India tour
| country: | India |
| location: | Rajasthan, Golden Triangle in India, Ranthambore |
| departures: | 2010: 28 Mar, 15 Aug, 24 Oct, 14 Nov, 19 Dec 2011: 20 Feb, 10 Apr, 7 Aug, 16 Oct, 20 Nov, 18 Dec |
| price: | From £1389 - £1729 (12 days) including flights from the UK. From £1029 excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
introduction to India tour
A comprehensive cultural journey combining bustling cities and a tiger safari with a relaxing lakeside stay. Northern India's vibrant culture and delightful architecture are a highlight, and you'll also discover the best of the region's wildlife on a two-day tiger safari at the renowned Ranthambore National Park. This trip is ideal for those who want adventure but with a relaxed and comfortable approach.
Delhi & Jaipur
You'll spend most of your time in the old part of each city amidst busy narrow streets and alleys with camels, bullock-carts and monkeys, to see some of the most celebrated sights.
Wildlife & culture
The itinerary blends a cultural journey with Ranthambore National Park, one of the premier national parks of India and a wonderful mix of historical ruins and wildlife, including Bengal tigers.
Udaipur - Venice of the East
With its beautiful lakes and grandiose palaces that line the shore, you'll explore and relax at Udaipur, an oasis in the otherwise stark and arid state of Rajasthan.
Delhi & Jaipur
You'll spend most of your time in the old part of each city amidst busy narrow streets and alleys with camels, bullock-carts and monkeys, to see some of the most celebrated sights.
Wildlife & culture
The itinerary blends a cultural journey with Ranthambore National Park, one of the premier national parks of India and a wonderful mix of historical ruins and wildlife, including Bengal tigers.
Udaipur - Venice of the East
With its beautiful lakes and grandiose palaces that line the shore, you'll explore and relax at Udaipur, an oasis in the otherwise stark and arid state of Rajasthan.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Evening flight to Delhi, arriving mid-morning the following day. |
| Day 2: | Delhi After your flight, you’ll transfer to your hotel in New Delhi. The present metropolis of Delhi is at least the eighth city to have been founded on this site; its predecessors have been largely razed to the ground. This afternoon you’ll be introduced to India with a guided tour. The network of narrow streets and alleys of Old Delhi serve as a symbolic heart of this magnificent city. You'll visit the city’s largest mosque, Jami Masjid (Friday mosque). Not only is it a place of religious worship, but also a lively meeting place for the city’s Muslims and a fascinating insight into the way of life in the city. You’ll travel by local transport, the rickshaw (own expense), to ply your way through the crowds and down to the impressive Red Fort. Hotel – 1 night |
| Day 3: | Delhi & Udaipur This morning, you'll start the day with a tour of New Delhi, where the wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its zenith. The Lutyen’s designed Rashtrapati (formerly the Viceregal’s Lodge) is particularly impressive, whilst India Gate is one of the city’s most iconic memorials. You’ll also visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Ghandi’s cremation, now marked by a black marble plinth and memorial gardens. You’ll leave for an early afternoon flight south to Udaipur. Udaipur is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’, with its beautiful lakes and grandiose palaces that line the shore, an oasis in the otherwise stark and arid state of Rajasthan. It’s a short transfer fro the city’s small airport to your centrally located hotel. Hotel – 2 nights (B) |
| Day 4-5: | Exploring Udaipur You have two whole days to explore Udaipiur and the surrounding countryside. Each morning you’ll take guided tours of the town’s main sights, leaving the afternoons free to explore further afield or simply relax by the tranquil lakeside. Founded in 1568, the City Palace dominates the lake and the old town. You’ll visit the City Palace, now a museum, where the views over the lake and the Jag Niwas ‘floating palace’ are spectacular. In the centre of the old town the ornately carved Jagdish Mandir is a classic example of a Hindu Temple, with some particularly impressive carved figures decorating its walls. Udaipur is famed for its tie-and-dye fabrics and the fine miniature paintings of the Mewar School. Its bazaars and shops are fascinating to wander around and it’s not unusual to come face to face with an elephant as you explore the narrow lanes and streets. During one of your afternoons here you might chose to take a short cruise on Lake Pichola, stopping off to visit the temple on Jag Mandir Island. Alternatively you can hire a bicycle, or take a taxi out of town to visit the complex of 108 temples at Eklingi, the oldest of which is dedicated to Shiva and dates from the 8th century. At nearby Nagda there are decorative 10th century temples with wonderful carvings and elaborate friezes. In the evenings the sunsets are spectacular, as the changing colours of the sun wash over the Lake Pichola and this most romantic of cities. In the early evening of day five you’ll transfer to the railway station to catch the overnight sleeper train north to Jaipur. On this journey you will sleep in bunk-style berths. There are 2-4 berths per bay and each carriage has air conditioning. Overnight train – 1 night (Bx2) |
| Day 6: | Jaipur This morning you’ll awake in the famous ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. After disembarking you’ll make the short transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both an old and a new part to the city, and you’ll spend most time in the old city. The streets are busy with camels and bullock-carts, and above it all monkeys make their home in the old city walls. After time to freshen up after your journey, you’ll take a half-day city tour to see some of Jaipur’s most celebrated sights. You’ll head to the City Palace and the famous Palace of the Winds; here royal maidens once watched the streets below. They were able to see without being seen, due to the fabulous jali (lattice screens) which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake-charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. Close by is the 18th century Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by the city’s founder Jai Singh who, having a passion for the science, built five such wonders in major cities all over the north. Hotel – 2 nights (B) |
| Day 7: | Amber Fort Palace Perched on a hill some 11km from Jaipur, and nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. You reach the palace along a twisting road that passes Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol or ‘Victory Gate’. This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms. Today they remain lavishly decorated with murals, jali-work and scalloped niches that once held candles to reflect the soft light from tiny mirrors, embedded in eggshell plaster. You can thoroughly explore the site and village opposite, perhaps taking an elephant ride (optional). This afternoon is left free for you to relax or further explore the old town. The bazaars are busy night and day and are an ideal hunting ground for unusual gifts or souvenirs. (B) |
| Day 8-9: | Ranthambore National Park You’ll make an early start after breakfast this morning for the 180km drive to Ranthambore National Park (approx 4-5hrs.) Over the last few days in Rajasthan you’ll have become aware that this is one of India’s most colourful regions and today’s journey is an excellent opportunity to see the rural side of life. Most notable are the elegant women carrying terracotta pots of water from the village wells, dressed in saris in a myriad of colours. They and their families are the proud descendants of the heroic Rajputs who once ruled the state. On arrival Ranthambore you’ll check in to your hotel on the edge of the park. Ranthambore National Park, covering 411 square kilometres, is one of the premier national parks of India. A wonderful blend of historical ruins and wildlife, it is the habitat of tiger, nilgai, sambar and chital (all types of antelope), sloth bear and caracal (a lynx-like cat), plus crocodile in the lake. During your two night stay here you'll make morning and evening game drives. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2,Lx1,Dx1) |
| Day 10: | Ranthambore to Agra This morning, you'll transfer to the train station where you'll catch train to Bharatpur (2hrs35mins). You'll have enough time to pay a visit to a local school before starting your journey to Agra. On route, you'll also visit Fatehpur Sikri, 'The City of Victory'. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th century for only 10 years before becoming largely a ghost town, deserted due to a shortage of water. The complex is famous for its period monuments and includes one of the largest mosques in India. Straddling the holy Yamuna River, Agra remains one of South Asia’s greatest Moghul cities and is where you'll end your journey today. Alternating with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, Agra’s past is inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers, and is of course renowned for the most stunning mausoleum in the world - the Taj Mahal. You’ll arrive in Agra by early evening and check in to your hotel. Hotel – 1 night (BL) |
| Day 11: | Agra & the Taj Mahal No matter how many times you’ve seen it, watching the reflections of light gradually wash over the Taj continues to have a fresh impact. Early this morning, just as the city begins to wake you’ll make the short journey by auto rickshaw to the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their fourteenth child, and must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its creation. At first glance, the Taj appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with a profusion of semi-precious stones, which form stylised flowers and bowers. Words fail to do it justice - only a visit can show you its exquisite beauty. Although Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, it also boasts a wonderful fort, and this afternoon you will have an opportunity to wander through its pavilions, gardens and passages. Started by Akbar and finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb, the fort is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and is early evidence of the distinctive Indian style. In the Afternoon make the drive (taking approximately 5 to 6 hours) back to Delhi. En-route, you'll pay a visit to the Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Facility. As tonight is your last evening in India your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 12: | Fly to London The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those with our onward flights, the return flight to London usually leaves around midday, arriving back in the UK by late afternoon the same day. (B) |
| Day 13-15: | Optional Varanasi extension Day 1-11: As per main itinerary. Day 12: Free day in Delhi. Transfer to rail station for overnight train from Delhi to Varanasi. Sleeper berth – 1 night (B) Day 13: Early morning arrival in Varanasi and transfer to overnight hotel. A local guide will escort you on a morning tour of the city’s main sights, including a boat trip onto the Ganges, and brief you on options for your free afternoon and evening. Hotel Palace on Ganges – a character hotel on the banks of the holy river - 1 night (B) Day 14: Early morning escorted visit to Sarnath and the Ghats. Transfer to airport after lunch, for domestic flight to Delhi. Transfer to overnight hotel. Hotel - 1 night (B) Day 15: Tour ends for Land Only passengers whilst those on our group flights to London, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight home. (B) The cost of this extension includes all transport, accommodation, meals and the services of a local guide in Varanasi, as outlined above. Additional activities and meals must be paid for locally. |
traveller reviews for India tour
Superb. Special thanks to our guide Junaid. He was wonderful from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble and the organisation was seamless. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
|
On this trip: Visits by travellers to Shekhawati have helped save the havelis from crumbling into dust. Hotels used in this remote region also provide employment, encouraging local people to remain in their villages rather than drifting to the city for work. We have also developed a programme of school visits with our local agent in India. These schools are government funded but would benefit greatly from additional support. You will have the opportunity to visit a school during your stay in Ranthambore. If you would like to offer your assistance by taking a gift they would be delighted to receive the following; clothes (remember Indian children are smaller than those in the UK), exercise books, schoolbags, pencils and crayons, erasers and similar stationary. Although you can take things out with you, goods are available cheaply locally and your group leader will be able to advise you on where to buy things. Please note - there are departures in October and November when you're visit to Ranthambore is at the weekend when the school is closed and visits won't be possible.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
check out similar holiday ideas...