Highlights of India Tour – IHR9
Soak up the breathtaking architecture and urban vibe in Delhi, marvel at the testament to love at the famous Taj Mahal, view the colorful forts of Jaipur and the palaces of Udaipur as you take in the highlights of India tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 New Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed and chauffeured to your hotel to rest up for your India tour. Your hotel is opulent yet contemporary and is located near many tourist sites.
The narrow alleys of Old Delhi hold secrets of the Mughal rule. The wide avenues and imperial buildings of New Delhi are reminiscent of The British Raj. Delhi is an ancient city which has risen from a combination of eight settlements and where every crumbling wall has a story to tell. It has been considered forever the seat of power, from the past to the present.
Accommodations: Leela Palace Hotel, Grand Deluxe Room
Day 2 New Delhi
Commence on a private tour of the city. Start with Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is a complex of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s tomb.
Carry on past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House), the official residence of the President of India. Next is India Gate, a stone arch of triumph bearing the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I and other wars.
Hop on a rickshaw for a ride in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Chandni Chowk was once the grandest of markets in India. Even though today it appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character. Follow this with Khari Baoli spice market, operating since the 17th century. Pay a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.
Carry on to savour the flavours of the streets, best done in Delhi, home of street food. Leave room for High Tea afterwards.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Leela Palace Hotel, Grand Deluxe Room
Day 3 Agra
This morning proceed to Agra, approximately 3.5 hours. The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. It attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan engraved his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. The city is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work.
Visit Agra Fort in red sandstone, was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. It has been reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.
Become enraptured with a sunset visit to The Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Oberoi Amarvilas, Premier Room
Day 4 Jaipur
Start your day with sunrise at The Taj Mahal for great photo opportunities. Follow that with a drive to Jaipur (5 hours) making a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the original Mughal Empire capital. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blend both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style. Marvel at the variety of architecture.
Arrive in Jaipur, the famous walled city. Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is where modernity and tradition exist side by side. The city, vibrant with colors, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar. Check out where artisans fashion puppets, silver jewellery, lac bangles and other handicrafts in their workshops.
Your hotel offers its guests a taste of royal living, a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Taj Rambagh Palace, Palace Room
Day 5 Jaipur
This morning visit the stunning Amber Fort built all in white marble and red sandstone. Amber Fort is located 11 km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Known for its unique artistic style, it blends both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, with breathtaking artistic mastery.
(We suggest you do not use the elephants that are present at the Palace. They are there to ferry tourists from the bottom of the hill up to the Palace; however, there is concern for the welfare of these animals).
Continue your India tour itinerary visiting City Palace, a wonderful combination of Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture. It is now partly a museum, giving invaluable insight into Jaipur’s royal past. The palace houses miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weapons. Some of the instruments at the astronomical observatory are still used today to forecast the weather. Stop for a photo of Hawa Mahal, or The Palace of Winds, the focal point of the city of Jaipur. It is a five story pink sandstone façade of the palace, built for the ladies of the harem by Sawai Pratap Singh.
In the evening, absorb new sights on a walking tour. Observe local artisans or sample culinary delights on Ghee Walon ka Rasta, a street dedicated to finding the best food! Sample a large variety of Indian savoury snacks including samosa, kachories and pakoras. For those with a sweeter tooth, try the ladoos.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Taj Rambagh Palace, Palace Room
Day 6 Udaipur
This morning you will board a flight for Udaipur. Delicate, feminine and elegant, Udaipur is known by many names – City of Sunrise, Jewel of Mewar and City of Lakes. The city, in the heart of Rajasthan, houses majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Undoubtedly one of India’s most romantic cities, Udaipur nestles in the ancient Aravalli Hills. Although it is one of Rajasthan’s largest cities, modern Udaipur manages to retain a charming small town vibe.
In the evening proceed on a private boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. View the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Oberoi, Udaivilas, Premier Room
Day 7 Udaipur
Delight in a visit to City Palace in, built by the Maharana Udai Singh. Located on the east bank of the Lake Pichola, it has several palaces built within its complex. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in the Rajputana Agency and its last capital. The Palace was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Enjoy the Crystal Gallery museum housing a collection of crystal items. A walking tour takes you through the old town, to discover workshops and jewellery shops.
Later, in the evening, witness Aarti ceremony at Jagdish Temple. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers. Chanting, bells and music can be heard throughout the day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Oberoi, Udaivilas, Premier Room
Day 8 Udaipur
Visit Eklingji and Nagda Temples this morning. Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is 45 minutes drive from Udaipur. It is a complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble. The temple was built in 734 AD, to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva. Eklingji and Nagda temples are architectural marvels.
The rest of the day is free for independent activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Oberoi, Udaivilas, Premier Room
Day 9 Delhi Departure
Morning is at leisure. During the afternoon you will board flight for Delhi at 1605, arriving at 1815. On arrival, transfer to International Airport to connect to your onward flight. If your flight departs later, you will have the use of a day room at Trident Hotel. Finally, when ready, you will be transferred to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
