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India Grand Tour
16 Days
Overview:
India has always been a nation shrouded in mystery. Steeped in exotic flair, flavor and culture, there is so much to be discovered. This two-week excursion into the heart of India teaches you about this historic nation and see all the jewels in their crown. You will also gain amazing insight into bustling cities such as Delhi before gazing at the banks of the Ganges as they become illuminated by a pilgrimage offering fire to Hindu deities in a spectacular Aarti Ceremony. Travel to Agra, and discover the Taj Mahal with your own private tour guide before viewing the 16th-century remains of the Mughal Empire in the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. In beautiful Udaipur, stroll luscious greenery and the man-made oasis of fountains and pools and marble elephants. In Jodhpur you'll also visit Mehrangarh Fort before travelling to buzzing Mumbai and the home of Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy the best that India has to offer on this 16 day trip!
2 days in Mumbai
2 days Udaipur
2 days Jodhpur
2 days Jaipur
2 days Agra
3 days Varanasi
2 days New Delhi
The Plan:
Day 1 Mumbai
Welcome to Mumbai, India! You’ll be greeted at the airport by a hostess, who will lead you to your private driver. From the airport you will be taken straight to your hotel and you will be able to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Day 2 Mumbai
Enjoy a full day exploring Mumbai with your personal driver and guide. See the Gateway of India and the blending of Indian and British architecture at spots like the St. Thomas Cathedral, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University, the Oval Maidan, and Victoria Terminus. Later, view legendary sights such as the home of Gandhi and the Hanging Gardens as well as Dhobi Ghat.
Day 3 Mumbai – Udaipur (2 Hours)
After your flight to Udaipur, check into your hotel and relax before embarking on a tour of the city palace. From the breathtaking marble and granite walls to the sprawling 'Garden of the Maids of Honor', the Udaipur City Palace is filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be found.
Day 4 Udaipur
Today you will travel slightly north of the city to Eklengji-- a half-ruined temple complex dating back to 734 AD. A wonderful example of ancient Indian culture, it is located near Nagda, home of the ornate and opulent Sas Bahu Temple.
Day 5 Udaipur – Jodhpur (7 Hours)
As you leave Udaipur and are transferred to the next stage of your journey, Jodhpur, be sure to stop off at Ranakpur. This stunningly scenic region is nestled in a mountain range and is home to one of the largest and most significant temple collections in the whole of India.
Day 6 Jodhpur
Today your personal guide will take you on a tour of one of India’s most impressive buildings, Mehrangarh Fort. Impressive and daunting from the outside, its interior is filled with delightful palaces and courtyards. After lunch, enjoy an excursion into an authentic Bishnoi community and discover rural village life.
Day 7 Jodhpur – Jaipur (5 Hours)
Sit back and relax as you are taken to Jaipur in a private and comfortable car. After arriving and settling into your hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the streets and sample some delicious local food and drink.
Day 8 Jaipur
After breakfast, you’ll observe the delightful city of Jaipur! From the Amber Fort and City Palace to the Observatory and Hawa Mahal, you will truly get a feel of what it was like to have been Indian royalty. In fact, you’ll witness some sections of the palace that the Maharaj still calls home! There will be picture-perfect moments throughout the day, but perhaps none more iconic than the stunning Hawa Mahal.
Day 9 Jaipur – Agra (6 Hours Including Tour)
Enjoy the scenic ride to Agra via private car. On the way, stop to admire the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri-- which dates back to the 16th Century. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years and is also home to one of India's largest mosques, the Jama Masjid.
Day 10 Agra
Today you’ll visit India’s crown jewel- the Taj Mahal. You will rise early and meet with your tour guide, who will take you on a private tour of the spectacular tomb. After this illuminating tour, you will be met by your personal, professional photographer who will ensure that you have a stunning memento of the day.
Day 11 Agra – Delhi (4 Hours) Delhi – Varanasi (90 Mins)
Relax as you are transferred to the bustling city of Varanasi. After arriving and checking in to your hotel, enjoy the evening at your leisure, sampling different foods and exploring the city.
Day 12 Varanasi
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on a private tour of Sarnath. One of the 4 designated holy sites, sanctioned by Buddha himself, the old deer park is home to the Aarti ceremony. This Hindu fire ceremony is watched from your cruise on the Ganges.
Day 13 Varanasi
Start the morning with a serene cruise along the Ganges River. The Ganga Ghats are a sight that has to be seen to be believed, and those wanting to embark on a spiritual journey are invited to take a dip in the holy river! Emerge in Varanasi's streets and enjoy all the sights and sounds, particularly on the Bengali Tola before discovering the secret shines of the Mother Goddess Kali
Day 14 Varanasi – Delhi (90 Mins)
In the morning you will be accompanied to Varanasi airport for a short flight to the bustling city of Delhi. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel to refresh and relax. After you have relaxed, set out into the streets with your private guide and explore the multitude of shops and bazaars on famous streets like Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Janpath.
Day 15 New Delhi
Today you will embark on your tour of Delhi. Your personal tour guide will meet you at your hotel and show you the delights of both New and Old Delhi. You will see the Laxminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu temple, and the famous Gate of India as well as other sites like the iconic Red Fort. After a full day of touring, you can enjoy the evening either relaxing at the hotel or discovering Delhi's delights on your own.
Day 16 New Delhi
As your time in India comes to an end, take the morning to pack and enjoy your last glimpses of this colorful city, before your flight back home!
Must See:
New Delhi:
The Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Jama Masjid, Indian Gate, Lotus Temple, Lodi Gardens
Varanasi:
Ganges, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Alamgir Mosque
Agra:
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb, Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Jama Mosque, Delhi Gate, Jahangir Palace.
Jaipur:
Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Sheesh Mahal, Albert Hall Museum.
Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mandore Garden
Udaipur:
City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, Lake Pichola, Monsoon Palace
Memory Makers:
New Delhi
Rashtrapati Bhavan Changing of Guard and Museum Entry Independent Tour
Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace, one of India’s oldest military traditions, on this private 4-hour tour. Enjoy the memorable parade, with the elite President’s Body Guard on horseback and the Army Brass Band in full regalia. Then, head to either the National Museum or the National Rail Museum and explore the fascinating exhibitions independently, before being driven back to your hotel.
Experience Indian Food: Delhi Food Tour
There are few better ways to experience Old and New Delhi than on this incredible food tour that hits major culinary attractions, food stalls that are off the beaten path, and provides samples of the city's most famous flavors. Follow your expert guide through back alleys and bustling urban streets, visit several major landmarks and sample the best of culinary Old and New Delhi.
Varanasi
3-Hour Varanasi Morning Sunrise Boat Tour
See the ancient city of Varanasi come to life as you make your way down the scenic Ganges River by boat. Observe Hindus practicing their morning rituals as the sun comes up along the banks of the river, and learn about local customs and traditions from your expert guide.
Varanasi Food Tour: Spicy Hot and Sweet
Embark on an incredible gastronomic tour of Varanasi, and get a taste of this extraordinary eternal city. On this 3-hour journey, you’ll enjoy countless bites of local Varanasi street food, before ending near the famous ghats (places by the river Ganges) in Varanasi.
Agra
Private Food Tasting Tour in Agra
Become more familiar with Indian cuisine, and enlighten your taste buds on this private, 1.5-hour food tour in Agra. The menus in Indian eateries are full of such delicious selections, but to a newbie, the numerous options can seem intimidating at first. With help from your guide, voyage to some of the most popular food spots in India, and taste delectable treats along the way. At the end of your tour, take home a sweet pumpkin dessert that originated in the city!
Evening Tour of Mohabbat The Taj Show
Spend your evening enjoying the amazing Mohabbat The Taj show that depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the famous Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center. You will be blown away by the creative dance, dramatic lighting, and the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. The live show is in both Hindi and Urdu languages and interpretation is available in English, French and German through headphones.
Jaipur
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Jaipur
See the sites of Jaipur from high above the sky in this hot air balloon tour. Learn about the capital of Rajasthan during this one-hour morning or evening flight above India's 'Pink City'. Listen is as your expert guide shares informative commentary about the traditional villages, mountain ranges and rural fields spread out before you. You'll see the Amber Fort, as well as other top attractions, and enjoy personalized attention and safety with a small group of just seven other guests per balloon. This memorable adventure includes round-trip hotel transport and is guaranteed to make lasting memories.
Indian Home Cooking Class in Jaipur
Spend an entertaining evening preparing traditional Indian dishes under the guidance of a local chef during this home cooking class in Jaipur. Learn about the spices, vegetables and other ingredients that make this cuisine so flavorful and gain a deeper understanding of the rituals used to prepare some of the nation's most popular dishes. You'll work alongside a professional chef, who will instruct you step by step on how to prepare food like a local.
Jodhpur
Camel Safari Day Tour
Watch the sunset while riding a camel in the Thar Desert on this 8-hour tour to Osian from Jodhpur. You'll also have time to visit the Sachiya Mata Temple and the Jain Temple on the way to the camel safari. Includes round-trip transportation from Jodhpur, and camel ride.
Halfday Bishnoi Village Tour
Discover the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan on this private, half-day Bishnoi Village tour from Jodhpur. Visit the Bishnoi Village Camp and Resort with a private guide and learn of traditional Indian crafts such as leather embroidery and pottery. Learn of the village’s history at the site of the Kahejarli massacre, and watch native antelope and gazelle graze on the banks of Guda Bishnoi Lake. Afterwards, visit the Salawas weavers’ village — where skilled artisans create colorful rugs the old-fashioned way.
Udaipur
A Romantic Evening at Lake Pichola
Immerse yourself in the magical mysticism of Lake Pichola with an enchanting and exclusive 3-course candle light dinner from Lake View Restaurant. Later, gaze at the serene Taj Lake Palace as you sail to a secluded lake surrounded by Udaipur City Palace as you dine.
Full-Day Kumbhalgarh Fort and Jain Temple
This tour leaves from Udaipur and takes you to the beautiful city of Jodhpur! Visit some of the most popular attractions-- including Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn the history of the fort while enjoying its mesmerizing view. Also, visit the Jain Temple Ranakpur-- a structure that took over 60 years to build!
Mumbai
Private Bollywood Tour
Delve into the glittering world of Bollywood films on a full-day tour in Mumbai. Start by visiting a filming location to watch the action, then get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical work of a Bollywood studio. If time allows, you may be able to see an actor’s makeup room or pose for photos with current movie stars. Watch a professional dance performance, then join in to learn some of the moves. Drive past the mansions of several Bollywood stars as you return to your hotel.
Private Tour: Kanheri Caves, Elephanta Caves
Swap the concrete jungle of Mumbai for an underground adventure on this private, full-day tour. Choose from three different itineraries, including the Kanheri Caves in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and the Bhaja and Karla Caves, which date from as early as 200 BC. Alternatively, hop on a ferry to scenic Elephanta Island to explore the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, renowned for their beautiful carvings and artistry.
Weather and climate
India
The best time to visit Delhi, Agra and Jaipur would be between February-March and October-November. These months offer great temperatures and the largest crowds. From April – June, the temperatures will reach over 40 degrees Celsius most days, with monsoon season following.
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