India has hundreds of attractions just waiting to be discovered, from stunning scenery to beautiful architecture, from colourful characters to an incredible array of wildlife. The combination of adventure and culture guarantees a stimulating travel experience for the ultimate holiday! It is a magical trip through one of the most colourful parts of India.
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - Mandawa
Drive to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan, renowned for its painted frescoes and ornate havelis (merchants' houses).
Day 3 - Mandawa
You follow a guided morning walk of Mandawa to enjoyed the painted havelis. In the afternoon you take a camel ride to surrounding villages.
Day 4 - Samode
Continue to the small village of Samode which is nestled among rugged hills. Cobbled narrow streets curve up till you reach the fairytale palace. This superbly restored eighteenth-century palace was put on the map by its starring role in the 1984 mini-series `The Far Pavilions'.
Day 5 - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur, popularly known as the `pink city'. Afternoon excursion to the splendid Amber Fort, with magnificent views over the hills around.
Day 6 - Jaipur
Morning Jaipur city tour. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the lively bazaars and haggle for exotic souvenirs.
Day 7 - Sawai Madhopur
Drive to Ranthambore National Park where you stay in a deluxe tented camp. In the afternoon you visit the magnificent old Ranthambore Fort, now populated only by monkeys.
Day 8 - Sawai Madhopur
Today you take a morning and afternoon game drive and try to spot tigers and other wild animals.
Day 9 - Karauli
Drive to Karauli where you stay in a Maharaja's residence. Afternoon walking tour of Karauli market (a very `local' experience!) and the wonderful City Palace, where you won't see another tourist and can get lost for hours in the hidden passages and beautiful rooms.
Day 10 - Agra
This morning you leave to travel to Agra, stopping at Bharatpur, famous for the nearby Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, and the abandoned ancient Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built from sandstone.
Day 11 - Overnight Train
Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. The pure white marble of the tomb seems to constantly change colour throughout the day and night. In the evening you board the sleeper train to Varanasi.
Day 12 - Varanasi
You arrive at Varanasi railway station where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Varanasi is the most important pilgrimage place for Hindus who should come here at least once in their lifetime. In the evening you witness the evening Aarti ceremony from a boat on the river Ganges.
Day 13 - Varanasi
The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats (wide steps), which line the west bank of the Ganges. Hindus believe that anyone cremated on the banks of the river Ganges, especially at Varanasi, is certain to gain entry to heaven. The best way to view the river is on an early morning boat ride. At this time it is possible to see the holy men chanting mantras as they bathe, a profound and unforgettable experience. Varanasi is arguably the most colourful and photogenic location in India and a fitting climax to your trip. You have ample time to explore this holy city.
Day 14 - Delhi
Transfer from your hotel to Varanasi airport to board a flight back to Delhi which connects with your onward travel.
