You’ll feel the warmth of Rajasthan wrap around you like a cloak. Vibrant colours, the aromas of spices and herbs, the gentle desert breezes and the cacophony of sounds surprise you each and every day. Yes, India is a gigantic country, a size almost impossible to comprehend. So, we have decided to create an itinerary that will enable you to get a real feel for the country and, yet, still see some of the amazing sights for which this country is famous.
Our adventure starts in the buzzing city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Mumbai is a dizzying, dazzling metropolis, a city that never tires and never sleeps. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps this Indian megacity going, you’ll find the answer in its buzzing streets, filled with a thousand hawkers dishing out street food. Locals always find time to pause at rickety carts in narrow by-lanes for a street-food treat or a glass of ‘cutting chai’ (the city’s famous half-measure of tea) helping a million-strong workforce get on with their day.
This coastal city was once the arrival point for many Europeans in the 18th & 19th Century and this is reflected in the diversity and grandeur of many of the buildings. The Railway Station was to be the ultimate piece of architecture, a palace which would show the power and the riches that this part of the world possessed. We spend two full days and three nights here, allowing us first, some time to recover from the flight and the jetlag, and then some time to explore with our local guide.
We’ll leave Mumbai behind and take a short flight north to Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan. Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India – snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences) and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. For the visitor there's the serenity of boat rides on the lakes, the bustle and colour of bazaars, a lively arts scene, the quaint old-world feel of its heritage hotels, tempting shops and some lovely countryside.
We travel on to Jodhpur by coach, stopping en-route at Ranakpur, a huge temple complex of 80 domes, 29 halls and a pavilion with 1444 pillars, each carved uniquely.
Mighty Mehrangarh, the mighty fort that towers over the Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle and an architectural masterpiece. Sprawling around Mehrangarh’ s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, stretches out to the 6-mile-long (10km), 16th-century city wall. The Blue City really is blue! Inside is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem to lead where you expect them to, scented by incense, roses, sweet aromas....... andsome not so pleasant odours. Shops and bazaars sell everything from trumpets and temple decorations to snuff and saris. A great place to by beautiful coloured scarves, blouses and shirts.
Our journey onwards entails a long but enchanting and exciting day. After an early departure, we travel across the desert to the holy city of Pushkar, where we have a few hours to enjoy the spectacle of the annual camel and livestock fair. Pilgrims come to worship and traders chase their herds of animals around the marketplace. Taste some of the local delicacies, enjoy the entertainment and capture the moment with your cameras. This is a photographer’s paradise! We journey on in the late afternoon to our hotel in Jaipur. We’ll arrive late but still in time for dinner.
Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Our visit here will include visits to the Palace of the Winds, the Amer Fort and the bustling bazaars and markets. Allow yourself to be tempted to buy some things you never really knew you needed!
Now it’s time to head to the most famous sight in all of India, the Taj Mahal….but first we have to get there. Our journey takes us to one of the most amazing structures in the whole world, the Abhaneri Step-Well. Never heard of it? Well, now you’ll wonder why. Time permitting we’ll also visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri before we get there.
Nothing compares to the surreal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset, and we have the opportunity to witness this magical scene on both occasions. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and inspiration; explore the intricate mosaics, precious designs and perfect architectural symmetry of this iconic monument. Be prepared to be amazed!
Modern-day India thanks the railways for its prosperity and even now it is still the biggest railway set in the world. Today we will get to sample one of their modern trains, as we travel up to the Capital, New Delhi, arriving in time to check in and have dinner. Delhi is a wonderful city; the enchanting dusty, tangled mess of Old Delhi is mirrored by the grandeur of the modern capital, New Delhi. Ancient forts and palaces vie for your attention as do the modern masterpieces of the Government area; traffic like you have never imagined seems to work OK, despite the lack of traffic controls. Every sense of your body will feel embraced by the charm, the warmth, the noise, the smells and the tastes of this amazing city. We have plenty of time to enjoy the sights with our guide and a full day to explore on your own.
You’ll arrive in India with mixed feelings. Extreme wealth and abject poverty; how can they co-exist? You’ll leave feeling differently, having felt the welcome that this wonderful country offers to every one of its guests. Quite often India is on a “Bucket Shop” list, but many first-time visitors return, often time and time again, to breathe in the joy and feeling of well-being that this place brings.
Don’t judge! Just come with us, with an open mind and enjoy and experience Incredible India.
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY
Day 1. Fly Dublin – Dubai – Mumbai
Depart Dublin 13.10hrs (1.10pm)
Arrive Dubai 00.45hrs (Next day)
Day 2. Arrival in Mumbai (Bombay)
Depart Dubai 03.55hrs
Arrive Mumbai 08.25
Meet our local English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel for three nights.
There will be an optional tour this afternoon for anyone fit to go, after the long flight. Alternatively, just relax for a few hours before we meet for our evening meal. (Details TBA)
Day 3. Mumbai (Bombay)
Today you will visit the heritage area of city and take a walking tour past the grand ornate buildings of Mumbai. The Walking tour is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. You will also walk past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (One of the world’s UNESCO heritage sites and possibly one of the finest railway stations in the world) and the High Court building.
Visit Gateway of India and Mani Bhawan, Crawford market, Dhobi Ghat. Learn about Dabbawallas. Visit marine drive as well.
Overnight at Hotel. Evening meal not included. You can either eat at the hotel or try a local restaurant or the local night markets and eateries. This is a great chance to experiment with gorgeous, inexpensive and authentic Indian cuisine, or if you’re not adventurous, relax over a meal at the hotel. The choice is yours.
Day 4. Mumbai
Currently we have left today free. Our guide will give you tips on what to do, where to go, how to get there and what to see. We’ll probably have some organised excursion, too, for those who would prefer the comfort of knowing someone is looking out for them.
Overnight at the hotel. Dinner, probably in a local restaurant. (TBA)
Day 5. Mumbai – Udaipur
Check out after breakfast and head for the airport for our flight north to the province of Rajasthan and the city of Udaipur. We’ll arrive mid afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Dinner included tonight. (TBA)
Day 6. Udaipur
Today we visit the City Palace, Garden of Maids and walk through Old Bazaar. Enjoy a boat ride on lake Pichola.
Also attend a Rajasthani folk dance show in the evening.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7. Udaipur to Jodhpur
Enjoy a road trip today as we leave the hills of Udaipur behind and descend into the arid plains of the desert. We’ll make a stop at the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple. It is one of the largest and most important temples of Jain culture and features magnificent architecture in breathtaking surroundings. Overnight and dinner at hotel.
Day 8. Jodhpur
Morning visit Mehrangarh fort. We may also arrange a Tie and Dye session and see how fabrics and clothes are coloured (Optional basis). Also visit Jaswant Thada, a magnificent mausoleum and cremation site build by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father. We’ll also take a walk through clock tower market. There’ll be Henna painting session for the ladies at local market (time permitting visit).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 9. Pushkar - Jaipur
We have an early start this morning as we drive to Pushkar. The sleepy town of Pushkar, is pushed out of its slumber during the annual camel fair as animal trading and religious and commercial activities mingle with each other.
Lunch on arrival at camp. Time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair. In the late afternoon, we set off again, maybe relaxing with a dose on the coach before reaching Jaipur.
Overnight with evening meal.
Day 10. Jaipur – The Pink City
A full day of excursions, visiting the Palace of the Winds and travelling on the Amer Fort. We ascend by jeep although there are opportunities to ride an elephant (small extra cost) or even to walk (only for the very fit!). View the Jal Mahal Palace, which seems to float on Man Sagar Lake. There may be some time to wander through the lively arcades and markets.
Evening meal is not included this evening although you may eat at the hotel, if you wish.
Day 11. Jaipur to Agra and the Taj Mahal
No visit to India would be complete without a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal but first we have to get there. Our journey takes us to Abhaneri, the oldest and grandest stepwell in Rajasthan. A marvel of engineering, this stepwell will remain in memory for ever! We’ll take a camel cart ride here and enjoy a bite of lunch. Time permitting, we may also visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri , before arriving in Agra shortly before sunset. We’ll make a visit to Mehtab Bagh gardens for a view across the river to the Taj Mahal, glowing gold in the setting sunlight.
Hotel overnight and Dinner
Day 12. Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Train to Delhi
Just as the Taj Mahal is a spectacle in the sunset, it is even more so at sunrise. So, this morning is a really early start as we join the already gathered crowd to enter the complex. Marvel at the beauty, learn about the construction and simply enjoy the splendour of the Taj Mahal, glistening in the early sunlight. Clad in a rainbow of colours, Indian women glide across paths and lawns, stopping for photos and to soak in the atmosphere. The pangs of hunger eventually drag you back to the hotel for breakfast. A short tour of Agra with a visit to the Red Fort and the “Mini-Taj” is followed by some free time and lunch on your own. We then take our evening train journey to the heart of India, its capital, Delhi.
Overnight hotel and evening meal (possibly at a local restaurant- TBA)
Day 13. Delights of Delhi
There’s almost nowhere like Delhi, Old or New. Delhi also has its Red Fort, which historically served as the former residence of the Mughal Emperors. We’ll visit this, using the local metro to get there, as traffic is a regal nightmare. You’ll visit Chandni Chowk. Immerse yourself in all the sounds, colours, and scents of old India as we introduce you to several key spots in the heritage of this historic city — such as the old quarter, where we can walk through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets in town. Visit the spice market of Khari Baoli and take a rickshaw through the twisting, crowded lanes.
Later, we continue on to New Delhi, where the wide streets and colonial architecture offer a sharp contrast to the old city and reflect the legacy the British left behind. Architect Edwin Lutyens carefully planned this area which became the political centre of India when the British moved the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
We will stop for a photo opportunity at India Gate, the war memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace. Visit Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to India’s favourite son. Visit Bangla Sahib Sikh temple and see the temple kitchen where food is prepared for few thousand people everyday.
Overnight at Hotel. Dinner at your leisure (not included)
DAY 14: Delhi Free Day
Day free at leisure / Plan your day with your guide or step out of your hotel and take metro to explore city on your own. We’ll give you all the information you’ll need.
Overnight at Hotel. Farewell Dinner
DAY 15: Delhi Farewell
Bid farewell to India and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Depart hotel around 07.00am for check-in at around 08.00am.
Depart Delhi – 10.35am
Arrive/Depart Dubai – 13.00 / 14.35 (1.00pm / 2.35pm)
Arrive Dublin 18.55 (6.55pm)
FARES, VISAS & HEALTH
Fare: £3560 p.p. Based on twin/double
Single supp £890 (Valid as of 12 November 2023(
(Fares subject to change without notice and will be confirmed on date of booking. These fares can increase substantially, even on a daily basis!)
Upgrade to Business Class, from £2160 return (depending on availability - check with us)
Upgrade to Extra Legroom – from £120 each way
INCLUDED IN THE FARE
· Flights from Dublin via Dubai to Mumbai and return from Delhi via Dubai with Emirates
· 20kgs checked luggage
· Allocated seats
· Flight from Mumbai to Udaipur (Seats allocated at check-in)
· 13 Nights in India with breakfast
· 9 evening meals.
· All hotels are 5* & 4* Superior standard
· All transfers and excursions in deluxe, modern, air-conditioned coach
· Some excursion in Delhi by Metro
· Services of local, English speaking tour leader
· Entrance fees (as per itinerary)
· Porterage at hotels (one case p.p.)
· Tips and taxes at hotels
· Tips for local Tour Manager / Guide / Driver
· Financial protection under ATOL
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FARE
· Personal travel insurance
· IndianE- Visa (Currently approximately £60 for Irish or British Passport)
· Any meals or drinks not included in the itinerary.
· Laundry or any other personal expense
· Optional UAE Extension (Details to folow)
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
1 x Small carry-on bag - max 7kgs
Checked luggage - up to 30kgs across 1 or 2 bags
INDIAN E-VISA
You can apply for your own Indian E-Visa on-line at India Visa Online (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
If you wish us to apply on your behalf, we will be happy to do so. You will need to send us your passport and we will charge a fee of £20 per person.
HEALTH
HOTELS
