Rajasthan and the Mystical North
One can never fully comprehend the mass of humanity and stimulus that is India.
India is everything human, a crowded land of contrasts, bustling cities, poverty, Cricket and a country with a new spirit of economic freedom. It has the second largest population on earth and is an all-encompassing myriad of culture, religion, races and tongues. The natural beauty is stunning and couples beautifully with a plethora of temples, Haveli, palaces and fortresses. Sharing the roads with people, rickshaws, bicycles, trucks, beggars, hawkers and of course the holy cow is a part of everyday life. Rajasthan evokes the deserts, camels and heritage of Mughal India. But there is so much more. The Pink city of Jaipur seems lifted straight from a postcard. Agra is home to arguably the grandest monument to love of all. The imposing yet subtle Taj Mahal. Pushkar is where the camel belongs but it is also distinctive in that close to the holy lake stands the only true Brahmin temple in India. Your stay in the stunning Fort of Sardargarh allows you to live as a Maharaja (or Maharani) for a day. Udaipur is the romantic heart and is reflected by the palaces that adorn the lovely man made lake. Finishing in Mumbai this journey through north India is ‘classic’ in nature and will enable you to finally understand what it is that has attracted travellers for centuries. We guarantee you will never forget you adventure through this timeless land with us.
| 14 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 12th January 2025 | (Sunday to Saturday) |
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| Price: | USD$2490 | |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR KERALA AND THE SPICY SOUTH TOUR*** |
Day 1 - Delhi Arrival day, no activities planned Day 2 - Delhi This morning we journey into the teeming centre of “Old Delhi”. We enjoy a stop at the stunning Jama Masjid Mosque then enjoy a colourful walk through the maze of laneways and alleys of Chandni Chowk. Here are the bazaars and stalls of Indian legend. Time for some bargaining and a cup of local Chai. This afternoon you are free to explore the city’s many sites including the Red Fort and Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremated. We enjoy dinner in Connaught Place tonight where Delhi's “in” crowd can be found Day 3 - Delhi to Agra This morning we journey south through the countryside to the fabled city of Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. We arrive in time for an orientation of this intimate and bustling city. Perhaps a sunset drink watching the sun set over the Taj Day 4 - Agra We visit the fabled Taj this morning. 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. Later visit a carpet factory and learn how these local treasures are made. You will have time for an optional visit to the Agra Fort or just take a rickshaw and get lost in the narrow streets Day 5 - Agra to Jaipur We head west and first stop at the amazing barren 16th century city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar it exhibits the splendour of a Mughal city and was left pristine when abandoned due to lack of water. We learn of the mysteries of this ancient kingdom frozen in time. Continuing on we arrive at Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur is all that Rajasthan has to offer. Brilliant colours, forts and palaces and a bustling city centre. We stay in a Heritage Palace Hotel decorated in traditional Mughal Rajasthan style Day 6 - Jaipur In the morning we take a short drive to the Amber Palace. We climb aboard our elephants who will trudge us up the hill to the palace courtyard. We return to Jaipur to visit the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and have time to explore the Mubarak Mahal. The Maharajas museum has a superb collection of Royal costumes and pashmina shawls. A busy day concludes with a night of Bollywood cinema at the Raj Mandir Theatre Day 7 - Jaipur to Pushkar A short drive takes us to the desert pilgrimage town of Pushkar. We will absorb the spiritual atmosphere by the lake and are engulfed by the sounds and colours of this tribal haunt. We can visit the only Brahman temple in India. Later there are optional camel rides and a morning climb for a stunning sunrise Day 8 - Pushkar to Sardargardh Driving south we head for the sprawling hilltop fort of Sardargarh. Off the beaten track we get a taste of the glory and infamy of a time when Rajput honour meant more than life itself. We stay at the Heritage Fort of Sardargardh as guests of the Rao or Lord of the Region and his family Day 9 - Sardargardh A day of adventure or relaxation. There is an optional jeep safari visiting small villages and searching for some of the local wildlife including leopards and deer. Our hosts Dharitri and Mahipal will regale us with stories of the region and introduce us to the secrets of their stunning fort. Dinner is served on the rooftop courtyard and the sounds of local villagers performing traditional songs make for a memorable evening Day 10 - Sardargardh to Udaipur We head south to the historic romantic city on the lake, Udaipur. We enjoy an orientation walk and a chai in the crumbling old city centre. We dine tonight at the rooftop restaurant of the Udai Kothi overlooking the stunning old city and lake Day 11 - Udaipur Some say Udaipur 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 walk into the City Palace and museums, where the mosaics, miniatures and crystal galleries will hold our attention for most of the morning. The afternoon is free with a cruise on the lake recommended or chai in one of the local tea shops overlooking the city. This evening we take part in an interesting family friendly cooking class followed by dinner Day 12 - Udaipur to Mumbai A morning free in Udaipur then a short flight to the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai. This evening we will hopefully be in time for a stroll along the beach of Chowpatty with other Mumbai families and sample local favourites of Dal Puri and Dai Wada on the sands Day 13 - Mumbai For early risers we can jump into a pre dawn rickshaw and head down to the old Sassoon docks to see the fishing boats arriving with their catch of the night. See, hear and taste the essence of India before breakfast. We have time today to explore the legendary Crawford Market, which is the old bastion of British Bombay. A visit to Mumbai is not complete without a stop at the “Gateway of India”. In the evening gather for a drink at the legendary Taj Mahal hotel and head out for a delightful farewell dinner together. Time to share our stories and toast the magnificent experiences we have savoured Day 14 - depart Mumbai Today is departure day and you are free to make you arrangements to leave at any time |  |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | USD$850 | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | Single USD$140 | Details |
| Double USD$140 | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$40 | Details |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR KERALA AND THE SPICY SOUTH TOUR***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.