Day 1: Arrive at Delhi - most flights arrive either in the evening or at night, and we
strongly recommend that our guests consider arriving a day earlier as this allows you to recuperate from jetlag, and serves as insurance against international flight delays and cancellations. An additional night’s hotel stay can be added at the time of reservation. Your stay at the Delhi Oberoi includes access to the exclusive Resident’s Lounge with its associated benefits.
Our services begin here. You are greeted at the airport by an Easy Tours Travel Facilitator or your Tour Director, and ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your boutique luxury hotel and assisted with your check-in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and you are presented with your welcome package. This package includes travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers, as well as copies of documents (such as our General Travel Guide) that were sent to you earlier.
Day 2: Delhi. (B,L) Begin your exploration of India with a guided city tour of New Delhi. This excursion begins with a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. This drive will include photo opportunities at the following attractions - the exterior of the massive and awe-inspiring Rashtrapati Bhawan (known as Viceroy’s House during the British era) and Delhi’s landmark structure India Gate. From here you will be driven to visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
This gold domed Sikh Temple is the most prominent Gurudwara in Delhi and is associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. It was first built as a small temple by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. The campus includes the temple, a kitchen, a school, an art gallery, and the holy pond (Sarovar), whose water is called Amrit (Holy Nectar). As with all Sikh Gurudwaras, the concept of langar (community meal) is practiced here and anyone may eat in the Gurudwara’s Kitchen. Thousands of meals are prepared daily and served to
all visitors, regardless of race, religion or other status. The food is prepared by the religious leaders who are assisted by scores of local volunteers. You will witness the fascinating processes of cooking, serving and cleanup for these countless meals. Only vegetarian food is served, so that no religion’s dietary restrictions are violated. After the langar ceremony, you will drive through Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s downtown.
Lunch today is at the Tamra restaurant at the Shangri La Hotel near Connaught Place. The highly rated buffet features a vast selection of Japanese, Indian, western and Asian appetizers, entrees and desserts.
After lunch, you will drive to the nearby
National Museum, the crown jewel of India’s Museums, for a very short tour. There is a plethora of exhibits and artifacts and a comprehensive tour would take well over a day. Our
visit will be brief, and your Tour Director will guide you through the Pre History Gallery’s Harrapan Collection and its displays from the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished on the banks of the river of the same name. Most visitors to India are unaware of the fact that this was the most advanced and widespread of the world’s three oldest civilizations, and that the nation of India derived its name from this magnificent river. You will be amazed by the sophistication of the exhibits of pottery, tools, coins, jewelry and other artifacts that range from
10,000 BC to 1000 BC.
The last part of this excursion is the awe-inspiring Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This 239 ft tall medieval tower is a symbol of victory and a beautiful example of Persian architecture from that period. There is a winding stairway inside the tower that goes up all the way to the balcony at the very top of the tower – unfortunately they are no longer accessible for visitors. The Qutab Minar and its Monuments are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of the Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque, stands one of the legendary Ashoka Pillars. This large iron pillar has withstood the ravages of Delhi’s weather (and recent pollution) and has not rusted in over 1500 years.
After exploring the Qutab Minar you will be driven back to your hotel.
Day 3: Delhi. (B,L) Continue your exploration of Delhi with a guided city tour of Old Delhi. This tour begins with the amazing Red Fort. Both the Jama Masjid (Mosque) and this massive structure were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal.
The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture.
One of your most enduring memories of India will be your next experience as you drive,
walk and ride through the ancient city's streets and alleys. You will enjoy a fascinating rickshaw ride, and an extended walk with your Tour Director, through the crowded ancient alleys of Chandni Chowk. The cacophony of sounds, from the cries of hawkers and the animated bargaining, sounds which have echoed through the centuries, to the modern motor horns, all combine to make for a unique experience. The riot of colors further adds to the sensory overload, as do the diverse smells emanating from the street food stalls and spice markets that form part of the bazaar.
Next is an exploration of the
Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India. The Masjid is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers.
Lunch today is at the Curzon Room of the historic Oberoi Maidens Hotel. This boutique fine dining restaurant has understated historic charm and you will have delicious options between a set vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal.
After lunch a short drive will deliver you to an oasis of calm and serenity, which also happens to be your last destination in Old Delhi. The cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat) is a simple yet stirring memorial to the father of the nation. Lush lawns extend beyond the enclosure surrounding the black marble platform occupying the spot where the Mahatma was cremated. An eternal flame burns next to the platform.
From here you will drive to visit the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Delhi has such an abundance of amazing monuments that this Tomb Complex (1562 A.D.) does not quite get the acclaim that it deserves. It is Delhi’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site and its amazing architecture and the elaborate gardens will captivate you as your Tour Director explains the unique architectural and historic facets of this monument.
After exploring the tomb you will be driven back to your hotel.
Day 4: Delhi - Agra. (B,L) You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the mid-morning and you are driven to Agra on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at Agra and there is a break for the lunch at the Sky Deck restaurant of the Taj Gateway Hotel, which offers great views of the Taj Mahal while you enjoy your ala-carte lunch. Western and Indian cuisine is available.
After lunch, you will be driven to your iconic luxury resort, where you will be assisted with your check-in.
Enjoy a sunset visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love is obviously a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal was completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 A.D. as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular white marble mausoleum was created by about 22,000 skilled craftsmen and it took twenty two years to complete. When you experience the Taj Mahal with an Easy Tours Tour Director who shares unique insights into its innumerable facets, some of their passion for this masterpiece may rub off on you. Explore the amazing Taj and its surroundings until it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the façade of the world’s finest monument.
Day 5: Agra. (B,L) Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise - the best time to see it during most of the year! Due to it being more expensive for Indian tourists at that time, and the early hour, the massive monument and its surrounding
Mughal gardens are a lot less crowded than in the afternoon. As the rising sun’s rays illuminate the precious stones inlaid in the marble, they will gleam momentarily as the marble’s color changes. Return to your resort after this and enjoy breakfast.
You are at leisure for a couple of hours to enjoy the amazing facilities and view of your resort. Join your Tour Director for an afternoon of exploration at about noon.
There is a
break for lunch (included) at a popular local restaurant - you can choose to enjoy their buffet, or order ala-carte.
From here you will proceed for a walk through Agra’s ancient and iconic
Kinari Bazaar. Although this has similarities to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, there are enough unique elements to this crowded and lively market where all sorts of goods are sold, from spices to clothing to crafts and much, much more. The exotic smells emanating from the colorful street food stalls, the sounds of the negotiating buyers and sellers, the sight of cows meandering docilely through the crowds, all combine to make an experience that you will not forget.
After your walk through the bazaar you will visit the first red sandstone fort of North India, the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1565 by India’s greatest Mughal ruler, Emperor Akbar. Its royal audience halls, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and the private royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. After the fort you will be driven back to your resort.
Day 6: Agra - Jaipur. (B,L) You are assisted with your check-out from your resort and then you are driven to the Chand Baori stepwell at
Abhaneri, located just off the Agra - Jaipur highway. You will stop for lunch (included) at a nature resort in Abhaneri that serves locally sourced Indian food just before your arrival at Chand Baori in Abhaneri.
After lunch you will proceed to a very unique monument that is located nearby, next to a charming Rajasthani village. The massive 10th century
Chand Baori stepwell is one of the most impressive in all of India. The depth of the stepwell is that of a modern 7 storey building, and there are stairs leading down to the bottom from three of the 100 foot plus (35 meters) four sides of the opening. Enjoy a guided exploration of the stepwell and then you will walk through the small village to get a glimpse of the lives of the simple but proud
Rajasthani villagers. There will be young boys and girls herding goats, sheep, and cows around the area, camels carrying loads for their owners, and many other experiences that are only found in rural India. There are potters huts that you can stop at, as well as ladies weaving traditional garments, as well as opportunities to view many other indigenous activities. This is not a disguised effort to sell local wares, as is often found in tourism destinations. These are real villagers, and their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality will captivate you.
After this you will
continue on with your journey to Jaipur. You are assisted with your check-in at your boutique luxury resort upon your arrival at Jaipur.
Day 7: Jaipur. (B,L) Start your day with an excursion to the Amber Fort and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located a short distance from the walled city. Just like the Emperors of a few centuries ago, enjoy the ascent up to the ramparts of the fort on top of a colorfully caparisoned elephant.
If you prefer not to ride the elephants, you can be driven to the rear entrance of the monument. The massive Fort complex was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of India’s finest examples of Rajput architecture. Explore the chambers and hallways, which are famous for their exquisite designs and handcrafted embellishments. Return to the valley beneath the Fort and proceed to the pink city. Just before entering the walled city you will stop at the Trident Hotel (owned and operated by the Oberoi Group)
for lunch. The buffet here includes western and Indian cuisine options.
Begin your exploration of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. You will visit Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is the fascinating stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. Among other instruments, it includes a giant sun dial that is accurate to within 2 seconds. After the observatory comes a photo opportunity of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind). This intriguing facade was built in 1799 so that the ladies of the court could use its unique windows and observe the bustling bazaar without being visible to the people on the streets. Continue the tour with an exploration of the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of which 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 costumes, armory and miniature paintings.
Next you will take a stroll with your Tour Director through the “pink” bazaar in the heart of the old town, and watch the locals as they bargain for their everyday necessities. You will also enjoy a brief stop for a tour of a collection of Rajput turbans. A turban tying demonstration is included, as are turban and Sari tying lessons.
Day 8: Jaipur. (B,L) You are at leisure on this day to enjoy the amazing facilities and views of your resort. We need to mention here that guests that stay at the Oberoi Hotels only have one complaint at the end of their tour. This complaint is invariably that they wish they had more time to enjoy the incredible facilities at these resorts. The Oberoi Rajvilas has expansive facilities, activities and gardens, including a two century old living Shiva Temple near its magnificent pool.
Day 9: Jaipur - Pushkar. (B,L,D) You are assisted with your check-out from your resort after breakfast and then you are driven to Pushkar. Arrive at Pushkar around noon and you are assisted with check-in at your desert lodge. Please note that, although it is one of the best adjacent to the Pushkar Festival
Fairgrounds, your lodging for this night is basic and will not have anywhere near the luxury of your other hotels in India. There will be a staffed Easy Tours Facilitation Center in the lobby of the desert lodge to assist you for any needs that may arise.
There is a break for lunch. All 3 meals are at your lodge while you are at Pushkar.
Afternoon - Experience a camel cart ride to the cattle trading fairgrounds. Walk through the Fair camp grounds with Easy Tours guides and Tour Directors to experience the cattle trading and everything else that goes on at this massive fair. The trading activity is at its peak during this part of the fair and you will experience rural Rajasthan as one can only do during this massive cattle fair - photo and video opportunities are endless. Thousands of camels, horses, and other cattle will be traded within a few days. The cattle are groomed and decorated, their skills and strengths are demonstrated in various ways, and there is intense haggling. A plethora of street vendors are mixed in with all this activity, selling food to the villagers and fodder for the various cattle.
At the end of the day the trading ceases and the thousands of villagers settle down to discuss the day’s exploits, and to prepare for their evening meal. At this time, as the sun sets in the desert, you will return to your lodge by camel cart.
Day 10: Pushkar - Delhi - International Flight. (B,L) Guests who are interested will join your Tour Director and in the early morning and head for the fairgrounds, where you will walk through the awakening campground and observe the villagers as they prepare for the day.
Other guests will depart a little later in your vehicle, which will stop near the fairgrounds to pick up the early risers, for the small town of Pushkar.
Enjoy a walk through Pushkar’s crowded and colorful alleys. This is a pilgrimage destination and you will see temples that are a hubbub of activity during this auspicious period. There is usually a colourful religious procession that goes through the alleys this morning, but this events schedule can change and so it is not guaranteed. Visit the holy lake in the middle of town where pilgrims are taking a dip to wash away their sins.
Board your vehicles again and you are led to a spot where your caravan of camels awaits. You are assisted in climbing on your personal camel (camel carts are also available) and then you proceed on a camel safari through the semi-arid region near Pushkar. Your safari ends at a venue where you are the guests of honor at an Easy Tours sponsored Camel Race.
Experience the fascinating race where some camels will develop a mind of their own and head in every other direction but the finish line. You will be amazed by the speed and grace of these awkward looking animals as they fly over the sand.
Return to your lodge and freshen up.
You are assisted with your check-out from your desert lodge by noon and then you are driven to the Jaipur airport in time to board your late afternoon flight to Delhi – a packed lunch is provided from your hotel. Arrive at Delhi airport and collect your baggage, then check-in for your international flight.
If your international flight departs late at night or the very early next morning, we recommend that we reserve a room for you at the Holiday Inn Express in-terminal hotel, priced very reasonably, and located inside the international terminal. If you and the greeter do not connect, do not go outside the terminal. Instead, simply ask airport staff for directions to the hotel and you can proceed there on your own. Please note that you will not be able to take your checked baggage in to your room as it will be stored by the hotel. The hotel has decent dining facilities and a relatively inexpensive spa. At the appropriate time for your international flight check-in a Holiday Inn representative will assist with your check-out and escort you to your check-in counter for your international flight.
If your flight departs the next day, airport transfers and an additional nights hotel stay near the airport can be easily arranged.
Our services end at Jaipur airport. 
