North India: Delhi Roundtrip
On this perfect locally escorted tour, the itinerary concentrates on the colourful destinations of Northern India. The sights and sounds plus the ambience will captivate you entirely.
Delhi, the capital, is made up of Old and New Delhi. Colourful Old Delhi teeming with masses of people has a very strong atmosphere with its narrow winding back streets. Also visit the imposing Red Fort, a city within a city, the important and beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque and the serene cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later it’s time to head for New Delhi to see the impressive India Gate on the Rajpath, the Presidential Palace, the ancient tower, the Qutub Minar and Humayan’s Tomb where a number of former emperors are buried.
Fly to Udaipur, possibly India’s most beautiful city with its attractive location on three lakes. Sightseeing here includes the magnificent City Palace, a cruise on serene Lake Pichola while viewing the palaces on the shores of the lake, the pretty Garden of Maidens and an unusual outdoor laundry.
Next travel overland to Jodhpur en route stopping at the spectacular marble Jain Temple of Ranakpur. Jodhpur, an old walled city, has the huge and imposing Mehrangarh Fort perched high on a hill as a backdrop. Enjoy a stroll through the local bazaars and spice markets to experience some local flavour.
Pushkar is a sacred town to the Hindus and is situated close to the Thar Desert. Just strolling around the city will give you a strong and lasting impression.
Next stop is the city of Jaipur. Start by travelling to the imposing Amber Fort perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and reached on the back of an elephant. Returning to town, spend time at City Palace and the interesting Jantar Mantar old time observatory as well as viewing the Palace of Winds.
Travel overland to Ranthambore National Park, a former Maharaja’s hunting ground. Here enjoy two safaris into the jungle to view local wildlife which includes tigers, leopards, hyenas plus many tropical birds. Also visit the historical Ranthambore Fort.
Board a train and travel to Bharatpur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, the Ghost city with a story. Afterwards, arrive in Agra where the beautiful and spectacular Taj Mahal will be visited followed by Agra’s Fort.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital and major gateway. Delhi is a tantalizing mix of ancient monuments, wide boulevards, narrow alleys, urban parks and spiralling towers.
Day 2 – Delhi Sightseeing (B, D)
After a late breakfast, you will enjoy a combined full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. This will include a visit to the Red Fort, India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid and the Raj Ghat, a memorial monument for Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. In the afternoon explore New Delhi. Drive past the Parliament Building and visit India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutab Minar, India’s tallest stone tower.
Day 3 – Dehli to Udaipur (B, D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to Udaipur, the city of lakes and fairy-tale like palaces. Wander around and explore the city during your evening at leisure.
Day 4 – Udaipur Sightseeing (B, D)
Your morning tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Inside the palace, visit Jagdish Temple, a revered temple visited by many every year. Later, take a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola surrounded by palaces and get the chance to see Udaipur’s Dhobi Ghats (an outdoor laundry) along the shores. The day’s tour finishes with a visit to the beautiful Garden of Maidens.
Day 5 – Udaipur to Jodhpur (B, D)
Embark on an overland journey to Jodhpur stopping en route to see the magnificent Jain Temple of Ranakpur. Over 144 marble pillars carved in exquisite detail support the temple. Continue to the walled city of Jodhpur, otherwise known as India’s Blue City due to the colour of the local houses. The evening is at leisure.
Day 6 – Jodhpur Sightseeing (B, D)
Today you will explore the Mehrangarh Fort, an impressive structure that sits on top of a hill and overlooks the city. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the local bazaar in the blue hued old city of Jodhpur. Wander through shops selling all sorts of edibles, spices, fabrics and household goods and get a glimpse of the daily life of the city’s inhabitants.
Day 7 – Jodhpur to Pushkar (B, D)
In the morning, you set off for Pushkar, a sacred town of the Hindus. Pushkar is famous for its central lake as well as its deserts where you will see camels dotting the horizon. Daily markets offer great souvenir shopping. Sit at a sidewalk café and watch passing traffic.
Day 8 – Pushkar to Jaipur (B, D)
Travel overland again to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur has a timeless quality reflected in its bazaars and thoroughfares. Upon arrival in this beautiful city, you will have time at leisure before retiring for the evening.
Day 9 – Celebrate Holi In Jaipur (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, take part in special Holi celebrations followed by lunch at a private venue. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore and soak up the colours of this amazing festival.
Day 10 – Jaipur to Ranthambore (B, D)
This morning, pass by the Palace of Winds and travel slightly north of Jaipur to the Amber Fort, one of the most magnificent forts in Rajasthan. After ascending to the gates by jeep, explore the four sections of the fort, including its fascinating chambers, courtyards and gardens. After lunch (own expense), depart Jaipur for Ranthambore National Park, once a hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Now the Bengal tigers here are fiercely protected. Upon arrival, transfer directly to your resort hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 11 – Ranthambore Safari (B, L, D)
Today will consist of two safaris by open canter in the park, one in the early morning and one at dusk. Tiger sightings are frequent but also leopards, antelopes, wild boar, jackals and crocodiles as well as other wildlife have also been spotted.
Day 12 – Ranthambore to Agra (B, D)
Today set off for Agra. En route stop at the hilltop Ranthambore Fort, which offers magnificent views. Continue to the station for a short train ride to Bharatpur, near Agra. Upon arrival visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone ghost town originally built by Akbar the Great. It was supposed to rival world cities such as London and Paris. Arrive Agra and evening at leisure.
Day 13 – Agra to Delhi (B, D)
For many, the highlight of the trip will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, an awe inspiring structure built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife who died in childbirth. It is said to have taken over 22 years to build using more than 20,000 men. Afterwards, visit Agra Fort, a red sandstone building overlooking the Taj. Shah Jahan, imprisoned there by his son, eventually died in capture. Return to Delhi in the late afternoon and check into hotel.
Day 14 – Depart Delhi (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Plenty of departure dates!
Departure dates 2018: Jan 13, Feb 22 (Celebrate Holi Festival), March 17, April 7, Sep 22, Oct 13, Nov 6 (Celebrate Diwali Festival), Nov 9 (Celebrate Pushkar Festival), Dec 1.
Prices from $2,799 CAD
For more information on this exciting adventure please contact Lucas@Lloydstravel.com.
PRICE INCLUDES:
13 Nights accommodation; Flight from Delhi to Udaipur; Small group transfers & touring with English speaking National Guide and local tour guides; Meals as indicated.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel Insurance; International & domestic airfares and airfare taxes unless indicated; Visas if required; Meals & Beverages unless specifically indicated in the itnerary; Tipping*; Items of a personal nature.
*TIPPING:
Your guide will collect a local, cash payment of $225 USD per person from you on Day one. This covers the cost of tipping for your guides, drivers and porters for the duration of your trip. Please have this cash payment available upon your arrival.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are “from” per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request.
GROUP SIZE:
Minimum 6, Maximum 20 travelers. This tour can be arranged on a private basis, please enquire.
