India Jewel of the East

A full-day privately guided tour of historic Delhi. Visit the gracious Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar – one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then, drive through the wide tree-lined avenues with photo-stop visits at India Gate – the War Memorial Arch; the Parliament House as well as the Vice Regal Palace – the official residence of the President of India. In the afternoon, visit the 17th century Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in Asia and complete your tour of Delhi with an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride that allows you to get under the skin of Old Delhi whilst exploring its bustling alleyways filled with spice merchants and jewellers.

Fly to sacred Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment and visit the magnificent Dhamek stupa and the museum that showcases a rich collection of Buddhist relics and antiquities dating back to the 3rd century BC. Later, proceed to the ghats and witness a lively ‘Aarti’ (prayer) ceremony where on a stone platform overlooking the river – seven young priests in a choreographed performance invoke the gods with flaming lamps, conch shells and torches to the accompaniment of tablas and temple bells and devotional chanting.

Rise early for an early morning private boat ride on the Ganges to observe life unfolding along the sacred river. Tens of thousands of faithful Hindus visit Varanasi’s ghats every day to purify themselves in the waters of the Ganges. Later, fly to Khajuraho and visit the spectacular Chandela temples, famous for their exquisite stone sculptures and the erotic themes depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. Late this afternoon, check in at your chosen hotel.

Set out on a relaxing boat ride on the serene Ken River this morning, a habitat for the native Indian gharial crocodile. Take a walk through the beautiful rural countryside, concluding with a picnic lunch in the cool shade of a spreading neem tree. In the late afternoon, set off on a game drive through nearby Panna National Park in search of dhole (Indian wild dogs), sloth bear and tiger.

A morning’s drive will bring you to Orchha, a picturesque medieval city set on a man-made island on the banks of the Betwa River. On arrival, visit the Jahangir Mahal, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, and the stunning cenotaphs built in honour of Orchha’s former rulers. Continue to Jhansi and take the evening train to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal.

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built as a monument to eternal love and described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, this magnificent 17th-century mausoleum made of stunning milk-white makrana marble was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then visit the imposing Agra Fort, which provides an insight into 16th-century Mughal court as well as the lifestyle of the Mughals. This afternoon’s sightseeing will include the striking tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, popularly referred to as ‘Baby Taj’, and Mehtab Bagh, a classic Mughal Garden that offers outstanding views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital city of Emperor Akbar, and a wonderfully preserved palace complex showcasing an effortless integration of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. Continue to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan.

Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of spectacular forts, beautiful palaces, fine havelis (mansions) and colourful bazaars. Begin your day with a visit to the yellow-hued Amer Fort, which is one of Rajasthan’s finest hill-top forts and is famed for its lavish murals, carvings and Mughal-style gardens. In the afternoon, visit Jaipur’s City Palace, where we have included privileged access to the royal quarters of Jaipur’s royal family to see their private collections; view the façade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a high screen wall with nearly 900 jharokhas (latticed windows) and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A morning’s drive will bring you to Barli, a quaint village and delightful homestay in the heart of Rajasthan that has remained in the hands of the same family for nearly 350 years. In the afternoon, enjoy a bullock cart safari and observe rural Rajasthan’s unhurried pace of life first-hand. Note: Those who opt for Diamond Hotels will be driven to the small village of Shahpura, an oasis in the heart of Rajasthan. On arrival, check in at your stately residence and discover the delights of rural Rajasthan.

Drive to Udaipur, which is regarded as one of the most scenic cities in Rajasthan. This charming town studded with white-marble palaces and serene man-made lakes is set against a backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. After time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there will be a private sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.

A morning tour to discover Udaipur. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the City Palace, an impressive complex on the shores of Lake Pichola that elegantly combines Rajasthani, European and Chinese design. Proceed to the Fateh Prakash Palace to explore the Crystal Gallery and the grand Durbar Hall, then visit the intricately carved Jagdish temple and explore Udaipur’s quaint streets on foot. On returning to your character hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Udaipur Airport and check in for your onward flight.