Palaces of the Maharaja
14 Days
Overview:
The Maharajas of India lived extravagant and opulent lifestyles, surrounding themselves with the finest things in life, from their possessions to their palaces. This two-week excursion into the heart of India will teach you more than you could’ve imagined about these historic rulers. Gain amazing insight into the places and people they ruled over for ages. Gaze at the banks of the Ganges as you take part in a traditional Aarti Ceremony. Travel to Agra to 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 oases of fountains, pools and marble elephants. In Jodhpur, visit Mehrangarh Fort before travelling to buzzing Mumbai and the home of Mahatma Gandhi. These 7 cities in India will take you on a trip, in every aspect of the word, that you will never forget.
- 3 days New Delhi
- 1 day Varanasi
- 2 days in Agra
- 2 days Jaipur
- 2 days Jodhpur
- 2 days Udaipur
- 2 days Mumbai
The Plan
Day 1: New Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, India! Your hostess will meet you at the airport, and show you to your personal driver- at which point you will be taken directly to your hotel to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 2: 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, Red Fort, and the famous Gate of India. After a full day of touring, you can enjoy the evening either relaxing at the hotel or discovering more of Delhi's delights on your own.
Day 3: New Delhi – Varanasi (90 Min Flight)
In the morning you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport to relax before the short flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before embarking on a private tour of Sarnath. One of the 4 designated holy sites sanctioned by Buddha himself, this old deer park is home to the Aarti ceremony. Later, watch the Hindu fire ceremony from your Ganges cruise!
Day 4: Varanasi – Delhi (90 Min Flight) Delhi – Agra (4 Hours)
Start the morning with a serene cruise along the Ganges River. The Ganga Ghats are truly a sight to behold, and those who wish to embark on a spiritual journey are invited to take a dip in the holy river! Later, fly back to Delhi to meet your driver and relax as you take a private journey to the next stage of your trip-- Agra!
Day 5: Agra
Today, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal! You will rise early to meet your tour guide, who will take you on a private tour of the spectacular tomb. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Agra Fort-- before enjoying an evening ride on a ‘Tonga,’ India’s horse drawn carriage.
Day 6: Agra – Jaipur (6 Hours including Tour).
Enjoy the scenic ride to Jaipur via private car. On the way, you’ll stop to admire the ancient ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Throughout history, Jaipur has been known as the craftsman's capital of India, with much praise for the street vendors you’ll find on almost every corner. Enjoy a guided tour of these streets, sample some delicious local food, and drink in the culture.
Day 7: Jaipur
After spending the morning enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, head out to explore more of the delightful history 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, there remain many 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 8: Jaipur – Jodhpur (5 Hours)
Relax and take a seat as you are transferred to the bustling city of Jodhpur. After arriving and checking in to the hotel, you can enjoy the evening at your leisure, sampling different foods and exploring the city.
Day 9: Jodhpur
Let your personal guide take you on a tour of one of India’s most impressive buildings-- Mehrangarh Fort. Its expansive size may seem daunting from the outside, but the interior is filled with delightful palaces and courtyards. In the afternoon, you’ll experience the Osian Desert, stopping at a desert oasis to witness some of the many temples.
Day 10: Jodhpur – Udaipur (6.5 hours including tour)
As you are transferred to the next stage of your journey, Udaipur, take a quick break at Ranakpur. This stunningly scenic region is nestled in a mountain range and happens to be home to one of the largest and most significant temple collections in the whole of India.
Day 11: Udaipur
From the breathtaking white walls built of marble and granite, to the sprawling 'Garden of the Maids of Honor,' the Udaipur City Palace is filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be found. After exploring this and the Crystal Gallery, you will travel slightly north to Eklingji, a half ruined temple complex dating back to 734 AD.
Day 12: Udaipur – Mumbai (90 Min Flight)
Relax and take a seat as you are flown to the metropolis of Mumbai. After arriving and checking in to the hotel, you can enjoy the evening at your leisure, relaxing in your hotel, or experiencing the magic of the city.
Day 13: Mumbai
Enjoy a full day exploring Mumbai with your personal driver and guide. You’ll see the Gateway of India and the blending of Indian and British architecture at spots such as St. Thomas Cathedral, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University, the Oval Maidan, and Victoria Terminus. You will also see legendary sights like the home of Gandhi, the Hanging Gardens, and Dhobi Ghat.
Day 14: Mumbai
As your time in India comes to an end, take the morning to pack and enjoy your last glimpses of this colorful city. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight 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
Mumbai:
Gateway of India, St. Thomas Cathedral, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University and the Oval Maidan, Town Hall, Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhavan the home of Gandhi, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens
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 Khejarli 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.
