HIGHLIGHTS
- A mix of styles and activities in both Old and New Delhi.
- Touring the mystical holy city of Varanasi.
- A tour of the mighty Taj Mahal in Agra.
- An evening and sunrise boat trip on the Ganges River, Varanasi.
- Exploring the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
- The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur.
- Travelling to the ‘Venice of the East’ in Udaipur.
- Dinner overlooking the famous lakes and palaces of Udaipur
- The experience of ‘heritage’ hotels at some destinations
- Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: KERALA INDULGENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Fort Kochi
- See the traditional Chinese fishing nets
- Travel on a premium houseboat on the backwaters
- Take a walking tour of a backwaters village
- The experience of ‘heritage’ hotels
- Enjoy an evening sunset cruise on the backwaters
- See local Toddy Tappers
- Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers
DAY 1
Arrive to NEW DELHI
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.*
The next two days and nights will be spent exploring vibrant New Delhi.
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 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 group briefing at 10am. This will give you the opportunity to discuss the tour details, meet your tour leader, and ask any 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. Make sure to look out for the iconic red sandstone minarets and the breath-taking marble domes.
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 life in Old Delhi whilst also beating the heat.
Having worked up an appetite perusing the local flavours at Chandni Chowk, lunch will be served at Chor Bizarre Restaurant .
Today we also 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. From here you will move on to the National Ghandi Museum to learn more about the life and work of this iconic figure.
You will then end the afternoon with a city orientation tour that includes the famous Delhi Gate that links Old Delhi with New Delhi. Keep an eye out and see if you can spot the ornate carved stone elephants.
This evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
Delhi - Varanasi by Flight
After breakfast, you will travel 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 your hotel. There will be free time to relax and rest after the flight.
In the early evening, we transfer from our hotel to the Ganges, to enjoy a relaxed walk along the banks of the Ganges, whose sacred waters attract pilgrims from all over the world. The Ganges is also known in Hinduism as the goddess Ganga. Dinner will follow at a local restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (The Kabab Factory Restaurant)
DAY 4
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.
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, you will 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.}
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. After witnessing this ceremonial spectacle, you will then head out for dinner at Shri Annapurna restaurant 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 5
Varanasi - New Delhi by Flight
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).
In time you will transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight to Dehli. Upon arrival in Dehli you will be transferred to Restaurant Lazeez Affaire for lunch.
As afternoon moves to evening you will travel to a local Sikh Gurudwara temple, named Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Topped with a stunning gold dome, this is one of the largest and grandest Sikh houses of worship in Delhi, and the complex even features a pool known as a ‘Sarovar’. A serene and relaxing way to end the day in Delhi.
Later transfer to the Hotel. Dinner tonight at your Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Delhi - Agra by Surface (220 KMS / 03 HRS.)
After breakfast, you will be transferred 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
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 at country side village at a local family home near the Agra. The cuisine will be traditional Mughlai, and will feature dishes first developed in medieval times in India. Reflecting the way in which food was served during the times of the Mughal Empire, you will have the chance to sample classic North Indian staples that include Rogan Josh, Biryani, and Korma.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Agra /Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
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. Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar. Lunch will be served along the way at a hotel restaurant.
We arrive to our hotel and then this evening transfer to the hotel this evening we visit The Birla Temple, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and is 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, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
Jaipur
We will start the day with 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.
After the trip to the City Palace, there will be time for lunch at your leisure. Also a witness a block printing demonstration.
In the afternoon you will 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.
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 at a family home.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner (At Indian Family Home, with demonstration)
DAY 10
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.
We return for lunch at hotel and then, you will then have the option to have an astrology reading. Perfect for those interested in Indian mysticism who want a glimpse into the future!
The afternoon will be spent at your leisure.
Dinner tonight is by your own arrangement.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11
Jaipur - Jodhpur by Surface (338 KMS / 06 HRS.)
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.
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.
Dinner tonight is at Indique Restaurant OVERLOOKING THE FORT.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
Jodhpur (The Blue City)
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.
Dinner tonight will be served at a local restaurant. Bring your appetite and get ready for a unique cuisine that makes the most of the local ingredients found in the arid lands of Rajasthan.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13
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). Lunch will be served at Hotel Fateh Bagh in Ranakpur.
We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have time to relax before our dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14
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.
Later today we make some market and bazaar visits, different to your morning visit.
In the evening you will dine while 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
DAY 15
Udaipur
Special Experience
There will be an optional experience of taking a one hour yoga class with local Indian yogi, Mr Prakesh. Classes begin at 8am and guests of all levels of ability including beginners are welcome. After yoga, return to the hotel for breakfast.
From mid-morning, you will take a boat tour on Lake Pichola to take in the scenery, which will then be 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. The rest of the day is free for guests to enjoy some leisure time and dinner is at our hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16
Udaipur - New Delhi
It’s our final day and a leisurely breakfast is enjoyed at our hotel with the rest of the morning free. In the afternoon the group will take a flight to return to New Delhi, to connect with the onward evening flight home *
Meals: Breakfast
*applies to passengers travelling on the group nominated flight as part of their total package. For travelers making their own flight arrangements please liaise with us about your travel plans.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: KERALA INDULGENCE
[available for October 2019 departure]
Time permitting, this is the perfect complement to your Northern India experience. From Delhi, fly to Cochin and discover the amazing backwaters of Kerala. [When you book the tour & airfare package this flight is included]
DAY 1
Cochin – Fort Kochi
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will be met by Encounter Travel Representative once you exit the arrival hall and whisked away to your waiting transport. You will be transferred to Fort Cochin Hotel.
Cochin (Kochi) is 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.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Houseboat
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. Alleppey becomes a graceful and greenery-fringe that disappears 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 paddy fields and succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and enjoy seeing village life along the banks.
Lunch will be served onboard the cruise.
The Houseboats are equipped with fully furnished bedrooms with ensuites. Mouthwatering Kerala dishes are served onboard the boat. Relax while floating along and in the evening taking in your beautiful surrounds. Tonight, enjoy the delight of royal dinner under the stars.
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 hotel and you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Why not enjoy some of the resort’s activities, including the option of an Ayurvedic (at your own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 an experienced 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
DAY 5
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to Cochin airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. IF there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
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.
