DELHI – RAJASTHAN – UTTAR PRADESH – KOLKATA
–A Private Journey through Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area alongside some of the famous and most visited
destinations of India, known worldwide for its rich and royal culture and history– Please contact Amy at maitrayee@me.com
[14 NIGHTS – 15 DAYS]
Experience the magic of northern India on this amazing 15-day trip starting from Delhi to Kolkata. seeing contrasting Old and
New Delhi, holy Varanasi, tour the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, before following the holy Ganges River as it flows through
Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi. From sunrise boat trips to breath-taking sunsets, ancient palaces, religious rituals, historic hotspots,
and the chance to visit some of India’s most incredible and influential cities, this trip has it all.
Delhi (02) – Udaipur (02) – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (01) – Nimaj – Jaipur (02) – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (01) – Lucknow (02) –
Express Train – Varanasi (02) – Kolkata (02)
On arrival at IGI Delhi Airport, you will be greeted by our representative in the arrival hall, who will then escort you to your
hotel and assist you with check-in formalities at the hotel for your 02-night stay!
The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore, or do as you please.
Start this morning by driving past the majestic Red Fort that’s spread
over an area of 2 km and visit India’s largest mosque – Jama Masjid,
thereafter travel through the bustling market and take an exhilarating
cycle rickshaw ride through narrow alleys and lanes in Chandni Chowk.
Apart from all this, you will also get the opportunity to enjoy a walking
tour of old Havelis, old places, and heritage points with your guide
through the largest spice market in Asia called Khari Baoli along with
some local areas. Finish up the old Delhi tour with a trip to Raj Ghat,
the sober memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘father of India’.
Then proceed to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which is one of the most
prominent and largest and one of most revered Sikh temples
“Gurudwara”, or Sikh houses of worship, in Delhi. You will also see the
holy pond inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar.” It was first built
as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783.
Lunch at The Great Kabab Factory, Cp [The signature restaurant specializes
in serving meals that are both aesthetically pleasing and undeniably delicious,
from juicy skewered meats to mouth-watering vegetables. Inspired by traditional
and contemporary Indian recipes, prepare tasty meals in one of seven different
cooking styles: roasted on a tandoor or a sign, shallow-fried in a tawa or a mahi
tawa, deep-fried in a kadhai, steamed in pots, or grilled on a stone.]
Post Lunch, you will then be driven to the magnificent “Humayun’s
Tomb” the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s. It was
commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and was built in 1570. It holds
particular cultural significance as it was the first garden tomb on the
Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural
innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Thereafter proceed for a short drive pass through the Rajpath area and
see the President’s House, Parliament House, and other Government
Secretariat Buildings – the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.
Then take a brief photo stop at the iconic India Gate – formerly known
as the all-India war memorial arch – this stands as a memorial to 84,000
Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during
the First World War. Visit the National War Memorial that is next to the
India Gate built to honor and remember soldiers of the Indian military
who fought in armed conflicts of independent India.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore, or do as you please.
Overnight Stay in Le Méridien New Delhi BRE.
Your driver will be waiting to pick you up at the Udaipur Airport and take you to your hotel which is situated next to
Fatehsagar, Lake Shore, Udaipur, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur is also called the
city of lakes’ the elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to Udaipur city!
You’re free to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or exploring before going on a sunset boat trip on Lake Pichola to
enjoy the best views of Udaipur’s hills, palaces, historic buildings, and bathing ghats (stairs)
This morning after breakfast, head for the sightseeing tour of this magical city. Start with a visit to the spectacular City Palace
Museum. Famous for its intricate carvings and beautiful gardens overlooking Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s 18th-century City Palace is
constructed of several palaces, some of which have been converted into hotels, and one still home to the current Maharaja.
You will also visit the 18th-century Saheliyon-ki-Bari the Courtyard of the Maidens built as a gift from Maharana Sangram Singh to his
queen and the ladies of the court to provide a green escape from the hot dry weather and the political intrigues of court. After visiting the palace and the gardens, swing by the Jagdish temple, which was built in 1651, and is said to be the largest and
most beautiful temple in Udaipur.
Later continue your drive to Jodhpur and on arrival check in for 01-night stay! In the evening head out into Tuk-Tuk’s and
make our way towards the old City near the Clock Tower. You may not know, but Jodhpur is a major handicraft and textile
export hub. You will visit Maharani Textiles (even if it’s just for the experience), from the front, it’s indiscreet, but as you
squeeze up the first set of narrow stairs into the labyrinth of colorful (floor-to-ceiling) heaps of shawls and carpets, you know
you’re somewhere special. You might say that textile houses in India are a dime a dozen, but the family’s heritage sets
Maharani apart from the rest. It’s 98 years old, and the present owners are the fifth generation in this business.
We will then arrange an exclusive dinner at the nearby famous restaurants like “Indique – Restaurant & Bar” with a captivating
view of the majestic Mehrangarh in the backdrop, and a 360-degree view of other tourist attractions like Umaid Bhawan,
Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower, and Gulab Sagar from the terrace,
Overnight Stay in Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur
Day 06: Drive Jodhpur to Jaipur via Sanganer
Buffet breakfast at the hotel and after check-out, you will proceed to the highlight of this city, the mighty Majestic
Mehrangarh Fort! which so enormous and rises above and overlooks the entire “Blue City,” is one of the largest and most
famous forts, as impressive as it is, as a well-preserved heritage structure, there’s so much more to discover inside the fort
which is privately restored, and its museum has an outstanding display of royal memorabilia, including about 15,000 items
from Maharaja Gaj Singh II’s collection. It also has the only professional museum shop in India, explore the royal apartments,
stained glass windows, and filigree ceilings of this opulent fort. Arguably the best way to get a sense of the scale of Jodhpur’s
Blue City is to admire it from the Mehrangarh Fort. The cultural performances that happen daily at various places inside the
fort, as part of the particular focus on folk art and music, are another highlight. To enter the Fort, you have to cross seven
gates. The doors bear the traces of the different battles of the past.
Day 07: A Day in Jaipur, Rajasthan (Sightseeing Tour)
Start the day with an excursion to the Amer Fort, perched on a hill on the outskirts of Jaipur. The fort was once the capital
of Rajasthan. Former residence of Rajput Maharajas, the fort is notable for its grand architecture showcasing the Hindu style
of art. The Amber Fort was used by the Rajputs for the dual purpose of defense and private residence. The fort encompasses
charming gardens and magnificent palaces made from marble and precious stones, richly decorated with intricate
stone. Then visit the City Palace complex which is spread over a large area occupying one-seventh of the old city of Jaipur that is comprised of
two palaces, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, a museum to give it a grand view that reflects its historical importance and magnificent
royal grace, a vast array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings and then visit the famous Jantar Mantar (an observatory)
Post lunch, proceed at leisure to experience the local buzz of the pink city, Jaipur – its colorful and buzzing market scene. Designed by the
local architecture, this local market of the pink city is a cleanly carved section of small shops that lay on both roadsides. You would be able to find almost everything in these small shops. You will
be excited to know the fact that some shops are being operated by the third or fourth generation of original shopkeepers
who started doing their business in this colorful mason works and paintings, which represented the royal splendor and luxury of the Rajput era.
Day 08: Drive Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Today morning have breakfast leisurely, check out, and proceed on the drive to the
world-famous city of the Taj Mahal! On the way, make a brief stop with early lunch to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of
the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the grandeur of Mughal architecture, and well worth the time. This magnificent fortifiedancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empirebetween 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque – still in use today.
Upon arrival at Agra, check in your hotel for a 01-night stay, spend some time relaxing, and after refreshing head out around
early evening to witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal during sunset! Step inside this eternal symbol of love and
appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display
of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The rest of the day is free for personal activities. You can explore the markets at your pace.
Overnight Stay in ITC Mughal – A Luxury Collectaion Resort & Spa, Agra BREAKFAST Tajganj Fatehabad Road, Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Day 09: Drive Agra to Lucknow
Today enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and after check-out continue your sightseeing with the splendid Agra Fort built in red
sandstone, the magnificent 16th-century Agra Fort that remains one of the finest Mughal forts in India. There are several
mosques, public halls used for audiences, the elaborate Mirror Palace, and a white marble tower where Shah Jahan’s son
was imprisoned for eight years until his death. The worth-seeing point of this place from where the Taj Mahal can be seen
is the Diwan-I-Khas.
Also, visit the Itmad-Ud-Daulah also known as Baby Taj “a jewel box in marble” This mausoleum was built by Empress Nur
Jahan as a gesture of love for her father. The tomb is built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and a
beautiful inlay of work of semi-precious stones. The central chamber contains the yellow marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah
and his wife. The tomb is painted with floral decorations and fine marble screens of geometric latticework suffice the interior
in soft light.
Then after lunch proceed to continue your journey through Uttar Pradesh with a visit to the capital city, Lucknow, a four to
five-hour drive east from Agra.
En route make a stop at Kannuaj for perfume making, a small town only 2 hours away from Agra is known as the Grasse of
India and has a long history with the Mughal Emperors for their high-quality and unique scents. It is believed that Kannauj
has been a perfumery town for more than 1000 years and the traditional perfume-making skills are passed on from one
generation to another. They are called ‘Itar’ or ‘Attar’ and are usually made from flowers and herbs, but one of the unique
varieties here is made from mud. Very few would know, that some of the leading international brands of perfumes pick up
concentrates from here for further production, giving Kannauj perfumes an international reach.
Overnight Stay in Taj Mahal, Lucknow BREAKFAST
Vipin Khand, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226 010, India
Day 10: January, 13 – Saturday | A Day in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (Sightseeing Tour)
This morning have breakfast and around 09:00 Hrs proceed for the sightseeing tour of Lucknow, A place where adab,
historical sights, and mouthwatering delicacies rule supreme, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most
important urban hubs in North India. It is regarded as one of the knation’s key cultural and artistic hubs and used to be the
seat of power of the Nawabs of India in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Lucknow is indeed a city of many splendors, that promises a rich dose of history, culture, and
cuisine. It is our endeavor to show you Lucknow as no one does and pack it all in a day.
Go around the fabled monuments that include:-
Asfi (Bara) Imambara, Husainabad (Chota) Imambara, Rumi Darwaza,
Continue your sightseeing tour and around 16:00 Hrs a heritage walking tour of the city, Lucknow is not just any other city,
but a chapter that unfolds itself each time one visits this epicenter of culture, It will be an exclusively designed walk to
discover the lanes and the by-lanes of chowk. On this tour, you will explore the unexplored and explain the inexplicable.
Understand how vast a history, this city of superlatives holds. History in Lucknow stretches beyond the bygone era of this
city that is a world unto itself. the concrete walls of its monuments spread into the lanes of Lucknow and have many more
nuances that can only be understood and appreciated in the lanes and by lanes. This tour covers a heritage lane and explains
Lucknow’s culture, people, and lifestyle within just 2 hrs. No heritage monuments are a part of this walk.
The rest of the day is free for personal activities!
Overnight Stay in Taj Mahal, Lucknow BREAKFAST
Vipin Khand, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226 010, India
Day 11: January, 14 – Sunday | Express Train To Varanasi [Begumpura Express – 12238]
Early in the morning, check out and proceed to Lucknow Nr Railway station to take your express train for Varanasi, the
spiritual capital of India (also known as Kashi and Banaras)
Your driver will be waiting to pick you up at the Varanasi Railways Station and take you to your hotel set amidst 42 acres of
lush green gardens offering an absolute haven of peace and tranquillity in this Temple City. The hotel has been constructed
in the shape of a holy Swastik representing good fortune and blessings as per Hindu mythology.
Upon arrival at the hotel get checked in & then you’re free to
spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, before going to a must-
visit attraction in the evening during sunset!
At dusk, witness the mystical Evening Ganga arti at Dashwamedh
Ghat, It has been the oldest and holiest place in Varanasi known
for its famous evening aarti. Lose yourself to the special Ganga
aarti that is performed daily at dusk. Several priests perform the
Ganga aarti along with bhajans and offerings to the holy river.
The aarti starts soon after sunset and lasts for 45 minutes.
Hundreds of people from all over the world gather to catch a
glimpse of a visual treat – an activity that has been carried out
every day for ages. Overnight Stay in Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Day 13: Sarnath & Flight Varanasi to Kolkata
Following a leisurely breakfast, check out and proceed to Sarnath, where the Buddha is
believed to have founded Buddhism when he gave his first sermon in 528 BCE, and where
Emperor Ashoka—also known as Ashoka the Great—built monasteries and stupas during
his reign of the Maurya Dynasty from 268 to 232 BCE. You will visit Deer Park where
Gautama Buddha gave his first teachings and the Sarnath Museum to see the historic
objects and sculptures that were found on the site.
Later in time, proceed to Varanasi airport to take your flight to Kolkata, located on the east
bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was the first British-era capital of the subcontinent. It
is considered to be the country’s most cultured city, with a stellar literary and artistic
heritage. Colonial architecture shares space with a diverse mix of local experiences here.
Day 14: A Day in Kolkata, West Bengal (Half Day Sightseeing Tour)
This morning enjoy your breakfast at leisure and proceed for a
sightseeing tour of the city of Calcutta, which is a storyteller’s
paradise – enigmatic stories hidden beneath the chaos and
intensity which greet you and every story should be discovered
on foot, starting from the bustling Dalhousie Square where the
British Raj started in India. Step inside St John’s Church, which was
the very first public building that was erected by the British East
India Company in 1787, The architect was James Agg who based
it on St-Martin-in-the-fields in London.
In the graveyard, you can see tombs of some notable people in
the city such as Job Charnock. He was often seen as the founding
father of Kolkata and was one of the first administrators of the
British East India Company who landed here in 1690, you can see
a memorial dedicated to the ‘smothered’ of The Black Hole of
Calcutta. A tragic incident where over 100 British officers were
kept in a small cell and only 20 survived! Then moving forward
see the famous Writers’ Building, the magnificent Governor’s
House, and then the finally you last colonial building on the walk
will be Metcalfe Hall which can be found on Strand Road – It’s built
in the British Imperial Style with elements of the Neoclassical
from the Corinthian pillars at the entrance. You can visit the hall
and see its various exhibitions including rare artifacts donated by
the Asiatic Society. There are antique hand-drawn rickshaws, old
boats, and galleries that celebrate the life of the people in the
city.
Next, you proceed for a walk that takes you through the old cemeteries of Kolkata. We’ll visit South Park Street Cemetery,
the largest non-Church cemetery outside the Anglo-American world in the 19th century! Then end your colonial walk at,
Fort William named after King William III, and took ten years to complete. It then became the seat of the presidency of
Bengal in British India. This was the original Fort William or the ‘Old Fort William’ as it is now known. Unfortunately, it was
partially destroyed when the Nawab of Bengal temporarily sacked the city and committed the ‘Black Hole of Calcutta’ A
second Fort William was then built by the British in Maidan in 1758 and it’s now occupied by the Indian Army. The Old Fort
was eventually restored and used as a customs house. This is now where the General Post Office (GPO) stands.
Thereafter the rest of the day time is totally free for you to enjoy in leisure or you can plan anything of you’re your choice
with the help of our guide.
Overnight Stay in ITC Sonar A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
Day 15: January, 18
Departure Kolkata, West Bengal, India
This morning enjoy your breakfast at leisure and as per the flight timing head to Kolkata International Airport for your onward
journey to back home. Enjoy the last glimpses of India from the window as you drive through this historic city, with a plethora
of pictures and magical memories that will last a lifetim
