16 DAYS ~ FROM £2,059
Visit the deeply spiritual city of Varanasi, see the sensuous carvings at the Khajuraho Temples, gaze at the Taj Mahal - an iconic symbol of love - and explore the Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan. Feel the real heartbeat of India travelling on a train and meet the real people.
Delhi • Varanasi • Khajuraho • Orchha • Agra • Fatehpur Sikri
Jaipur • Deogarh • Ranakpur • Udaipur • Mumbai
 Day 1. To Delhi
Fly direct to Delhi on Jet Airways.
Day 2. Delhi
Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi including a fascinating cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the lively Chandni Chowk market streets. This area was once the capital - Shah Jehanabad - in Mughal times. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat - Mahatma Gandhi’s evocative cremation site. Overnight at the Maidens.
Day 3. On board train to Varanasi
Morning sightseeing of amazing New Delhi including the impressive Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and India Gate. Late afternoon board overnight train to Varanasi in 1st a/c sleeper compartment.
Day 4. Varanasi
Morning arrival in Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to see the numerous Stupas, ancient and modern Temples and the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first discourse. Two nights at The Gateway Hotel Ganges.
Day 5. Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. As the ephemeral mist rises, watch the devotees perform their ageless rituals in the Holy waters. After breakfast visit important sites including the Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu University. In the evening take a cycle rickshaw ride to the Ghats.
Day 6. To Khajuraho
Morning flight to Khajuraho. Afternoon sightseeing of the remarkable Temples, built between 950-1050 AD, with their sensuous and evocative carvings. Graceful shikharas (spires) add their own special beauty to this unique site. Overnight at Taj Chandela.
Day 7. To Orchha
Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to Orchha. Overnight stay at Amar Mahal.
Day 8. To Agra
Orchha is a timeless Medieval city - morning visit will include the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Laxminarayan Temple - look out for the glorious world famed murals from the Bundela School of painting. Board evening Shatabdi express train from Jhansi to Agra. Two nights stay at the Trident.
Day 9. Agra
Memorable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun awaken the day and distant memories of love. After breakfast explore Agra Fort seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughul rulers. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
Day 10. To Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur via the superb sandstone deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the all powerful Emperor Akbar in the mid 16th c. Highlights include the beautiful Tomb of Salim Chisti, the 176 graceful pillars in the Panch Mahal and the Jama Masjid Mosque. Two nights stay at Samode Haveli.
Day 11. Jaipur
Morning drive to the outstanding Amber Fort. Climb the steep winding road on a stately caparisoned elephant. In the Hall of Mirrors it’s said one small candle could light the whole room with its reflecting glow dancing from mirror to mirror. Afternoon take a city tour visiting the City Palace complex, amazing Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory and the delightful Palace of Winds.
Day 12. To Deogarh
Drive to Deogarh with remainder of day at leisure. Two nights stay at Deogarh Mahal.
Day 13. Deogarh
Relax in the hotel’s swimming pool and jacuzzi. Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage from Keralan trained masseuses, work out in the gym or simply walk in the beautiful grounds.
Day 14. To Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur stopping en-route at Ranakpur to see the intricately carved Jain Temples. Two nights stay at the Trident.
Day 15. Udaipur
Morning sightseeing of the City Palace andMuseum with its fascinating insight into the lives of the Maharajas. Later stroll in the delightful Garden of theMaids ofHonour. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 16. To Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai and connect to International flight to Heathrow on Jet Airways.
With love from India...Varanasi
It is said that when Buddha attained Nirvana, his body was wrapped in Benares silk with threads of dazzling blue, red and yellow. The weaving of fine, gossamer-like silk has been a tradition in Benares since 500 B.C.
Suggested extensions: Devigarh, Goa, Ajanta & Ellora caves and Mumbai
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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