Your itinerary
1.
London to Delhi
After your door-to-door journey with our pick-up service, fly
direct from London Heathrow to Delhi with British Airways.
2. Delhi
Arriving early in the morning, head straight to The Grand Icon
hotel, your 4 diamond home for three nights. Freshen up and relax
before visiting Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar this afternoon.
B
3. Delhi
Discover both Old and New Delhi on today's included sightseeing
tour. Visit historical highlights such as the Red Fort and one of
the largest mosques in the world - the Jama Masjid Mosque, which
was designed by Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal. Continue to
Chandni Chowk Bazaar amongst the bustling streets of Old Delhi.
B
4. Delhi to Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, India's
holiest city. This afternoon visit Sarnath, an important place in
Buddhist history and now the site of a museum, before spending one
night at the central Taj Ganges Hotel (4 diamond). B
5. Varanasi to
Khajuraho
Enjoy a dawn boat ride along the Ganges and watch worshippers
perform celebratory rituals before heading back to the hotel for
breakfast. Your morning is free to explore the old city before
flying to Khajuraho for two nights at the 4 diamond Taj Chandela
Hotel, set close to the famous temples. B
6. Khajuraho
The former capital of Chandela kings, Khajuraho is renowned for
its temples. Explore the western and eastern groups today including
the Kandariya Mahadeo, the Lakshmana, the Vishvanath and Nandi.
Built between 950 and 1050 AD, only 22 of the original 85 remain;
adorned with exquisite sculpture, each temple is a celebration of
life. B
7. Khajuraho to Agra via
Orchha
Visit the 11th-century village of Orchha this morning: once the
capital of the Bundelas, the village now maintains several deserted
yet well-preserved palaces and temples including the soaring spires
of Ram Raja and the beautiful murals of Lakshmi Narayan. This
afternoon, board the train at Jhansi: reaching Agra in the evening,
relax at the 4 diamond Taj View Hotel, which welcomes you for the
first of your two nights' stay. B L
8. Agra and the Taj
Mahal
Visit the Taj Mahal this morning, a truly breathtaking
combination of pure white marble and semi-precious stones. Explore
Agra on a brief city tour, including the Agra Fort and
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's tomb, also known as 'Baby Taj', before this
evening's optional trip to watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal.
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9. Agra to Jaipur
En route to Jaipur today, visit Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569
and deserted 14 years later when its water supply failed, and
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for a rickshaw ride or stroll through the
park. Reaching Jaipur, relax at the 4 diamond Trident Hotel,
overlooking Mansagar Lake, for a two-night stay. B
10. Jaipur
A full day's sightseeing in the 'Pink City', painted pink for
hospitality by order of the Maharajah. Take an elephant ride
through the Aravalli Hills to Amber Fort for views over the Jal
Mahal summer palace below. This afternoon, visit the Palace of the
Winds and spend time in the bazaar before heading to the Jantar
Mantar observatory, where time has been accurately measured since
the 17th century, and the City Palace, where the son of the last
maharajah and his family still reside. B
11. Jaipur to
Jodhpur
Spend the day at leisure in Jaipur. Take in some of the many
beautiful sights, such as Statue Circle and the landscaped gardens
of Kanak Vrindavan temple, wander through the colourful bazaars,
visit the planetarium or science museum, or simply relax and enjoy
your hotel's facilities. This evening, take the train to Jodhpur
for two nights at the centrally-located Taj Hari Mahal Hotel (4
diamond). B
12. Jodhpur
Exchanging the Pink City of Jaipur for the Blue City of Jodhpur,
visit the massive Meherangarh Fort for views over the cityscape,
which ranges in colour from deep indigo to pale powder blue, and
tour the fort's many small palaces featuring intricately carved
panels and windows. See the Jaswant Thada Cenotaph this afternoon
before free time in Jodhpur's meandering streets and bazaars. B
13. Jodhpur to
Udaipur
Head to Udaipur with a stop en route to visit the Jain Temple of
Ranakpur, one of India's finest temples, set deep in a secluded
valley and hewn from pure white marble. Reaching the 'Venice of the
East', Udaipur, famous for its performing arts, paintings and
crafts, relax at the 4 diamond Trident Hotel on the banks of
Pichola Lake for three nights. B L
14. Udaipur
Explore the city with visits to the huge City Palace reflected
in the waters of Lake Pichola, the Bhartiya Lok Kala Folk Museum
and the Temple of Eklingji; spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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15. Udaipur
Today is free for you to enjoy Udaipur at your own pace,
exploring the lakeside temples, spacious gardens and narrow winding
streets. This evening, subject to water levels, enjoy a sunset
cruise on Lake Pichola to the islands in its centre: Jag Mandir,
with its exquisite pavilion, and Jagniwas, home to the Lake Palace,
a former royal summer palace where you'll dine in splendour
tonight. B D
16. Udaipur to Mumbai
(Bombay)
Fly to Mumbai and tour some of the highlights including the
Gateway of India, Chowpatty Beach, the Hanging Gardens and Mani
Bhavan, Ghandi's occasional residence - his room remains untouched
to this day. Freshen up at the Taj President Hotel before heading
to the airport late this evening. B
17. Mumbai to London
Leave early on your British Airways flight to London Heathrow,
where our door-to-door pick-up service promises a relaxing journey
home.
Travel notes The restaurants
on this tour serve fine traditional foods as well as offering
plenty of Western choices. Many Indians don't eat much meat, so
vegetarians will find they're well looked after with a huge variety
of interesting dishes. Be prepared to travel some long distances.
Although roads can be rough, the scenery of life passing by makes
the journey worthwhile. India can be very hot, so bring your
lightest cotton clothing. The tour sometimes involves a lot of
walking, so we recommend that you have a good level of fitness and
bring a comfortable pair of shoes.
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