Adventure Unplugged: India

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Touch down in Delhi and head straight to The Leela Palace New Delhi, a dazzling start to your Indian adventure. With its grand domes, sweeping staircases and stunning art-filled interiors, this is a hotel that makes a real first impression. Once you’ve settled in, the teens can kick back by the rooftop pool, soaking up the incredible city views, while parents discover the hotel’s fascinating art collection on a short guided tour. It’s the perfect balance of downtime and discovery before regrouping in the evening for your first taste of authentic Indian cuisine, the start of a journey packed with flavour and adventure.

Day 2: Exploring Old Delhi & Cultural Fun
After a relaxed morning to recover from jet lag, dive straight into Delhi’s chaos with a rickshaw ride through the buzzing lanes of Chandni Chowk. The scent of sizzling street food, bright bursts of marigolds and colourful stalls make it a thrilling blur, the perfect chance for teens to capture the city’s energy on camera. Afterwards, step into Haveli Dharampura, a restored 19th-century mansion, for henna artistry and rooftop kite flying as the sun sets over Old Delhi. End the day with a lively traditional dinner, where music and dance bring the haveli’s rich heritage to life.

Day 3: Play & Cook Like a Local

Kick off the morning with a burst of energy and a game of cricket, India’s favourite sport. On a local pitch, teens are welcomed into a friendly match, learning to bowl, bat, and celebrate every run alongside new teammates, while parents cheer from the sidelines or join in. Afterwards, swap the field for a kitchen, joining a local chef for a hands-on cooking class. From grinding spices to flipping breads, everyone gets stuck in, and tastes along the way. End the day sharing the dishes you’ve created together, swapping stories and laughter over flavours you can take home to recreate.

Day 4: Lakes & Stars

A short flight whisks you to Udaipur, the dreamy City of Lakes. Settle into Chunda Shikar Oudi, perched high above the shimmering water. Spend the afternoon getting hands-on with a local potter, shaping clay into your own creations, and maybe a little friendly family competition. As the day cools, wander into the hills for an easy hike with sweeping views of palaces and lakes below. When night falls, gaze up through telescopes at a sky untouched by city light, spotting Saturn’s rings and the Milky Way in a moment of pure wonder.

Day 5: Independence Day – Split Paths, Shared Sunset

The day begins at your own pace, before the city bursts to life for your first Independence Day in India. Parents are swept into the splendour of Udaipur’s City Palace, a dazzling maze of mirrored halls, peacock mosaics, and royal treasures that tell centuries of stories. Meanwhile, teens climb into a musical tuk-tuk, speakers pumping as they zip through the kaleidoscopic lanes of the old city. They’ll chase colourful souvenirs, sample syrupy sweets, and capture moments that pulse with Udaipur’s youthful energy.

As the sun dips low, the family reunites for a magical boat ride across Lake Pichola. Palaces shimmer gold in the reflection, the air warm and still. At its centre awaits a candlelit dinner at the Taj Lake Palace, floating like a dream. Parents swap tales of regal splendour; teens share tuk-tuk escapades, laughter echoing across the lake. Different adventures, shared together in perfect harmony.

Day 6: Into the Wilderness

After breakfast, drive to Suján Jawai, a luxury tented camp where wilderness and comfort coexist seamlessly. The tents rise gracefully against the rugged landscape, each a private sanctuary blending style with nature. Inside, proper beds and refined interiors ensure every comfort, while outside, the vast horizon stretches endlessly, hinting at the adventures ahead. Explore the camp at leisure, breathe in the dry, open air, and listen to the subtle sounds of the wild. Nights under canvas bring a sense of anticipation, and tomorrow promises your first intimate encounter with the extraordinary wildlife of this untamed land.

Day 7: Leopards & Village Life

Rise early for a jeep safari through Jawai’s rugged granite hills, home to elusive leopards. Spot one moving across the rocks, and the thrill is immediate. Guides share stories of the Rabari herdsmen, whose lives intertwine with these big cats, offering a rare perspective on human-wildlife coexistence. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Rabari village, where nomadic families welcome you warmly. Teens can meet local children, try traditional crafts, or milk buffalo. The simplicity of village life, the generosity of the hosts, and the authenticity of these encounters leave an impression far deeper than any landmark.

Day 8: Horses & Fire

Early risers can enjoy gentle yoga in the camp’s tranquil surroundings, while others linger in the comfort of their tents. Later, adventurous teens ride across the open wilderness with local guides, scanning for deer, nilgai, or a distant leopard, feeling the rhythm of hooves and the fresh air of the plains. Those remaining at camp relax by the pool or in the shade. Before dinner, learn to tie a colourful Rajasthani safa, laughter filling the air. As night falls, gather around a crackling fire under stars, sharing stories and hot drinks, a perfect close to your Jawai adventure.

Day 9: Blue City & Ancient Songs

Drive to Jodhpur and check into RAAS Jodhpur, a boutique hotel at the base of Mehrangarh Fort. The infinity pool frames the fort, offering one of India’s most photogenic backdrops, perfect for teens and families alike. As evening falls, meet a family of traditional Rajasthani Bhopa singers. This ancient storytelling art brings epic tales to life through powerful voices and instruments like the ravanhatta. Afterwards, try your hand at the instruments and explore the Bhopa singing style firsthand, a playful, immersive way to connect with Jodhpur’s rich cultural heartbeat.

Day 10: Independence Day – Fort & Flight

Parents explore Mehrangarh Fort in depth, wandering palaces, courtyards, and centuries of history, while teens enjoy a highlights tour that sparks curiosity before breaking away for their Independence Day: teens strap into harnesses and soar across the fort’s massive walls on a zipline, racing over blue-roofed houses with breathtaking views of Jodhpur below. Parents continue their guided exploration or relax at a nearby café, sipping coffee with the fort as a backdrop. The day blends history, adrenaline, and relaxation, an unforgettable way for every family member to experience the grandeur and energy of Jodhpur.

Day 11: Pools, Bazaars & Farm Feasts

Take the morning at a gentle pace, lounge by RAAS Jodhpur’s infinity pool, savouring views of Mehrangarh Fort, or wander the bustling bazaars for casual shopping, soaking in colours, scents, and local life with no agenda. In the afternoon, drive to Maharo Khet, a family-run organic farm. Roll up your sleeves to harvest fresh vegetables, then cook alongside the farm’s chefs, learning traditional techniques and creating a farm-to-table feast together. As the sun sets, gather outdoors among the fields to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, savouring the flavours, the open air, and the simple, hands-on joy of rural Rajasthan.

Day 12: Marble & Mastery

Take a morning flight to Agra and check into The Oberoi Amarvilas, where every room perfectly frames the Taj Mahal. After settling in, step out for a guided photography session at the Taj as it glows in soft afternoon light. Teens learn to capture stunning shots on iPhones and cameras alike, gaining skills to treasure long after the trip. Meanwhile, the photographer captures family portraits against the iconic backdrop, creating keepsakes that will be cherished for years. Experience the monument up close, hone your photography, and create memories as timeless as the Taj itself.

Day 13: Dawn & Bears

Wake before sunrise to see the Taj Mahal in serene morning light, when the marble glows softly and crowds are still absent. Teens put their new photography skills to work, capturing the monument’s delicate beauty, while guides share insights into its history, symbolism, and intricate details. In the afternoon, visit Wildlife SOS, a sanctuary rescuing and rehabilitating sloth bears. Meet the bears up close, hear their stories, and gain a new perspective on conservation. The experience is moving and unforgettable, sparking reflection, conversation, and a deeper understanding of compassion and the importance of protecting vulnerable wildlife.

Day 14: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with uninterrupted Taj views before driving back to Delhi for your international departure.