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Highlights of Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan
A luxury tailor-made journey for Hugh & Bella Derrick from 6 March to 18 March 2020
Itinerary includes all accommodation, drivers, guides, internal flights and transfers
Your tailor-made journey includes stays and private guided tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai, plus private guided excursions to Fatehpur Sikri, Ranakpur and Amber Palace.
6 March: UK to India
Depart Heathrow 18.50 on BA257, arriving Delhi 08.50 the following morning. Flights purchased on your Airmiles.
7 March: Delhi
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to The Imperial where you can settle in and freshen up. Built in 1931, The Imperial is a New Delhi landmark, known for its contemporary colonial style and Art Deco highlights. Located close to Connaught Place, it's perfectly positioned for sightseeing and shopping, and ideal for guests who appreciate history, luxury, extensive facilities, impeccable service and a charmingly formal air (images below).
In the afternoon, your private guide will meet you at the hotel to discuss what you would like to include in your condensed tour of Old and New Delhi, such as visiting the Red Fort with its massive sandstone ramparts and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Others options include the 16th century tomb of Humayun, a World Heritage site, the great tower of Qutub Minar and the imposing imperial buildings, elegant bungalows and leafy avenues of Sir Edwin Lutyen's design. And Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Gandhi and Nehru.
8 March: Delhi to Agra
We'll pick you up from the hotel and take you to the railway station to catch the 08.10 Gatimaan Express to Agra, arriving 09.50. On arrival, you will be met at the station and transferred to the Taj Hotel - a great value 5* option from which to visit the Taj Mahal and the surrounding sights. The hotel looks and feels like a conference centre (because it is!) but its principal redeeming feature is the rooftop pool and views of the Taj Mahal, plus it's clean and very comfortable. After lunch, your private guide will collect you and take you to Agra Fort and then on for a tour of the Taj Mahal as the sun starts to set, and then drive you back to the hotel once the sun has gone down.
9 March: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal and transfer to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
It's an early start today, as you'll be taken to the Mehtab Bagh gardens on the northern side of the River Yamuna, in time to enjoy the sunrise and the magical reflections of the Taj in the river. After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will take you to Fatehpur Sikri. It's regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfied his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Afterwards continue on to Jaipur by car. The transfer time is approximately 6 hours over a distance of 260 km.
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was the first planned city of India, its rose coloured buildings giving it its name of the 'Pink City'. You will be staying at Trident Jaipur for 2 nights in a Deluxe Lake View room.
10 March: Jaipur City Tour & Amber Fort
Start your day with a visit to Amber Fort, enjoying the chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their excellent design and decoration. In the afternoon, continue for a tour of Jaipur, visiting the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in the 1700's, yet today it still looks futuristic or almost surrealistic. In addition, you will see the City Palace and its Museum, the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds.
Overnight at Trident Jaipur.
11 March: Jaipur to Jodhpur
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jodhpur (about 6 hours) stopping along the way whenever the mood takes you. You will be staying 3 nights in a Luxury Room at Jodhpur's first boutique hotel - Raas Jodhpur - comprising three new buildings in addition to the original four, a rare and charming complex that reflects, in many ways, the walled city itself. With its sensational vistas, different styles and an all-pervasive warm organic feel, Raas is a microcosm of the city. And, like virtually every home in Jodhpur, there are the most spectacular views of Mehrangarh Fort, regarded by many as Asia's best fortress.
12 March: Jodhpur
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - a gateway to the desert beyond and home of the Rathors of Marwar. Visit the Fort, set on a dramatic escarpment and built on the advice of a hermit. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. Also visit Jaswant Thada a beautiful white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, a peaceful place with stunning views of the city. Overnight at Raas Jodhpur
13 March: Jodhpur
Chill out day! Relax by the pool or wander off in to Jodhpur under your own steam. Overnight at Raas Jodhpur
14 March: Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur
After breakfast, leave Jodhpur and drive through marvellous scenery of desert, mountains and farmland to Udaipur, visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. The transfer time is approximately 6 hours over a distance of 259 km. Ranakpur is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It's home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and is a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.
The temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is a 48,000 square feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 - all of which are intricately carved - with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kilograms whose sound echoes in the entire complex. Continue your drive in the afternoon to Udaipur and check-in to the Trident Udaipur for 3 nights in a Deluxe Pool View Room.
Set in 43 acres on the banks of Lake Pichola, the hotel is perfectly located to explore the famed sites of the city, such as the City Palace, the Crystal Gallery, the Monsoon Palace or the beautiful Jagmandir. Inspired by the architectural and cultural heritage of Udaipur, all the 137 rooms and four suites are furnished in hues of muted beige and cream with traditional artefacts, reflecting elegance and charm. The main restaurant, Aravalli, serves authentic dishes from
the Kingdom of Mewar, known for its fine cuisine. For barbeques and grills, head to The Terrace and enjoy an al fresco dining
experience. If Mia is able to join you here, the hotel is 28km from the airport and just 5km from the railway station.
15 March: Explore Udaipur - on land and water
Enjoy a private half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at the City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, coloured glass windows and inlaid marble balconies; and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Overnight at Trident Udaipur
16 March: Udaipur
Another day for chillaxing! Overnight at Trident Udaipur
17 March: Udaipur to Mumbai
You'll be met at the hotel and driven to Udaipur Airport in time to catch your 09.50 flight, arriving Mumbai 11.25. On arrival, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel - Trident Nariman Point - where you'll spend your final night in India in a Premier Ocean View Room. Once you've checked in and maybe had a refreshing swim, it will be time for a half day private sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gateway of India over-looking the harbour and the Dhobi Ghat. Then drive up to Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and the Kamla Nehru Park with its spectacular views. Also visit Mani Bhavan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, then on to the bustling Crawford Market.
18 March: Fly to London
You will be met in the hotel lobby and transferred by private vehicle to the international terminal at Mumbai Airport in time to catch BA198 that departs 13.15 and arrives at Heathrow at 17.55 (same day).
Prices & Inclusions
Price: £2,900 per person
Price includes domestic flights (economy class), ticket taxes and air passenger duty tax, ATOL protection, 24/7 local and international support, all transfers by train and vehicle, all accommodation on room type specified and on a bed and breakfast basis,
all guided tours, boat tours and games drives specified.
If you wished to upgrade your last 3 nights in Udaipur and stay at Oberoi Udaivilas, the additional cost would be £1,228 per person, making the total price for your holiday £4,128 per person.
Price excludes international flights, immunisation and visas, consumables, domestic airport departure tax, and any services not specified.