HIGHLIGHTS - DISCOVER NORTH INDIA
- A mix of activities in both Old and New Delhi
- A rickshaw tour of Old Delhi including Chandani Chowk market
- A guided tour of the mighty Taj Mahal in Agra
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort
- Two jeep safaris of Ranthambhore National Park, seeking out tigers in their natural habitat
- 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
- Visit old bazaars and local markets
- The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur
- Take a jeep safari to Bishnoi village, a community rich in the culture of Rajasthani life
- Visit Ranakpur, and incredible Jain temple
- Tour Mehrangarh Fort that dates to the 15th century
- Travel to the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur
- Relax on a boat tour on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Dinner overlooking the famous lakes and palaces of Udaipur
- Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers
PRE TOUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION: KERALA WITH BACKWATERS
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS
This is the perfect complement to your Northern India experience. Travel to Kerala, South India and discover the amazing backwaters of Kerala and the old Dutch port town of Fort Kochi. Then fly to Delhi to connect with the start of Discover North India tour.
For full details see below at end of the Discover North India Itinerary
POST TOUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION: VARANASI
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Highly recommend as an extension tour after your 13 day Discover North India tour. Varanasi, the Spiritual capital of India. We say it’s a ‘Don’t Miss’ highlight of any visit to North India and our past travellers agree!
For full details see below at end of the Discover North India Itinerary.
ITINERARY - DISCOVER NORTH INDIA
DAY 1
Arrive to New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport. The group will be met by our tour leader and transferred to your hotel in New Delhi, the bustling capital city of India*.
Meals: N/A
* applies to passengers travelling on the group nominated flight as part of their total package. For travellers making their own flight arrangements, or not on the group nominated flight, please liaise with us about airport transfer options.
DAY 2
Explore New Delhi
Start the day by enjoying breakfast at your leisure at our hotel. This will be followed by a morning group briefing. This will give you the opportunity to discuss the tour details with your tour leader, and ask any general 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, you will move onto 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. This revered spot and pilgrimage site is marked with a black marble tomb and an eternal flame that burns next to picturesque lawns. You will then end the afternoon with a city orientation tour that includes the famous Delhi Gate that links Old Delhi with New Delhi. This evening dinner is at our hotel. This evening dinner is at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Morning group tour briefing
- Explore the spectacular Jama Masjid.
- Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi
- Visit Raj Ghat, the resting place of Mahatma Ghandi,
- A city orientation tour
- Dinner is at our hotel
DAY 3
Delhi - Agra
After breakfast, the group travels to Agra, known as the city of the Taj.
In the evening, you will enjoy a walk along the serene banks of the Yamuna River to witness the splendour of the unparalleled Taj Mahal from the riverside before you get to explore it up close tomorrow. Enjoy a relaxed dinner this evening at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Agra
- An evening stroll to see the Taj Mahal
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 4
Agra
Get ready for entry to the Taj Mahal when the gates first open 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 marveling 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.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to visit Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the sister monument to the Taj Mahal, formerly a walled city built out of red sandstone.
Today, lunch is at your leisure.
Kick off the afternoon portion of the tour with 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. Travellers can choose to opt out of this trip with transport back to the hotel if desired.
Dinner will be served for the group at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Dawn visit and guided tour of the Taj Mahal
- Tour Agra Fort
- Visit to a textile showroom (optional)
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 5
Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambhore
After breakfast you will depart for Ranthambhore. En route visiting Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar.
Ranthambhore - famous for the wildlife sanctuary which is said to have the India’s friendliest Tigers. It is also considered to be the best place in the world to photograph the tiger in its natural habitat, and a wonderful place for bird watching. Dinner tonight is at our hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Ranthambhore
- Visit Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar.
- Dinner at our hotel
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
YOGA: Take the option to join Yoga & Meditation class before breakfast. Rise at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful morning light at Taj Khema. (a minimum participation will be required)
DAY 6
Ranthambhore
Today we make the most of our visit to Ranthambhore National Park with an early morning and late evening jungle safari for the best chance to see the rare Indian tigers in full glory. In more recent years the park as stated an increase in the tiger population making tiger sightings more likely than before. Dinner this evening is at our hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Morning and evening jungle safari
- Lunch and dinner at our hotel
DAY 7
Ranthambhore – Jaipur (The Pink City)
Today you will depart for Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, and the capital of the state of Rajasthan in the north of India.
On arrival to Jaipur we will check into our hotel. In evening visit The Birla Temple to attend, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. 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.
After our Birla Temple visit, we return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Jaipur
- Evening visit The Birla Temple
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 8
Jaipur
Get ready for an early start as you set out on 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, get 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.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
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 9
Jaipur – Jodhpur (The Blue City)
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’. The traditional blue buildings are dotted around Mehrangarh Fort.
In the afternoon there will be a market visit for you 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.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
JEEP SAFARI TO BISHNOI VILLAGE
In the evening we take 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, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Jodphur
- Afternoon market visit
- Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 10
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.
There’s also the chance to take in the local atmosphere of Jodhpur and wander the old city cobblestone streets lined with markets and bazaars. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort
- Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum,
- Wander through the the old city streets, markets and bazaars
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 11
Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (Venice of the East)
We will leave Jodhpur early to travel to Udaipur. This will be one of the longer travel days while on tour. Enroute visiting Ranakpur “famous for Jain Temples with intricate carvings”. 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).
We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have time to relax before our dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Udaipur
- Visit Ranakpur, famous for the Jain temples
- Dinner at our hotel
DAY 12
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 boat tour on Lake Pichola to take in the scenery, followed by a 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.
Later today we make some market and bazaar visits.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
SUNSET TERRACE DINNER OVERLOOKING THE PALACES & LAKES OF UDAIPUR
In the evening you will dine whilst overlooking the palaces and lakes of Udaipur. This is a truly unique experience and will make an unforgettable end to your trip to Udaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Tour the City Palace complex and adjoining museums.
- Boat tour on Lake Pichola
- Drive up to Monsoon Palace
- Highlight farewell dinner
DAY 13
Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel and the morning is free for leisure activities. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival remain in transit to board the flight for onward destination, or onward arrangements to Varanasi if you have opted to extend your stay (highly recommended).
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transfer to Udaipur airport
- Flight from Udaipur to Delhi
FREE TIME EXTRA: YOGA WITH AN INDIAN YOGI
Before breakfast, there will be an optional experience of taking a one hour yoga class with local Indian yogi. Classes begin at 8am and guests of all levels of ability including beginners are welcome. After yoga, return to the hotel for breakfast.
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PRE TOUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION: KERALA with backwaters
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
This is the perfect complement to your Northern India experience. Travel to Kerala, South India and discover the amazing backwaters of Kerala and the old Dutch port town of Fort Kochi. Then fly to Delhi to connect with the start of Discover North India tour.
For full details see below at end of the Discover North India Itinerary
OVERVIEW
Take a fascinating journey through India’s tropical south. Experience the diversity in scenery, culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of people. Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical hills.
Start with a stay at a beautiful boutique hotel located in the middle of Forte Kochi where discoveries by foot are at the doorstep. Your Kerala visit starts with an afternoon tour of Fort Kochi, one of the oldest cosmopolitan port cities in the world. Next, embark on an overnight journey discovering the beautiful backwaters of Kerala by houseboat. See the communities and how they have adapted to life by the water. End with a two night stay by the backwaters at Kumarakom.
Dubbed as ‘Gods Own Country’, Kerala boasts of its rich flora, fauna and the harmonious mixture of communities. Come and visit the ‘Venice of the East’ on this unique itinerary for solo travellers.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay at beautiful boutique hotel centrally located at Fort Kochi.
- Enjoy Fort Kochi, an intriguing blend of history including Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and English influences.
- Superb central hotel location in an old colonial home, Fort Kochi
- Travel on a premium houseboat on the backwaters
- Take a walking tour of a backwaters village
- Experience superior hotels
- Enjoy an evening sunset cruise on the backwaters
- See local Toddy Tappers
- Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers
PRE TOUR
Due to flight schedule availability it may be necessary to book the pre tour stay in order that you commence the touring program that commences in the afternoon, day 1. In any case, we recommend considering arriving a day before the tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies.
Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
For travellers making their own international flight arrangements please ask our travel team about airport transfer options.
DAY 1
Cochin – Fort Kochi (region of city of Cochin)
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will be met by an Encounter Travel Representative once you exit the arrival hall and whisked away to your waiting transport. You will be transferred to Fort Kochi, a region of the city of Cochin, spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.
This afternoon, we head out with your local guide to visit key sights around Cochin. Visits include the include the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, that’s renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, the St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese and the famous Chinese fishing nets believed to brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders..
This evening, your guide will host our welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Meals: Welcome Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Airport to hotel transfer on arrival*
- Afternoon sightseeing, Cochin
- Group welcome dinner at a local restaurant
SPECIAL NOTES:
We opt to stay at Fort Kochi, the charming Dutch and Portuguese influenced area of yesteryears. It’s the best option if visiting for leisure if you want to experience the charm of this local area by the water. We avoid the big modern chain hotels that are located away from this area as they don’t offer the local experience that a Fort Kochi hotel provides.
DAY 2
Cochin - Houseboat, Alleppey
After breakfast we make our way to Alleppey. Alleppey is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways and more than a thousand houseboats. From a graceful and greenery-fringe Alleppey appears into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops and of course houseboats.
This afternoon board your houseboat for a cruise in the backwaters of Kerala and explore the life around this region. Float along and gaze over fields and enjoy seeing village life along the banks.
Lunch will be served onboard the cruise.
Large wooden Cargo boats are converted into Houseboats with overnight staying Facilities became an attraction in the backwaters. The houseboats are equipped with fully furnished bedrooms with ensuites. Mouth-watering Kerala dishes are served onboard the boat. Relax while floating along, taking in your beautiful surrounds. Tonight, enjoy the delight of a royal dinner under the stars.
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Travel Cochin to Alleppey
- Afternoon boarding of the Houseboat
- Lunch, Dinner & overnight onboard the deluxe houseboat
FREE TIME EXTRAS
There is an optional activity this evening, to roam around the villages by bicycle (additional expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Houseboat – Kumarakom
After breakfast disembark at your backwater resort. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. Check in at our hotel and you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast on board the houseboat
- Dinner and overnight stay at the Backwaters resort
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
There is time in the afternoon to enjoy the resort facilities
DAY 4
Kumarakom
After breakfast spend the morning exploring a typical Kerala backwater village and witness first-hand the unhurried pace of life. Take a small country boat cruise, with a local guide. During the trip, experience how local people, who have their home on the banks of these canals, use this canal for their daily life.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the backwaters. This evening, enjoy a sunset cruise for in-house guests from the hotel. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner to enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast at the resort
- Village visit
- Your 2nd night of stay at the Backwaters resort
- Farewell dinner with your guide
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
An afternoon at leisure to enjoy the backwaters
DAY 5
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to Cochin airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast at the resort
- Departure transfer to Cochin Airport
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POST TOUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION: VARANASI
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Highly recommend as an extension tour after your 13 day Discover North India tour. Varanasi, the Spiritual capital of India. We say it’s a ‘Don’t Miss’ highlight of any visit to North India and our past travellers agree!
This is a boutique deluxe small group solo travel tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Home to the Ganges, witness life along the Ganges
- Sunrise boat trip along the Ganges witnessing the morning bathing rituals and famous cremations
- Explore Varanasi on a walking tour, meandering lanes and winding through markets
- Take a rickshaw ride through the old city
- Visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment.
- Enjoy a a sunset boat trip to witness the Aarti Fire Ceremony
- Enjoy the taste delights of a local Thali dinner
DAY 1 (day 13 of Discover North India)
New Delhi - Varanasi
Arriving from Udaipur to Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport (the end of your travels through Rajasthan, on Discover North India), connect to a short domestic flight to the city of Varanasi.
Varanasi is 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 the hotel. There will be free time to relax and rest before joining together for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 (day 14 of Discover North India)
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.
Varanasi is known for its fine quality silks, Benaras Hindu University, being one of the largest residential universities in Asia and ‘paan’, which is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut, and sometimes tobacco. Paan is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. In the afternoon, we tour 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 we will transfer to you the Hotel).
There is an afternoon excursion to Sarnath, nearby to Varanasi. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. You will 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 head out 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, Highlight Dinner
DAY 3 (day 16 of Discover North India)
Varanasi – New Dehli
Your visit to Varanasi comes to an end after breakfast. The group is transferred to Varanasi airport for the flight to Dehli, and then connecting to your flight home or other onward journey.
FREE TIME EXTRAS
Start the day in Varanasi with the (optional activity) of an early morning Surya Namaskar yoga class. The class will be held near the iconic Varanasi Ghats, the stone steps leading down to the Ganges that are used by those wishing to bathe or worship in the sacred waters. (Sign up and payment for the class can be made directly to your tour leader).
Solos Only
This tour is operated by Encounter Travel. Book with Encounter Travel for your Return Traveller Reward (conditions apply) or earn your status as a Return Traveller for future savings.
