Nov 4th: Depart from origin (you can ask us to include international flights if you choose).
Nov 5th: Arrive at Delhi (most flights arrive either in the evening or at night).
Our services begin here. 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.
Nov 6th: Delhi. Start your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi that includes visits to the Jama Masjid (1650 AD) which is the largest mosque in India, and the amazing Red Fort (1639-48) which was the seat of the Moghul Empire for more than 250 years. Enjoy a rickshaw ride along the alleys of the ancient bazaar at
Chandni Chowk. You also visit the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat).
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon – enjoy a city tour of New Delhi that begins with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while driving to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.) which is a striking medieval tower of victory of Persian architectural style and is 239 ft high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the famous Ashoka pillar. This large iron pillar has withstood the vagaries of Delhi’s weather and has not rusted in over 1500 years. Later, visit the tomb of the Moghul Emperor Humayun and then drive through Lutyens New Delhi which includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate, a golden domed Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s main shopping area.
Nov 7th: Delhi – Varanasi. Board the mid-morning flight to Varanasi. Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Afternoon – A city tour of Varanasi that includes visits to the numerous temples that dot the banks of the holy river. You will be able to walk through the narrow lanes and stop by the bazaars to have a look at, among other things, the world famous Banaras silks.
Sunset cruise on the Ganga – cruise on the Ganga at sunset and have a grandstand view to witness to the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony, as hundreds of lamps are sent floating on the holy river as the sun sets.
Nov 8th: Varanasi – Khajuraho. Early morning boat cruise on the river Ganges - duration about two hours – The best time to visit the Ghats is dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most famous Ghat is the Dasadwamedh Ghat from where we begin this tour. Enjoy the boat ride while looking out for the people on the Ghats – the women bathing discreetly in their sarees, the young men displaying prowess in yogic postures & the Brahmin priests offering prayers. Return to the hotel to check out.
Afternoon - fly to Khajuraho. Arrive at Khajuraho and transfer to your hotel. Start your tour of the temples. These magnificent examples of Hindu religious art were constructed over 1000 years ago. The detailed artistry of the sculptures and their incredible volume are both beyond explanation.
Nov 9th: Khajuraho - Agra. Return to the temples in the morning and finish your tour if you were unable to do that on the previous afternoon.
Mid morning – Check out of your hotel and drive to Orcha. Have a late lunch here and explore the ruins at Orcha on your own (local guides may be available for you to hire). Drive to nearby Jhansi and board the express train to Agra (5:56 pm - 8:25 pm). Arrive at Agra and check in at your hotel.
Agra is famous for its marble art & manufacturing of the same.
Nov 10th: Agra. Start your exploration of Agra with a half day city tour. The tour includes a visit to Itmad -Ud –Daulah’s tomb, built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s queen as a memorial to her father. It has beautiful ornamentation with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river Yamuna. Constructed in the year 1628, most historians believe that its
design provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You then visit the original red sandstone fort in North India, the Agra Fort. It was built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the greatest Mughal ruler of India. Its maze of courtyards, marble mosque, and private chambers all serve as reminders of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 AD as a memorial to his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This pure white marble mausoleum took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build.
Tour the amazing monument and its surroundings till it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the Taj Mahal’s façade.
Nov 11th: Agra – Ranthambore. You have the option (no charge) of a sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, which is a 500 year old Mughal garden located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River. If you do that, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the visit.
Check out of your hotel and proceed on the drive to Ranthambore.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585. 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 - continue your journey to Ranthambore.
Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.
Nov 12th: Ranthambore. Covering an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore runs along the eastern spur of the Aravali mountain range until it meets with the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore used to be the private hunting ground for the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger
Conservation platform.
Dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around the lakes in this park, and there are open grasslands on the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.
Enjoy wildlife safaris’ in to the park in the morning and evening.
In between safaris, you can visit the jungle fort at Ranthambore. This is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of
“vana-durg”, or a fort protected by a jungle. The history of this Fort (first built in AD 944) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie in ruins, but there are superb views of the park to be had from the ramparts.
Nov 13th: Ranthambore – Jaipur. Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and drive to Jaipur. Arrive at Jaipur in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon - Proceed for a half day city tour of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. View the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind), the intriguing facade built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city and bazaar from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory.
Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry, & handicrafts.
Nov 14th: Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to Amber Fort & Palace, located 12 kilometers from the center of the City. Arrive at the complex well before 9 a.m. so as to be able to partake in the elephant back ascent. The Fort was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the ascent to the palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the chambers and hallways of the Palace which are famous for their design and decorations.
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon – you are at leisure with your guide and chauffeur, who are available to you till 5 pm. This is a good time to shop for Rajasthani specialties if you are so inclined. There are enough other options that your guide/chauffeur can offer you.
Evening – Watch the show at your hotel and then drive to have dinner with a Traditional Rajasthani family at their home. Or drive to a cultural show and dinner.
Nov 15th: Jaipur – Pushkar. Drive to Pushkar in the morning. Arrive at Pushkar in the mid-morning and check in to your Luxury Tent or Cottage.
Participate in Pushkar Camel Fair festivities (Cattle Fair).
Easy Tours ‘Tour Directors’ will guide you to various activities and events around the Fair, and are available to assist you with your individual needs should any arise.
Afternoon - Tour the Fair camp grounds to view the cattle. Experience the trading activity with the cattle, which is at its peak.
Nov 16th: Pushkar. Participate in Pushkar Camel Fair festivities (Cattle Fair), including the camel race which is currently scheduled for this morning (subject to change).
Easy Tours ‘Tour Directors’ will guide you to various activities and events around the Fair, and are available to assist you with your individual needs should any arise.
Afternoon - Tour the Fair camp grounds to view the cattle, and this is a good day to explore the small town of Pushkar and its monuments.
Nov 17th: Pushkar - Udaipur. Enjoy a camel cart ride this morning. Participate in Pushkar Camel Fair festivities (Cultural Fair) for the remainder of the morning. ETI Tour Directors will guide you to various activities and events around the Fair, and are available to assist you with your individual needs should any arise.
Noon – Check out of the resort and proceed on a drive to Udaipur.
Stop at Ranakpur for a tour. Tour the famous 15th Century Jain Temples, located 90 kms 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.
Lunch is included this afternoon.
After lunch – continue your drive to Udaipur. Arrive at Udaipur in the late afternoon/evening and check in to your hotel.
Nov 18th: Udaipur. Start your day with 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. You walk through the Crystal Gallery which has an amazing collection of exquisite Crystal (including a complete bedroom furniture set in crystal, discovered recently in a store room in the palace). Visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens and the local Museum after the Palace tour.
There is a
break for lunch.
Late afternoon – Enjoy an exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir Island (if available).
Udaipur is famous for its artists and paintings, including exquisite miniatures.
Nov 19th: Udaipur – Kochi (Cochin). Board the morning flight to Mumbai. Connect with the flight to Cochin. Arrive at Cochin and check in to your hotel.
Afternoon - The tour begins from the St. Francis Church, established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church, one of the first built in India. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. More than a century old and still in use, they form one of the highlights of this tour.
Evening - Drive to watch a Kathakali dance (the art of storytelling through dance) performance. After the show, you are driven to dinner with a famous Keralan chef and her family at their home. Cooking tips and recipes are included.
Nov 20th: Cochin – Backwaters cruise. Check out from hotel and proceed on the drive to Alleppey in the morning & board your houseboat. Relax and have a great time till the next morning as you cruise the amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala cuisine.
Nov 21st: Kumarakom – Cochin. Disembark from your boat at Kumarakom. You are at leisure at Kumarakom till after lunch. Enjoy the beautiful, lush lakeside environment and have a nice lunch at one of the resorts if you are so inclined.
Afternoon – Drive back to Cochin and check in to your hotel. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built in 1568 and next to the synagogue is Cochin’s fascinating Jew Street with its antique stores.
Nov 22nd: Cochin – Delhi/Mumbai. Drive to the airport and board the morning flight to Delhi/Mumbai. Arrive at Delhi/Mumbai and you are greeted at the airport by your personal chauffeur. 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.
Your vehicle and chauffeur stay with you till your late evening assisted check in at the airport.
Our services end at Delhi/Mumbai airport.
Nov 23rd: Arrive at your next destination.
