An Iconic Introduction to India

Itinerary Highlights

Explore northern India’s iconic sites, from Varanasi and Delhi to Rajasthan’s palaces and lakes
Begin in Delhi, a vibrant metropolis blending historic monuments with contemporary shopping and culture
Witness sacred rituals along the River Ganges and tour Agra’s Taj Mahal, Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
Discover Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai through palaces, lakeside boat rides and iconic landmarks

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast
International Flights

17 nights

Nicola

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Asia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Visit the celebrated sites of northern India, a region which never fails to enchant visitors. Travel a route that encompasses the sacred city of Varanasi; visit the historic Mughal glories of Agra and Delhi; the bucket-list Taj Mahal; and the forts, palaces and shimmering lakes of Rajasthan.

Embark from India’s capital, a sprawling metropolis of old and new where modern-day shopping malls stand alongside grand colonial monuments. See the sacred River Ganges in Varanasi, then on to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri: Agra’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Head to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’ thanks to its pastel-shaded buildings. Wander the halls of Jodhpur’s art deco Umaid Bhawan Palace, take an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur and have a photograph taken at the Gateway of India on Mumbai’s waterfront.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Fly UK to India

Fly from the UK to New Delhi, where you’ll meet our representative and be assisted with transfer formalities. Then, enjoy a smooth drive to The Imperial and check in to your Grand Heritage Room. Delhi is a place of layers—seven historic cities built and rebuilt over centuries—where grand colonial monuments sit beside bustling streets. Spend the evening at leisure.

Staying at

1911 verandah lounge of the imperial new delhi

Day 2 | New Delhi

Enjoy breakfast before heading out on a full-day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. First, visit Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, experiencing the city like a local. Then drive past the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Return to your hotel for the night.

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Day 3 | New Delhi – Varanasi

Varanasi

Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi. On arrival, our representative assists with the transfer to your hotel, the Brijrama Palace, where you stay in a Dhanurdhara Room. In the evening, watch the captivating Aarti ceremony at Dasashwamedh Ghat, where the Ganges is illuminated with golden flames and ritual offerings. Return to your hotel.

Day 4 | Varanasi

Varanasi

Begin with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges, observing devotees along the ghats. Then visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Head back to Brijrama Palace for breakfast before a half-day sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Bharat Mata Temple and Benaras Hindu University. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 5 | Varanasi – Agra

Proceed to Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma. Later, board the Vande Bharat Express to Agra, which once served as the Mughal Empire capital until Shah Jahan shifted it to Delhi. Transfer to Tajview - IHCL SeleQtions and check in to your Executive Room (Taj Mahal View). Spend the evening at leisure.

Day 6 | Agra

Wake up and witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Then return to your hotel for a delicious breakfast. From here, go and explore Agra Fort, a Mughal masterpiece of architecture and gardens, and enjoy leisure time in the afternoon. Finally, head back to the Taj Mahal at sunset, capturing its iconic beauty in the soft evening light. Return to your hotel for a night of relaxation.

Day 7 | Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri to explore Akbar’s former capital and its impressive red sandstone architecture. On arrival, check in to Samode Haveli, your Deluxe Suite offering elegant Rajasthani décor. Spend the evening at leisure in Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. Then overnight at your hotel.

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Day 8 | Jaipur

Go on a morning excursion to Amber Fort, ascending via jeep to appreciate its majestic ramparts and courtyards. Pass the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) en route, an iconic latticed façade symbolising Jaipur’s regal heritage. The afternoon is then free for you to enjoy at leisure, to explore or relax at your Haveli. Return to your hotel for the night.

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Day 9 | Jaipur

Spend a half-day sightseeing tour in Jaipur, visiting the City Palace Museum and the astronomical marvel, Jantar Mantar. You also get to experience the charm of the old city on a pink tuk-tuk ride. The afternoon can then be spent at leisure to explore the markets or enjoy your Haveli’s serene surroundings. Return to your hotel.

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Day 10 | Jaipur – Jodhpur

It’s time to check out and drive to Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’, passing landscapes of rural Rajasthan along the way. On arrival, check in to a Luxury Room at RAAS Jodhpur. Following this, you can spend the day at leisure, potentially even enjoying the views of the Mehrangarh Fort from your room. Overnight at your hotel.

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Day 11 | Jodhpur

Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the majestic Mehrangarh Fort – also known as Fort of the Sun – and the elegant Jaswant Thada – a white marble royal mausoleum. Afternoon at leisure to explore or relax in the luxurious surroundings of the RAAS, which has spectacular views all around when lit up at night. Spend the evening at your hotel.

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Day 12 | Jodhpur

In the morning, experience a heritage walk through Jodhpur’s old city. The afternoon is then free for you to explore independently or enjoy hotel amenities. Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to see which experiences you’d like to add to your tailored itinerary. Return to your hotel in the evening, relaxing with the luxurious facilities on offer.

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Day 13 | Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Delwara

Delwara

Drive to Udaipur (the last capital of the former kingdom of princely Rajasthan or Rajputana), stopping at the Ranakpur Jain Temple en route. Observe its intricate marble architecture with the aid of an audio guide (please ask us to arrange this add-on). From here, head to Delwara nearby and, on arrival, check in to an Aravali Suite at RAAS Devigarh, where the evening is free for you to relax.

Day 14 | Delwara – Udaipur – Delwara

Delwara

Take a half-day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari in the process. In the early evening, you’ll experience an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola, which is home to the City Palace on its east bank. Return to your hotel for a serene evening.

Day 15 | Delwara

Delwara

Today is a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the luxurious surroundings of RAAS Devigarh. Take time to unwind or explore the estate independently. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 | Delwara – Udaipur – Mumbai

Head to Udaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your final stop – The Taj Mahal Palace. Check in to your Luxury Grande Sea View Room and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this vibrant city of culture and stories.

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Day 17 | Mumbai

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai. You’ll visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, The Dabbawalas and Mani Bhavan. Throughout, experience Mumbai’s mix of architectural grandeur, vibrant culture and fascinating local stories. Return to your hotel for the last night on your tour.

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