screens, elaborate façades and richly decorated royal chambers.

In the evening, join your tour leader for a walking exploration of Sadar Market. Immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere as you wander among colourful stalls selling spices, textiles, handicrafts and local treats. Afterwards, sit down together for dinner and reflect on another memorable day in Rajasthan.

Begin the day with a rejuvenating yoga session, taking time to stretch, breathe and find a moment of calm before continuing our journey through Rajasthan.

Later, say goodbye to Jodhpur and travel approximately one hour into the countryside to Chandelao Garh. On arrival, set out on a guided walk through the village, passing traditional homes and gaining a glimpse into the gentle rhythms of rural life.

Continue to Sunder Rang, whose name means “beautiful colours”. This inspiring project helps preserve Rajasthan's traditional crafts while providing meaningful employment for local artisans, most of whom are women. Meet some of the talented artisans, admire their colourful creations and hear how the project has influenced their lives, their families and the wider village community.

Enjoy some free time later in the day to relax at your heritage accommodation or explore Chandelao Garh further. In the evening, discover the art of rangoli, creating colourful decorative patterns from traditional materials, before joining your hosts for henna painting. The day concludes with a wonderful group dinner at the hotel.

Today, leave the peaceful surroundings of Chandelao Garh and travel approximately five hours to Jaipur, Rajasthan's vibrant state capital and largest city.

Affectionately known as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Its carefully planned streets were arranged according to traditional Indian architectural principles, with nine distinct sections representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe. In 1876, Jaipur's old city was painted a warm terracotta pink to welcome the visiting Prince of Wales, a colour associated with hospitality.

Upon arrival, join your tour leader for a walking and market tour of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the energy of the Pink City as you wander through its lively streets and colourful bazaars, where stalls overflow with textiles, jewellery, spices and traditional Rajasthani crafts.

After your walk, swap sightseeing for music and movement during a lively Bollywood dance session. Learn expressive gestures and energetic steps made famous by Indian cinema before ending the evening with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lights and rooftops of Jaipur.

After breakfast, travel approximately 12 kilometres beyond Jaipur to the magnificent Amber Fort, rising dramatically above the historic town of Amber. Once the seat of the Kachwaha rulers, the surrounding settlement is dotted with ancient temples, traditional havelis and centuries-old stepwells.

Encircled by imposing defensive walls, Amber Palace is an extraordinary collection of monumental gateways, ornate halls, peaceful courtyards, temples, pavilions and gardens. Its richly decorated interiors blend Hindu and Mughal architectural influences, while its elevated position offers sweeping views across the town and rugged Aravalli landscape.

Reach the palace on foot, passing through a succession of defensive gates before entering through the Suraj Pol, or Sun Gate. A jeep transfer to the palace entrance is also available as an alternative.

After your visit, climb aboard a Pink City Rickshaw for a delicious journey through Jaipur's local food scene. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is an innovative social initiative creating rewarding employment opportunities for over 200 women from low-income households. Your friendly female hosts will guide you through the city while introducing you to some of Jaipur's most-loved flavours.

Begin with crisp, savoury kachoris, followed by a refreshing glass of sweet lassi on MI Road. Continue to Mahavir Rabriwala at Choti Chaupar to sample creamy rabri before finishing at Siyaram Kulfiwala for a taste of Jaipur's famously rich and cooling kulfi.

Today, leave Jaipur and travel approximately five hours to Agra, the celebrated Mughal city on the western bank of the Yamuna River.

Founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504, Agra flourished under the Mughal emperors, who sought to surpass one another through increasingly ambitious works of art and architecture. The result is an extraordinary legacy left by Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, whose magnificent monuments continue to define the city today.

On arrival, visit Sheroes Hangout Cafe for lunch. Run by women who have survived acid attacks, this inspiring social enterprise offers its team a welcoming place to work, build financial independence and connect with visitors. Learn about the story behind Sheroes Hangout and the important work it does to challenge prejudice, raise awareness and create new opportunities for survivors.

Later, embrace the colour and elegance of traditional Indian dress. Choose a beautifully draped saree or a classic kurta pyjama, with sparkling bangles and a matching bindi to complete the look if you wish.

Dressed for this memorable occasion, continue to the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this exquisite marble mausoleum is one of the world's most enduring expressions of love. Its perfect symmetry, intricate stonework and shifting colours in the changing light make it an unforgettable sight.

Today, bid farewell to Agra and travel approximately four hours back to Delhi, watching the landscapes of northern India pass by as your journey comes full circle.

On arrival, settle in and enjoy some time to relax before gathering with your tour leader and fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Raise a glass to the friendships formed, the stories shared and the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Rajasthan and northern India.

Today, check out of your Delhi hotel and transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight home. There are no additional activities planned, allowing you to depart at a relaxed pace according to the group arrangements.

As your journey comes to an end, take with you the colours of Rajasthan, the flavours of its kitchens, the stories of its communities and the friendships formed along the way.

If you would like to spend more time discovering Delhi, additional accommodation can be arranged on request, subject to availability.