HIGHLIGHTS - DISCOVER NORTH INDIA
- A mix of activities in both Old and New Delhi
- A rickshaw tour of Old Delhi including Chandani Chowk market
- Travel to the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur
- Dinner overlooking the famous lakes and palaces of Udaipur
- Relax on a boat tour on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Visit Ranakpur, and incredible Jain temple
- The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort that dates to the 15th century
- A stay in Pushkar with a city tour
- Exploring the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur
- Visit The Birla Temple of Jaipur
- Tour the magnificent Amber Fort & City Palace, Jaipur
- Enjoy a hosted dinner by a local family and a cooking demonstration
- A jeep safari to Bishnoi village, a community rich in the culture of Rajasthani life
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty.
- The annual Holi Festival (March 2024 dates)
- A guided tour of the mighty Taj Mahal in Agra
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort
- Visit old bazaars and local markets
- Highlight 5 star hotel stays
- Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers
DAY 1
Arrive To New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport. You will be greeted and transferred to our group hotel in New Delhi, the bustling capital city of India. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Meals: N/A
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Airport to transfer to group hotel
DAY 2
Explore New Delhi
Start the day by enjoying breakfast at your leisure at our hotel. This will be followed by a mid-morning group briefing; an opportunity to discuss the tour details with your tour leader, and ask general tour questions.
Today you will be taken back in time to the ancient walled city of Old Delhi, also known as ‘Shahjahanaabad’, which dates from the 17th century. You will explore the spectacular Jama Masjid or ‘Friday Mosque’, built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor also famous for his construction of the mighty Taj Mahal at Agra.
From Jama Mosque, take a rickshaw tour of Old Delhi, the highlight of which will be a trip to the sprawling Chandani Chowk market. In the days of old, the markets were flanked with canals to reflect the moonlight. Chandni Chowk is full to the brim of exquisite Indian fabrics, gold and silver ware, and aromatic spices. Enjoy this riot of colours and mouth-watering smells from the comfort of your own traditional cycle rickshaw, designed to give you a front row seat to see life in Old Delhi.
Having worked up an appetite perusing the local flavours at Chandni Chowk, there’s a lunch break before we continue with afternoon sightseeing. We will visit Raj Ghat, the final resting place of Mahatma Ghandi, set on the banks of the Yamuna River. We return to our hotel, on the way passing the Red Fort, and the famous Delhi Gate that links Old Delhi with New Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Morning group tour briefing
- Visit Old Delhi
- Explore the spectacular Jama Masjid.
- Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi
- Visit Raj Ghat, the resting place of Mahatma Ghandi
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 3
Delhi - Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’. This afternoon in Udaipur we drive up to Monsoon Palace. The palace gets its name due to the fact that it was built mainly as an observation point for monsoon clouds, and James Bond fans may recognise it from the film Octopussy.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Airport transfer
- Travel to Udaipur by air
- Drive up to Monsoon Palace
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 04
Udaipur
We will start the day with a morning guided tour of the City Palace complex and adjoining museums. The former residence of a long lineage of Rajasthan kings, the palace is notable due to its ornate style and intricate attention to detail. As you wander the palace grounds, look out for beautiful views of Lake Pichola below. After our City Palace visit we take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Pichola to take in the scenery. Later today we make some market and bazaar visits.
Highlight Dinner
In the evening you will dine on a terrace, overlooking the palaces and lakes of Udaipur. This is a truly unique experience setting and outlook.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Tour the City Palace complex and adjoining museums.
- Boat tour on Lake Pichola
- Market and bazaar visit
- Highlight dinner overlooking the palaces and lakes of Udaipur
DAY 05
Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur
Today we will travel to the city of Jodhpur that sits in the imposing Thar Desert. Jodhpur is often referred to by locals as ‘Sun City’ so get ready for some sunshine and blue skies. The city is studded with decorated palaces, crumbling forts, and elaborate temples. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’ so watch out for the traditional blue buildings that are dotted around Mehrangarh Fort.
Enroute to Jodhpur we visit Ranakpur, famous for Jain Temples with intricate carvings. We stop for a lunch break enroute and then travel on to arrive to Jodhpur.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: JEEP SAFARI TO BISHNOI VILLAGE
In the evening we set off for a Jeep Safari to Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi’s are a community of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and their love of nature and animals. Our memorable jeep outing will take us through various traditional villages, witnessing local handicrafts such as shoemakers, pottery, hand weaving; men in their traditional attire and women clad with ancestral silver jewellery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit the famous Jain Temples
- Local lunch
- Travel to Jodphur
- Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village
- Dinner at our hotel
SPECIAL NOTES:
At Ranakpur guides are not allowed inside the temples but audio guides are available at the entrance (a small fee for the audio guide is payable directly to the temple).
DAY 06
Jodhpur
Start the day with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort that dates from the 15th century and is located atop a hill that offers amazing views of the city. The fort is encircled by fortified walls, and the interior includes palaces, rambling gardens, and courtyards. The visit includes a guided tour so that you can learn all about the historical significance of the fort.
In the afternoon, we visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Asia’s most opulent royal abode. The palace is still the private residence of the Jodhpur royal family, and you can visit the large on site museum as part of the tour. Later will be a market visit to experience the local culture first-hand and peruse the high quality textiles, handicrafts, and exquisite footwear that comes in a range of flamboyant colours and styles.
Highlight Dinner
A superb dinner setting this evening with captivating views of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Enjoy an indulgent meal overlooking the fort.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort
- Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- A local market visit
- Highlight dinner, overlooking the Fort
DAY 07
Jodhpur – Pushkar
After breakfast we depart Jodhpur to travel to Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the important places of Hindus. We get to know Pushkar with a city tour that includes a drive around Pushkar Lake and see Brahma Temple (outside).
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Pushkar by road (180KM / 4.5 HRS)
- Pushkar orientation city tour
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 08
Pushkar – Jaipur
Today we depart for Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, and the capital of the state of Rajasthan in the north of India. In evening visit the Birla Temple, situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble, the Birla Temple is unlike the traditional ancient Hindu temples, and is built with a modern approach.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Jaipur by road (150KM / 3.25 HRS)
- Visit the Birla Temple
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 09
Jaipur
We set off early for a trip to Amber Fort that sits atop a hill in the town of Amer, just outside of Jaipur. A place of great historical significance in India, the fort looks out over Maota Lake, and is famous for its Hindu design aesthetic. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of a group known as the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Later, there is a guided tour of City Palace, a majestic complex that is known for its stunning palaces, courtyards, gardens, and other administrative buildings that date from the 18th century.
In the early evening, a chance to visit the old city bazaars, which are found within the ancient walled part of the city. The bazaars showcase the best of the region’s handicrafts including jewellery, metalwork, textiles, utensils, traditional footwear and pottery, where bargaining is considered an essential skill when making a purchase.
Highlight Dinner:
DINNER AT AN INDIAN FAMILY’S HOME & COOKING DEMONSTRATION
For a truly unforgettable experience in the evening, you will join a cooking demonstration of Indian cuisine that will take you through the importance and uses of local ingredients, and teach you how to whip up some staple Indian dishes. The cooking demonstration will be followed by dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A trip to Amber Fort
- Guided tour of City Palace
- Visit the old city bazaars
- Highlight evening, dinner with at the home of a local family with cooking demonstration.
DAY 10
Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
After breakfast depart for Agra. Known as the city of the Taj. Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar. Upon arrival to Agra, we transfer to our hotel.
Later a visit to Sadar Bazaar and textile showrooms to experience the best of local Indian arts, crafts, and food. The bazaar features aromatic sweet shops, leather handicrafts, and beautiful marble work, said to be the best in all of India (there is the option to opt out and remain at the hotel if desired).
In the evening, a walk along the serene banks of the Yamuna River to witness the splendour of the unparalleled Taj Mahal from the riverside from Mehtab Bagh before exploring it up close tomorrow morning.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar.
- Travel to Agra (260KM / 6 HRS)
- Visit Sadar Bazaar & textile showrooms (optional)
- An evening stroll to see the Taj Mahal
- Dinner at our hotel
DAYS 11 & 12 – MARCH TRAVEL DATES - WITH HOLI FESTIVAL
DAY 11
Agra. Holi Celebration
THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL, HOLI (March 2024 travel dates)
Experience the festival of colours, Holi, arguably one of the most popular festivals of India. India’s most vivid, joyous festival. Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a time to play with colours. It’s an occasion that brings joy, fun and play, music and dance and of course, lots of bright colours. For many it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.
People celebrate Holi by splashing water and smearing each other with colours, which is also known as ‘Gulal’. They spray people with coloured powders while dancing and singing. Wearing white for Holi has become something of an unwritten rule; people usually wear white on Holi just so that have all the different shades of Holi colours stand out on their clothes. While enjoying the festivities you are bound to hear people saying Holi hai (It is Holi)!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Holi celebrations; a private group arrangement
- For Holi a kurta (Pyjama), the herbal colours & pichkaris (water gun), cultural event, lunch, bottle of beer
- Lunch (part of Holi celebrations)
- Dinner at our hotel
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Yoga & meditation classes at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful morning light at Taj Khema. Cost applies and minimum numbers required (AUD20 per person).
Before departure we will ask who wants to join and require pre payment.
SPECIAL NOTES:
There are always some things to keep in mind while celebrating the festival:
- Make sure that your face is well creamed/oiled before and after the play.
- Apply a thick coating of nail paint on your nails so that they remain protected and avoids getting nails stained with colour.
- Oil your hair, so that colour doesn’t stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later.
- Most importantly – have fun and enjoy the spirit of Holi.
DAY 12
Agra – Delhi
Get ready for entry to the Taj Mahal when the gates first open in order to beat the crowds and explore this 17th century wonder on a guided tour. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend time marvelling at the ornate inner decorations as well as meandering in the abundant flower gardens studded with water features that are said to be modelled on the rivers of Paradise. After, return to our hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast you will have the chance to visit Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage site and the sister monument to the Taj Mahal. Later we drive to Delhi, followed by a relaxed evening in house at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Taj Mahal @ dawn with a guided tour
- Tour Agra Fort
- Travel by road to Agra (230KM / 4HRS)
- Dinner at our hotel
DAYS 11 & 12 – OCTOBER TRAVEL DATES
DAY 11
Agra
Get ready for entry to the Taj Mahal when the gates first open in order to beat the crowds and explore this 17th century wonder on a guided tour. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will get to spend time marvelling at the ornate inner decorations as well as meandering in the abundant flower gardens studded with water features that are said to be modelled on the rivers of Paradise. You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later you will have the chance to visit Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the sister monument to the Taj Mahal, actually a walled city built out of red sandstone. Also a visit to Sadar Bazaar and textile showrooms experience the best of local Indian arts, crafts, and food.
The bazaar features aromatic sweet shops, leather handicrafts, and beautiful marble work, said to be the best in all of India.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Taj Mahal @ dawn with a guided tour
- Tour Agra Fort
- Bazaar visit
- Casual local lunch
- Dinner at our hotel
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Yoga & meditation classes at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful morning light at Taj Khema. Cost applies and minimum numbers required (USD20 per person).
SPECIAL NOTES:
The Bazaar visit is optional; travellers can choose to opt out of this trip and remain at the hotel.
DAY 12
Agra – Delhi
Today there’s some free time before we travel by road to Delhi.
In the evening visit Akshardham temple with a musical fountain show. Akshardham Temple the unique feature in the architectural plan is the complete absence of steel. The temple contains 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes and 20,000 statues and sculptures. The walls of the main monument are covered top to bottom with carvings of dancers, deities, flora and fauna. One can see a blend of various architectural styles used across India.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Taj Mahal @ dawn with a guided tour
- Tour Agra Fort
- Travel by road to Agra (230KM / 4HRS)
- Dinner at our hotel
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DAY 13
Depart Delhi
Breakfast at our hotel and some hours at leisure. This morning, visit Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple also known as the Bahai House of Worship or Bahai Mashriqul-Adhkar Temple is one of the best architectural marvels in the country in modern times. The white marble structure is also called the Taj Mahal of the 20th century. Also visit the National Museum. The Museum holds objects of diverse nature, both Indian as well as foreign, and its holdings cover a time span of more than five thousand years of Indian cultural heritage. After lunch, a group transfer is provided to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Lotus Temple
- Visit the National Museum
- Lunch
- Group transfer to the airport
SPECIAL NOTES:
If you have an onward flight/journey that does not coincide with the group transfer time in the afternoon, a private transfer can be arranged from the group hotel to the airport (service fee applies). There is also the option to forfeit the morning activities if you have an earlier flight today.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: VARANASI 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
DAY 13
New Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport for a short domestic flight to the city of Varanasi, known as the holiest city in India. Varanasi is home to the magnificent Ganges River, and is an important place of worship in Hinduism and Jainism. It is also said to be the city where Buddha founded Buddhism. The group will be met at Varanasi airport and transferred to our hotel. There will be free time to relax and rest after the flight.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 14
Varanasi
Get ready for an early start to witness the sunrise with a boat trip on the Ganges to watch the morning bathing rituals and famous cremations. It’s a spectacle to behold and a tour highlight. We return to the hotel for breakfast after the boat ride.
Later this morning, explore Varanasi on a walking tour of the old city and its famous lanes that wind through traditional markets, the labyrinth of laneways and local spots of interest. The tour will end with a cycle rickshaw tour to explore more of the old city. In the afternoon visit a silk and textile weaving showroom to experience first-hand how these exquisite fabrics are produced. (If you don’t feel like going shopping, then there is the option to opt out and transfer back to our hotel).
This afternoon, an excursion to Sarnath. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. We end the day with a sunset boat trip to witness the Aarti Fire Ceremony, a religious ritual in Hinduism in which torches or candles containing ghee or camphor are set alight and presented as offerings to the deities.
Highlight Dinner
After witnessing this ceremonial spectacle, we go out for dinner for a traditional North Indian meal named Thali. Diners will get to sample a variety of small local dishes as part of the traditional Thali set, including curries, yoghurts, and chutneys.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15
Varanasi – Delhi
Later this morning, transfer to Varanasi airport for the return flight to Dehli. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to International Airport to board your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
