Explore India: a kaleidoscope of History, Cultures and Natural Beauty

Begin your journey to the exotic land of India by taking a flight from London to Amritsar, via Delhi. Settle in at the Taj Swarna where you will be staying for two nights. An evening of spirituality, chanting, lights, and lots of colour awaits you at the Golden Temple to see the symbolic Palki Sahib night ceremony. The visit is optional.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

In the morning, a visit to the Golden Temple will leave you awestruck as the full golden dome of the temple is highlighted by the morning light. The upper part of the structure was built with about 400 kg of gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by the “Pool of the Nectar of Immortality” (Amrit Sarovar), a highly sacred pond that is believed to purify devotees of their karma. It is one of the most spiritual and sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs, and it has the largest free community kitchen (langar) in the world feeding about 100,000 people daily for free.

Next, explore the historic Qila Ahluwalia, with its intact colonial structures, originally built to serve as a military fortress protecting the Golden Temple and Katra. After that, have some treats from the jalebi sweet shop at the Jalebiwala Chowk. Jaleb, a spiral-shaped crispy sweet snack is popular in south and west Asia.

In the afternoon, head to the border town of Wagah, which straddles the line between India and Pakistan. There, you will watch the unique Changing of the Guard Ceremony that occurs between the two countries. As the sun sets, the border’s iron gates open and the flags of India and Pakistan are lowered and folded simultaneously. The soldiers from both sides make an abrupt handshake, retreat, and then the gates are closed.

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On the morning of the 4th day, say goodbye to Amritsar and catch a flight to Varanasi via Delhi. Check-in at the Taj Ganges, where you will be spending the night. In the evening, a magical event awaits you. Visit the Dasaswamedh ghats (stepped wharfs), the oldest and most sacred ghat in the holy city of Varanasi. As the evening twilight sets in, aarti, the Hindu Ceremony of Light commences. As you float on a boat along the Ganges river, you will be mesmerized by the whimsical fire lights around you accompanied by magical chants of greeting and thanksgiving to the Deities.

For the 24 November 2023 and the 2024 departures, you will have the opportunity to partake in the spectacular Dev Diwali festival celebrations,during which a million earthen lamps light up the steps of the ghats.

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In the early morning, experience charming rural India in soothing way, river cruising. A slow and spiritual boat ride gently down the Ganges will give you views of Varanasi’s temples and locals offering flowers and prayers to the river.

After the boat ride, it is time for a walking tour down Varanasi’s labyrinth streets and alleys. Varanasi has produced master craftsmen and earned fame for its textiles, handicrafts, metalwork, clay and woodwork, ivorywork, and leaf crafts. From the paan bazaar to the ethnic spice, jewellery, and flower markets, that is the place to shop for souvenirs from India.

In the evening, take a flight to Delhi and settle in at the Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka for a 2-night stay.

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In the morning, take a tour of Old Delhi, the most historic part of the metropolis dating back to the era of the Mughals. The tour includes a drive past the largest monument in Old Delhi, the Red Fort. The fort was constructed over ten years, between 1638 and 1648, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Next on the tour is a visit to Delhi’s principal mosque, the Jama Masjid. The mosque’s courtyard has the capacity for holding 25,000 people. Wrap the morning with a walking tour down the streets of Old Delhi.

In the afternoon, take a tour of New Delhi driving past the India Gate, a 42 meters high war memorial, and the Viceregal residence, which used to be a residence for imperial rulers. Currently, it houses the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor’s office. Next is a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Delhi, the Qutb Minar, a complex of monuments and buildings from the Sultanate era. The architecture is famed for its artistic brickwork, particularly on its arches and pillars. The final visit for the day is to the tomb of the Mughul Emperor, Humayunm. The grand garden tomb was built by Persian and Indian craftsmen.

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Take a ride to Agra on the fastest train in India, the Gatimaan Express. Check-in at the Trident Agra for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, visit the historical grand fort of Agra. The fort was the main residence of the Mughul Dynasty emperors till 1638 when the capital was relocated from Agra to Delhi. It is a powerful fortress rebuilt with red sandstone by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565.

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Witness the golden hour of sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal. The ivory-white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan to commemorate the memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Next, drive to the first planned city of the Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri. The -presently deserted- 16th-century red sandstone city demonstrates true architectural finesse.

A royal dining experience awaits you in the city of Bharatpur. The 125 years old Laxmi Vilas Palace spreads across 700 acres of land and contains an ostentatious collection of jewels, an intimidating armoury, and the highest number of stained glass windows present in any palace in the world. Enjoy lunch in a palace where the royal and regal charm of an earlier era radiates all around you. Wrap the day with a calming train ride to Sawai Mahopur. Check-in at the Dev Vilas for 2 nights.

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In the early morning and the late afternoon, you will be on a 4×4 safari viewing wildlife in one of the best places in the world to spot Royal Bengal tigers. Enjoy exploring the dense jungles and being surrounded by grassy meadows and natural beauty.

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In the morning, take a drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City or Paris of India. There, you will check in at the Trident Jaipur for a 2-night stay. You can spend the afternoon doing the activity of your choice. You can either take a refreshing splash at the hotel’s pool or you can go out and roam the city streets. In the evening, visit a local Hindu temple to witness the aarti prayer ritual ceremony.

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Start the day with a visit to Amber Fort. Situated high on a hill, this ancient fort is an extensive palace complex with underground tunnels that connect to Jaigarh Fort. The magnificent Amber Fort is constructed with sandstone along with white marble and it is known for its Rajput architecture and artistic style.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a complex palace located within the walled city. The City Palace is a fusion of Mughal, Rajput, and European architecture and it stands as a symbol of the rich history of Indian royalty. The City Palace visit is followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, which was built by prince Jai Singh in the early 18th century. The observatory has around 20 main fixed instruments and it is a testament to how the medieval world excelled in scientific and technical concepts.

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Begin the day with a drive to Jodhpur, the city of palaces, forts, and temples. The first stop is to a fort, located on top of a hill, and covering an area of 1200 acres. Mehrangarh Fort will simply take your breath away with its grandeur. The fort contains palaces and a museum that preserves priceless royal Indian relics. Next, soothe your senses with a walk through the calming streets of the blue-washed Brahmin houses.

Finally, complete your soothing experience by checking in at Rohet Garh, a place that has a relaxing aura. The former fort, which is now a heritage property is situated in the heart of Rohet village. It is run by a family that has developed and nurtured the place for fifteen years. You will be spending 2 nights in this serene place.

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Today you have a choice to either spend the day at leisure or go on an optional 4×4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal village. The village is a natural beauty of exotic wildlife and authentic scenery, and it’s known for the Guda Bishnoi Lake and Khejri trees.

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Take a drive to the small but beautiful village of Ranakpur and visit the Jain temples featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. Continue the drive to the city of lakes and palaces, the Venice of the East, Udaipur. This city is located around sparkling azure water lakes and is edged by the lush green Aravail hills. Enjoy spending 2 nights in this serene city at the Trident Udaipur.

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In the morning, take a tour of the City Palace, which was constructed in a flamboyant style and is considered to be the most prominent of its type in Rajasthan. It is situated over a hill, providing an amazing panoramic view of the city. Next, another visually stimulating visit to learn about the art of traditional Rajasthani miniature painting at a local studio dedicated to the art.

Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the picturesque serenity of the city. In the evening, you are in for a musical treat, the Bagore-ki-Haveli cultural show featuring folk dance and music.

Departures coinciding with the Holi festival will get to witness the colourful festival celebrations at Maharajah’s Palace. Celebrate the arrival of spring and revel in the joyous atmosphere.

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Transfer to the Udaipur airport to take a flight to Delhi. Check-in at the Vivanta New Delhi for an overnight stay.

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On the last day of this exotic journey, head to the airport to catch a direct flight to London. This trip to India will likely be a transformative experience that leaves you with a deeper understanding of the world and yourself. You will also return home with a renewed sense of wonder and adventure.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)