Overview:
Discover the vibrant diversity of India through a breathtaking itinerary that takes you to Old and New Delhi, the sacred city of Varanasi, and, with some good fortune, to spot the rare Bengal tiger in Panna National Park. Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Taj Mahal during both sunrise and sunset, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Pushkar Fair, and enjoy a private cruise on the serene Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Highlights:
- Visit Old and New Delhi and discover the contrasting cultures of these two cities
- Explore the holy city of Varanasi and witness the spiritual rituals on the banks of the Ganges River
- Spot the elusive Bengal tiger in Panna National Park
- Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Taj Mahal during both sunrise and sunset
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Pushkar Fair
- Enjoy a private cruise on the serene Lake Pichola in Udaipur
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you.
- Experience the vibrant spectacle of the Pushkar Fair for two days
- Stay in former palaces, including iconic royal residences such as the luxurious Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and the grand Rambagh Palace in Jaipur
- Enjoy a private sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, with your palace hotel seemingly floating on the water beneath an orange-hued sky, followed by a refreshing cocktail
- Witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset
- Go on private safaris in Panna National Park, home to the elusive Bengal tiger, and attend an exclusive talk on conservation by a member of the local Pardhi community
- Observe priests performing an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Holy Ganges in Varanasi
- Experience the diverse appeal of India’s great cities, from Delhi, a political center and a blend of old and new with its enduring British influence, to the colorful and fast-paced Mumbai, the innovative commercial heart of the country.
- Top VIP Treatment.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA
Upon arrival at Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Oberoi, New Delhi
DAY 2 DELHI | EXPLORING THE OLD & NEW
This morning, Ride Like a Local and enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride through the carts and stalls of Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. After lunch, you will tour New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb, the resting place of a respected 16th-century Mughal emperor, and an architectural predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Tonight, you will join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: The Oberoi, New Delhi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 VARANASI | INDIA’S HOLIEST CITY
Fly to Varanasi, a city that is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. After a city tour, check in to your hotel. At dusk, head to the banks of the sacred Ganges River to witness the aarti ceremony. Listen to the chanted prayers and rhythmic drumming as you watch the priests holding lanterns bidding the gods and goddesses a peaceful slumber.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges, Varanasi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 VARANASI/KHAJURAHO | PRIVATE SUNRISE RIVER CRUISE
Rise early for a private sunrise cruise on the Ganges River to observe the activity along the ghats (stone steps leading down to the river), where locals and pilgrims cleanse themselves, literally and spiritually. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing at your hotel. Then, fly to Khajuraho and explore the magnificent Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho, adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting all aspects of life. Next, continue to remote Panna National Park, a haven for India’s wildlife. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a member of the nomadic Pardhi community to learn about their role in the continuing effort to repopulate Panna National Park with the elusive Bengal tiger.
Accommodation: The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 PANNA NATIONAL PARK | TRACKING THE BENGAL TIGER
Rise early this morning for a game drive in Panna National Park by four-wheel-drive vehicle, spotting crocodiles or perhaps the elusive Bengal tiger. Learn how a successful conservation program has grown the park’s tiger population, increasing the odds of a sighting. Return to the hotel to savor a Chef’s Table experience featuring an Indian cooking demonstration, as your hotel’s chef prepares local delicacies for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 AGRA | VISIONS OF THE TAJ MAHAL
Today, travel through the countryside to Jhansi, where you will board your express train to Agra. Check in to your luxury hotel and catch your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal through your window.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 AGRA | MONUMENTS OF EMPERORS
The Taj Mahal is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. This impressive mausoleum was built by the emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Its marble facade, adorned with precious gems, gives it an ethereal and shimmering quality. Visit this masterpiece in the morning, when the rising sun casts a warm pink hue over its marble surface. Afterward, visit the Agra Fort, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mughal monument where Shah Jahan was once imprisoned. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time before seeing the Taj Mahal at sunset, when it glows in changing colors.
Stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 JAIPUR | THE PINK CITY
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur and check in to your hotel, which used to be the residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Later, visit the City Palace, a captivating complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The Mubarak Mahal or the “Auspicious Palace” is located within the palace gates and contains textiles, including the formal costumes of the royal family, Sanganeri block prints, Kashmiri pashminas, and silk saris. Then, visit Jantar Mantar, an intriguing outdoor array of astronomical instruments.
Stay at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 JAIPUR | DESIGN YOUR DAY
Visit the Palace of the Winds, a palace built for the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen. Then, explore the Mughal-style Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made of red sandstone and marble. In the afternoon, choose from one of the following Design Your Day activities:
Practice yoga during a private session at Rambagh Palace. Visit Digantar Vidyalay to interact with students at an innovative school supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Discover the bazaars of Jaipur, taking in the local vibe and browsing for souvenirs.
Stay at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 PUSHKAR | EXPERIENCING THE COLORFUL FAIR
Drive to the secluded desert town of Pushkar early in the morning, sharing the road with camels, trucks, cattle, water buffalo, and rickshaws as you approach. Spend the next two days experiencing the vibrant Pushkar Fair, a bustling hub of activity that draws people from all over the world.
Stay at Greenhouse Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 PUSHKAR | A BEVY OF ACTIVITY
Enjoy another day experiencing the Pushkar Fair, where you can see painted and adorned camels and cattle being traded, peruse stalls selling camel tassels and woven gypsy dowry bags, and witness Hindu devotees thronging the ghats around Pushkar Lake to bathe, cleanse their sins, and attain a place in heaven.
Stay at Greenhouse Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 UDAIPUR | TEMPLES & PALACES
Drive to Udaipur, stopping for lunch en route. Continue to Udaipur and check in to your romantic hotel.
Stay at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13 UDAIPUR | CRUISE TO JAG MANDIR
Start your day exploring the City Palace, a marble complex offering breathtaking views of Lake Pichola and its surroundings. Visit the Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakash Palace, followed by a stroll through the Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor). Return to the hotel and take a private cruise past Jag Mandir, a palace on an island in the tranquil Lake Pichola, followed by a Scenic Sundowner. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14 MUMBAI | BUSTLING ENVIRONS
Fly in the morning to Mumbai, India’s bustling, vibrant commercial capital. After checking in to your hotel, you may explore the city at leisure or simply relax. In the evening, join fellow guests for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15 MUMBAI | THE GATEWAY OF INDIA
Begin your day by visiting the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch reflecting India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, see the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world and a colorful spectacle to behold. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16 DEPART MUMBAI
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- Accommodation in handpicked hotels
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- English-speaking guides
- Safari at Panna National Park
- Entrance fees to all monuments and parks mentioned in the itinerary
- Boat ride in Varanasi
- Private cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
Pricing Information:
Prices $14200per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
ARRIVE DELHI, INDIA : The Oberoi, New Delhi
VARANASI : Taj Ganges, Varanasi
VARANASI/KHAJURAHO : The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho
AGRA : The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
JAIPUR UDAIPURRambagh Palace, Jaipur
PUSHKAR : Greenhouse Resort
UDAIPUR : Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
MUMBAI : The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Tips and advice for travelers:
- It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a lot of walking.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you.
- Carry a sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- It is advisable to carry some cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Follow the instructions of your guide and avoid wandering off on your own.
Trip notes:
- This tour involves a lot of sightseeing, so be prepared for early mornings and long days.
- The Pushkar Fair takes place annually in November, so plan your travel accordingly.
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- The itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
- Customizations to the itinerary can be made to suit your needs. Please contact us for more information.
FAQs:
Q: Is it safe to travel to India? A: India is a safe country for tourists, but it is advisable to take certain precautions to ensure a hassle-free trip. Avoid traveling alone at night, carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times, and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: What is the best time to visit India? A: The best time to visit India is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the tour? A: The cancellation policy may vary depending on the season and availability. Please contact us for more information.