Women’s tour of India – India Illuminated

India Illuminated

WOMEN’S SMALL-GROUP GUIDED TOUR

Connect with female artisans and trailblazers

DATES

November 1–10, 2026
Includes Diwali Festival in Jaipur

CITIES AND DESTINATIONS

New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur

OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
DAY BY DAY
ACCOMMODATIONS

Overview

This remarkable women’s tour of northern India brings you face-to-face with the country’s most historic sights – and the women shaping its present.

Over ten days, you’ll move from Delhi‘s bustling lanes to Agra‘s marble monuments, from Ranthambore‘s tiger country to Jaipur‘s pink-walled palaces, meeting local women at every turn:

the artisans weaving dhurrie rugs on wooden looms
the survivors running a cafe helping others back into society
the rickshaw drivers navigating the Pink City
and the entrepreneurs and creatives redefining what leadership looks like in modern India.

You’ll travel with a small group and an exceptional support team of local guides, hosts, and coordinators giving a 3:1 guest-to-staff ratio. This means flexibility, answers when you need them, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Accommodations reflect where you are: The Imperial‘s old-world elegance in Delhi, a luxury tented camp at the edge of Ranthambore National Park, the Taj Agra overlooking the monument itself, and Padma Jaipur, a heritage haveli tucked into the old city’s heart. We’ve chosen each property for atmosphere as much as comfort.

The timing is deliberate. You’ll be in Jaipur for Diwali, when the entire city lights up – literally! Join a local family to light diyas, share festive sweets, and watch the palaces glow under strings of oil lamps and bursts of fireworks. It’s one of India’s most beloved celebrations, and you’ll experience it from the inside.

Whether you’re traveling with friends or meeting them along the way, this journey offers something rare: the chance to see India’s beauty and complexity alongside women doing the same. You’ll return with stories, connections, and a sense of the country that goes deeper than any guidebook – illuminated by the voices, traditions, and firelight of India itself.

Itinerary

Date	Itinerary	Hotel	Room	Meals
Sun, November 1	Arrive in Delhi, India	The Imperial	Heritage Room	–
Mon, November 2	Delhi	The Imperial	Heritage Room	Breakfast, dinner
Tue, November 3	Delhi	The Imperial	Heritage Room	Breakfast, lunch
Wed, November 4	Delhi – Agra	Taj Hotel	Cottage	Breakfast, dinner
Thu, November 5	Agra – Ranthambore	TUTC Shivir Camp	Luxury Suite Tent	Breakfast, lunch
Fri, November 6	Ranthambore	TUTC Shivir Camp	Luxury Suite Tent	Breakfast, lunch
Sat, November 7	Ranthambore – Jaipur	Padmaa Haveli	Heritage Suite	Breakfast, dinner
Sun, November 8	Jaipur (Diwali Festival)	Padmaa Haveli	Heritage Suite	Breakfast, lunch
Mon, November 9	Jaipur	Padmaa Haveli	Heritage Suite	Breakfast, dinner
Tue, November 10	Jaipur – Delhi – Home	Hotel near Delhi Airport	Day room for showering and changing clothes	Breakfast

Day by day

The itinerary leaves room for serendipity, surprise, and an unexpected adornment or two along the way…

Sunday, November 1

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, our representative will meet and greet you, and transfer you in comfort to The Imperial, New Delhi.

Delhi is truly remarkable – capital of the world’s most populous country, divided between Old Delhi (the historic walled city) and New Delhi (the imperial capital laid out by the British in the early 20th century) – a city shaped over thousands of years by empire after empire, each leaving its mark in faith, architecture, and the daily lives of 35 million residents.

Set within eight acres of gardens, The Imperial offers calm inside its gates. Built in the 1930s, its airy verandahs and dining rooms were once the scene of independence negotiations between Indian and British leaders. Today it remains one of the capital’s most distinguished addresses.

After check in, the rest of the day is yours. Dine in one of the hotel’s restaurants, enjoy the spa, or explore its collection of more than 5,000 artworks—corridors that feel like a private gallery tracing the country’s artistic and political history.

Accommodation

The Imperial

Meals

None

Monday, November 2

Start the morning at leisure to ease the effects of jet lag.

Later, we’ll head into Old Delhi for a walking and rickshaw tour through historic lanes and markets where stalls overflow with spices and textiles. Visit the wedding market, where embroidered bridal wear and intricate jewelry reflect the pageantry of Indian celebrations.

We’ll be shopping for our wardrobe to wear throughout our time in India, accompanied by a local female guide who will explain different styles, their cultural significance, and help us select pieces.

We’ll drive past the Red Fort for a photo stop, then continue into New Delhi—a city of broad, tree-lined avenues and stately government buildings. Along Kartavya Path, the city’s main ceremonial road, we’ll see India Gate and the Parliament buildings, then continue to the Lodhi Art District, where bold murals by Indian and international artists celebrate themes of culture, nature, and social change.

Next, we’ll visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a prominent Sikh temple that feeds over 10,000 people daily, regardless of background. Engage in community service at the Langar, where you can serve food, cut vegetables, or make roti. Cooking alongside the chefs will offer insight into their daily routine and cultural traditions. It’s a fulfilling experience where you’ll contribute to filling empty stomachs and gain enriching insights into community service.

Accommodation

The Imperial

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Tuesday, November 3

This morning, we’ll continue our Delhi experience by visiting the Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi—the Father of the Nation and leader of India’s independence struggle.

Then we head to Hauz Khas Village, where medieval tombs and centuries-old ruins stand alongside contemporary galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Browse for handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and unique souvenirs. The area offers a mix of history, contemporary culture, and urban buzz—perfect for leisurely strolling and people-watching.

Later, we’ll visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned in the mid-16th century by the emperor’s widow. Built in red sandstone and white marble, it’s widely regarded as a forerunner to the Taj Mahal and one of the earliest great monuments of Mughal architecture.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon with time to relax by the pool or enjoy the facilities.

Accommodation

The Imperial

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Wednesday, November 4

Morning drive (4 hours) to Agra – a fascinating way to watch the countryside change as we descend from the foothills back to the plains. After checking in at the Taj Hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa.

In the late afternoon, step into history at Agra Fort, the great red sandstone citadel rising above the Yamuna River. We’ll wander through courtyards, mosques, and royal chambers, each layered with stories of the Mughal dynasty.

We’ll end the day with evening cocktails at The Oberoi Amarvilas, with a view of the Taj Mahal and a performance of Indian music and folk dance.

Accommodation

Taj Hotel

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Thursday, November 5

Wake early for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, the world’s most celebrated monument to love. With our expert guide, take in the perfect symmetry and graceful proportions that define this architectural masterpiece. Arriving for the first light allows us to experience the site while the air is still cool and the morning is relatively quiet, before the midday heat and the larger crowds settle in. Our guide is also skilled at helping you take memorable photographs with your own phone.

Afterwards, we’ll visit Sheroes Hangout Cafe for breakfast, a restaurant run by women who are acid attack survivors – created to remove stigma while offering opportunities for financial independence. The cafe provides a way back into mainstream society and livelihood.

After checking out of the Taj Agra, we enjoy the scenic drive (5 hours) to Ranthambore National Park. Once the private hunting reserve of the royal House of Jaipur, the park is a landscape of rolling hills and craggy outcrops, open meadows, lakes, and winding rivulets. This dry deciduous forest supports an extraordinary range of flora and fauna. The skyline is dominated by the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, while in the valleys below, scattered ruins are slowly reclaimed by nature—quiet witnesses to battles and romances of a vanished age.

Upon arrival, we check-in at Sawai Shivir Camp to start the ultimate glamping experience. The perfect opportunity to pre-book spa treatments if you’d like a massage and pampering—or just relax and take it all in.

Accommodation

TUTC Shivir Camp

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Friday, November 6

Today, we’ll enjoy private morning and afternoon Jeep safaris through the jungles of Ranthambore. We’ll be joined by an expert naturalist to help us find perhaps the most beautiful animal on the planet: the majestic Bengal tiger. Leopards, spotted deer, blue bulls, jackals, wild boar, and sambar deer can also be sighted. Bird lovers also flock to Ranthambore for the many species that inhabit the park: vultures, eagles, peacocks, and flycatchers among the highlights.

Back at camp, the rest of the day is yours.

Accommodation

TUTC Shivir Camp

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Saturday, November 7

Today we bid farewell to Ranthambore for the drive to Jaipur (3.5 hours). On the way, we’ll stop at a women-led dhurrie rug weaving center, where more than 50 women work together in one shared space. Chat with these skilled artisans as they hand-weave traditional dhurries on wooden looms. Learn about techniques and patterns passed down through generations and, if you like, buy unique, high-quality pieces directly from the women who create them.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the “Pink City” for its terracotta-pink sandstone architecture. Founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the city shows its royal Rajput heritage in grand forts, palaces, and gardens. Though it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur is not a museum—it bustles with the energy of a thriving modern city. As a cornerstone of India’s Golden Triangle, it’s celebrated for traditional arts like blue pottery, jewelry, and textiles, while also embracing a dynamic wave of contemporary designers and artisans.

We’ll check-in to Padmaa Jaipur, a boutique haveli nearly as old as the city itself, but with plenty of modern comforts. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy at your own pace.

For those who would like to join, we’ll organize evening cocktails at one of the city’s best cocktail bars.

Accommodation

Padmaa Haveli

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Sunday, November 8

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a morning ride with Pink City Rickshaw, a sustainable, women-led social enterprise that trains women from low-income households to operate custom eco-friendly e-rickshaws on low-emission city tours.

Make a brief stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal – or Palace of Winds – known for its intricately latticed pink sandstone façade designed for royal women to observe street life unseen.

In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in tradition and dress in local Indian attire like elegant sarees or embroidered kurtas in preparation for Diwali. In the evening, we’ll celebrate Diwali with a local family—a joyous occasion filled with light, color, and heartfelt traditions.

Known as the festival of lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Families illuminate their homes with glowing diyas and decorate doorsteps with vibrant rangolis made from colored powders. The evening begins with sacred puja rituals, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for blessings. Share homemade sweets and savory snacks while fireworks brighten the night sky, creating a festive and unforgettable atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

Accommodation

Padmaa Haveli

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Monday, November 9

We’ll begin our day with a visit to Amber Fort, a hilltop blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture overlooking Maota Lake. This once royal stronghold is famed for its grand courtyards, ornate gateways, and intricate mirror work. We’ll continue to nearby Panna Meena ka Kund, a beautifully preserved 16th-century stepwell whose striking geometric symmetry reflects both practical engineering and its historic role as a community gathering place.

Later, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the City Palace, an ornate and opulent regal residence in the center of the city. Still home to the Jaipur royal family, the complex offers a glimpse into royal life through its courtyards, ornate palaces, and museum housing regal attire, weaponry, and artwork.

Also in Jaipur, we’ll enjoy a special interactive session with local women who are making a mark in their respective fields. We’ve arranged this gathering as a chance for genuine conversation and personal exchange in a relaxed setting. Hear first-hand experiences of leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, and resilience – offering a deeper understanding of modern Jaipur through the voices of its women.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel to unwind. Take advantage of your free time by enjoying the pool, indulging in spa treatments, or simply relaxing. For those who wish, we’ll also offer a visit to the bazaars for any final shopping and a cup of chai.

In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner—with some surprises!

Accommodation

Padmaa Haveli

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Tuesday, November 10

On our final morning, we’ll check out of Padmaa Haveli for the drive to New Delhi (4 hours). Rooms will be waiting near the airport for a wash and change as needed. Depending on your flight details, we will organize departure transfers to the airport for your flight back home with a suitcase full of memories of this stunning and ancient land.

Accommodation

Day room for showering and changing clothes at hotel near Delhi Airport

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodations

The Imperial, New Delhi

Built in the 1930s, The Imperial is a destination in itself, with eight acres of gardens offering a tranquil refuge in the heart of this bustling city. A priceless collection of more than 5,000 artworks adorn the restaurants and lounges, turning every hallway into a gallery of India’s colonial and modern history. Between the elegant restaurants and tea rooms and the quiet, pillared walkways, the hotel serves as a slow-paced sanctuary from the energetic pace of the capital just outside the gates.

Address: Janpath Ln, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Phone: 011 4150 1234
Travel + Leisure: Delhi’s Original Celebrity Hotel, This Grande Dame is no Fading Star

Taj Hotel & Conference Centre, Agra

Set just moments from the east gate of the Taj Mahal, this hotel is a refined and modern base for our time in Agra. We particularly love the rooftop terrace—the best spot to gaze across at the world’s most famous monument to love. With spacious rooms, graceful Indian service, and an infinity pool, it’s the perfect place to reflect on the beauty and history you’ll experience here.

Address: Phase 1, Taj East Gate Rd, near Tea Lounge, Taj Nagari Phase 1, Telipara, Agra, Dhandhupura, Uttar Pradesh 282006
Condé Nast Traveller: New and improved, the Taj Agra now brings leisure to play

TUTC Sawai Shivir Camp, Ranthambore National Park

TUTC stands for The Ultimate Travelling Camp, and when we arrive you’ll see why. Tucked at the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Shivir Camp is inspired by classic tented camps of the 1920s—all canvas and teak elegance, with the modern comforts we expect. Here, mornings begin with guided wildlife safaris in search of the Bengal tiger, returning to swap stories around a crackling fire over a meal of regional specialties.

Address: Kundera, Rajasthan 322034, India
Condé Nast Traveller: Inside TUTC Sawai Shivir: Ranthambore’s new safari camp

Padmaa Haveli, Jaipur

Our home in the heart of Jaipur’s walled city really is a home: this haveli (a townhouse-turned-heritage hotel) has been owned and loved by one family for seven generations. It’s been carefully restored to preserve frescoes, stone archways, and traditional Rajasthani design while offering the comfort and intimacy of a boutique stay. From the rooftop terrace, watch the Pink City skyline as evenings carry the rhythm of temple bells and distant celebrations.

Address: 782, Churukon Ka Rasta, Chaura Rasta, Modikhana, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302003, India
Condé Nast Traveller: A haveli about as old as Jaipur is now a boutique hotel

Who is this trip right for?

This journey is for women who view travel as a way to broaden perspective and move through the world with warmth and humility. It’s grounded in mutual respect—for one another and for the communities we encounter—and brings together those who lead with kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zones.

India rewards those who arrive with open minds and flexible spirits. If you’re someone who travels to connect rather than simply to see, who finds joy in unexpected conversations and local traditions, and who appreciates that meaningful experiences unfold at their own pace, this journey is for you.

Fitness level required

This trip requires a moderate level of fitness. If you have doubts about your fitness level, we encourage you to consult a doctor and provide them with a copy of this itinerary.

For the overall benefit of the group, all participants must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:

Navigate airports without wheelchair assistance
Use combined shower/bath facilities (walk-in showers cannot be guaranteed)
Undertake walking tours of 1–2 hours, including stairs, cobblestones, and other uneven surfaces
Stand for periods in museums and other sites
Embark and disembark coaches and other transportation without assistance

About the organizers

Sally Willert and Heather Budd are luxury travel specialists who create journeys for clients across the globe. Designing immersive travel experiences is what they love—and what they’re known for.

So it’s not often a new destination catches them off guard, but that’s exactly what happened on a professional trip to India. Business travel became something far more personal.

India’s intensity and warmth reshaped their perspective and blew away their expectations. The food, the palaces, the forts, the ancient cities were everything they expected (and more), but the genuine care of the people they encountered—and their willingness to welcome Heather and Sally as old friends—made it feel like nowhere else on earth.

When they returned home, they knew this visit would be the first of many. And next time, they wanted to bring others along. They designed a group journey born from personal transformation, inviting other women to experience India as they had: deeply, honestly, and together.

Tour partner

This journey is supported on the ground by our trusted partners at Worldwide Adventures India—the same team trusted by luxury operators like Tauck and Backroads. Their deep expertise, longstanding relationships, and extensive network throughout the country mean we get access to small-group experiences that aren’t on the typical tourist map.

They also provide comprehensive pre-departure support, assisting with preparations like visa applications and other travel arrangements.

Investment

Cost

$6,420 per person (based on double occupancy)
$7,980 per person (based on single occupancy / private room)

Cost includes

Accommodation at the hotels mentioned above with their respective meal plans
Private van / mini coach transportation
All arrival and departure transportation
Meals as specified
All sightseeing and excursions
Accompanying expert guide / tour manager (Delhi to Jaipur)
Expert local guides in each destination
Two exclusive Jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park

Cost does not include

Gratuities for guides
International air tickets
Personal expenses
Meals not specified
Alcoholic drinks

Gratuities

Gratuities for the tour manager, local guides and drivers will be an additional cost and each traveler should plan to bring $150 USD in cash, which will be passed along to each individual.
Gratuities for bell staff at hotels and for service staff when dining during the included meals are taken care by the tour operator.

Travel insurance

Proof of travel insurance that includes trip interruption/emergency evacuation is required in advance of the trip. Sally and Heather can help provide quotes and assist you with purchasing your policy. For reference, travel insurance prices are based on the total cost of your trip and your age, so cost varies for each person.