9 days 8 nights
Daily Departures

PRIVATE TOUR - DAILY DEPARTURES: Depart from New Delhi with English speaking guides for sightseeing visits only – English speaking escorts throughout the tour with surcharge

This tour is based on travel using the quintessentially Indian car, the Hindustan Ambassador. Based on the Morris Oxford and in production since 1957, the Ambassador has its devotees and is the ideal way to drive slowly through India.  Ambassador cars are best suited to shorter journeys.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 Meet on arrival at Delhi International Airport and transfer to hotel.

Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more  obvious. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British.  Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British between 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens' architecture, is a spacious and well-designed metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs. As the Country’s cultural centre, it is home to a number of museums including the national Museum, the Museum of Modern art, the Museum of Natural History and the creative Arts and Crafts Museum where artisans can be seen at work. Delhi has fantastic shopping opportunities ranging from the excellent Central Cottage Industries Emporium and the traditional bazaars of Chandni Chowk to the colourful and varied speciality shops located in the markets of South Delhi.

Accommodation at Hotel Gautam Deluxe (Standard Room) in Delhi.
Gautam Deluxe

Located in the bustling Karol Bagh area near to Connaught Place, this budget hotel is clean with newly renovated modern and bright rooms. The streets of Karol Bagh are noisy and chaotic but inside is calm. Gautam Deluxe is an excellent hotel for value in Delhi and has the additional advantage of the adjacent atmospheric and renowned Pind Balluchi restaurant.

DAY 2 This morning in New Delhi drive along Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; lined with ornamental canals the views in both directions are imposing. Drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Standing at the crest of Raisina Hill, Lutyen’s 20th Century architectural masterpiece was built for the viceroy during British rule and is now the President's residence. During mid February – mid March the formal Mughal Gardens behind the Presidents Palace are open to the public.

Afterwards in Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad, take a cycle rickshaw through the chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, where trading continues in the maze of shops as it has done over the Centuries.  Stop at the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan.

This afternoon drive through South Delhi to Qutub Minar, a World Heritage monument and one of the most instantly recognisable and historically important monuments in Delhi. This 234

Foot high fluted minaret was built in 1193, at the time of the foundation of the Islamic rule in Indian known as the Delhi Sultanate.  The adjacent Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is an early example of the fusion of Hindu panels and Islamic domes and arches reflecting the mingling of the two cultures. End the tour with a visit to one of the most inspirational monuments of Delhi's past, Humayun's Tomb. The earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. Surrounded by well maintained gardens it is a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit.

Evening transfer to Nizamuddin Railway Station for your sleeper train to Udaipur by Mewar Express. Our representative will assist you boarding the train and you will be booked in the best available sleeper class (1^st or 2^nd class AC). The train departs at 1900 hours.

On board sheets, blankets and a pillow are  provided plus an Indian dinner. (Veg or non veg)

You may like to take some snacks.  Overnight on train.

DAY 3 Arrive Udaipur at 0700. Upon arrival at Udaipur, transfer to hotel. The room will not be ready for immediate occupancy but you can relax at the fabulous rooftop restaurant until check in time.

Regarded by many as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills.  It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola with its white island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along the lake front, lively bazaars of the old city and a relaxing atmosphere make Udaipur perfect for wandering around and a visit is considered one of India’s greatest highlights.

In the afternoon visit the grand City Palace which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and is an awesomely striking building totalling 5 acres and housing a complex of several palaces added by the various Maharana’s between the 16^th and 20^th century. Apart from housing the superb City Museum the City Palace contains the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel and Fateh Prakash Hotel. Also visit the lively Jagdish Temple built in 1651 with an entrance flanked by stone carved elephants.

Accommodation at Karohi Haveli (Deluxe Room) in Udaipur. 

Karohi Haveli

This old Haveli was converted into a hotel in March 2007 and has a quiet location. The 14 rooms are simple but clean and tastefully furnished. Its greatest asset is the restaurant on the 2 top floors which has the best 360 views of the city, lake and city Palace, which is wonderfully lit at night. Its white washed jharokas give it a romantic and artistic feel.

DAY 4 In the morning drive 22 km through the Aravalli Hills to visit Eklingji temple. This beautiful white marble temple dating from AD 734is dedicated to Siva, the family diety of the Mewars. (Rulers of Udaipur) No photography is allowed.  

 Afternoon at leisure for personal exploration or shopping. Late afternoon boat ride at Lake Pichola. (public boat)

Accommodation at Karohi Haveli (Deluxe Room) in Udaipur. 

DAY 5 This morning 6 hours drive to Jodhpur stopping en route at the Jain Temples in Ranakpur. Hidden in the dense forests of the Aravalli hills in a peaceful setting are the Temples at Ranakpur.  One of the five holy Jain sites therefore a popular pilgrimage centre, Ranakpur is renowned for its intricately carved pillars; in the Adinatha built in 1439, all the 1444 pillars are individually carved.

 Dominated by the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur city is a mass of sky blue coloured cubed houses set against a desert setting. Traditionally blue signified the home of a Brahmin but nowadays anyone can paint their home blue; additionally the colour allegedly is said to repel insects. Rao Jodha founded the Rathore Dynasty in Jodhpur in 1459 AD and the kingdom of Marwar flourished due to its strategic location on the trade route between Delhi and the Middle East. Sandalwood, dates, copper, cattle, camels and salt passed through the City over the centuries. As a legacy of its glorious past, Jodhpur boasts some stunning palaces, forts and temples. Accommodation at Devi Bhawan (Standard Room) in Jodhpur. 

Devi Bhawan is a 70 year old house surrounded by beautifully maintained spacious gardens which give it a cool relaxed feel amongst ferns and fountains in complete contrast to desert. The 16 rooms built in blocks of four have been more recently built and are simple but clean. Inside the original house is an  art deco lounge and bar, the dining room is in a rondaval and there is a swimming pool in the grounds. 

DAY 6 Morning tour of Jodhpur. Meherangarh Fort is one of the most majestic forts in Rajasthan riding sheer out of a 125 m. high rock and spreading over five kilometres. Inside, the palace hewn from red sandstone with finely latticed windows, brilliantly coloured glass panes and flamboyantly decorated interiors gives a vivid recreation of princely life in Rajasthan. The Royal apartments additionally house an outstanding museum including a rich collection of palanquins, howdahs, miniature paintings, folk music instruments, costumes and impressive armoury. On the way back from the fort stop to visit Jaswant Thada; the cremation ground and white marble memorials of Jaswant Singh II and the successive Marwari rulers.

Evening is at leisure. Accommodation at Devi Bhawan (Standard Room) in Jodhpur. 

DAY 7 Early morning transfer to Jodhpur Railway Station for your train to Jaipur (Intercity Express). Our representative will assist you boarding the train. The train departs Delhi at 0555 hours and arrives into Jaipur at 1047 hours. On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.

Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-coloured terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds; primarily an elaborate five storey face with projecting windows and balconies, behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life going on in the streets below. 

In the afternoon in Jaipur city, visit the opulent Maharaja's City Palace which occupies the heart of Jai Singh II’s city and has been home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. A superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the interiors of the Palace are lavishly furnished and decorated and the Museum houses a fabulous collection of textiles, art and crafts and arms. The Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer, in 1728. It resembles a collection of giant sculptures and was used to determine the position of the stars and planets, accurately calculate Jaipur’s time, make horoscopes and is today still used to forecast the expected arrival date and intensity of the monsoon and summer temperatures. Accommodation at Hotel Diggi Palace (Air-conditioned Room) in Jaipur.

DAY 8 Early this morning visit Amber, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11 km north of the City. Now a deserted complex crowning the crest of a hill with panoramic views, Amber Fort is extremely well preserved and a fascinating place to explore. The forts majestic ramparts follow the natural contours of the ridge and he palace is full of hidder gems – the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors), Jas Mandir with its latticed windows and glass inlay work and Zenana (Women’s quarters) Elephants still carry visitors in stately splendour to the main Palace, through magnificent high gateways.

Afterwards drive 5 hours to Agra en route after one hour stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the famous Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. The Mughal capital for only 14 years until abandoned reputedly due to lack of water, the buildings, blending Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture and reflecting Akbar’s secular vision remain in an excellent condition and it is a fascinating place to wander around.  

Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jehan governed their vast empires from here and as prolific builders; artisans from Persia, Central Asia and other parts of India were attracted by their patronage.  The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverine region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites. Agra is renowned for its delicate Pietra Dura work; a Florentine technique imported by Jahangir of arranging minute pieces of precious and semi precious stones in complex, stylized floral and geometric designs into a marble base. Today artisans still recreate the old patterns.

Accommodation at Hotel Utkarsh Vilas (Deluxe Room) in Agra

DAY 9 Morning sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Start the tour by visiting the incomparable Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love and devotion. Built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his favourite wife Mumtaz, its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship took 20,000 workers almost 22 years to complete in 1653. It is undoubtedly a building as close to perfection as is achievable and its appearance changes magically with the light at different times of the day.  (Closed on a Friday)

Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort was started in 1565 by Akbar. The fort surrounded by a moat forms a crescent along the riverfront and encompasses a huge complex of courtly buildings reflecting the varied styles of the Emperors. Wander through the lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and galleries discovering hidden pavilions and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the distance.

 Drive 5 hours to Delhi. Meet & transfer to International Airport for departure flight.

 **END OF SERVICES**

NOTE: Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.

Our tour prices are inclusive of All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in our itinerary in private air conditioned Ambassador, Hotel accommodation in shared twin room with private bath room as specified or similar, Breakfast throughout (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), English speaking local guides for visits as mentioned in the program, train fare in best available class, all entrance fees for sights as mentioned in the program, arrival and departure assistance at airports and railway stations, porterage at Railway stations, drinking water during tours, local government tax and service charge

 Not included are surcharges for compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges, which will be advised at time of booking, services not mentioned in our itinerary, meals not specified, Indian visa fees, international flight tickets to and from India, expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry or tips, travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness), camera or video charges at sites.

 NOTE: Due to high demand of hotels, it may be necessary to substitute some but we will endeavor to use ones of a similar standard and character     

 NOTE: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

 NOTE: Most international flights arrive in the middle of the night. Should you require your room to be ready upon arrival to your hotel on day one – an additional night must be added. Please inform your arrival schedule and we will advise.

 NOTE: In case the government changes presently applicable taxes or fuel surcharges, our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly

Comments from clients who have taken this tour:

• "We had a wonderful trip in India thanks to your company's great arrangements.  So many problems can occur during travel, 
   but due to your careful planning, our trip ran smoothly.  The only problem was that I forgot to turn in our comment form at the end of the trip." 

• "Drivers were all excellent, train rides were memorable, would not want to miss the experience."