Splendours of India - 19 Days
Day 1 : Heathrow - Delhi
Leave Heathrow in the morning for Delhi. Arrive around midnight and transfer to The Oberoi, one of the most exclusive hotels in the capital, for 2 nights.
Day 2 : Delhi
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon visit the bazaars of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Jama Masjid and Rajghat - the "samadhi" of Mahatma Gandhi.A welcome dinner in ethnic setting is arranged in the evening.
Day 3 : Lucknow
The morning sightseeing tour visits the beautiful buildings of New Delhi, built by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the historic Qutab Minar and Humayun\'s tomb. In the afternoon a short flight takes us to Lucknow where our stay has been arranged at the tastefully designed Taj Residency for 2 nights.
Day 4 : Lucknow
This morning we visit the Residency Complex - site of the famous siege of 1857, Dilkusha Gardens and La Martinere. In the afternoon we visit the monuments of Avadh Nawabs including the Imambaras, Romi Darwaja and explore Lucknow\'s colourful bazaars.
Day 5 : Varanasi ( Benares )
A long drive through the rural countryside takes us to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, for two nights at the Taj Ganges.
Day 6 : Varanasi
Today we enjoy an early morning boat-ride on the Ganges to see thousands of devotees immersed in prayer along the banks. Later we visit the city sights and Sarnath, the site of Buddha\'s first sermon. In the evening we enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride to the Ganges to witness the ceremonial worship or "aarti" on the riverbanks.
Day 7 : Bandhavgarh
An exciting train ride, with packed lunch on board, brings us to Katni from where we transfer to Bandhavgarh for 2 nights at the Churhat Kothi or Camp Mewar. Situated in the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh has an undulating terrain and is home to blackbucks, wild oxen, sloth bear, barking deer, leopard and tiger. The rich and varied bird-life includes golden orioles, parakeets and hornbills.
Day 8 : Bandhavgarh
Enjoy activities in the jungle including a game drive and a possible elephant safari.
Day 9 : Khajuraho
After a morning game drive we undertake a long road journey to Khajuraho for 2 nights at the Jass or Taj Chandela hotel.
Khajuraho, a remote village, is home to some of the most outstanding monuments in the world - the intricately carved 10th century Chandela temples, renowned for their erotic sculpture.
Day 10 : Khajuraho
The temples are visited in the morning with the afternoon free.
Day 11 : Agra
This morning we depart for Orchha, dotted with palaces and temples built by the Bundela kings. We enjoy the sights and have lunch beside the Betwa River before a train ride to Agra where we stay at the Amar Vilas, a super deluxe hotel, for 2 nights.
Day 12 : Agra
We visit the famous Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort in the morning. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 13 : Jaipur
Today we drive to Jaipur visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. A brief halt at the world famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary gives an opportunity to view birds on cycle-rickshaws and have lunch. We stay in Jaipur for 2 nights at the Raj Vilas, another super deluxe property.
Day 14 : Jaipur
In the morning we ascend the hilltop Amber Fort on elephant back and also visit a small block-printing unit. The afternoon city sightseeing includes the City Palace,Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the museum.
Day 15 : Deogarh
A morning drive takes us to Deogarh where we stay at the fortified Deogarh Mahal. The afternoon is free to explore the colourful village.
Day 16 : Udaipur
Today we drive to the romantic city of Udaipur visiting the intricately carved Jain Temple at Ranakpur en route.
We enjoy lunch in the pleasant surroundings of Maharani Bagh orchards. The next 2 nights are at the Lake Palace - Lake View Room.
Day 17 : Udaipur
The morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-bari. The afternoon is free.
Day 18 : Udaipur - Mumbai
The day is at leisure. In the evening we fly to Mumbai to connect with the midnight flight to London.
Day 19 : Mumbai - London
We fly back to Heathrow arriving the same morning.
Holiday Highlights
To book this amazing tour please call us on 01925 819 959