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Treasures of Northern India

Enter another world on this spellbinding tour, taking in the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi and Jaipur as well as the magical Taj Mahal in Agra.

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Itinerary
Map

The Taj Mahal
Red Fort, Delhi
Old Delhi
Jama Masjid, Delhi
Part of the Junagarh Fortress, Bikaner
Jaisalmer Fort
A camel in the Rajastan desert near Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Pushkar Lake
The Amber Fort, Jaipur
The incomparable Taj Mahal

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Delhi.

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques. This afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring.

DAY 3: Delhi.

Your day starts with a tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This afternoon, enjoy New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutab Minar, the ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate war memorial, and a drive past the President's House and Parliament. (B)

DAY 4: Delhi - Mandawa.

Leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town. (B)

DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.

Say farewell to Mandawa and travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies and mirrored palaces. (B)

DAY 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.

Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', the exotic desert city Jaisalmer, is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city. (B)

DAY 7: Jaisalmer.

This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. This afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over the dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert. (B)

DAY 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.

Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious city exudes grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)

DAY 9: Jodhpur.

Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert - communities of nature lovers protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals. (B)

DAY 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur.

This morning travel to Udaipur, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Udaipur.

Marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). (B)

DAY 12: Udaipur - Bijaynagar.

Journey to the small town of Bijaynagar; where the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your hotel. (B)

DAY 13: Bijaynagar - Pushkar - Jaipur.

Today travel to Pushkar. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and is home to 400 temples and ghats. This morning is dedicated to Pushkar's 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light. Afterwards travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)

DAY 14: Jaipur.

Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. This fortress-palace has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)

DAY 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra.

An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, deserted when the water ran out. In Agra, look forward to another highlight - your late afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. (B)

DAY 16: Agra - Gurgaon.

After breakfast, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, built in pure marble with its walls etched by translucent stones. Continue to Agra Fort, a colossal redstone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers and room of mirrors. This afternoon, leave for Gurgaon (near Delhi). (B)

DAY 17: Gurgaon - Delhi - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Delhi: The Park; Mandawa: Castle Mandawa; Bikaner: Laxmi Niwas Palace; Jaisalmer: Fort Rajwada; Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan; Udaipur: Fateh Garh; Bijaynagar: Bijay Niwas Palace; Jaipur: Country Inn & Suites; Agra: Jaypee Palace; Gurgaon: Country Inn & Suites.

Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Add Kerala & Southern India

Why not add our Enchanting Kerala & Southern India tour for the ultimate Indian experience? On the last day of your tour fly from Delhi to Chennai, to join the Kerala tour from day 2. See our website for full details.

Visa requirements

A visa is required for entry into India. This must be obtained prior to departure and costs approximately £40 per person.

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Treasures of Northern India

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