Click here for a note on Indian Cuisine World Heritage Sites on this Visit: Agra Fort    Fatehpur Sikri    Humayun's Tomb, Delhi    Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi    Red Fort Complex    Taj Mahal

This 'Visit' gives you some of the best highlights of North India.

Please note that the breakfast buffets will include a large selection of both American and Indian cuisines. The majority of the restaurants (listed for lunch & dinner) will also offer the option to order a la carte western cuisine & may offer the option for a western cuisine buffet (surcharge will apply). For those occasions where a western cuisine option will not be available Easy Tours can provide packed sandwiches, fruits & other snacks with advance notice.

Day 1: Depart from the United States.

Day 2: Arrive at Delhi (most flights arrive either in the evening or at night). You are greeted at the airport by our travel facilitator or Tour Director, and then ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and the travel facilitator or Tour Director hands over travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers to you.

Day 3: Delhi. You start your day with a brief stop at Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial & cremation site). You then travel the very short distance to two of India’s most impressive Mughal era monuments - the amazing Red Fort (A World Heritage Site) and the impressive Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque). After touring these two monuments and exploring the ancient bazaar at Chandni Chowk (including a rickshaw ride through its crowded, narrow alleys), you will begin your culinary crusade at the Mughal Durbar Restaurant in Chandni Chowk. The buttered naans (leavened Indian bread) are freshly baked and flavored with aniseed. They will melt in your mouth and are a perfect accompaniment to the large variety of curries available here.
An essential is the popular tandoori specialty – Tandoori Chicken. It is marinated and then cooked to perfection in a clay oven. We recommend the popular local desert called Seviyan (vermicelli cooked with milk and sugar).
After your lunch at Chandni Chowk, head across town to the other end of Delhi and embark on an exploration of Delhi’s monuments ranging from the medieval period to the magnificent architectural legacy of India’s British rulers.
Arrive at the incredible Qutab Minar and explore the 72.5 m (287 feet) high tower. It was built as a symbol of victory by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak at the end of the 12th century. In the vicinity of the Qutab Minar stands the almost mythical Ashoka Pillar.  It is amazing how this large 5th century Iron Pillar has not rusted at all in 1600 years, despite the vagaries of Delhi’s weather!
Head back towards Delhi’s center and drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Arrive at “Lutyens Delhi” includes the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, designed and built by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens in 1931.  It is the State residence of the President of India and has over 350 rooms.
Close to Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Parliament House, a domed almost circular structure almost a kilometer in circumference, where the bicameral legislature of India meets for its sessions.
Drive down the awe inspiring wide Victorian era pathway that leads from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the famous India Gate, a solemn war memorial constructed in honor of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. It houses an eternal flame in their honor.
After exploring the India Gate area you drive in to neighboring Connaught Place and treat yourself to your next delicious Indian meal. The Delhi Durbar Restaurant design and ambiance evoke memories of a Mughal court. Indulge your palate and choose from a wide variety of succulent vegetable, chicken and lamb delicacies to be found here.
We believe that at the end of this day all five of your senses will have been stimulated more then you had anticipated. We hope that the other four senses mirror the extreme satisfaction that your taste buds will have experienced.

Day 4: Delhi – Agra. Board the early morning (6 am) Express train - two hour journey - to Agra. Begin your day with a detailed tour of the original red sandstone fort of North India - the Agra Fort - built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. and elaborately embellished by his successors with beautiful monuments.
Visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb and admire the exquisite marble tomb made by Empress Nur Jahan for her father. Ornamented with marble lattice screens and intricate ‘Pietra Dura’ - marble inlay work - it is eloquent testimony of a daughter’s love.
By now you would have worked up an appetite which will be satisfied at the Taj Khema restaurant - a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal. As you relish the delicious Kormas, rich mutton or chicken curries (flavored with saffron and nuts), you may find yourself imagining that you have traveled back in time and are sharing one of the Emperors royal feasts!
Help yourself liberally from a platter of ‘pullao’ or aromatic rice, garnished with tender green peas or cumin seeds or onions or….the choices are endless.
An absolute must of every Avadhi meal is its impressive variety of ‘kebabs’ or bite sized mutton and chicken preparations made from finely minced meat to which ground spices are added before cooking, or chicken pieces variously marinated and then cooked to a tender succulence.
Replete with ‘royal’ cuisine, it would only be fitting to venture forth once more to explore some more marvels of Mughal architecture.
Now proceed for your exploration of the world’s greatest monument to love – the Taj Mahal (A World Heritage Site). No matter how many pictures you've seen (or glowing descriptions you've read), your first sight of the Taj will leave you speechless. We will not attempt to describe the incredible beauty of the monument, nor the ambiance of its surroundings - better writers and poets have tried and failed. As you explore the intricacies of design and construction, and the massive scale at which these intricacies were achieved, you'll wonder how the creators of the Taj Mahal attained a level of skill and talent (and access to materials) that surpasses anything in modern design.
Savor the moment for a while and experience the amazing spectacle of the sun setting on its facade, as it plays with the colors and hues of the millions of beautiful precious stones that are inlayed in the marble.

Day 5: Agra – Ranthambore. You have the option (additional charges apply) of an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal so that you can experience the sun rising on the monument. You can also visit Mehtab Bagh, a 500 year old Mughal garden that is located across the river from the Taj Mahal. If you select either of these options, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the visit.
Check out of your hotel and proceed for the drive to Bharatpur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted red sandstone city (built by Emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1585) serves as a haunting reminder of how man’s greatest achievements and greatest mistakes can be one and the same. Visit the towering Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is set in the south wall. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570.
Lunch is included this afternoon at Bharatpur.
After lunch - board the Express train for Ranthambore – a two and a half hour journey to Ranthambore.
Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.

Day 6: Ranthambore. The day starts with an early morning safari into the wilderness of Ranthambore.
Renowned for its magnificent Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger Sanctuaries in the country. Other wildlife you may spot includes:
Leopards – Asiatic deer – flying foxes – sloth bears - jackals – monitor lizards – macaques – the elusive caracal - blue bull – the snub nosed crocodile – jungle cats – four horned antelope and large herds of spotted deer near the three major watering holes in the Park.
It is also a bird watcher’s paradise. With over 260 avian species, you get to see jacanas – painted stork – black stork – crested serpent eagle - the great Indian horned owl – Bonelli’s eagle - quail – partridge – paradise flycatcher – spur fowl -parakeets – spoonbills – kingfishers – geese and white necked stork among others.
Perhaps the most brilliant of all the fowl is the amazingly plumaged peacock, the National Bird of India. If you are fortunate, you may get to see a male dance and have another lifelong memory to take with you.
Upon your return to your Lodge you get an opportunity to relax and freshen up.
Your adventure in the fresh air of the jungle should have you ready for lunch. You may want to try one of the mutton specialties along with the delicious Dal Panchmeli (a mix of five types of lentils cooked together) and seasoned with a mouth-watering blend of mild spices and ghee (clarified butter). Accompanying it might be a local delicacy like Murg ka Mokul (shredded fried chicken cooked in yoghurt & spices & flavored with saffron and almonds) and an assortment of freshly prepared Indian breads.
After lunch, you will return to the jungle for another safari. At the end of this safari, you may want to explore the ruins of the 10th century jungle fort (Ranthambhore Fort) which dominates the hills above the park and after which the Park has been named.
Epitomizing the ancient Hindu concept of Vana-Durg (a fort protected by a jungle), the Ranthambhore Fort was a citadel of power vital for the control of various trade routes. Built in 944 A.D. and chronicling numerous tales of valor in its history, this is still an imposing structure.
Tour its many old ruins including the palaces – temples – cenotaphs – houses and step-wells. There is an ancient functioning Hindu temple at one end of the Fort complex which is still considered a sacred pilgrimage destination by the villagers in the surrounding areas. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Park, the Fort affords superb views of the Park and has been a silent witness to history over the last millennium.
Among the more fascinating features of Ranthambhore (and there are many of those) are some ancient Banyan trees mentioned in a few of the religious texts of India. With their gnarled roots stretching down deep into the earth, some of them are over 800 years old.
On this evening you will dine while swapping tales about your experiences on the safari. Savor the succulent chicken and mutton kebabs, the fresh Indian breads, along with other delicious Rajasthani accompaniments.

Day 7: Ranthambore – Jaipur. Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning.
Check out of your hotel and drive to Jaipur. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel.
Afternoon – Enjoy a delicious Rajasthani lunch on arrival at Jaipur. Tuck into and savor the many unique flavors of a ‘Thali’ – a round platter in which a cross-section of delicious culinary favorites are presented for you to sample and enjoy.
Begin your explorations with the superbly designed City Palace in the heart of the Pink City. As you listen to the tales of heroism, chivalry and sacrifice, and you view the impressive memorabilia of costumes, armory and miniature paintings in its many museums, you may find yourself transported back to a time when Rajput Kings ruled this land, to a time of magnificent palaces, historic battles, and royal romances.
Explore monuments built by the amazing Raja Jai Singh – the astronomer king of Jaipur – he built the magnificent stone Observatory Jantar Mantar in 1728 A.D. Another ruler, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, built the intriguing façade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) in 1799 A.D.

Day 8: Jaipur. Start your day with a Jaipuri Swadbhara Naashta - the literal translation is delicious breakfast - or (as with any other day) with a hearty western breakfast.
Proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort & Palace, where you can choose between ascending the ramparts of the Palace on a brightly caparisoned elephant (like the Kings who ruled here) or by a more sedate 4WD vehicle. The Fort was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Visit the chambers and hallways of the Palace which are famous for their design and decorations.
From here you will proceed on a drive to Samode for sightseeing and a camel back (or camel cart) safari through local villages. Please bear in mind that there are no sand dunes in this area. Enjoy a unique Rajasthani lunch at the restaurant in the gorgeous Samode Palace. A guided tour of the palace and other monuments in the area is included. Drive back to Jaipur in the late afternoon.
Evening – drive to a dinner theatre where you will enjoy a colorful cultural show and a dinner that allows you to sample a diverse cross section of the local cuisine.

Day 9: Jaipur – Udaipur. Fly to Udaipur in the morning. Arrive at Udaipur and proceed for a city tour, including a tour of the City Palace. At this Palace complex, explore the gorgeous rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. The amazing “Crystal Gallery” at the Palace is unmatched in this world. You also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens and the local Museum.
As your mind absorbs the decadent display of wealth that it has just experienced, it is time to subject your palate to similarly lavish cuisine. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the Palaces that surround you, and where an entourage of royal cooks is busy preparing Mewari cuisine to titillate your taste buds. Choose from a mouth-watering array of local dishes, maybe settling for the delicious Gutte ka Saag – crusty gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy onion based gravy twanging with cumin and ginger; savor the thick golden-brown Dal Mewari - special flavored Mewari lentils and Makki Pullao - rice garnished with tasty corn dumplings.
Other options include Flaky fish wrapped in a green mint and coriander chutney, a tender mutton curry shimmering in tomato gravy & a succulent chicken curry innovatively teamed with sweet corn. End your meal with the famous Malai Ghevar - a spongy wedge made of refined flour and clarified butter, moistened with a splash of condensed milk and covered with the obligatory silver wrap.
Late afternoon - cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir (subject to it being open). After your cruise on Lake Pichola you head to the delightful royal garden known as Sahelion-Ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens).  Its lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics, and a profusion of colorful flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains, all serve as reminders of Udaipur’s glorious past.Udaipur is famous for its artists and paintings, including exquisite miniatures.

Day 10: Udaipur. Start the day with a drive to Ranakpur. Tour the famous 15th Century Jain Temples, located 90 km's north of Udaipur. The temples 29 halls are supported by 1444 intricately carved pillars, and no two are of the same design. There is an abundance of exquisite sculptures and friezes.
A buffet lunch is provided at Ranakpur.
Return to Udaipur in the afternoon.
It is now time to end your explorations of Rajasthan, albeit with a delicious foray into some more unique Mewari cuisine. Safed Maans - lamb chunks cooked to a tender succulence in yoghurt and almond-coconut paste – is a sure winner.  When combined with a rich pullao (rice garnished liberally with nuts and raisins) & Dana Methi Kishmish – a delicious fenugreek, raisin and yoghurt preparation, you will find it hard to accommodate any of the delicious dessert options afterwards.

Day 11: Udaipur  Delhi (Mumbai option available) - International Flight. Board the morning flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and you are greeted at the airport by your personal driver. If you are doing this visit as part of a small group, you are provided with personal vehicles for each single traveler / couple / family traveling together. Do any last minute shopping and sightseeing that you feel you may have left for the end.
Enjoy a diverse sampling of South Indian delicacies today at the original Sagar Ratna restaurant at the Ashok Hotel.
Your vehicle and driver stay with you till your (usually late evening) assisted check in at the airport.
Our services end at Delhi airport.

Day 12: Arrive in the United States.

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