12 Day North India
Highlights:
Day 1: Arrive at Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon arrival, after collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by our travel facilitator at the airport. You will then be transferred in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to your hotel and assisted with your check-in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.
Day 2: Delhi
Your exploration of India begins in Old Delhi, the former citadel of the Mughal Empire. You will visit the impressive Red Fort built in 1648, known for its 1.24-mile-long red sandstone walls. Next, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples and old houses with fascinating architecture. You will also visit the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan in 1658. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the river Yamuna, marked by a humble black marble amid lush green lawns.
Afternoon: After the Old Delhi tour, you will be driven to New Delhi, which was built by the British as a regal capital. You will visit the Qutab Minar – a 234-foot-high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the India Gate, a 138-foot-high stone arch of triumph with names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in various wars. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. Drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi, including the Diplomatic enclave, Government buildings, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, and the Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour at Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping, business, and tourist center.
Day 3: Delhi – Agra
Check out from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Agra (about 4 hours) on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at Agra and check in to your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s reign and later became his prison. The fort features numerous courtyards, private chambers, and a marble mosque. Opposite the Yamuna River is the exquisite Itmad-ud Daulah, built in 1628 by Mughal Emperor’s queen Nur Jahan in memory of her father. The tomb is the first monument constructed entirely of marble inlaid with Pietra Dura.
Late afternoon: Enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal, completed in 1653 AD, features white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones and is renowned for its symmetrical beauty.
Day 4: Agra – Jaipur
Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. Enroute, stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri, one of the oldest and largest baoris in Rajasthan, with a depth of 20 meters and 13 levels. Arrive at Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is also known as the ‘Pink City.’
Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast, drive 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. Ascend to the fort on a caparisoned elephant (or jeep) and explore its fascinating interiors, including the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors).
Afternoon: Continue your tour of Jaipur city with a visit to the City Palace Complex, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a pink sandstone building with intricately designed windows for royal ladies to observe the city.
Day 6: Jaipur – Jodhpur
Check out of your hotel and drive to Jodhpur, the second biggest city of Rajasthan at the edge of the Thar Desert. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in to your hotel.
Late afternoon: Explore the bustling Sadar Bazaar (Clock Tower Market) and return to your hotel after this exploration.
Day 7: Jodhpur
After breakfast, drive through winding alleys to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky hill. The fort features magnificent palaces and museums, including the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace).
Afternoon: Visit Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century royal cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Day 8: Jodhpur – Narlai
Check out from your hotel in the mid-morning and drive to Narlai. Arrive at Narlai and check in to your heritage hotel.
Afternoon: Explore nearby villages with your Tour Director available until 6 PM.
Day 9: Narlai
You are at leisure to explore the local area at your own pace. Narlai is a quaint village known for its temples, natural landscapes, and friendly locals.
Evening: Consider the Stepwell Dinner at Rawla Narlai (optional), featuring a four-course meal beside a 1,100-year-old stepwell, lit by oil lamps and accompanied by local folk songs.
Day 10: Narlai – Udaipur
Check out of your hotel in the morning and drive to Udaipur. En-route, visit Ranakpur, famous for its 15th-century Jain temples, including the Chaumukha Temple with 1444 intricately carved marble pillars. Arrive at Udaipur and check in to your hotel.
Day 11: Udaipur
After breakfast, visit the City Palace, a collection of palaces with glasswork, mirror work, and exquisite crystal. Explore the Crystal Gallery and enjoy the views from balconies, courtyards, and towers.
Afternoon: Visit the Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) and the local museum.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jagmandir (if available). The lake, with its two islands, offers scenic views of the city.
Day 12: Udaipur – Delhi
You are at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities in the morning. Check out from your hotel by noon and drive to the airport for your mid-afternoon flight to Delhi. Our services end at Udaipur airport.
Luxury Level Lodging
- Delhi: The Oberoi New Delhi - Premier Plus Room
- Agra: Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Room
- Jaipur: Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Room
- Jodhpur: Umaid Bhawan Palace – Palace Room / Raas – Garden Room
- Narlai: Rawla Narlai – Luxury Grand Heritage Room
- Udaipur: Oberoi Udaivilas – Premier Room
Deluxe Level Lodging
- Delhi: Taj Palace – Superior Room / Lalit – View Room
- Agra: Taj Gateway - Taj View Room / The Trident - Garden View Room
- Jaipur: The Trident - Lake View Room / Rajputana Sheraton – Rajputana Chambers
- Jodhpur: Taj Hari Mahal – Deluxe Garden View Room
- Narlai: Rawla Narlai - Grand Heritage Room
- Udaipur: The Trident – Garden View Room / The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace – Valley View Room
Inclusions
- 11 nights stay at the hotels on entire trip
- Breakfast at all the hotels
- All transfers and sightseeing by your personal A/C SUV
- Hotel check-in time is 2 pm and checkout is at noon for almost all hotels
- One cycle-rickshaw ride to explore Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
- One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Boat cruise at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Camel Safari at Sam in Jaisalmer
- Entrance fees to monuments as per the itinerary
- Services of an accompanying Tour Director as per the itinerary
- Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures transfers
- Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
- All currently applicable taxes
Not Included
- Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and drinks
- Any meals other than those specified above
- Personal Travel Insurance, visa, etc.
- Camera fees (both still and video)
- International flight tickets
- Miscellaneous