First Class

Indian Cricketing Pilgrimage

From humble beginnings India has clawed its way to the summit of world cricket and in recent times have never been too far from the top of the rankings.  More play and watch the game here than any other nation.  There are many religions in this secular country but cricket unites Indians better than any creed can ever do.  The Test arena takes the form of a battlefield with heaving crowds cheering on their ‘god like’ heroes and looking for that all important boundary or timely wicket.  The results here generally impact national morale whilst business slows and communities pause as matches reach their climax.  Like it or not no other nation has more influence and is more relevant to the future of the game

We enjoy 2 Test matches on tour and also take time out to sample the rich culture and fascinating locations we visit.  There are wonderful human experiences to be had as well as ancient historical sites to behold.  However we are never far from what really matters at the time of a visiting cricketing nation.  India is an encounter that will impact your life.  No one can visit and leave unchanged by the sights, sounds and indeed smells of this diverse and intriguing land

TBD Day Itinerary
Departure:Feb 2027
Price:Inquire          

*One Test packages are available for all games

 

***This is a sample itinerary only*** Day 1 - arrive Delhi
Arrival day (no activities planned). We will meet this evening and discuss all aspects of our tour before enjoying dinner together
Days 2-6 - Delhi - ***SECOND TEST***
We head to the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the Second Test of the Series. Established in 1883 the Feroz Shah Kotla (as it was previously known) has witnessed a number of cricketing milestones. Notably Anil Kumble's 10 in an innings against Pakistan. In 2005-06 Sachin Tendulkar broke Gavaskar's record of most centuries with his 35th Test century. Australia has only played seven Tests at this famous ground, the last being in 2013. This Test was won by India and has some interesting aspects. The Australia captain was none other than Shane Watson and after picking up 7 wickets in the first innings Nathan Lyon opened the bowling in the second dig. The atmosphere will be electric as the local support will be roaring in celebration of their local cricket “gods”
Day 7 - Delhi (Agra/Taj Mahal day trip)
Today we have a treat for all travellers with a journey to Agra and the fabled Taj Mahal. A morning train takes us to the small (by Indian standards) but bustling city. We are transferred in our private vehicle to the Taj and have a morning tour exploring the grounds and the structures. Known as the “Teardrop on the face of Humanity” this monument to love will leave a lifetime impression. Sitting in the shadows of the marble shrine we recall the stories of Shah Jehan and the love of his life, Mumtaz Mahal. We also cross the river for stunning views over the Yamuna river. After lunch we have time for an optional visit to the Agra Fort. In the afternoon we return to Delhi by the same fast train. An exhilarating and breathtaking travel day. One to remember
Day 8 - Delhi to Udaipur (fly)
After a relaxing morning we head south to the mystical romantic city on the lake, Udaipur. A rooftop dinner overlooking the expansive lake caps off our travel day deep into glorious Rajasthan
Day 9 - Udaipur
Some say it is the most beautiful and classical city in the east. The Lake Palace is a testament to the style and crafting of the Rajput lords of the region. The city is teeming with palaces and Haveli, truly a sight to savour. After breakfast we take a short orientation walk into the city. You may wish to visit the City Palace and museums, where the mosaics, miniatures and crystal galleries will hold your attention for most of the morning. In the afternoon we include a boat journey on gorgeous Lake Pichola
Day 10 - Udaipur to Pushkar
After breakfast we drive north through the stunning Rajasthan landscape passing villages and farming communities en route to the desert pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Arriving in the afternoon we settle into our accommodation and absorb the spiritual and chaotic atmosphere by the glistening waters. Pushkar has the only Brahman temple in India which is worth a visit
Day 11 - Pushkar to Jaipur
Another easy drive north to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur is everything that Rajasthan has to offer. Brilliant colours, forts and palaces and a bustling city centre. We stay in a Heritage Hotel decorated in traditional Mughal Rajasthan style
Day 12 - Jaipur
In the morning we head into the city and stop first at the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). We also have planned a visit to the Mubarak Mahal. The Maharajas museum has a superb collection of Royal costumes and pashmina shawls. You may choose to visit the Amber Fort in the morning but should discuss this with your group leader. A busy day concludes with an optional night of Bollywood cinema at the ornate Raj Mandir Theatre
Day 13 - Jaipur to Dharamsala (fly)
We have 2 short flights via Delhi to Gaggal airport which is very close to the regional hill town of Dharamsala. The scenery here is some of the best that India has to offer with the Himalaya ever present. Culturally it is a mixture of Tibetan and Indian folk as well as other tribal influences from the mountain region. As such the cuisine is interesting and diverse and we relax into the atmosphere of warm local hospitality. During our stay you may choose to visit Tibetan Monasteries and explore the eclectic burgeoning community of McLeod Ganj. Perhaps a visit to the Dalai Lama if he happens to be in residence
Days 14-17 - Dharamsala - ***THIRD TEST***
This Test match will be only the second ever played at the newly developed HPCA Stadium. The first was also against Australia in 2017 (Global Drift was on tour) and captain Steve Smith scored 111 and is still the only player to have scored a Test Century at this ground. The venue is unique in that it is situated at an altitude of almost 1,500 metres above sea level and has a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalaya being the tallest mountain range in the world. The stadium was selected in November 2015 as one of India’s six new Test venues. It is destined to become a sought after fixture on the International cricketing calendar. The town is probably best known internationally as the home of the Dalai Lama of Tibet
Day 18 - Dharamsala to Delhi (fly) and depart
After enjoying action on Day 5 we return by flight to Delhi. We arrive in time to meet with your ongoing international flights, or you may choose to stay on in the vibrant city of Delhi
A breakthrough
Breathtaking Taj
The little masters last test innings at Wankede
Dressed for a festival
Hero worship
India strikes
More

Trip Options

Single Travellers:InquireDetails
Extra Accommodation: Single InquireDetails
Double Inquire

*The tour offered will include time at 2 Tests. Extra day’s accommodation can be arranged by us as required

**Global Drift will provide a “Code of Conduct” document to be attached to your tour schedule.  Representing Australia abroad we are committed to a fun and enjoyable tour not at the expense of common courtesy and mutual respect

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