'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.
Trip Highlights
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Itinerary
Welcome to India
Saturday. Namaste! Welcome to India! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel, where the rest of today is at leisure. You may wish to visit the impressive Akshardham, which is the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Overnight: Delhi
Old and New Delhi City Tour
Delhi - Udaipur. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing today as we explore both Old and New Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar and discover highlights of the old city, including the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and the largest and oldest mosque in India - Jama Masjid. We also visit the peaceful site of Raj Ghat, the site of Gandhi’s cremation and where an eternal flame now burns in his honour. Later, see highlights of New Delhi including the Rajpath and India Gate monument, before we board the overnight train to Udaipur.
Overnight: Overnight Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Udaipur sightseeing
A favorite amongst travellers, Udaipur is viewed as one of the most romantic cities in the state of Rajasthan. On arrival in the city there is the chance to try some chai hot tea from a local vendor before we enjoy an exhilarating tuk-tuk ride through the city’s narrow streets, stopping to take in the most important sites. Replicate a scene from the ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ as we stop at a lakeside restaurant for a drink - just as Evelyn and Madge do in the film.
This evening we drive out of the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and panoramic views from the hill-top Monsoon Palace. This impressive site featured in the 1983 James Bond film ‘Octopussy’, starring Roger Moore. After our visit, we return to the hotel.
Overnight: Udaipur | Breakfast
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola - Khempur. Enjoy a row boat ride on Lake Pichola this morning for breath taking views of the forested Aravalli Mountains. Weave around the four islands on the lake before we travel to the village of Khempur. This village is home to the original ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, where much of the film was shot. We check in to the hotel, which is actually named the Ravla Khempur and enjoy an evening stroll with our guide through the village.
Overnight: Khempur | Breakfast, Dinner
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Take a traditional oxen cart ride today as we explore rural Khempur and its surrounding area to experience the relaxed pace of village life. Later, enjoy tea by the lake, much as the British Raj would have once done.
Overnight: Khempur | Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur
Khempur - Jaipur. Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we travel to the UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur. The city earned its nickname when the Old City was painted pink by the Maharaja to welcome the Prince of Wales (soon to be King Edward VII) to Jaipur in 1876. Relax and enjoy the sights as we travel, then enjoy a delicious dinner of Rajasthani cuisine on arrival.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur sightseeing
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur, beginning with a visit to the impressive Amber Fort. This palace is laid out over four layers and sits beside the shimmering Maota Lake. We reach the site by jeep and explore, before continuing to a local flower market. Later, we tour the City Palace and visit its museum of regal clothing and textiles. Then we continue to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory.
This evening, explore the bustling local bazaar and take part in a local cooking demonstration at our hotel. After we’ve finished cooking, enjoy feasting on our delicious creations.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast, Dinner
The Taj Mahal
Jaipur - Agra. Leave the Pink City today as we travel to the village of Abhaneri and admire the Chand Baori step well, which famously featured in the blockbuster film ‘Batman: The Dark Night Rises’. Continue to the ghostly city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was abandoned more than 400 years ago but remains brilliantly preserved.
We arrive in Agra later today and enjoy an evening tour of the legendary Taj Mahal - India’s most iconic attraction. The monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and is the most extravagant monument dedicated to love that the world has ever seen. It is a special experience to watch the beautiful sunset over this romantic site - we get to experience this before we return to our hotel.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Agra Fort
Agra - Delhi. This morning we visit the imposing UNESCO-listed Agra Fort and explore this famous red sandstone site, which can be more accurately described as a walled city. After our visit, we return to Delhi, where your final evening in India is free to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Delhi
Monday. Today your Indian adventure comes to an end - unlike the characters in the film, you have a plane to catch! Our tour ends with an included departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
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Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the per person price.
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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.
Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi
Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking hotel has a unique angular design and offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi-cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar for a delicious array of heady cocktails or relax by the poolside with a refreshing smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides direct access to the heart of the city and after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and massage parlour.
Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi
The Jivitesh Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Karol Bagh, a popular neighbourhood of Delhi renowned for its excellent shops and vibrant street markets. The Jivitesh offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms, with modern amenities such as free WiFi, and you can be assured of a warm welcome and excellent customer service from the hotel staff. Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool after a day of sightseeing in the capital. Please note: The swimming pool at the Jivitesh hotel is currently under renovation and is expected to be finished by September 2020.
Karohi Haveli, Udaipur
Built in 1820, this family-run hotel was once the residence of the Karohi noble family. Recently converted into a heritage hotel, the stately Rajasthani-style building continues to offer royal hospitality. Each guestroom has a terrace with wonderful views of the lake and surrounds. Featuring traditional furnishings and modern amenities, they offer free WiFi, a TV and room service from the friendly staff. Take time to enjoy the lush gardens and feast in either of the two restaurants. A cool evening breeze makes the bar the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two.
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.
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. Guests can also indulge in some pampering spa treatments at the Shahpura House Spa. The property is located in a quiet and plush residential area of Jaipur hidden away from the usual hustle, bustle and chaos of the city.
Radisson Agra , Agra
The Radisson (formerly Four Points by Sheraton) in Agra is an excellent choice for those looking to visit the Taj Mahal. The comfortable guestrooms are well-equipped with all mod cons including free WiFi whilst the hotel boasts a swimming pool and fitness centre. After a day of sightseeing in Agra guests can enjoy a cold beverage at Henry's, the hotel's lounge bar, or head to the Roof Top for grilled dishes and views of the Taj Mahal.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.75 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
The 10 day trip was fantastic in particular the stay at the Ravla Khempur Hotel; the food, company driver and main guide was excellent . The overnight train to Udaipur was an experience and a great idea to maximise days out. Regards Andrew and Ashy x”
Very good tour”
I absolutely loved everything about the tour. We were well looked after from stepping off the plane to re boarding. Accomodation was excellent everywhere we stayed. Our stay at the Exotic Marigold was magical. Our guide Sammi was the best, nothing was too much trouble and he organised a few extra things we showed interest in. He has a very good knowledge of the Indian history. Thank you for a most memorable trip.”
Sat was a fantastic guide, nothing was ever to much trouble and we all felt safe in his very capable hands. His historical / religious knowledge was amazing!! I felt the tour gave a very good experience of the real India. A friend of mine said that in India you will see the very best and very worst of what life has to offer.... that was certainly true. The Indian people are the friendliest people I have ever met. ”
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The 10 day trip was fantastic in particular the stay at the Ravla Khempur Hotel; the food, company driver and main guide was excellent . The overnight train to Udaipur was an experience and a great idea to maximise days out. Regards Andrew and Ashy x”
