Delhi / Varanasi / Agra /Sawai Madhopur / Jaipur / Udaipur / Mumbai

Post breakfast, visit the historical part of the city also known as Old Delhi. Drive past Red Fort and visit Jama Masjid - India’s largest & active mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jehan, creator of the Taj Mahal.

Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and the 19th century. Here you find dense, crowded streets with mosques, museums, and forts which tell the story of Mughal rule.

New Delhi on the other hand was established as the capital of India, when the British took over. Its streets are more open and houses embassies, government buildings, parks and fountains. At its centre is Connaught Place, once the commercial hub of the British Raj.

Later ride in a rickshaw through its principal street, Chandni Chowk - originally renowned throughout Asia with a tree-lined canal flowing down its centre. These days it’s a bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques and workshops of goldsmiths, silversmiths, silk traders and embroiderers.

Continue the Old Delhi tour with a photo stop at Raj Ghat - the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation.

Post lunch, proceed to visit the UNESCO world Heritage site Humayun’s Tomb – an early example of Mughal architecture.

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Humayun’sTomb was commissioned in the 16th century by his wife - Haji Begum.

The design elements of this tomb – a squat building lighted by high arched entrances topped by a protuberant dome and surrounded by formal gardens, were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal.

Return to the hotel on completion.

We suggest Lunch at “Indian Accent” in Lodhi Hotel.

Overnight is at The Oberoi. (B)

{Premier Room}

This morning after breakfast, we check out and drive  to Delhi International Airport terminal to fly for Varanasi.

Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, has attracted devotees for millennia. The bank of the river Ganges teems with masses of humanity, the rich and the poor, the families and the sanyasis (renouncer) dip in the river’s holy water to achieve purity. The temple bells and chanting priests manifest the faith of the congregation that seeks to make peace between the gods and one’s inner soul.

On arrival, drive 45 mins to check into “Taj Nadesar Palace” for 2 nights stay.

Taj Nadesar Palace, which is situated on the banks of the river Ganges, is the city’s crowning glory and one of the most striking Taj hotels. This is evident by the fact that, from 1835 to present, the palace has hosted myriad figures of royalty as well as statesmen and celebrities. The Palace is a tribute to Goddess Nadesari, which is why it is her namesake and has a shrine dedicated to her in the front of the Palace. The aura of spirituality that surrounds the Palace is further reinforced by the fact that it is nestled among verdant gardens, mango orchards, and marigold and jasmine fields; here peace and tranquility are inevitable.

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‘In religion, India is the only millionaire…the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined’.

In the evening around 16:30 hrs, proceed for a Rickshaw ride through the city lanes.

Arrive at the banks of the river at dusk, to witness the ancient Hindu ceremonial ritual called ‘Aarti’ conducted by the Hindu Brahmin priestly class and embark on a boat for sunset cruise along the river Ganges.

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Aarti – is a Sanskrit word which stands for homage or devotion. The Aarti or offering of the lamps is observed at prescribed hours of the day and night to invoke the gods. It is believed that the gods physically present themselves before devotees at this ceremony. The multi-tiered oil lamps are circulated before the idols in a clockwise direction along with the rhythmic chanting of hymns & mantras. Drums, blowing of the conch-shell and tolling of the temple bells also accompany the recitation. At the end of the ‘Aarti’, the priest takes a handful of water, which he circulates around the god’s idol; this is to pacify ‘Agni’ (the God of fire), who is pressed into service in the form of the wick lamp. The lamps themselves are charged with this “Divine Presence” and thus after the ceremony devotees collect the fumes and smear their faces with its aroma.

Overnight is at Taj Nadesar Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

Early morning around 06:30 hrs, visit the holy Ghats of river Ganges at Sunrise.

The banks are alive with a multitude of worshippers who come to immerse themselves as they face the rising sun. This form of worship is better known as ‘Surya Namaskar’, which translates into ‘Greeting the Sun'.

Enjoy a boat ride and understand the essence of Hinduism from your guide, also witness the burning Ghats & the life of people.

Later take a walk through the narrow lanes of the old city, which is a world in itself.

Return to the hotel around 08:30 hrs, for breakfast.

After breakfast, around 10:30 hrs, drive 30 minutes to Sarnath, for an excursion to the Buddhist Site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

Sarnath– the buried city where Gautam, the Buddha, arrived after attaining Samobodhi (enlightenment) and preached his first sermon and ultimately his teaching laid down the path to the cure of all worldly sorrows. This is known in the Buddhist world as the turning of the of the religious wheel (dharma – chakra pravartana) Sarnath remained an active centre of Buddhism till the end of the 12th century A.D. Centres of Buddhist learning arose in the temples and monasteries at Sarnath and many sects and sub sects of Buddhism flourished here. Sarnath and Varanasi were plundered by Muslim invaders at the end of the twelfth century and razed to the ground.

Rest of the afternoon / evening is to enjoy the pool / spa.

Overnight is at Taj Nadesar Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

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Post breakfast, checkout at 8 a.m. and drive 45 mins to Varanasi airport to fly for Delhi followed by 4 hours drive to Agra.

On arrival in Delhi, enjoy lunch at The Oberoi followed by 4 hours drive to Agra and check into the extravagant ‘The Oberoi Amarvilas’.

Amarvilas located 600 meters from the Taj Mahal offers the best view of the resplendent architectural delight in Agra. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort has splendidly rich interiors that take you back to an era of Emperors and Princes. Richly detailed interiors are perfectly complemented by a choice of international and Indian cuisine.

Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. The city began to grow in 1504 when the Sultan of Delhi, Sikander Lodhi moved his capital here to keep a check on the warring factions of his empire. Agra’s greatest days arrived during the reign of Akbar the Great (1556 – 1605), with the construction of Agra fort.

Overnight is at The Oberoi, Amarvilas. (B)

{Premier Room with Balcony}

{Kindly note that Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays}

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal, which is strikingly beautiful at this hour.

We meet in the hotel lobby at 06:45 hrs and take the golf cart to the Taj Mahal. (5 minutes’ ride)

Taj Mahal, with its incredible lacy white grandeur, is perhaps the most magnificent architectural masterpiece in the world.

To the poet, Tagore it was a “Teardrop on the Face of Eternity”. In memory of his beloved wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan commissioned this massive, extravagant and incomparable edifice as an epitome of his undying love. Though it is marvellous to behold from any angle, it is the detail up close, which is astounding.

Return to the hotel, and enjoy breakfast.

After breakfast, check out at 10:30 hrs to visit the impressive Agra Fort followed by 5 hours drive to

‘Sawai Madhopur’.

On arrival, check into ‘The Oberoi - Vanyavilas’, the exotic tented accommodation for 3 nights to experience the excitement of an Indian Safari.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, spread across twenty acres of lush, landscaped garden, is rich with indigenous plants and birds. From the top of the observation tower, one can admire the panoramic view of the bordering jungle, spot wildlife at the nearby watering hole and sip champagne at sundown. You can stroll around the torch-lit pathways in the evening and delight in the melodious chorus of frogs singing in the lily ponds.

Rest of the day is to relax and unwind.

Overnight is at The Oberoi Vanyavilas. (B)

{Luxury Tent}

Enjoy morning & afternoon Jeep Safari. (3 hours each)

Escorted by a naturalist, we drive in an open jeep into the Ranthambore reserve to look for the great diversity of birds, mammals and some of the major predators including leopards and tigers. Tracking the normally secretive tigers by the alarm calls of the many animals on which they prey, and by looking for the subtle pug-marks that they leave while patrolling their territories is an exciting experience.

Ranthambhore has for over a century been one of the most sought after hunting grounds for tigers in the Indian subcontinent. In more recent times and especially in the last decade this reserve has become internationally known as an exciting hub for research and conservation directed towards protecting the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and its total environment. The deep gorges of Ranthambore serve as hide out for leopards, tigers and sloth bear. The park also provides a congenial habitat for the ‘chital’ or spotted deer and sambhar - the largest of the Asiatic deer. It is also a paradise for bird watchers.

Woodland, ground and water birds are also found in the area, including the rare red jungle fowl and eagle.

Rest of the day is at the resort to enjoy & relax or make use of Spa.

Overnight is at The Oberoi Vanyavilas. (B)

{Luxury Tent}

Rest of the day is to enjoy at the pool OR

to take pleasure in the Ayurvedic massages and holistic beauty rituals at the Spa.

OR to take pleasure in either of the following activities offered:

Join Spice Talk, where one can associate with the precious aromas, the importance and use of each spice, from their medicinal value to their flavours which liven up any dish,

Art Walk, Traditional Art & Craft Experience, Wildlife Presentation,

Nature Walk, Explore the Gardens & “Star Gazing” - a delightful way to end the day.

Overnight is at The Oberoi Vanyavilas. (B)

{Luxury Tent}

Post breakfast check out at 9 a.m. & drive 2.5 hours to Sitapura Industrial Area & visit the Gyan Museum.

Gyan Museum – This gallery is a tribute to the legend who in the world that he foresaw, formulated his own media. He believed that the most beautiful relationship one can have with objects is to own them, and so he travelled his passion and kept collecting the then cultural genre. The word ‘Gyan’ signifies a premise where knowledge is power and information is liberating. Hence, this gallery has been built to memoir his knowledge; to showcase articles of rare existence, articles which Late Shri Gyan Chand Dhaddha collected all his life. With dramatic exterior and intricate interior, every brick and element of Gyan Gallery bears within, his incredible ability to cross cultures & art forms.

The gallery exhibits a variety of Textiles, Mughal Rugs depicting the entire hunting scene - the rarest. The then prevalent playing cards, Silver Hukkas, Gorgeous Gemstones, Vintage Spectacles, Paintings of 19th century and older, the rarest inscriptions and everything else in- between - all showcased in the gallery!

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On completion, drive 45 mins & check into the ‘Taj Rambagh Palace’ for 03 nights.

Jaipur – is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a kaleidoscope of characters from printers and plotters to artist and antique dealers present a colourful tableau of this exhilarating city. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. A scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh’s vision took him beyond architectural beauty, for in the sprawling barren plains beneath Amer the former capital he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique in two and a half centuries.

Taj Rambagh Palace, originally built in 1835, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. This most glorious palace showcases the best of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

In the evening we drive into the city to see city lit up with lights for Diwali festival.

Overnight is at Rambagh Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

Today, after a leisurely breakfast, proceed for the tour of Amber Fort.

This fort was the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. (Amber means “sky” in Hindi)

Later, encounter the story of Jaipur’s fiefdom Dera Amer.

We aim to reach Dera Amer by 12 noon. (‘Dera’ means Camp in Hindi language)

Rhythm with the elephants - Elephant bathing, (weather permitting), Feeding and walking with elephants in the wilderness accompanied by in-house naturalists.

Later enjoy fresh organic food, served under the personal supervision of the family running the camp.

We will get free around 14:00 hrs and for rest of the afternoon guide & car will be at your disposal.

The city offers a variety of activities and interesting shopping opportunities, from exclusive fabrics to jewellery and handmade carpets.

Rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight is at Taj Rambagh Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

Post breakfast, at 09:00 hrs, proceed for the tour of City Palace & Observatory, en-route picture stop at the Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds.

Hawa Mahal - Part of a huge complex, it overlooks one of Jaipur’s main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from where they could watch the activities in the bazaar and the streets. This explains the 900-plus niches.

The building itself resembles the crown atop Lord Krishna’s head. It offers superb views of the city including the many old palaces and houses that were painted pink, the colour of hospitality, for the visit of Prince Albert in 1853.

Continue and visit Jantar Mantar – Open-Air Royal Observatory & the City Palace Museum – also home to The Royal Family of Jaipur.

Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, loved Mathematics and Science, and he sent emissaries to the court of Mirza Begin Samarkand to examine an observatory he had built there in 1425.

Spending much of his time studying astronomy, Jai Singh constructed masonry observatories at Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura and most impressive, at Jaipur completed in 1734.

The City Palace is in the centre of town, covers one seventh of its area, and is surrounded by a high wall. It differs from conventional Rajput fort palaces in its separation of the palace from its fortifications, perhaps modelled on Mughal architectural style with its main building scattered in a fortified campus.

The Royal family occupies a portion of this palace, while other areas have been converted into museum. View their vast collection of

textiles and costumes, an array of armoury, miniature paintings and carpets, the finest of which was displayed at the “Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era” exhibit in at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (1997-1998).

Evening is to relax & enjoy the spa / pool.

Overnight is at Taj Rambagh Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

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Today we fly to Udaipur - The Romantic City, also known as “Venice of the East”.

On arrival, check into the luxurious ‘Taj Lake Palace’ for 03 nights

Surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and set on three beautiful lakes, Udaipur is perhaps the most romantic and picturesque place on the subcontinent. The city and its splendid palaces have a great and glorious past. Complementing this is the Lake Palace, originally designed as a Summer Palace for the Maharana of Mewar, which will be your home for the next 3 nights.

Louis Rousselet, 1878 once said for Udaipur:

I stood in ecstasy on the sublime panorama spread out at my feet …… it resembled one of the fairy cities in the Arabian Nights.

Rest of the day is to relax and enjoy hotel amenities.

Overnight is at Taj Lake Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

Post breakfast around 10:00 hrs, drive to see the grand City Palace.

Crowning a ridge in which the city clusters along the lake. Commenced in the 16th century this palace is a maze of reception halls, residential suites & internal courtyards built above the water.

The most elaborate of the inner courts is the ‘Mor Chowk’ or Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the spectacular Crystal Gallery.

On completion, enjoy a private session of Cooking Demo followed by lunch.

Later, there is an option to visit a local studio of specialised artists who have helped keep alive the fine heritage of the traditional miniature paintings.

In the evening at 17:00 hrs, enjoy a Private Charter - Sunset Boat Cruise to Jagmandir Island on the pristine waters of the Lake Pichola.

Overnight is at Taj Lake Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

After breakfast start at 10:00 hrs & drive 30 minutes and take an excursion to the picturesque village of Nagda, which is known for its 10th century temples.

Also, visit the Eklingji Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the ruling deity of the erstwhile princely state of Udaipur.

On completion, return to the hotel for lunch.

Rest of the day is to explore individually or to relax at the hotel & enjoy the pool / spa.

Overnight is at Taj Lake Palace. (B)

{Palace Room}

Post breakfast, check out at 10 a.m. and drive 45 mins to Udaipur airport to fly to Mumbai.

Air Vistara UK 626 departs from Udaipur at 12:30 hrs and arrives in Mumbai at 14:05 hrs. (Nonstop - 1 hour 35 minutes flight)

On arrival in Mumbai, you will be transferred to the ‘Taj Mahal Palace’ via 1 hour drive, for 2 nights stay.

Bombay, now known as Mumbai with a population exceeding 16 million, this one-time group of low lying mud flats is now India’s economic power base and her most industrialised city, bustling with activities of incredibly diversity and complexity, her colour and elegance, her wealth corresponding with her historic struggle against poverty. Certain affluent areas give Bombay an air of a mini- Manhattan!

Rest of the evening is free to enjoy the pool / spa at the hotel.

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Overnight is at Taj Mahal Palace. (B)

{Luxury Grand Sea View}

Today after breakfast, start at 09:30 hrs to explore the city, passing through the teeming commercial area, many beautiful buildings of Victorian Bombay, including the Queen’s necklace.

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Continue to visit the Dhobi Ghat– the city’s open-air laundry is a unique facet of Mumbai.

Dhobis (washermen) attend to an astounding quantity of washing daily.

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Clothes, linen, towels… are washed in small open-air cubicles rented out each day.

An itemised account is logged in a notebook and the clothes collected from households are returned a week later. Despite the apparent chaos incredibly nothing gets lost from a countless number of pieces and most clothes somehow survive the beating they receive on the washing stone.

Later drive to the Churchgate Railway Terminus at 11:45 hrs to see the ‘Dabbawallahs’.

Dabbawallahs - member of the Bombay Union of Tiffin Box carriers. Each morning, the 2500- odd dabbawallahs call on suburban housewives who pack a freshly cooked lunch into a small circular aluminium or stainless steel containers-‘dabbas’.

Typically the dabbawallah will collect 30-40 boxes, range them out on a long pole and cycle to the nearest station. Here he will hand them over to a fellow dabbawallah who will transport them into the city for the delivery to the consumer. Over 100,000 lunch boxes with a specific coding system helps these illiterate dabbawallahs make their way daily across town to the breadwinner and back again. The service, which costs a few rupees a week, is a good example of the fine division of labor in India and the efficient dabbawallahs pride themselves on never losing a lunch.

Then proceed to visit ‘Mani Bhawan’– A Museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of the Nation.

We suggest lunch at a famous sea food restaurant called ‘Trishna’.

After lunch, visit The Prince of Wales Museum for 1 hour.

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Return to the hotel.

Rest of the day is free to explore on your own or to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight is at Taj Mahal Palace. (B)

{Luxury Grand Sea View}

This morning after breakfast, check - out and drive to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to connect for your flight for home.

** TOUR ENDS **