Explore South India

DELHI, THE CAPITOL OF INDIA (2 nights)

★ A fun day of sightseeing in Delhi will include a visit to Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; The Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire; The UNESCO World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian sub-continent and the first structure to use red sandstone on such a scale.

We will also visit Qutub Minar minaret and “victory tower,” another UNESCO site built between 1199 and 1220; as well as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship and where the concept of Langar is practiced. This means that ALL people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen and thousands of people are fed there each day, free of charge, by volunteers and the gursikhs who work there. We will probably have an opportunity to help make some chapatis while we are there too!

We will also take a drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, The Parliament House, and the President’s Residence.

UDAIPUR (2 nights)

★ The beautiful city of Udaipur is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan near the Gujarat border, dubbed “the most romantic spot on the continent of India.” It is known for its history, culture, scenic locations, and the Rajput-era palaces; and is referred to as the “City of Lakes.” There are seven lakes surrounding the city, including Lake Pichola, where we will take an evening boat ride!

We will be visiting the massive City Palace (actually a series of palaces built at different times from 1559) on the east bank of Lake Pichola. You’ll be amazed by the granite and white marble structures with filigreed balconies, ornate windows, and unique craftsmanship using glass.

At Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens), once used for the enjoyment of the royal ladies, we will see the beautiful fountains, kiosks, lotus pool, and marble elephants.

You’ll learn about the folk art, culture, songs, dances, literature, and festivals of Rajasthan at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal and visit the Hindu Temple called Jagdish (originally called Jagannath Rai) - a place of worship since 1651 and major monument in Udaipur.

JODHPUR (2 nights)

★ On our way from Udaipur to Jodhpur, we will pay a visit to the famous Jain Temple of Ranakpur, said to be the most spectacular of all the Jain Temples. Legend has it that Darna Shah, a local businessman, started construction of the temple in the 15th century following a divine vision. Construction began in the year 1389 and took at least 50 years to complete, involving 2,758 workers. The temple is built of white marble and its 29 halls consist of 1,444 pillars (not one of which is alike in its carving) spread out over 40,000 square feet.

★ Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sadar Singh in memory of his father, Jaswant Singh II. It is built from intricately carved, thin sheets of marble which have been polished in a way that makes them emit a warm glow when illuminated by the sun. The grounds include carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake. From here you’ll also get a perspective of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort.

★ Mehrangarh Fort covers an area of 1,200 acres and is built atop a hill about 122 meters above the surrounding area. Construction was decided upon by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459. It was built in the 17th century and consists of several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. It is surrounded by a huge wall with seven gates. You’ll be able to explore the fort and visit the museum, which contains a vast array of interesting ancient relics.

As you view the landscape of Jodhpur from the height of the Mehrangarh Fort, you’ll easily see why it’s called the “Blue City,” as the houses below are mostly all painted blue!

★ Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences, named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, Gaj Singh. It is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur Royal Family and a portion of the property is now part of the Taj Hotel Brand.

★ Clock Tower & Sardar Market — The 300 year old clock tower, designed in the style of towers with minarets, houses an old English clock that is still kept working by timekeepers. This city landmark is surrounded by the vibrant sounds, sights, and smells of Sardar Market where you’ll find jewelry, handicrafts, silver, clothing, spices and sweets.

BIKANER (1 night)

★ Bikaner, located in the heart of the Thar Desert, is like a place straight out of a storybook! Here, we stay in the actual palace of Laxmi Niwas, in the home of Indian Royalty and indulged in luxury!

JAIPUR (3 nights)

★ Jaipur is the largest city in the Indian State of Rajasthan and is known as the “Pink City” due to the dominant color scheme of the buildings. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II and was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India. The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. If you are looking for beautiful gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc…this is the place!

★ Amer (Amber) Fort — The formidable, magnificent, honey hued fort-palace of Amber (pronounced Amer) rises from the rocky mountainside and is an ethereal example of Rajput architecture. The fort, which is really more of a palace, was built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, as well as white marble, and divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You can choose to ride up to the fort via jeep or by elephant.

★ City Palace — A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the center of the Old City. There are palace buildings from many different eras creating a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

★ Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The monument was completed in 1734 and features the world’s largest stone sundial. The instruments measure time, predict eclipses, and track the location of major stars as the Earth orbits the Sun.

★ Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark - an extraordinary, fairytale, pink sandstone, delicately honeycombed hive that rises five stories high. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharajah Sawai Pratap Singh to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city without being seen.

★ Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple) is located just outside of Jaipur in the Aravalli Hills made between two cliffs of rock. The temple was built from pink sandstone in the 18th century and is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Legend says that the saint Galav rishi spent his whole life in search of truth and did Tapasya (deep meditation and austerity). Pleased with his penance, God appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with abundant water. It has a galta kund which is a holy water tank, and the water of the tank never dries. This is also referred to as The Monkey Temple due to the abundance of monkeys that call this home.

RANTHAMBORE (2 nights)

★ Ranthambore National Park — This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub surrounded by rocky ridges, at its center is the amazing 10th century Ranthambore Fort. Scattered around the fort are ancient temples and mosques, and crocodile filled lakes. Besides tigers, there is plenty of other wildlife to see here, including more than 300 species of birds, the endangered caracal, leopards, hyenas, foxes, jackals, the sloth bear, and many varieties of deer along with two species of antelope.

AGRA (2 nights)

★ Agra has a long, rich history including the 130 year time period that it was the center of India’s great Mughal Empire. It was the capitol city of India prior to the ruler Aurangzeb shifting the entire court to Delhi. It had been a flourishing area of royal presence, scholars, artists, merchants, commerce, and religion. The legacy lives on in the beautiful artwork, mouthwatering cuisine and, of course, the magnificent architecture. Agra is also a city of dusty streets, squeaky rickshaws, camels, snack stealing monkeys, and an occasional runaway water buffalo - just to keep it an interesting adventure!

★ On our way from Ranthambore to Agra we will stop to see Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent fortified city which was the short lived capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar built the capitol along with a stunning Mosque (still in use today) and three separate places for each of his favorite wives - one a Hindu, one a Muslim, and one a Christian.

★ Taj Mahal — One of the most famous 7 Wonders of the World and considered to be the most beautiful building in the world, The Taj Mahal is an Islamic ivory, white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. It is impossible to see this building and not be awestruck. It was commissioned in the year 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died while giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to be completed in its entirety by 1653, employing about 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and looks as immaculate today as when it was first constructed. Probably the most extravagant expression of love, it’s been described by Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity” and by Rudyard Kipling as “the embodiment of all things pure.” Shah Jahan himself said that “it made the sun and moon shed tears from their eyes”.

★ Agra Fort — With the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal Forts in all of India. The massive red sandstone fort on the banks of the Yamuna River was built by Emperor Akbar beginning in 1565 with further additions being made by his grandson, Shah Jahan, using his favorite building material - white marble. The fort was primarily intended to be a military structure but Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace and later it became his prison after his son, Aurangzeb, seized power in 1658. The fort is surrounded by colossal double walls and a moat, and contains a maze of buildings forming a city within a city. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s sure to impress!

★ As we make our way from Agra back to Delhi we will be stopping in the sacred town of Vrindavan, where the past-times of Krishna took place. We will be visiting the Sandi Pani Muni School, where both Keli and I sponsor girls. We will see how the girls begin their school day with a warm welcome of singing and dancing, and lots of hugs and gratitude. Your heart is sure to overflow!

★ Back to Delhi where we originally began our adventure! We will have a special farewell dinner and get prepared for our trip back home - hopefully returning with an appreciation for the rich culture, history, and warmth and hospitality of the people - which is the exact reason Keli and Karen feel drawn back to this incredible land year after year! India has a way of stealing your heart!

Keli Lalita Reddy, ERYT-500, Certified CE Provider and Columnist for Mantra Magazine and Thrive, Owner of Mantralogy Records.

Keli was first introduced to yoga at age seven by her mother who studied with the disciples of Sri Rama Krishna at the Vivikananda Vedanta Vihar, an ashram in the foothills of the Catskill mountains. She has been teaching yoga asana for a 14 years, though, her dedicated study of Bhakti Yoga began when she was still a teenager. Keli is a student of Ayurvedic Body Work at Kripalu and works with Edwin Bryant, PhD, translator of Yoga Sutras, and Professor of Hinduism at Rutgers University. She has lead and assisted retreats here in the US, in Costa Rica, and in India, including a retreat with Robert Thurman and Krishna das.

Keli’s students describe her as, “filled with knowledge, love, compassion and joy.” Her teaching specialty is yoga philosophy, though she is well loved as a teacher of Yin Yoga and Vinyasa flow as well. 

“I recently spent two weeks in India on a Grace in Nature retreat and I'm still just blown away by the whole experience! Karen's thoughtfulness, expertise and attention to detail really made for one of the greatest adventures of my life! This is something I could have never planned on my own. Literally every detail was taken care of! Missing our group something fierce as I continue to process the wonders of Rajasthan that I have so fallen in love with. I for certain will attend another retreat with Grace in Nature in the future. Highly recommend if you're looking for more than just your run-of-the-mill ‘tour’. Many thanks to Karen and her team!”

— Amanda Cordero

“Having recently travelled with Grace in Nature to India, I can highly recommend the experience from beginning to end. Information was readily available to help me ‘top' and 'tail ‘ my trip and prepare for the adventure in between. The accommodations and tours were thoughtfully and immaculately curated - no small feat when planing for groups I imagine! Karen’s professionalism, expertise, generosity of spirit and attention to detail made for a harmonious and smooth adventure - and enabled us to relax and have fun.”

— Catriona (Sydney, Australia)

“When I first saw this trip to India come up I thought, well, I’ve never been to India and it wasn’t really someplace that I would get to on my own so I simply decided, I’m there! I’ve been on several retreats with Grace in Nature and there’s something about these trips that seems to bring together a great group of people (explorers!).

Arriving in Delhi was just the beginning, finding that we would be traveling to several cities in different regions of India added to the adventure. We visited many beautiful sites from the Jama Masjid (largest mosque in India) and The City Palace and Palace Museum in Udaipur to the Monkey Temple and the Taj Mahal, one of the 7 Wonders of the World! All were spellbinding. Especially the Taj Mahal, how many times have you seen pictures of the Taj Mahal and then to be standing in front of it! I had to touch it just to make sure I was really there!!

We also visited the Sandipani School for Girls in Vrindavan. The girls were beautiful, all dressed in their school uniforms and after they got comfortable with us it was great to get so many hugs from them! It was sad to hear that when they returned home at the end of their day they would be going back to very poor neighborhoods. That is something that has really stayed with me; how we could be going through some very beautiful, opulent neighborhoods and a little later be going through some very poor neighborhoods where we were being asked for 10 Rupees (14 cents) by children on the street.

At the beginning of this trip we were all asked to pick a word that we would take with us on this trip; mine was “Learn.” Having never been to India, I thought it would be interesting to keep that word on my mind. Well, I learned about the wealth and poverty, about the many beautiful cities and sites that we visited, about some of the wonderful people we met, and I learned how to ride a camel and an elephant!! (Well, maybe learned is not the right word, I guess I really just learned how not to fall off of them!) It was great!!!”

— Mark Nagelsmith

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