An exciting two week tour that takes in Jaipur, the legendary Taj Mahal, the incredible carved temples of Khajuraho and the colourful city of Varanasi, right on the banks of the holy Ganges.
Saturday. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore this bustling capital. Overnight - Delhi
This morning, our welcome meeting takes place. Afterwards we head out on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Tonight, we enjoy a Namaste Dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Delhi - Jaipur. This morning we drive to Jaipur,
affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh
had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to
herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII),
it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. The
state of Rajasthan emerged after Partition from a mosaic of
22 feudal kingdoms, known in the British era as Rajputana,
‘Land of Kings’. We enjoy a tour of the City Palace and Jantar
Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory.
Jaipur is sensational for shopping. Keep your eyes peeled
for colourful papîer mache puppets and traditional jootis
- the Rajasthani shoe of choice. We’ll also visit a cotton
trading/tailor shop which specialises in tablecloths and
other articles block-printed with traditional Rajasthani
designs and a very capable tailoring service where bolts of
European-style fabric can be crafted into shirts and other
garments meeting your specification, at a fraction of prices
charged for bespoke tailoring in the West. Best of all,
anything you’re measured up for will be delivered in record
time to your hotel!
On day 4 early-risers can opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, and sail over hilltop forts, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples. After we travel beyond Jaipur to
the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput
concoction which hugs the hill on which it was built and
overlooks the hot plains below. We enjoy a
stately elephant ride* to the fort proper and tour the fort’s
well-preserved interior and grounds. Back in Jaipur the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight - Jaipur (B:2)
Jaipur - Bharatpur via Abhaneri and Peharsar. Departing Jaipur we stop in the village of Abhaneri to see Chand Baori, which is the largest and deepest step well in the world. This incredible well has a staggering 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. Next, we drive on to the rural village of Peharsar, where we walk the backstreets discovering local life, traditions and (if open) visit the village school where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme. Here, we visit Chandra Mahal, a charming haveli (mansion house) with small courtyard, lawned gardens and rustic appeal carefully being restored to the splendour of better farming years (if open, currently under renovation). After hotel check in at Bharatpur and time to freshen up we visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle rickshaw ride through the park. Overnight - Bharatpur (B, D)
Bharatpur - Agra. En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Overnight - Agra (B)
Agra - Orchha. Today, we travel by express train to Jhansi and drive onward to Orchha. Situated on the banks of the River Betwa, Orchha is set amongst a wonderful complex of well-preserved 16th century temples and palaces. Overnight - Orchha (B)
Orchha - Khajuraho. Travelling south-east, we arrive in Khajuraho - home of the resplendent Hindu temples which were built during the Chandela dynasty over a 100 year burst of creative genius from 950-1050 AD. Immortalised in stone, the carved temples display exceedingly artistic aspects of Indian life a millennium ago. Famed above all for their delicate sensuality and forthright eroticism, how and why they were built still remains a mystery.
Indeed, the Chandelas appear to have forgotten about the temples soon after they were completed and it took ‘rediscovery’ by the British before these awesome masterpieces were fully appreciated in India. Though we won’t be able to dispel the mystery, we’ve plenty of time to see the temples including the various acts from the famous Kama Sutra depicted on these monolithic temples for ourselves! The incredible skill of the artisans is evident throughout. Adding to the beauty, these amazing temples subtly change hue as the day progresses, passing from a warm pink at sunrise to white under the midday sun and back to pink at sunset. Overnight - Khajuraho (B)
Khajuraho - Varanasi. We offer a jeep safari in Panna NP this morning, please see our wildlife safari bolt on for details. This afternoon we bid farewell to Khajuraho and fly east to Varanasi. Perhaps the holiest city in India; Varanasi, also known as Benares or the city of Shiva, is also one of the oldest cities on earth. Sitting on the banks of the holy River Ganges, it has been a centre of learning and civilisation for more than 2000 years and is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Overnight - Varanasi (B)
This morning, we enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges where we’ll view the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the many riverbank ghats (riverside steps). Later, we embark on a tour of the city. At sunset consider re-visiting the ghats for the evening pilgramage, remarkably different from the dawn ritual. Overnight - Varanasi (B)
Varanasi - Delhi. Today, take the opportunity to further explore this vibrant city. Early evening we return to Delhi by comfortable overnight train (option to fly to Delhi available, see below). Overnight - Train (B)
Delhi. Breakfast upon arrival and hotel check in. Today is a chance to further explore the city at your leisure or a chance to pick up those last minute souvenirs. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Thursday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport. Happy travels!
(B)
Varanasi - Delhi by air
Forsaking the included overnight train journey from Varanasi to Delhi, you may opt to upgrade and travel back to Delhi by air. This option includes an economy flight from Varanasi to Delhi on day 11, airport transfers at both ends and one night's accommodation in Delhi (evening of day 11). Please indicate your preference to travel by air at time of booking.
Holi & The Festival of Jaipur
Combine a tour of the best of India with the exuberant festivities of Holi - India’s most dazzling celebration, and the vibrant Festival of Jaipur, a colourful display of local culture through its people, with folk dancers, melodious music, and exciting traditional competitions.
If travelling on our Deserts, Palaces, Ganges tour departing Thursday 13 March 2014 and ending Tuesday 25 March 2014, we will be attending the Festival of Jaipur at the Rambagh Polo Ground on the afternoon of 16 March and will be taking part in Holi - the festival of colour celebrations in the rural village of Bharatpur the following day. A small supplement has been added to our tour price for this departure. For more information on the events and our touring itinerary please see to our Deserts, Palaces, Ganges tour Go Guide.
FROM USD $2,249
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, (if another solo traveller of the same sex is already booked upon the tour), thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers. To date we have not cancelled a single trip.
This tour is also available on a private basis - for details please see the Supplementary Prices at the bottom of this page.
NOTE: If departing on Thu 13 March 2014 we will be attending The Festival of Jaipur and celebrating Holi in Bharatpur. Please see our tour Go Guide for more info.
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
The Festival of Light is the happiest festival of the Hindu calendar. At night, countless oil lamps are lit to show Rama the way home from his period of exile. In all the festival lasts five days.
Sail within a breath of lofty hilltop forts and
fine regal palaces. Look down upon sleepy
villages waking to the early morning sun. Drift
past expansive waterside manors and intricately
stone carved temples with the Pink City of Jaipur in the distance on a magical hot air balloon
adventure.
Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colourful bazaar, temples at soaring heights, stunning sunsets and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style.
For some lighthearted fun, join in the energy of a Bollywood dance class in Delhi! Bollywood dance has transformed over the years from a traditional, classical style into a modern, pop culture which is taking the world by storm! We have teamed up with the Delhi Dance Academy to offer you a simple and entertaining introduction to this wonderful dance form! Whilst we cannot guarantee you'll leave the class ready to star in the next big Bollywood Blockbuster, you're sure to learn a few sharp moves to impress your friends on the dance floor!
Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion, Amritsar
is one of the Punjab’s principal cities. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and
pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, enjoy
a visit to Wagah - the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan where
the fascinating sunset ‘retreat’ ceremony takes place with great pomp.
Go where the wild things are! Available on our Deserts, Palaces, Ganges; Highway to Himalayas and Delhi to Darjeeling and also to anyone wanting to take a walk on the wildside is an excursion to Panna National Park. Panna National Park is home to some of the best wildlife species in India. The park is renown for its wild cats, leopards as well as deer, antelope, langur monkey and sambar.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Make your own pilgrimage to some of the world's most holy and spiritual sites. Consider taking an inspirational journey to Israel's revered Holy Lands or the Levant, seeing the world’s most sacred Hindu temple and highest monastery in Tibet, visiting awe inspiring Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia or watching the religious tradition of ritual cleansing in India's River Ganges.
Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort!
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
Old and New Delhi - the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat.
Fatehpur Sikri - an ancient abandoned Mughal city
Bharatpur and Peharsar Village - rural India at its friendliest.
The Pink City of Jaipur - the lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar.
Orchha Temples - wonderful complex of brilliantly preserved 16th century temples.
Varanasi - the holiest city in India, Mother India site, local temples, mosque and the holy River Ganges
The spectacular Taj Mahal - India's most famous monument in all its glory at sunset
Abhaneri - the iconic Chand Baori 9th century step well
Keoladeo Ghana National Park - UNESCO heritage site with up to 300 migratory birds
An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
Khajuraho - the stunning Chandela erotic temples.
What's Included
12 breakfasts, 2 dinners (including Namaste Dinner in Delhi)
1 night overnight train (2nd class air-conditioned, semi - enclosed cabin)
Buggy ride to Taj Mahal - Agra
Sunrise boat cruise on the holy Ganges - Varanasi
Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar entrance fees.
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 13
English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
Selected entrance fees
11 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
Bicycle rickshaw ride in Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Economy class flight - Khajuraho to Varanasi
All relevant transfers and transportation
Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Chand Baori Step Well, Peharsar, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi
Specialist guides at local sights
What's Not Included
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: $70-80 USD
Tip for your tour leader. We suggest $13-$20 USD per person for this tour. Tipping your leader is an entirely personal gesture.
Tipping Kitty: $20-25 USD
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.
Almondz Hotel - Delhi
The modern and smart Almondz Hotel offers guests good sized well appointed rooms which all come with complimentary Wi-Fi. The in house restaurant is highly recommended providing diners with delicious food and a friendly service.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Delhi in the lively Karol Bagh area and Patel Nagar Metro station is within walking distance giving you fast and efficient access to the rest of India’s buzzing capital.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Mandawa Haveli - Jaipur
The beautiful heritage style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthan architecture - set in terraced gardens with pretty courtyards. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits. An evening spent enjoying a lavish Rajasthani dinner in front of a traditional folk dance is highly recommended.
Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Laxmi Vilas - Bharatpur
Converted from a Palace into a hotel in 1994, the Laxmi Vilas is an elegant combination of Rajput and Mughal styles, set in 50 acres of gardens.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Raj Mahal Hotel - Agra
The charming and elegant Raj Mahal hotel offers guests clean and spacious rooms with hard wood floors and stylish design. On a clear day some rooms benefit from a view of the legendary Taj Mahal. The roof top restaurant comes highly recommended with delicious food and magnificent views across the city.
Perfectly located near to the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Amar Mahal - Orchha
Built in the traditional heritage style, the Amar Mahal enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Hotel Ramada - Khajuraho
A popular heritage property, the Ramada is smart, modern and elegantly furnished. Rooms are good in size and have marble flooring with beautiful views out of the bay windows on to the stunning landscaped grounds. Guests can relax in the refreshing outdoor pool and sip a tasty beverage at sunset from the master cocktail makers at the bar.
Very well located just a short walk to the fantastic erotic temples of Khajuraho.
Our Rating : Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Hindustan International - Varanasi
The Hindustan international is a centrally located 7-storey high, sky-lit Hotel. The hotel offers natural light with a warm atmosphere and hospitality.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
We were both very impressed with the organisation of the tour. Our guide was very accommodating, friendly and very knowledgeable.
Felicity & Kate,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
Satendra made the trip very special. He is a very knowledgeable person and I learned so much from him. He is an excellent guide.
Jamie Foster ,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
I am not normally keen on doing tours however this covered a huge area in a short amount of time and was very well organised. The guide and accommodation were fantastic and I'd definitely consider doing another tour in the future. Thank you
Alison Pottinger ,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
Thoroughly enjoyable holiday made excellent by the great bonding of everyone on our tour and because of our fantastic tour guide Davinder!
Madelyn Cruickshank,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
Our tour guide Davinder was excellent, caring knowledgable and one of the best gudies I have ever had.
Kenneth Norman,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
Tour leader was great and went beyond the call of duty. Excellent tour!
Andre Rigoni,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
The tour was enjoyable and our tour leader was fantastic!
Emina Demirovic ,
Deserts Palaces Ganges - 13 days
We had a great trip in Northern India,amazing sights, colours and people. Highly recommended tour.
