This is an exciting and classic trip, taking in the splendour of the Mughal cities of Delhi and Agra and the majesty of Rajasthan, where we experience the crazy and colourful Holi festival, and ride camels out into the desert. You will be introduced to some wonderful secrets, from cooking to miniature mughal art, from gemstones to tie-dye, from folk dancing to turban tying. The massive forts of Rajasthan, the opulence and splendour of Maharajah’s palaces, markets and bazaars and holy cities all make for a trip full of highlights and contrasts.
Starting and finishing in Delhi, this fabulous tour takes you to some of North India’s most well-known sites as well as undiscovered gems where you have the opportunity to meet real people and experience authentic Indian hospitality and life. Price includes all local transportation, accommodation and included sightseeing, tour escort and local guides, all breakfasts and some other meals.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Delhi Day 2 Delhi Day 3 Agra Day 4 Bharatpur Day 5 Madhogarh Days 6-8 Jaipur On day 8 (20th March), we have the chance to revel in the craziness of the Holi Festival. Get ready to be coloured. Day 9 Udaipur Day 10 Udaipur Days 11-12 Jodhpur Day 13 Jaisalmer Day 14 Jaisalmer Day 15 Jaisalmer Day 16 Delhi Day 17 Departure Day
Arrival Day. No group activities today. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting before dinner.
This morning we travel to Old Delhi - visiting the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), the Spice Markets and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia. In the afternoon we visit Humayans Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage site - one of the most splendid examples of Indian Mughal Architecture.
A 2 hour train ride this morning takes us to Agra. We visit the magnificent Red Fort as well as the Itimad-ud-dualah, or ‘Baby Taj’, and you will also have the opportunity to shop for Persian carpets, or some of the leather or marble goods that Agra is famous for.
We make a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal before driving to Bharatpur, the gateway to Keoladeo National Park. We take a trip into the park this afternoon to see some of the wildlife resident here, including a myriad of different migratory birds, deer and maybe even a python or two.
We drive through rural countryside to the small village of Madhogarh. A restored heritage castle, Fort Madhogarh has a history dating back centuries. We wander through the small and friendly village, where we may meet a local cobbler, bangle maker, or a dhurrie (rug) maker.
Amber Fort, just 11km outside Jaipur is a splendid example of Rajput architecture. We take a wander through the markets and colourful bazaars of Jaipur on day 6 before taking in a Bollywood extravaganza at the Raj Mandir cinema. The Elephant Fair held every year on the eve of the Holi Festival is a unique spectacle and features processions of caparisoned elephants, horses, chariots, camels, and palanquins, a game of elephant polo and a chance to play Holi on elephant back.
An early morning flight takes us to Udaipur. Often called the romantic city, Udaipur lives up to its name with its white washed havelis and palaces lining the banks of the picturesque Lake Pichola.We visit the City Palace complex (the largest palace complex in India), take in a classic Rajasthani dance show, wander through the local bazaar, enjoy a cooking class and get to see who can roll the best chapatti.
There’s plenty of free time whilst we are in Udaipur to take a boat on the lake, visit the Monsoon Palace, shop for some wonderful handicrafts or maybe learn how to paint an miniature elephant.
A short journey today through the Aravalli hills brings us to the small town of Ranakpur, famous for it’s stunning Jain Temples. Painstakingly carved out of marble in the 14th and 15th centuries, the exquisite work on the 1444 pillars, walls of 24 pavilions and ceiling decorations is unique. After lunch we drive on to Jodhpur where we wander the palaces of the
magnificent Meherangarh Fort before exploring the markets in the city below.
Arriving in time for lunch, we have time for a freshen up before heading out to the desert on our camel safari. Camping out in the desert is an unforgettable experience, and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.
Arriving back to town mid morning, we have plenty of time to explore the beautiful, and fascinating town of Jaisalmer. Like something out of 1001 Arabian nights, Jaisalmer is both exotic and mysterious with a unique fort, which unlike all others in India is still lived in, and comprises a quarter of the towns population.
Plenty of time to explore, wander or shop before we head to the railway station to board our overnight train which will take us back to Delhi.
After arriving back into Delhi late morning, you have the rest of the day to explore more of the wonderful sights of Delhi. Visit one of the fabulous museums or temples, explore ancient ruins or modern shopping malls. And of course, Delhi is a fabulous place to pick up those last minute souvenirs.
There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at any time.