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JOURNEY TO THE GANGES
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi just after midnight and transfer by car to the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Later today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk
by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin
Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan,
the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India
Gate. (N)
Day 3 Delhi to Udaipur – by air
This morning leave your hotel and transfer to Delhi Airport for the flight
to Udaipur. Set in the Girwa Valley amongst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan,
Udaipur is a beautiful city and regarded by many as the most romantic in India.
In contrast to the many neighbouring ‘desert’ cities Udaipur is
an image of white marble palaces, languid deep blue lakes and attractive gardens
set against a background of endless green hills. Stay at the Trident Hilton
Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Udaipur
This morning visit the City Palace complex including the Crystal Gallery and
museum before walking through the old town to see the elaborately carved Jagdish
Temple. In the afternoon take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the
serene beauty of Udaipur. (B)
Day 5 Udaipur to Deogarh – 190kms
Today it is a beautiful journey north to the Jain temples at Ranakpur and
the impressive 15th Century fort at Kumbalgarh in the heart of the Aravalli
Hills. End the day at the rural town of Deogarh where you will stay for two
nights Deogarh Mahal with its fine views over the town. (B)
Day 6 Deogarh
At leisure to enjoy Deogarh Mahal, the town and its colourful bazaar. (B)
Day 7 Deogarh to Jaipur – 280kms
This morning leave Deogarh and drive to the pink city of Jaipur. The
highly distinctive planned city of Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Maharaja
Jai Singh II, is a colourful capital characterised by fine bazaars,
intricately carved palaces and havelis as well as powerful forts.
Stay at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Rambagh Palace
Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Jaipur
This morning drive through the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city to visit
Amber Fort a beautiful palace with ornate mosaics, coloured stone inlays,
intricately painted murals, palaces, temples and cooling courtyard watercourses.
In the afternoon take a guided walking tour through the old city to explore
the colourful markets and bazaars before continuing onto the City Palace complex
that occupies the centre of Jaipur. End the day at the Jantar Mantar, the
largest stone observatory in world. (B)
Day 9 Jaipur to Agra – 230kms
This morning leave Jaipur for the drive to Agra. On the road to Agra a visit
will be made to Fatehpur Sikri the one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal
Emperor Akbar. Afterwards continue onto Agra and stay for two nights at the
Taj View Hotel or upgrade to the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Agra
In the 16th and 17th Centuries Agra was the Mughal capital of India and its
superb monuments date from this era. Visit the imposing Agra Fort and the
Taj Mahal the great monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to
his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the
Emperor heartbroken. Admire the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, often referred to
as the ‘Baby Taj’. (B)
Day 11 Agra to Jhansi – by train
Jhansi to Khajuraho – 170kms
Depart Agra on the Shatabdi Express on the two hour journey south to Jhansi.
Meet your driver and visit the ancient village of Orchha, noted for its wealth
of palaces, temples and cenotaphs dating from the 16th and 17th Centuries.
After lunch leave by car for a scenic drive across the open farmland of Madhya
Pradesh to Khajuraho where you will stay for two nights at the Grand Temple
View Hotel. (B)
Day 12 Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are among the most famous in India. Over the course
of the 11th and 12th Centuries the Chandela dynasty created the most sublime
examples of erotic sculpture in India, if not the world. Spend the day discovering
the temples which are today listed as a World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 13 Khajuraho to Varanasi – by air
Today transfer to Khajuraho Airport for your onward flight to Varanasi. On
your arrival transfer by car to the Taj Ganges Hotel where you will stay for
the next two nights. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi
has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for over 2,000 years and is one
of the oldest surviving cities in the world. (B)
Day 14 Varanasi
Early this morning enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to view the sunrise
and witness the pilgrims who gather to perform their daily religious rituals
on the riverbank. Later take a guided walk through the heart of the old city
and in the afternoon drive outside the city to Sarnath where Buddha first
preached his message of enlightenment 2,500 years ago. (B)
Day 15 Varanasi to Delhi – by air
Today fly back to Delhi and stay at the Radisson Hotel which is located close
to the international airport. (N)
Day 16 Delhi to London
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
STAYING ON
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here, with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – JOURNEY TO THE GANGES
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,600. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.