Wellness Journey Through India's Royal Castles and Forts

The retreat begins at Castle Kalwar, a 150-year-old property 20 kilometers from Jaipur, owned by a former general of the Indian Army and his wife. They live on the premises and treat guests like family. Every morning starts with optional sunrise yoga and meditation on the rooftop, with parrots, pigeons, and peacocks providing the soundtrack. Days are spent visiting Jaipur's iconic sights — the Palace of Winds, the Observatory, the Albert Hall Museum, and the spectacular Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site you can climb on elephant-back. Afternoons include an Ayurvedic massage at a famous local specialist, and evenings feature folk dance performances and a welcome barbecue on the castle lawn.

From there, you move to Pushkar, an ancient holy town built around a sacred lake and home to the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. Days here are slower: camel rides over the dunes, visits to a low-cost village school where you can meet the students, sunset walks around the bazaars, and a puppet show after dinner. Then it's on to Kishangarh, where you stay at Phool Mahal Palace, a lake-jutting property owned by an heir of the late Maharaja. You'll tour Fort Kishangarh's cannon collection, see students learning the town's famous miniature painting style, and have dinner with the royal family themselves.

The final leg includes two jeep safaris into Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary, home to the largest tiger population in India, plus a climb up the 10th-century Swai Madhopur Fort with its hilltop temples. You finish back in Jaipur at Khandela Haveli, a boutique heritage hotel, with a day trip to Samode Palace and its stunning fresco and mirror work. There's a gala dinner with unlimited drinks on the last night at Hari Mahal Palace, and an Ayurvedic massage of a different kind before you leave.

The trip is operated by K V Singh, a widely travelled wildlife enthusiast, horseman, mountaineer, environmentalist, and gourmet chef. He's been named India's best tour operator by ITC Washington, DC two years running. His wife is a social entrepreneur who runs study tours for volunteers and students. The couple's personal attention is what makes this retreat special — they don't just drop you at hotels, they host you in their world.

What's included

- 10 days, 9 nights luxurious accommodation in historical forts, palaces, and castles - 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, unlimited fresh juice & mineral water - Daily yoga classes (morning sessions) - See folk dances and puppet shows - Entrance fees to monuments and activities listed in the itinerary - See demonstrations of Indian slow-cooked food - One gala dinner with unlimited drinks and barbecue - Visit low-cost village schools - Traditional welcome ceremony with rose petals and drums - See and interact with craftsmen and craftswomen at work - Indian cooking lessons - Take a jeep safari - Indian cultural tips, like how to wear a saree or turban - Meet scions of royal families over drinks and dinner - Listen to soulful classical and folk music - Airport transfers to and from Jaipur Airport

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional extra massages (beyond the two included) - Tips for guides and drivers