Easy Exploring…Northern India Luxury Adventure

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Tour Type:

Easy Exploring

Comfort Rating:

Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

10 Days

Without a doubt India is one of the most exotic and fascinating countries in the world, and the northwest province of Rajasthan is one of India’s best-loved regions. Steeped in tales of chivalry and romance, famous for its striking desert landscape and colorful festivals, Rajasthan brings alive its ancient and glorious history. From its legendary cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur, built by the mighty Rajput warriors, to its indigenous tribal and artisan communities, Rajasthan is a unique combination of royal and tribal India. The variety of its landscape is immense…the region is awash with awe-inspiring forts, sparkling palaces, soothing lakes and gardens, and exquisite temples and shrines. Once called Rajputana “abode of kings” until as recently as 1956 this vast land was separated into 22 states, each ruled by its own warrior-prince, called Rajput. When they were not fighting amongst themselves for power, wealth, and women, the Rajputs built the hundreds of forts, palaces, gardens and temples that make this region so enchanting.

Come with us and travel this exotic region, you’ll meet the warm, wonderful people, experience the incredible cuisine, gaze on landscapes that jump right out of the pages of National Geographic, wander through impressive forts and magnificent palaces, and see a part of the world that you never knew existed.

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Day 1 Welcome to Delhi

On arrival you will be provided assistance at the airport followed by transfer to your 5* hotel.

In the evening, you'll have a tour briefing by your local Tour Leader. Tonight is all about relaxing and recharging after your international flight. Your guide will take you on a short stroll of the neighborhood to enjoy a welcome dinner at a fantastic local restaurant. If this is your first exposure to real Indian regional cuisine, you're in for a treat!

Day 2 Old and New Delhi

After breakfast this morning you'll meet your Tour Leader and head off for a day of exploring. First will be Old Delhi, where you'll visit the Jama Masjid...a 350-year-old Mosque. Shah Jahan’s last architectural extravagance, the Jama Masjid towers over Old Delhi and is India’s largest mosque. From there, the excitement picks up when you board an e-rickshaw and ride through the narrow lanes of old colourful markets bustling with action-packed streets. You'll go to famous Kinari Bazaar as well as the beautiful and interesting spice market, and you'll even experience the beautiful art of Indian Bridal wear making! Next you'll dive into the heart of Old Delhi...the fascinating market area of Chandni Chowk, with stalls full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets.

Later in the day we'll drive to Lal Qila, the Red Fort of Delhi, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Named for its red sandstone walls, the fort is the greatest of India's palace-cities. Built in the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan, Lal Qila recalls the era of Moghul magnificence and power like nothing else on earth. You can easily imagine the imperial elephants swaying by with their mahouts, a royal army of eunuchs, and court ladies carried on palanquins. In fact the word "fort" is misleading, as this is really a fortified palace, with royal apartments, mosques, halls, and a even a dungeon. Over 3,000 people lived within its walls. If time permits we'll take in some more of Delhi's sites...like the King’s Way, immensely broad and flanked by ornamental ponds. From here we can have visits to several iconic Delhi landmarks, including Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – a beautiful white and golden crafted Sikh temple, and Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This five-story sandstone tower was built to commemorate the victory of Muhammad Ghuri and Qutub-ud-din Aibak over the infidel Chauhans of Prithvi Raj in 1192. Construction of the monument began in 1199 by Qutub-u-din Aibak, who later became the first sultan of Delhi.

By the end of this whirlwind day of exploring you'll be ready to return to your hotel and relax. You're free for dinner this evening.

Day 3 Jodhpur...The Blue City

After breakfast, you'll have a transfer and assitance to the airport to connect to the flight to Jodhpur. In Jodhpur, you will be met at the airport on arrival followed by a transfer to your 5 star hotel.

Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert of the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan. Its 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is a former palace that’s now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborate royal palanquins (sedan chairs). Set on a rocky outcrop, the fort overlooks the walled city, where many buildings are painted the city’s iconic shade of blue. After freshening up, a local guide will meet you and off we'll go to explore Jodhpur, once the capital of the state of Marwar. Jodhpur is built tumbling down a low sandstone hill, right on the edge of the great Thar Desert. We'll see all of the most important and interesting places in Jodhpur today, including the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and the unbelievable Ummaid Bhawan Palace.

One of the highlights of Jodhpur is the fascinating exploration of the bazaar. Starting with a tuk-tuk ride through the impossibly narrow lanes of the market, you'll soon be immersed in the riot of color, people, and clamor that is an Indian bazaar at full tilt! Rajasthan's craftspeople have been famous for centuries for their jewel settings, stonework, blue pottery, enamel, lacquer, filigree work, and block-printed silk. Thousands of stands, spice markets, textile shops and street vendors selling everything you could possibly imagine...you'll realize that not much has changed here in the last few centuries. Think Indiana Jones...

Day 4 Bishnoi Village and the Great Thar Desert of Osian

After breakfast, our private local guide will pick us up for the drive to Luni. On arrival at the Fort, you'll get into Jeeps to go for a Village Safari through Luni, a traditional village of the Bishnoi people. You'll be amazed at their local handicrafts...shoe makers, pottery, and hand weaving. Bishnois are an integral part of this region, a very hard working and hospitable tribal community. It's fascinating to see village folk in their rustic and traditional attire and women clad in their ancestral silver jewelry. While in this area, you'll have a good chance to encounter and photograph wildlife such as black buck, chinkaras, peacocks etc., all endangered species protected by Bishnois.

After the Village Safari, enjoy your Lunch at Fort Chanwa, a former Rajasthani palace.

After Lunch, youll continue on to Osian, even deeper into the Great Thar Desert.. From there, you shall start your camel ride through the dunes…the only way to truly appreciate a breathtaking desert sunset is by camel! As a million stars burst into view over the clear desert landscape, you'll return to base camp and settle in to a wonderful traditional meal, fit for a maharajah...

Day 5 The Rajasthani Countryside

After breakfast, your private transfer will depart the hotel for the overland drive to Jaipur. Today is all about relaxing and taking in the endlessly changing views as we make our way cross-country. The sheer scope of the landscape will help you realize just how massive India really is. Most of the countryside has remain unchanged for hundreds of years...local women in colorful saris dot the fields as the work the crops, sacred cows wander unhindered in the towns and on the roads, and intricate Hindu temples abound. This is the real India, what you came to see! You'll enjoy lunch at a restaurant midway along your route to Jaipur.

On arrival in Jaipur, the Pink City, you'll check into your gorgeous 5 star hotel, relax and freshen up. Tonight our local guide will take us into the old town to explore a bit before enjoying another excellent regional dinner.

Day 6 Jaipur, the Pink City

Today you'll explore one of the most historic and fascinating cities on the planet! Jaipur is a delightful mix of modern India and ancient empires...don't be surprised to see camels pulling carts on the main streets!Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and takes its name from Maharaja Jai Singh, who in the early 1700s became the king of amber at the age of 13. Architecture and astronomy were just a few of his many passions. He designed the bulk of his new capital with exquisite buildings of rose colored terra cotta, thus giving it the name of "the pink city". With pink and orange the dominant colors, the effect at dusk is pure magic!
The most imposing and impressive place in Jaipur is the palace of the ruling family, the Amber Fort. You'll have a guided tour of it today with its hundreds of rooms, towers, walls, courtyards, and even elephants! You'll also wander through the City Palace of Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar, and finally you'll find yourself gawking in amazement at the stunning facade of the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Wind.

Another little know fact is that over 80% of the world's jewels come to Jaipur for cutting, polishing and inlay work, making Jaipur the world's leader in jewelry fabrication. India itself mines more emeralds, rubies, and lapis lazuli than anywhere else, and the jewelry made with these stones is exquisite! So of course while you're here you'll visit a local jewelry maker to learn how precious and semi precious stones are converted into stunning traditional Rajasthani jewelry of Kundan, Polki and Meenakari.

And if that wasn't enough, you'll find that the world-famous textile shops of Jaipur have some of the most artistic and labor intensive pieces you've ever seen. The rich Indian fabrics lend themselves wonderfully to the intricate embroideries and patterns. High-end fashion houses from all over the western world come to India to purchase upscale textiles...you can pick them up for a fraction of what you'd pay in Paris or New York.

Day 7 Jaipur

After breakfast, we'll continue our exploration of the area with a visit of Nahargarh Fort. Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. We'll continue on to Jaigarh Fort, situated on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela of the Aravalli range; it overlooks the Amer Fort and the Maota Lake. The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amer Fort and its palace complex and was named after him.

This afternoon you'll have some time to relax, recharge, and do your own thing. Maybe you'll decide to lounge around the pool at your gorgeous hotel. Or you could opt to head down to Jaipur's amazing market bazaar for some leisurely shopping and exploring on your own. Whatever you choose to do, this evening we'll meet again for a very special experience a hands-on Rajasthani cooking experience in the Zenana Deorhi (Ladies courtyard) garden of a very unique establishment. They love to show and serve dishes which normally the guests would not find easily. The reference is both to ingredients, techniques and different segments of citizens preparing and having these dishes. You'll be able to roll up your sleeves and work side-by-side with the chefs. Of course afterwards you'll enjoy a sit down dinner with your hosts. If time permits & guests are inclined, you could have a walk to the food, spice & vegetable market in the Pink City before the cooking class accompanied by Sandeep, for an orientation to Indian Masalas (Spices).

Day 8 Fatehpur Sikri...the Ghost City, Agra

After breakfast this morning you'll check out from the hotel and begin the next leg of your Indian overland journey. Yet another facet of the rich Moghul history will unfold for you today as you explore the ruins of the Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri. The Moghul emperor Akbar began construction of Sikri in 1571, as a new capital city. Massive walls over seven miles long enclosed three sides, and a lake protected the fourth. It continued to expand and when the British envoys came to visit in 1583 they were astonished to find a city that exceeded London in both population and grandeur - with more rubies, diamonds, and silks than they could count! Akbar ruled here for only 14 years before moving his capital, and since then the city has languished and eventually was abandoned. Impressive buildings and mounuments still survive, though, as well as the thousands of "ghosts" of the royal court who are said to wander the empty streets.

Not long after departing Fatehpur Sikri you'll arrive at Agra, home to one of the world's most famous sites...the Taj Mahal. Here we'll check into our beautiful 5 star hotel and relax from our days journey.

Day 9 The Taj Mahal

Today you'll experience what may be the highlight of your Indian experience...a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal! By now you'll have learned much about the Moghul empire in India, so you'll understand the significance of this most-impressive monument. Built by one of the last Moghul emperors, Shah Jehan, for his revered wife, Mumtaz Mahal, so that the world would never forget their love. Begun in 1632, it took 20,000 laborers 17 years to complete this vast tomb of white marble on the banks of the Yamuna river. As if the sheer size isn't impressive enough, nearly all of the massive building is covered with intricate inlays of precious jewels...a one inch flower on the queen's tomb has over 60 separate stones! As you wander the grounds and your guide explains all of the wondrous features, don't be surprised if you find yourself overwhelmed by the magnificence of this monument!

Later we'll return to the hotel for breakfast, then pay a visit to the original Red Fort of Agra. Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned at this fort in 1530. It was later renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar from 1565 and the present-day structure was completed in 1573. We still have most of the day in front of us, so we'll board our private coach for the drive back to Delhi, where we'll check into our 5 star hotel. Tonight there is a wonderful farewell dinner planned at one of our favorite restaurants. Enjoy the Indian cuisine while you relax and recall all of your wonderful experiences from the week...

Day 10 Farewell to Delhi

Early morning you will be provided an assisted departure transfer to the International airport to connect to your flight home.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Delhi - 5 Star The Claridges Hotel: Their flagship hotel in New Delhi epitomises exceptional hospitality by seamlessly blending timeless elegance with modern luxury, crafting memorable experiences in the heart of the capital city. Established in 1955, this esteemed luxury establishment has stood as a beacon of excellence in Delhi from its inception. From accommodations that exude old-world charm to event spaces of unparalleled grandeur, dining experiences fit for royalty, and facilities designed for the discerning, they prioritise your experience above all else and assure you a stay that will be truly extraordinary, with every moment characterised by magnificence.

Johdpur - 5 Star Ajit Bhawan Palace: The Ajit Bhawan Palace is the residence of the family of the Late General Maharaj Ajit Singh, younger brother of the late ruler, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Built at the turn of the last century, this stately palace served as a residence that attracted Princes and Statesmen, Artists and Hunters, an electric mix of the interesting & the mundane - all drawn its true essence of Rajput hospitality. Decades later, his son, Late Maharaj Swaroop Singh along with his wife, Rani Usha opened the doors of this stately royal residence to the travelers coming to the Blue City. They pioneered the “Heritage Hotel” concept in India. They had found a perfect way to share their legacy with all who wished to experience and have a taste of this royal luxury. Set in the serene desert of Rajasthan in India, Ajit Bhawan stands as an oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm.

Jaipur - 5 Star Rajputana: Inspired by the imposing architecture of Rajasthan’s traditional havelis and located in the heart of the city, ITC Rajputana invites its guests to immerse in the romance and majesty of the royal era. The elegant red brick exterior encompasses a central atrium around which the various levels rise gracefully. Long corridors, secluded courtyards and the tinkle of fountains recall times long past. Infused with this style is the modern uncluttered look and feel a combination that makes the hotel a truly distinguished host in Jaipur.

Agra - 5 Star ITC Mughal: Sprawled over 23 acres of luxurious gardens, ITC Mughal, a luxury resort & spa in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. With a platinum grade commitment to their guests and the planet, ITC Mughal, is certified with a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum rating for globally recognized planet positive endeavours. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities. It recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul - exemplifying the splendor and perfection that was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Savor gourmet international cuisine in their upscale dining establishments, Peshawri and Taj Bano. Their prime location enables you to explore the wonder of the city at your leisure.

• Two nights dbl occy accom in Delhi at listed hotel, or similar
• Two nights accom in Jodhpur at listed hotel, or similar
• Three nights accom in Jaipur at listed hotel, or similar
• One night accom in Agra at listed hotel, or similar
• One night accom in Delhi, at listed hotel, or similar
• Delhi/Jodhpur Domestic Indian Flight
• 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
• Complete transportation by deluxe AC Volvo coach with washroom
• Arrival and departure transfers and airport assistance
• All tours as listed
• Local guides in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri
• E Rickshaw ride in Delhi
• Tuk Tuk ride in Jodhpur
• Jeep safari to Bishnoi village
• Camel safari in Osian
• Cooking class with drinks and dinner
• All tips for group meals, local guides and drivers, EXCEPT for your local Tour Leader
• Fully escorted by a Go Get Lost local Tour Leader
• A lifetime of unforgettable memories

• International Airfare to/from Delhi
• Any expenses of a personal nature...drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at meals
• Indian Visa fees and departure taxes, if applicable
• Any video or camera fees
• Gratuity for your local Tour Leader or hotel staff
• Any meals apart from the ones mentioned above
• Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control - flight delays, cancellations and rescheduling, any situations relating to road blocks, accidents, medical evacuation and natural calamaties