Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi Airport where your local guide will meet you. Transfer to hotel for breakfast and tour briefing.
This morning you’ll visit the first of many amazing monuments. Humayun’s Tomb and the surrounding monuments date back to the early 1500s and was the first garden tomb in India, the first structure to use red sandstone on a grand scale and is a UNESCO Heritage site.
You also take a drive past the Govt Buildings (President’s house and Secretariat Houses) and have a photo stop at India Gate before heading back to your hotel, the Oberai Maidens to check in and have a rest before your Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Oberoi Maidens (Welcome Dinner)
Day 2 – Delhi Touring
This morning, you drive to bustling Old Delhi, past the Red Fort to visit the Jama Mosque, India’s largest mosque and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal.
You then venture into the energetic market of Chandni Chowk. A thrilling rickshaw ride will whizz you down narrow lanes deep into the colourful chaos of the old city where you disembark and take a stroll through the largest spice bazaar in Asia. Watch wily men with gnarled hands and strong backs, unload spices of many different colours. Pop into any of the many spice shops and take in the amazing aromas.
Learn about the fascinating Sikh religion at Gurudwara Temple. Within the temple, sit and take in the richly decorated walls and ceiling whilst listening to prayers and chanting. In the temple kitchen you can join a voluntary group cooking for thousands of devotees.
Time and traffic dependent, you may also visit Raj Rhat (Gandhi Memorial) and do some shopping. A good opportunity to buy something special to wear for Diwali and to the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Oberoi Maidens (B / D)
Day 3 – Agra
Today you hit the road and head south Uttar Pradesh and the legendary city of Agra. Sit back and relax – there’s never a dull moment on the roads of India with plenty of eye-popping things to see.
On arrival to your hotel, The Trident, check in and refresh.
This evening, you celebrate Diwali! Across India, this 5-day Festival of Light is celebrated with great enthusiasm by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. It coincides with harvest and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Families come together, candles are lit and placed throughout homes, in streets, places of worship and floated on lakes and rivers. Fireworks ward off evil spirits, Indian sweets are savoured, and new beginnings are celebrated. You are in the hometown of your Guide who will make this evening extra special for the group.
Overnight: Trident Agra (B / D)
Day 4 – Agra
A leisurely start to the day with a visit to the Agra Fort – one of the grandest forts in India and a pleasant place to roam around taking in the astounding history, buildings and views.
Later you’ll visit Mehtab Bagh – the gardens located on the banks of the Yamuna River for a different view of the Taj Mahal.
Whilst in Agra, you will visit an emporium where you can watch artisans working on the complex process of inlaying precious stones into marble. There will be a chance to purchase products here.
Overnight: Trident Agra (B / D)
Day 5 – Agra to Jaipur
Rise early for a much-anticipated visit to the Taj Mahal. We aim to be one of the first groups to enter so that we can capture the beautiful monument without the crowds. Watch as the sun rises and starts to kiss different aspects of the building making it shimmer and sparkle. You’ll be taken to the best photography and viewing sites to make sure your experience of visiting the Taj Mahal is as fulfilling as possible. There will be plenty of time to wander at leisure to explore all the impressive buildings within the complex and to go inside the Taj and get up close to the intricate marble inlay and architecture of one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
Return to the hotel for late breakfast and check out, before boarding your coach and spending the rest of the day travelling by road through colourful, crazy India! The drive to Jaipur will take around 5 hours and you’ll have some comfort stops along the way. On arrival in the Pink City, check into your hotel, The Trident Jaipur.
This evening you’ll view the Water Palace in the night light – it’s conveniently right across the road from your hotel.
Overnight: Trident Jaipur (B / D)
Day 6 – Jaipur
This morning, you explore the Amber Fort also known as Amer Palace. This is a fabulous place to wander around the different courtyards and view the architecture, which is a fusion of Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) styles. The handsome pillars and delicate floral designs in the Hall of Mirrors are particularly gorgeous.
After lunch, visit the City Palace, the principal residence of Jaipur’s current ruling family. Time to explore the museums – full of ancient weaponry, art, exquisite royal attire, and jewellery. Also, see Hawa Mahal – a fabulous structure with its 953 windows.
Later visit Jantar Mantar. This UNESCO World Heritage site will amaze you with its astronomical and astrological tools used by researchers of ancient India.
There will be a chance for shopping whilst in Jaipur – beautiful hand-made carpets and jewellery are excellent buys.
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B / D)
Day 7 – Jaipur – Pushkar
Early this morning you stop by the Milk Market to see milk sellers, dressed in their traditional white dhotis and kurtas. Then take a stroll through the Flower Market awash with huge mounds of bright marigolds and other flowers.
Afterwards, sit back and relax and watch that colourful movie out the coach window as we drive to the sacred Hindi city of Pushkar (approx. 3.5 hour drive).
Check into your tented camp and have a late lunch.
Later this afternoon you head into the Pushkar fairgrounds to revel in the festivities – your head will be swivelling frantically, as every which way you look is an amazing spectacle! Hundreds of camels, horses and cattle, along with their owners, camp in the dunes. Brisk trade goes on day and night, deals are sealed, and animals are exchanged. It is a gathering of men with large colourful turbans, women wrapped in gorgeous saris and exquisite jewellery, and children dressed in beautiful traditional attire. Back to camp for a performance from Kalbelia gypsies followed by Dinner.
Overnight: Deluxe tents with ensuite bathroom. (B / L / D)
Day 8 – Pushkar Fair
Early morning visit to Pushkar Fairground – a photographer’s delight. Capture herds of camels coming over the dunes as the sun rises creating fantastic silhouettes. Watch the camp come to life, fires lit, tea brewed, smoke drifts lazily out of mouths as pipes are puffed, chapatis are slapped into shape, kids run amuck, camels are led to water troughs, stallions prance down the street, camels are carefully clipped and then gaily dressed for dancing competitions.
Return to camp for breakfast and a rest.
After lunch return to Pushkar Town which will be buzzing with many visitors and different tribes here to celebrate the fair and to worship in the temple and lake. After a blessing beside the Lake, there will be time for shopping. Keen photographers may like to return to the camel trading area for some dusk shots as the herds are leaving over the dunes.
Overnight: Deluxe tents with ensuite bathroom. (B / L / D)
Day 9 – Pushkar to Deogarh
After breakfast, you have another fascinating drive through to Deogargh (approx 4 hours).
Along the way you will spot flashes of colour as we pass locals dressed in colourful saris and turbans. Hard workers in the fields, women baking dung patties, drawing water from wells and carrying water pots seemingly effortlessly on their heads.
After the craziness of the cities and fair, you will find the pace of Deogarh much slower.
You are staying in a 17th century mahal (palace) now converted into a heritage hotel. The Maharaja and Maharani also live here.
Later this afternoon you board a classic jeep for a drive into the countryside – it’s a great time of day to see hardworking farmers coming in from the fields with their flocks.
Overnight: Deogargh Palace Heritage Hotel. (B / D)
Day 10 – Deogargh – Aravali Hills Train Journey
This morning, you visit a small country school to meet the children and teachers. Continue to a quiet rural train station and board a local train running on a 1930’s British track. You rumble through the Aravali Hills through tunnels and across bridges enjoying the scenery. A magical experience and also a great opportunity to mingle with the locals who regularly use this train for transportation.
You disembark after a few hours and drive to Jojawar. After lunch at a stately mahal, there’s free time to explore the village where you will find small shops selling unique jewellery to tribeswomen, sacred cows wandering among the narrow streets, and a general simplicity to life in the country. Return to Deogargh by road (approx. 1 hour drive).
Overnight: Deogargh Palace Heritage hotel. (B / D)
Day 11 – Deogargh – Ravla Khempur – Udaipur
You depart early to arrive in Ravla Khempur in time for lunch. Time to explore the hotel made famous by the popular movie Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
It’s a short drive to the charming white city of Udaipur. Check into your hotel, the Trident Udaipur, for a refresh.
This afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola to view the magnificent buildings including the Lake Palace built with marble and sandstone and seemingly floating on top of the lake.
Overnight: Trident Udaipur. (B / D)
Day 12 – Udaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast, you visit one of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan for a tour through The City Palace – an elaborate web of palaces, temples, courtyards with artistic gardens and mosaics, and the beautiful man-made lake, Fateh Sagar Lake.
Sit back and relax for an interesting drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur (approx. 6 hour drive).
On arrival, check into your hotel, the Pal Haveli Heritage Hotel. You can view the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and blue buildings from your hotel’s rooftop bar & dining area – a stunning backdrop and fabulous place to sit & sip a drink as the sun sets.
Overnight: Pal Haveli Heritage Hotel. (B / D)
Day 13 – Jodhpur
Early this morning you will walk through the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park for panoramic views and a chance to capture the Mehrangarh Fort and the city of Jodhpur as the sunrises – totally worth the early wakeup call. Back to hotel for breakfast.
At Jaswant Thada, marvel at the architecture and beautiful jalis (carved-marble lattice screens) of the cenotaph and cremation grounds of the royal family of Marwar. Stroll around the pretty gardens and soak up the serenity.
Time to explore the mighty Mehrangarh, one of the grandest forts in India. This impregnable fort rises perpendicular on a rocky hill above the city and is still run by the Jodphur royal family. Stroll, at your own pace, through the buildings which are packed with legends and history dating back to 1459.
Jodphur is renowned for silver, silk and textiles and there will be a chance to purchase exquisite scarves, bedlinen, and jewellery. Your accommodation is directly across from the Clock Tower market – a great place for people-watching and making a few purchases.
Overnight: Pal Haveli Heritage Hotel. (B / D)
Day 14 – Jodhpur – Varanasi
You have a travel day, flying from Jodhpur via Delhi to Varanasi. If you thought you’d seen it all, wait till you get to Varanasi!
Your eyes will be popping as you make your way from the airport by vehicle and then boat to your accommodation, Ganpati Guest House, located on the Ganges River. This is the perfect location to step out anytime you like and explore the ghats or just sit and people-watch.
You’ll have an orientation walking tour along the river ghats and the oldest and most famous narrow lanes of Varanasi, past the endless human panorama – pilgrims, worshippers, sadhus, the burning ghat, children selling flowers and floating lights.
Overnight: Ganpati Guest House. (B / D)
Day 15 – Varanasi
An early wake-up call to see the rising sun as you gently glide along the Ganges by boat whilst listening to the sweet sounds of a sitar player. Witness the Hindi rituals, hundreds of people taking a bath in the holy river and offering flowers and water to the Sun God.
This evening, see the incredible Aarti Ceremony which is part of the evening pooja (prayers). During the ceremony deepas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganga with thanks and devotion for the light of the sun and for her divine light. As the fire ceremony takes place, bells are rung and chanting and singing provide a fascinating, magical, and spiritual conclusion to the day’s end.
Overnight Ganpati Guest House. (B / D)
Day 16 – Varanasi – Mumbai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Bombay/Mumbai, located on the Arabian sea. Transfer to your hotel, Trident Mumbai, and realax.
Time permitting you’ll visit a market this afternooon. By now your bargaining skills should be sharp.
Overnight Trident Hotel. (B / D)
Day 17 – Mumbai
Your last day of sightseeing starts with a photostop at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO world heritage site and beautiful example of Victorian-Gothic style architecture from a by-gone era. Also, visit the Gateway of India overlooking the Mumbai Harbour and view the beautiful Taj Hotel.
Unique to Mumbai is a dabbawala (food delivery person). There are over 5000 dabbawalas in the city distributing some 200,000 meals by bicycle and train. The lunchboxes are collected from the clients’ home in the morning, delivered to the workplace, then returned empty in the afternoon. It is the most efficient delivery system in the world and seeing the dabbawalas in action is a spectacle – Uber Eats have nothing on these guys!
Another unique feature of Mumbai is the dhobi – a traditional laundryman, who will collect your used linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. You will see Dhobi Ghat where around 200 dhobis and their families work together.
End the day in Mumbai’s beating heart – Dharavi Slum. More than one million people live and work here and its industries have an annual turnover of around US$665 million. Your walking tour introduces you to a way of living that is staggering.
It’s your last night in India and that calls for a grand finale dinner.
Overnight Trident Hotel. (B / Farewell Dinner)
Day 18 – Departure
This morning, transfer to Mumbai airport for flight home. (B)
If you want more of India, you may wish to join the OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO KERALA.
For those leaving today, Namaste and safe travels!
