Essential India & the Taj -

Overview

Discover India at its most authentic, from vibrant cities and bustling markets to wild game reserves and sacred temples…

Explore India’s greatest treasures, as you visit the Bollywood city on the shores of the Arabian Sea – Mumbai, Udaipur ’s Lake Pichola, seek the graceful Bengal tiger, witness a holy ritual along the Ganges in Varanasi, which finds it’s mention in the Ancient Vedas. Last but not the least, the timeless Taj Mahal.

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 01: ARRIVE MUMBAI
DAY 02: MUMBAI
DAY 03: UDAIPUR
DAY 04: UDAIPUR
DAY 05: JAIPUR
DAY 06: JAIPUR
DAY 07: AGRA
DAY 08: PANNA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 09: PANNA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 10: KHAJURAHO
DAY 11: VARANASI
DAY 12: DELHI
DAY 13: DELHI
DAY 14: DEPART DELHI

Highlights

Khajuraho temples – built in 950 AD, famous for its erotic sculptures. .
The city of dreams & Bollywood – Mumbai
A heritage walk at Amber, to rediscover the treasures of this long forgotten town.
Visit a women’s handcraft enterprise that works towards the upliftment of women around Udaipur.
The elusive Bengal tigers at Panna National park.
Heritage walk in the old city, close to Taj Mahal.
Observe priests performing an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Holy Ganges in Varanasi

Day 1 :

ARRIVE MUMBAI (Dharavi walk)

Arrive Mumbai and transfer to your hotel. Some call it the city of dreams, some call it the millennium city, but most agree that Mumbai is certainly the financial capital of India, a cultural and entertainment hub with lot of history. Today afternoon we’ll take a walk through Dharavi – the heart of Mumbai & Asia’s largest slum. It’s one of the most vibrant centers for entrepreneurship. We are trying to change the legend about the Dharavi slums in Mumbai. It has a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce plastic Recycling, export quality leather goods, pottery, embroidered garments, and many more. We’ll walk through the narrow alleys getting a unique glimpse of artisans creating their work. Some of the areas will be familiar if you have seen the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ as much of the film was shot in Dharavi. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

Day 2 :

MUMBAI (Flower market, Gateway of India, Dabbawallas, Dhobi Ghat)

In the morning we’ll visit Mumbai's largest wholesale flower market. It exudes freshness and vibrancy & is a colourful cornucopia of multi-hued marigolds, red roses, and pink and purple asters, among others. After breakfast, we explore the city’s classic sights, including Victoria Terminus Station and the Gateway of India. Then travel to the Churchgate Railway Station to observe local Dabbawallas at work as they prepare to deliver hundreds of thousands of home-cooked meals to working professionals throughout the city with astonishing accuracy. Finish today’s exploring with a photo stop at the Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry, a wonderfully colorful spectacle to behold. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

Day 3 :

MUMBAI / UDAIPUR (Women NGO & Cultural dance)

Today, fly to Udaipur and check into hotel. Later, we will visit an NGO that works for the upliftment of the women in that area. You will have the opportunity of visiting their workshop where they do tie –and- dye on fabrics along with stitching, embroidery etc . We will interact with the women who work there. This evening we’ll enjoy a cultural dance performance at Bagore ki haveli before having dinner at a local restaurant. ACCOMMODATION: Homestay FLIGHT: 1.5 hrs

Day 4 :

UDAIPUR (Temples & Palaces)

Embark on a morning city tour of Udaipur, the Lake City, as your local guide takes you to visit the highlights of this beautiful city including the City Palace, which was built in 1559 A.D and sits on the edge of Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari gardens, before retiring to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to either relax at the hotel or explore the fascinating old city full of colourful markets, street food stalls, tradesmen and artisans, shops and cafes. Later this afternoon you will be taken on a sunset boat cruise on the Lake Pichola, passing by Jag Niwas Island, which is home to the famous Lake Palace Hotel. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

Day 5 :

UDAIPUR / JAIPUR (The pink city)

Fly to Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Jaipur, has both an old and a new part to the city, and you’ll spend most time in the old city. Today you will have a half day sightseeing of old Jaipur. Visit the City Palace, once the home of the Maharaja, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. Visit the 18th century Jantar Mantar, an open-air array of astronomical instruments built by the city’s founder Jai Singh. See the famous Palace of the Winds; here royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens) which hid them from prying male eyes. ACCOMMODATION: Heritage hotel FLIGHT: 01 hr

Day 6 :

JAIPUR (Amer fort)

In the morning, drive the short distance to the foot of Amber fort. This impressive hilltop fortress possesses what must be the world’s finest Chamber of Mirrors and affords glorious views of the surrounding plains. After visiting the fort, we will take a fascinating heritage walk to rediscover the treasures of this long forgotten town dotted with numerous historic temples and ancient structures. Later in the evening, explore the Bazaars of Jaipur, taking in the variety of goods and myriad colors. ACCOMMODATION: Heritage hotel

Day 7 :

JAIPUR / AGRA (Agra fort & heritage walk)

Set out for Agra, stopping en route to visit the Chand Baori , a step well built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel. We’ll visit the mighty Agra Fort, a vast riverside complex comprised of exquisite palaces and mosques. From here we’ll take a Mughal heritage walk through the farming community of Kachhpura, led by a trained specialist guide. The walk ends with some refreshments on the rooftop of a local home where you can enjoy watching the sunset and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Taj Mahal across the river in the far distance. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel DRIVE: 250 km

Day 8 :

AGRA / JHANSI / PANNA NATIONAL PARK ( Taj Mahal & Train journey to National park)

Early this morning you will visit the iconic Taj Mahal for sunrise. This is an extraordinary time of day to visit, as the soft sunlight hits the exquisite marble and semi-precious stones, resulting in a stunning blend of light and colour. Later in the day transfer to the railway station to board train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi, and continue overland to remote Panna National Park, checking in to your wilderness lodge. ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Lodge TRAIN : 03 hrs DRIVE DISTANCE: 180 km

Day 9 :

PANNA NATIONAL PARK (Tracking Tigers)

Today, set out on morning and afternoon game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, spotting crocodiles, deer 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. ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Lodge

Day 10 :

PANNA NATIONAL PARK / KHAJURAHO

This morning, drive to Khajuraho to see its profusely sculpted Hindu temples. The erotic love making images of celestial nymphs, gods and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail have caught the imagination of people from all over the world. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel DRIVE: 90 km

Day 11 :

KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (India’s Holiest City & Sunset boat ride)

Fly to Varanasi, a city sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. It’s one of the oldest living cities in the world. We'll take an orientation walk around the winding streets of the city. Then, in the evening, we'll make our way to the ghats to witness the evening aarti ceremony when the River Ganges is venerated with a display of light and sound. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel / Heritage Homestay FLIGHT: 01 hr

Day 12 :

VARANASI / DELHI (Sarnath- Buddhist site & heritage walk)

After breakfast, we'll visit nearby Sarnath. Having gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. The city was at its peak in the 5th century, when it was a respected centre of religious activity, learning and art. Muslim invaders destroyed much of the city and today the remains of several monasteries and stupas can be seen. There'll be free time later on to explore the labyrinth of streets, bazaars and temples that line the banks of the river. Then, in the early evening, we'll take an overnight sleeper train back to Delhi ACCOMMODATION: Onboard Train TRAIN:

Day 13 :

DELHI (Exploring Old & New Delhi)

Visit the great Jama Masjid, and set off on an exciting rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of the busiest and oldest markets in Old Delhi. After your visit to the mosque, you will continue your rickshaw ride to a tucked-away Haveli of Lala Chunnamal. In the heart of Chandni Chowk, this three stories high Haveli is one of the must-visit historic buildings that still retains a significant amount of its history. We will have tea/coffee with the family and savor the Indian snacks that are prepared at Chandni chowk, while listening to their stories of the by-gone era. A fascinating contrast waits as you head into New Delhi. Its wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its peak. You visit the main sights - Parliament House, President House and India Gate before returning to your hotel. Evening is free to explore Delhi markets on your own. Tour leader will organize a farewell dinner, where you cherish your tour memories. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel

Day 14 :

DEPART DELHI

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.

FAQs

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Trip Difficulty Level?

This non-strenuous trip is suitable for anyone in reasonable health, but It’s is a busy and active itinerary with lots to see & explore. Driving time is kept to a minimum and is not normally longer than four to five hours. You should be prepared for some early starts. The rural roads are not properly tarred and the drive can be bumpy and longer at few places.

As bustling as it is colorful, India can be an overwhelming destination, but it rewards you with cultural, gastronomic and historic delights. To fully immerse yourself in this magnificent country, its best approached with an open mind.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Our accommodation is chosen based on location and authenticity. We use a variety of accommodation in this trip to North & central India. In Mumbai, Delhi you’ll stay at a comfortable hotel (4*). Agra accommodation will be at a comfortable homestay. In Udaipur & Jaipur Heritage hotels. At Panna NP, you’ll stay at a Jungle Lodge.

Weather during the tour?

The best time to take this tour is from October to March, when temperatures are at their best, with warm days and cool nights.

Oct & Nov: Autumn sets in during these months & the temperatures are warm during the day & pleasant for the night.

December & January: During winter, temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and the north, especially at night. Hotels in some regions may not have adequate heating. In these months you may like to bring thermals for sleeping and a warm jacket for mornings and evenings. Fog can delay trains travelling throughout this region.

Feb & March: Spring brings along colorful vistas to our overland journey. Temperature starts to rise reaching mid-thirties during day time.

Who will accompany the tour?

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your women tour leader, who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by local guides in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

What kind of transportation is used?

During the course of your trip, overland journey will be in a private Coach/ Tempo traveller, depending on the size of the group. At Panna NP. you’ll be driven in 4X4 jeep for Jungle safaris. Train journey to Jhansi will be in a A/C chair car coach. Overnight train journey from Varanasi to Delhi will be in A/C Sleeper coach. Vehicles with seatbelts are provided throughout the trip.

Is it ok to Tip during the tour

For better or worse, tipping is an accepted part of tourism in India. We follow a tipping system on all Group Tours. It involves guests contributing to a kitty which is handed over to the tour leader at the beginning of the tour. The tips are distributed for the services everyday on the guest’s behalf. This avoids the need for individual tipping daily throughout your trip.