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TAJ AND BEYOND
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with Virgin non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred by car to the Claridges Hotel for
your two night stay. Delhi is India’s capital city and Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim
India between the 17th and 19th centuries. There are many mosques, forts and monuments in
this area that relate to India’s Muslim history whilst New Delhi was purpose–built by the
British as a colonial capital inaugurated in 1931. (N)
Day 3 Delhi
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 4 Delhi to Agra – by train
Leave your hotel and transfer to Delhi Railway Station in good time to catch the Shatabdi Express
to Agra. Stay for one night at the Taj Gateway Hotel. (B)
Later today 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.
Day 5 Agra to Jaipur – 240kms
Leave Agra and drive to Jaipur stopping en–route at Fatehpur Sikri the one time red sandstone
capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar before continuing onto Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan,
where you will stay for two nights at the Hotel Jai Mahal Palace. 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 – 340kms
Today continue with your driver to Jodhpur. The gateway to the Thar Desert and the one time capital
of Marwar, Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second city and is home to the dominating Meherangarh Fort which
is one of the finest in Rajasthan. Stay for two nights at the Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal. (B)
Day 8 Jodhpur
This morning 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 cliff top and is home to many palaces and temples. (B)
Day 9 Jodhpur to Deogarh – 175kms
Drive to the small market town of Deogarh. 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 overnight at Deogarh Mahal. (B)
Day 10 Deogarh
At your leisure to enjoy Deogarh Mahal and the surrounding countryside. (B)
Day 11 Deogarh to Udaipur – 190kms
This morning it is a picturesque drive through the mountains, villages and farmland of Rajasthan to
visit the famous and historically important Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Jain Temples at Ranakpur, before
continuing through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur. Stay for two nights at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel.
(B/L)
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 Delhi – by air
This afternoon return by air to Delhi and stay overnight at the Claridges Hotel. (B)
Day 14 Delhi to London Heathrow
Fly non-stop with Virgin to London (B).
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 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.
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.
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 AND BEYOND
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,150. 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
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