Introduction to India

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Delhi’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk marketplace
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset when the crowds have left and the light makes the marble glisten
Discover the ancient temples and palaces in the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur
See Mumbai’s most famous monument, the Gateway of India, at the Mumbai Harbour waterfront
Best time to travel October to March

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
International Flights

12 nights from £5,899 per person

Peter

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

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This 13-day tour has been created to give you a true introduction to India, stopping at the country’s most iconic sites, including the Golden Triangle, and staying in some of India’s most luxurious hotels.

Starting in New Delhi where an Inspiring Travel representative will meet you, you’ll have time to explore this unique, bustling and vibrant city before heading onto Agra by train. After exploring the sights here, including the famous Taj Mahal, you’ll be driven the four hours from Agra to Jaipur, staying three nights in the ‘Pink City’. The fourth city on your tour is Udaipur, dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, before completing your tour with a few days in magical Mumbai.

Most of the journeys between destinations and hotels are by road or train, ensuring you get to really see India as you travel through rural and urban communities. And each of the hotels has been chosen to put you in the heart of that region, with luxuries to ensure a comfortable and restful stay. These hotels are often attractions in their own right; the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for example, which was first opened in 1903 and has played host to dozens of world leaders and monarchs since.

Although this tour allows time for you to go at your own pace, our Travel Specialists will prearrange much of the sightseeing to ensure you not only squeeze as much out of your time in India as possible, but you also visit the attractions in their best light.

A not-to-be-missed introduction to India that’s certain to inspire you to return for a second visit.

Itinerary

Day 1 | UK to Delhi

Delhi

Depart the UK on your flight to Delhi, India.

Day 2 | Arrive into Delhi

You’ll be greeted at arrivals in Delhi airport by an Inspiring Travel representative, transferred to your hotel and given any documents you’ll need for your stay in India. The rest of your day is at leisure, either for enjoying the facilities at your hotel, The Imperial, with its swimming pool and spa, or heading out to explore India’s second largest city. Suggestions on where to go and any necessary transfers can be arranged.

Staying at

1911 verandah lounge of the imperial new delhi

Day 3 | Delhi

After breakfast, you’ll be taken on a full day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. A highlight is Chandni Chowk, a shopping area dating back to the 17th century which is a lively labyrinth of sights and sounds. Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw, negotiating the narrow lanes of the marketplace and stopping to visit monuments - such as the Jama Masjid - on this 400-year-old mode of transport. Plus, you'll stop at UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun's Tomb; Qutub Minar, a soaring 73 metre-high tower built in 1193; the Sikh house of worship Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; and finally the Indian Gate.

Day 4 | Delhi to Agra by train

Agra

Following breakfast you’ll be met by a representative and taken to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station to board your train to Agra. Once at your destination another representative will take you to your hotel for check-in; the Taj View. Settle in and grab a bite to eat, and then you’ll be whisked away for a guided visit of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal at sunset. This is a dreamy time to visit the legendary site, when the crowds have left and the soft light illuminates the marble palace of this ‘Wonder of the World’. Agra Fort is a huge complex of buildings and a real walk through history.

Day 5 | Agra to Jaipur by car

Jaipur

Today you'll take a 5-6-hour journey by car to Jaipur. (For a second chance to see the Taj Mahal we can arrange an early morning sunrise visit before your departure from Agra.) Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur, a deserted red sandstone city founded in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palaces, halls and mosques are in near perfect condition, making for a fascinating place to wander with your camera in-hand. After checking into your hotel, the Rambagh Palace, the rest of your day can be spent at leisure in Jaipur (the 'Pink City').

Staying at

unique dining at taj rambagh palace jaipur

palace exterior at night rambagh palace jaipur

Day 6 | Jaipur

Fuel up on breakfast at your luxury hotel ready for a day spent exploring Jaipur. Journey to the top of Amber Fort by Jeep, but first stop to see the ‘Palace of Winds’, Hawa Mahal. This unusual but beautiful fusion of Rajput and Islamic architecture is a five-storey building with 953 small windows. In the splendor of Amber Fort there is a whole world of history to explore among the palaces, including the so-called Mirror Palace (Sheesh Mahal) and the views of Maota Lake from Jai Mandir.

Day 7 | Jaipur

Jaipur is the final stop on your Golden Triangle tour, visiting the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. The former is an interesting complex of palaces, temples, pavilions and gardens, as well as the prominent Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed observatory built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. It boasts a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments and you can see the world's largest stone sundial.

Day 8 | Jaipur to Udaipur by car

Udaipur

After your breakfast you’ll take the 7-8 hour transfer by car to your hotel, the RAAS Devigarh. Just 45 minutes from Udaipur, this 18th century palace is in the Aravali Hills. With the rest of your day at leisure, you can chill after the journey with a dip in the swimming pool or a wander around the stunning gardens.

Day 9 | Udaipur

Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-badi. On the east bank of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a large complex of palaces that fuse Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. It’s also home to the City Palace Museum, where you’ll get to wander the halls adorned with exquisite artwork. See the statue of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single piece of black stone at the centre of Jagdish Temple; and the ornamental gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. In the early evening, enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola for the superb city views from a unique vantage point.

Day 10 | Udaipur

Before your flight tomorrow to Mumbai we’ve built a day of leisure into your itinerary. The hotel itself is worthy of some time spent exploring, and is a wonderful spot to practice some yoga. But should you wish to see a little more of the region the concierge team can arrange further experiences, like a trek to Rathasan Mata Ji Temple or to the former hunting tower of Delwara.

Day 11 | Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai

mumbai

Following breakfast at the hotel you’ll be transferred to the airport for you flight to Mumbai. There a representative will be waiting to meet you and take you to your next hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. The rest of your day can be spent as you wish, enjoying your sea view suite and the luxury amenities at this legendary property.

Day 12 | Mumbai

Spend half a day on a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city. Known previously as Bombay, this sprawling metropolis is the home of Bollywood and a real melting pot of old and new India. Your tour includes the city’s most famous monument, Gateway of India; a drive around the Beverly Hills of Mumbai, Malabar Hill; the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park; a visit to Mani Bhavan, the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi; and a walk around Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Asia’s busiest train station. The tour ends with a stop at a dhobhi ghat; a place to see the tradition of the city’s laundrymen.