Highlights of Northern India

Day 1: 
Overnight flight to Delhi from UK.

Day 2: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi International airport. After immigration, you will be met and transfered to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. The city drew the attention of various peoples including the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi has been abandoned many times through history only for rulers to return to the area and rebuild, at least seven times. The twin cities of Old and New Delhi, as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world, still intrigue the locals and tourists alike .

Optional Experience:
Private Evening Tour of Akshardham Temple with Musical Fountain Show.

This tour takes you on a journey through the marvelous Akshardham Temple, where you’ll witness the enormity and beauty of this exceptional monument under the guidance and knowledge of an private expert guide. Visit the temple, appreciate its splendor, and watch the exceptional musical fountain show.

Accommodation: Leela Palace [Breakfast]

Day 3: Delhi
After breakfast, start the tour with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. Visit Chandni Chowk, a massive area packed with shops and bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Proceed towards New Delhi, reflecting the city's British legacy. The first stop will be Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style and a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour to Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past India Gate, Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the official residence of the President of India - Vice Regal Palace.

Accommodation: Leela Palace [Breakfast]

Day 4: Delhi - Agra
Drive to Agra in the morning via a recently built expressway. The route passes India’s only international standard Grand Prix track “Gautam Buddh Circuit” and scenic agricultural fields dotting the landscape. Along the way, comfort stops will be made.

Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel.

Agra was once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna. It's transformation started with two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan. Contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favorite city of the Mughals.

Optional experience:
Enjoy the “Mohabbat The Taj” show in the evening. The epic love story, performed in a mesmerising dance-drama style. Set in the 16th century, the highlight of the show is a replica of the Taj Mahal in Makrana marble weighing 8,500kg, embellished costumes and the extravagant stage settings make for an interesting portrayal and allows one to see Mughal grandeur coming alive.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal [Breakfast and high tea]

Day 5: Agra
An early rise today to view the Taj Mahal at dawn. Watch as the colours change on this iconic building as the sun rises. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Next will be a visit to the Red Fort where amazing red sandstone and marble palaces form a walled city. Enjoy afternoon high tea with a local family before setting off for the Kachpura Heritage Walk. Close the day at Mehtab Bagh with sunset views of the Taj Mahal from across the river.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal [Breakfast and afternoon tea]

Day 6: Agra - Jaipur
Leave Agra behind and set off for the Pink City of Jaipur. Visit the ghost city Fatehpur Sikri enroute. This location has remained untouched for over 400 years now and it's palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals. It is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan province. Known for arts and crafts, jewellery, hand painted fabrics and stone sculptures, this is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city.

Evening at leiaure.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli [Breakfast]

Day 7: Jaipur
Following an early breakfast heading off to the hilltop fortress at Amber and ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant.

Pause to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds on the way back. This elaborate building is now little more than a façade and is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies.

Continue to Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century.

The City Palace, built within the fortified area of the original city, is one of the finest monumental entrances in India. Now the palace is principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use. Conclude the day of sightseeing with a fascinating walk in the old city starting from Hawa Mahal. Mingle with locals, observe the traditional lifestyle and experience culinary delights. During the walk you also have the option of learning the art of Henna tattoo painting.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli [Breakfast]

Day 8: Jaipur - Jodhpur
After an leisurely breakfast, you undertake a scenic drive to Jodhpur, by private vehicle.

The ‘Blue City’ as Jodhpur is known, was founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is encircled by a high wall, 10km long.  Bright colours are an integral part of the lives of the people in Jodhpur. The locals wear a variety of artistically designed costumes, aflame with bright colours and mirror work. Jodhpur has a very strong tradition of folk art where the figures are mainly robust warriors and dainty women.

Accommodation: Raas [Breakfast]

Day 9: Jodhpur
Post breakfast you will be met by your guide for a guided tour of Jodhpur city. The Mehrangarh Fort is the most impressive fortress in Rajasthan. The 5km long ramparts of the fort are perched on a 125 meter high rocky cliff in the middle of the city. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the fort, one can see magnificent palaces adorned with intricately carved panels and latticed windows. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty: palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, music instruments, costumes and furniture.

Later visit Jaswant Thada memorial is a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Visit the Clock Tower Market in the late afternoon. Sadar market is a lively, bustling, colorful market that runs from Sojati Gate to the Clock tower. In the distance you can see the vast bulk of the Meherangarh Fort that dominates the skyline for miles around.

Accommodation: Raas [Breakfast]

Day 10:  Jodhpur - Deogarh
Enjoy a short Village Safari at Deogarh where one gets an opportunity to have a complete cultural experience. The safari is conducted in a country made /designed motor vehicle also known as “Rural Ramble”. During the safari witness the way of life of the warm and hospitable people from customs to ceremonies as well as the abundant wildlife. One also gets the rare privilege of being welcomed into people's homes and interacting with them.  

Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal [Breakfast]

Day 11: Deogarh - Udaipur
The drive today takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life with endless opportunities for photography.

Your destination is one of the architectural gems of the area, the White Marble Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Surrounded by tangled forests where monkeys abound in the courtyards. Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Marvel at architectural details such as the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars each designed uniquely.

Continue the drive to Udaipur after lunch at Fatehbagh Palace.

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of artists and travellers. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. It is a truly enchanting city brimming with stories and legends

Check into the hotel upon arrival.

Optional experience:
A guided heritage walk where you will have the opportunity to visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit an ancient step well and join a family at their private residence for a cup of tea and snacks in their 150 year old, richly decorated residence. From the clock tower move towards the lane where the silver and goldsmiths are busy with their craft. You can also observe the traditional way of making clay pottery and water pitchers. On this interesting walk you will see the bustling markets of Udaipur city includings the vegetable, oil and bamboo markets.

Accommodation: Trident [Breakfast]

Day 12: Udaipur
Post breakfast visit Udaipur city starting at Jagdish Temple built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola.

Visit the City Palace, part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal in the world and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

Later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola on shared basis.

Accommodation: Trident [Breakfast]

Day 13: Udaipur - Delhi
Visit Eklingi and nagda temples after breakfast.

The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering this perfumed hall you will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively.

Later in afternoon you will be transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi.

Accommodation: The Leela Palace [Breakfast]

Day 14:  Departure
Transfer to Delhi airport for your return day time flight back to the UK arriving the same day.

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Tour Excludes

Visas, other meals where not mentioned in the programme, drinks, overweight luggage, personal expenses, food tasting expense on Day 3, travel insurance

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These itineraries are samples of itineraries we have created for our guests. Speak to one of our travel experts at 020 7843 3531 or email at info@clevelandcollection.co.uk to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.

* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season