From holy Varanasi, through Bandhavgarh, home of the majestic Bengal Tiger, past the Taj Mahal and on to the desert forts of Rajasthan – this tour covers many of India’s most magnificent sights.
Itinerary
DAY 1-2 - Fly to Delhi
Fly overnight to Delhi, India's rambunctious capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 - Delhi
Explore Old Delhi; drive past the Red Fort, walk through Chandni Chowk Bazaar to Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque) and visit the Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple. After lunch, view India Gate before visiting Gandhi Smriti and Qutub Minar, the 12th-century, handcarved, 73m-tall iron pillar.
DAY 4 - Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi. This evening take a rickshaw to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Puja ceremony of Ganga Aarti.
DAY 5 - River Ganges
Take an early morning boat ride along the River Ganges, followed by a brief city tour of Varanasi. Later this afternoon visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath.
DAY 6 - Travel to Bandhavgarvh
Fly to Khajuraho. Continue your journey to Bandhavgarh in the Vindhya hills.
DAY 7 - Jeep Safari
Take both early morning and afternoon safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park for opportunities to spot the magnificent wildlife, including leopards and tigers.
DAY 8 - Khajurao
Travel to Khajuraho and tour the Western groups of Temples. This evening enjoy a cultural dance performance.
DAY 9 - Agra
Depart for Jhansi, stopping in Orchha en route. In Jhansi board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra.
DAY 10 - Historical Agra
Visit Agra Fort, a hulking mass of red sandstone sat on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Fort was established in the 16th-century but has been much added to over time, making it an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Later wander through the bustling Sadar Bazaar.
DAY 11 - Taj Mahal
Rise early to see the sun rise over India’s most iconic sight. At dawn, when the crowds are at their thinnest, the Taj Mahal is swathed in mist and tinged pink by the rising sun – a magical experience. Stop at a marble inlay workshop to admire this skillful craft. Continue on to Jaipur visiting the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Later, take the opportunity to shop at the local bazaar inside the walled city.
DAY 12 - Jaipur
Start with a photo stop this morning at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before visiting Amber Fort. Later this afternoon visit the City Palace, a handicraft centre and Jantar Mantar. Watch a traditional dance performance while enjoying dinner this evening.
DAY 13 - Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur. This evening take a walking tour to explore the local vegetable and spice market.
DAY 14 - Explore Jodhpur
This morning visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Take an auto rickshaw to a local restaurant for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at leisure
DAY 15 - Ranakpur Temples
Drive to Udaipur, a city of lakes, palaces and temples. Stop to visit the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur en route. The City Palace of Udaipur is still home to Maharana Udai Singh’s descendants who remain rulers of this independent state.
DAY 16 - Udaipur
Visit Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, the Folk Museum and Mewar Art Gallery. This afternoon explore the magnificent City Palace and wander through the local shops. This afternoon relax on a cruise along Lake Pichola.
DAY 17 - Delhi
Fly from Udaipur to Delhi where the rest of the day will be at leisure.
DAY 18 - Fly Delhi to Ireland
Fly to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day.