Home > Destinations > Northern India & Rajasthan > Taj & Beyond
TAJ & BEYOND
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer by car to the Taj Mahal Hotel where you will stay
overnight. 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. (B)
Day 3 Delhi to Agra – 200kms
After breakfast leave with your driver for Agra stopping en-route at Sikandra,
the impressive tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. From Sikandra it is a short
drive to Agra where you will stay for the next two nights at the Taj View Hotel
or upgrade to the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Agra
This morning visit the imposing Agra Fort on the banks of the River Yamuna which
was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. Afterwards continue to
the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as
a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and a building world renowned for its power and
beauty. The craftsmanship is outstanding with semi-precious stones inlaid into
the marble in beautiful patterns, a process known as pietra dura, whilst the
white marble reflects every change in light allowing the Taj to appear to change
its hue according to the light and time of day. Leave the Taj and cross the
river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel of Agra, sometimes known
as the ‘Baby Taj’ – the least visited of Agra’s three
great monuments and the first to be covered in white marble and pietra dura.
(B)
Day 5 Agra to Jaipur – 230kms
This morning leave Agra for the drive to Jaipur stopping en-route at Fatehpur
Sikri the one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Afterwards
continue onto Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, where you will stay for
two nights at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a highly distinctive and
colourful planned city characterised by fine bazaars, intricately carved palaces,
havelis and powerful forts. (B)
Day 6 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. (B)
Day 7 Jaipur to Jodhpur – 320kms
After breakfast, leave Jaipur and drive to Jodhpur, gateway to the Thar Desert
and the one time capital of Marwar. Home to the dominating Meherangarh Fort,
the city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who chose the site due to its strategic
location on the influential Delhi-Gujarat trading route. Stay for two nights
at the Taj Hari Mahal Hotel or upgrade to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Jodhpur
Today visit the Meherangarh Fort which stands high above the blue painted houses
of the town below. Protected from the desert by a huge 10km wall, guarded by
towers and fortified gateways the fort sprawls along the clifftop and is home
to many palaces and temples. In the afternoon walk through the ancient city
to explore the narrow streets, bustling bazaars, temples and richly carved houses.
(B)
Day 9 Jodhpur to Deogarh – 170kms
Leave Jodhpur and journey east to the small market town of Deogarh stopping
en-route at the impressive 15th Century fort at Kumbalgarh. Very much family
run Deogarh Mahal is a delightful and charming hotel which has been wonderfully
restored by the family into a small and intimate hotel that is renowned for
its character and heritage. Stay for two nights at Deogarh Mahal. (B)
Day 10 Deogarh
At leisure to enjoy Deogarh Mahal and the surrounding countryside. You may wish
to ride the local train where the line and equipment date from 1923. (B)
Day 11 Deogarh to Udaipur – 190kms
Drive south to the Jain temples at Ranakpur which are beautifully preserved
and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. From here it
is a beautiful drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur, a beautiful city,
and one regarded by many as the most romantic in India. Stay for two nights
at the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 12 Udaipur
This morning visit the City Palace which is an impressive complex of several
palaces and stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola. Of interest is the
attractive Mor Chowk court, the Manak Mahal or ‘Ruby Palace’, the
Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen’s Palace. Continue to the Fateh Prakash
Palace to visit the unique Crystal Gallery overlooking the grand Durbar Hall
and walk through the old town to view the impressively carved Jagdish Mandir
temple. In the afternoon take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the
serene beauty of Udaipur. (B)
Day 13 Udaipur to Mumbai – by air
This morning leave your hotel and transfer to Udaipur Airport in good time
to catch your onward flight to Mumbai. On your arrival you will be met and
transferred to the Leela Kempinski Hotel, situated near the airport, and where
a short stay room will be reserved until your departure for London. (B)
Day 14 Mumbai to London Heathrow
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
STAYING ON
Birdwatchers can stopover at the Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur which is considered to be one of the leading bird sanctuaries in the world. Located close to Agra, a visit to Bharatpur can easily be added to the majority of north Indian tours.
Relax in two magical retreats in the heart of Rajasthan.
Chhatra Sagar, located on a dam overlooking a lake, or Shahpura Bagh,
a colonial ancestral home offer a unique insight into the true India
far removed from the hustle and bustle of the large Indian cities.
Antiquity and culture are close at hand with the new direct
flight from Udaipur to Aurangabad. The base for visiting the Ajanta and Ellora
Caves, both of these amazing sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage
status.
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 – TAJ & BEYOND
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,900. 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.