Best Exotic Marigold Tour - 10 days

FROM USD $2,299

'There's always room in India', so join us for a thrilling adventure and an assault on the senses, following in the footsteps of the characters from 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' film. Travel through the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of Udaipur, from the architectural wonder of Jaipur to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, with time to reflect on the light, colour and smiles of India with a stay at the 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' itself.

Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi, the capital city of India and the start of your eye-opening adventure! Our friendly team will be waiting in the arrivals hall to transfer you to your hotel where you can relax for the rest of the day. Overnight - Delhi

Day 2: Old and New Delhi City Tour

Delhi - Udaipur. Today, you'll exploreDelhi - both Old and New with a private guide. Highlights of the tour will be the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and much more. This evening you will travel to Udaipur by sleeper train, a must-do experience for any visitor young or old! The friendly locals will be vying for a chat with you. Overnight - Overnight Sleeper Train (B)

Day 3: Udaipur

Your train arrives into Udaipur in the morning to the start of a new day and the gathering hustle and bustle. Our rep will be waiting for us , but make sure you take a moment to try some chai, hot tea from one of the vendors, before transfering to your hotel. Here you will enjoy some breakfast while you wait for check in. In the afternoon enjoy a thrilling tuk tuk ride through the narrow streets stopping to take in the sites. In the afternoon enjoy a thrilling tuk tuk ride through the narrow streets stopping to take in the sites. We'll stop at the Jagat Niwas Hotel for the chance to sip an ice cool G&T, much like Evelyn and Madge do in the film! This evening we drive half an hour out of the city to the Monsoon Palace to witness the sunset and experience a magical atmosphere at twilight. Overnight - Udaipur (B)

Day 4: Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola - Khempur. This morning after a leisurely breakfast we will head down to the lake and enjoy a splendid row-boat ride. Take in the spectacular scenery of the Aravalli Hills as they are revealed with the lifting cloak of early morning mist. Checking out in the mid morning it is time for a real treat as we transfer to the original 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'. Located in a little town called Khempur, the hotel is officialy known as the Ravla Khempur and it was here that some of the film was shot. This evening enjoy a stroll with your guide through the village with a chance to meet the friendly locals. Overnight - Khempur (B, D)

The Ravlar Khempur hotel which featured in the film 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'

Day 5: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Today we enjoy the relaxed pace of village life as we set off to explore the surrounding area by bullock cart ride, a mode of transport that has been used here in India since the beginning of written history. Later in the evening we enjoy high tea by the lake, much as the British Raj would have done in a bygone era. Overnight - Khempur (B, D)

Day 6: Jaipur and Thar Desert

Khempur - Jaipur. Today we have a long drive to our next destination, Jaipur. Travelling through the Thar Desert offers a fascinating window onto another world so sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, soaking in the amazing sights and sounds as you make your way to the Pink City.

Jaipur was coined with the moniker Pink City after the visit of the King Edward, the Prince of Wales in 1876. After arrival and hotel check in, perhaps enjoy a splash in the pool before your dinner of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Overnight - Jaipur (B, D)

Day 7: City tour of Jaipur

This morning an exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty Amber Fort of Jaipur, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Decorate yourself in colourful flowers as we stop to visit a local flower market or for the travelling couples, boys can imitate Sonny and buy a marigold chain for their one true love!

Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Later in the day enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Bazaar. This evening we have a special treat for you with an enlightening visit to a local family home for a cooking demonstration and as a bonus, you get to eat what you learnt to cook! Overnight - Jaipur (B, D)

Day 8: Agra and the magnificent Taj Mahal

Jaipur - Agra. Departing Jaipur we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital with a stop at the Abhaneri step well along the way - a popular place for local children to swim. It's here that Sonny tried to express his deepest feelings for Sunaina in the film. En route we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water shortly after completion. Arriving in Agra we assist with your check in then head out to visit the Agra Fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. This evening enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, watching a picturesque sunset over India's most iconic monument. Overnight - Agra (B)

The Chand Baori Step Well in Abhaneri Village

Day 9: Vrindavan and Mathura Temples

Agra - Delhi. Today is the piece de la resistance as we make our way back to Delhi, stopping at the Vrindavan and Mathura temples along the way. Here you'll discover real insight into the Hindu Religion with both ancient and modern temples of worship dedicated to the god Krishna. You will see the priests perform the worship with the transcendental music they play for the gods providing a unique soundtrack to the event. Afterwards we continue to Delhi for your final evening in this amazing country. Overnight - Delhi (B)

Day 10: Last day in Delhi

"Everything will be alright in the end", they say in India, "and if it's not alright, then it's not the end". Sadly, today marks the end of your incredible journey and we hope it's been more than alright! After breakfast and hotel check out we transfer you to the airport for your onward departure journey and bid you a fond farewell. Delhi (B)

FROM USD $2,299

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the twin/double price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel i.e. during India’s peak travel season of 21 Dec - 10 Jan, additional supplements will apply. Equally, if you with to travel to India during the summer, rates will be cheaper than those quoted.. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value.

Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.



Date	Price/Person	Single Supp.
Best Exotic Marigold Tour - 10 days	USD $2,299	USD $979

Experiences

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Wild at Heart

Elephants

Found across Asia and Africa, the largest concentration of elephants can be spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Track elephant with us on safari in Africa and India, visit the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka or ride an elephant on safari in Nepal.

Live It Local

A girl holding a Peruvian baby on Taquille Island, Lake Titicaca

Local Interaction

We offer a range of opportunities for you to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle whilst travelling. The best way to learn about any culture is to live in the homes of the people, and participate in day to day activities. Whether its through community visits, accompanying Berbers in Morocco on their bi-annual migration or using homestay accommodation where you can experience real local warmth and hospitality.

Wonders of the World

The beautiful white marble Taj Mahal in Agra

The Taj Mahal

One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an enduring Indian icon, the elegant structure known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died in 1631, giving birth to their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz Mahal urged Shah Jahan to build a mausoleum for her, more beautiful than any the world had ever seen. In 1632 building began on the world’s greatest monument to love, which, even today, undoubtedly has no peer. In order to ensure the perfection of the Taj Mahal could not be replicated anywhere else on earth, the artisans and workers who created it, are said to have later had their hands or thumbs amputated.

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

City tour of Old and New Delhi - visit the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat.
Take in the spectacular scenery of the Arvalli Hills with a scenic boat ride in Udaipur's Lake Pichola.
Buffalo cart ride through Khempur - a traditional rural village in Rajastan with friendly locals and unspoilt scenery.
A tour to Jaipur's famous landmarks including lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar.
An educational cooking lesson with a local family and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a feast afterwards
Experience Agra's spectacular Taj Mahal in all its glory at sunset.
Explore Fatehpur Sikri an ancient abandoned city.

Experience a glorious sunset at Udaipur's Monsoon Palace.
2 nights at the famous 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' in rural Khempur. Opportunity to explore the grounds made famous by the film.
A drive through the vast Thar Desert on the way to Jaipur.
An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
Visit the Abheneri Step Well featured in the film.
Guided tour of the immense Agra Fort, one of India's finest Mughal buildings.
The Vrindavan and Mathura Temples - a great combination of ancient and modern Hindu temples.

What's Included

8 nights in Standard Heritage and Deluxe Hotels including 2 nights at the 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'
9 breakfasts, 4 dinner
Local English speaking specialist guides at local sights
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
Entrance fees for all included sites as per itinerary.

1 overnight sleeper train Delhi - Udaipur (1st Class A/C)
Touring and excursions as per itinerary
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 10
Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra
All relevant transfers and transportation

What's Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.

The Oberoi - Delhi

The first hotel in Delhi to offer a 24 hour butler service, the stylish Oberoi tastefully blends old world charm with contemporary sophistication. Facilities include a poolside spa and Wi-Fi available throughout. Rooms benefit from beautiful views of the Delhi Golf Course on one side and Humayun's Tomb on the other. The highly recommended top floor Taipan restaurant offers guests a delectable dining experience as well as stunning panoramic views of the city. Surrounded by lush green gardens, the Oberoi sits perfectly on the east side of the golf course close to the National Zoological Park.

Our Rating : Deluxe — Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel

Udai Kothi - Udaipur

Udai Kothi is a traditional, elegant hotel with spcious, individually styled rooms.

Our Rating : Superior — Local Rating: Standard Heritage

Ravla Khempur - Khempur

This quaint heritage hotel was featured in the British comedy film 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and the owner is famed for breeding stunning Marwari horses. The hotel is a traditional heritage property and offers 10 well appointed en suite comfortable rooms.

Our Rating : Standard — Local Rating: Standard Heritage

Shahpura House - Jaipur

A fine example of Shekhawati architecture, the grand Shahpura House has spacious, richly furnished rooms with a truly majestic feel. The hotel boasts a number of eating experiences including a roof top restaurant and a relaxing pool side restaurant and bar. Indulge in some pampering spa treatments at the Shahpura House Spa – our top tip! Located in a quiet plush residential area of Jaipur hidden away from the usual hustle, bustle and chaos of the city.

Our Rating : Standard — Local Rating: Standard Heritage

Radisson Hotel - Agra

Contemporary and chic, the Radisson is one of the newest hotels in Agra and a welcome addition to the city’s ever growing list. Boasting from clean and well appointed spacious rooms with Wi-Fi available throughout, the hotel also has a stunning poolside bar as well as a popular 24 hour coffee shop. Taking afternoon high tea at the Tea Lounge is our top tip! Well located close to the Taj Mahal as well as lots of great shops and entertainment.

Our Rating : Deluxe — Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel

Starts in: Delhi / Ends in: Delhi
No local payment required
Breakfast:9, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 4
Tour Guide: Yes (for all included sightseeing)

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