A Taste of India
Itinerary
Our Taste of India roundtrip is a short, jam-packed trip, that is a teasing taster of this incredible country. It can easily be extended if you have more time to spare, or combined with a trip in the south of India or even neighbouring Nepal or Bhutan.
Day 1 – Namaste!
Settle gently into colourful and chaotic India, a riot on the senses. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so this trip is designed to give you a softer landing. You’ll spend just one night in a comfortable, well-located Delhi hotel before beginning your journey …
Day 2 – To the Pink City of Jaipur
Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so early this morning you’ll be driven to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Jaipur is also known as the ‘pink city’ because many of the buildings are painted in pink-orange tones. It’s a jumble of colours, camel carts, elephants, beggars, rickshaws, temples, forts and palaces. You’ll stay in a friendly, family-run hotel with lots of character and Rajasthani style. Enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool.
Day 3 – Explore Jaipur
Today you’ll take a private guided tour of this remarkable city, visiting the City Palace, the Observatory and the fairy-tale Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal). You will also visit Amber Fort. This ancient citadel made of red sandstone and white marble is perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rocky hills around Jaipur. One of the fort’s highlights is the mirror palace, covered with an intricate mosaic made up of thousands of tiny mirrors.
If you’re feeling active, or want to spend another day in Jaipur, we can arrange a guided bike tour through the narrow streets, stopping for a traditional meal with a local family. Or if you love Indian food and want to try your hand at cooking a traditional meal, we can book an authentic, hands-on cooking class in the home of a local lady. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Tiger spotting opportunity
Would you like the opportunity to spot tigers in the wild? We can add a two night visit to India’s famous Ranthambore National Park here – between Jaipur and Agra. Ranthambore is one of the most scenic national parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in the wild. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel just outside the park, and we’ll include two jeep safaris. Ask your Travel Specialist to include Ranthambore in your travel plan.
Day 4 – Travel to Agra
Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way there are a few interesting sights to stop and visit. The monkey temple at Galta is a pilgrimage site that attracts flocks of brightly-robed devotees every day. People bathe and sing on the steps of the ghats that lead down into the pools. You can also make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri – a former Mughal capital, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Agra you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cosy homestay which is your base for the next two nights. We’ve found a handful of wonderful, small, family owned homestays that are less than 10 minutes stroll from the Taj Mahal. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and the gardens are just the spot to relax.
Day 5 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The iconic Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan out of love for his deceased wife. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited places in India, so we recommend to get up extra early so that you’re at the Taj Mahal before the tourist crowds. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away.
After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, you’ll spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a local guide. You’ll visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mughal forts in the country. You’ll also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a.k.a the Baby Taj, and the gardens of Mehtab Bagh. From here you’ll catch a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal across the river, especially at sunset when the marble glows softly in the fading light.
Day 6 – Take the train to Orchha & explore the riverside ruins
A trip to India isn’t complete without a train journey! And to get to Orchha – your next destination – you’ll take the train to Jhansi, which is a journey of 3 – 4 hours through a rural landscape. Then finish the journey by car. Orchha is a small, relaxed town, set on the banks of the beautiful Betwa River. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Orchha was the capital of the Bundela dynasty, and it is bursting with grand palaces and intricately carved temples that were built at that time. It’s easy to Orchha independently. Take a walk down to the towering stone chhatris that line the banks of the river – they look particularly magical at sunset. Cross the little stone bridge for views back across the water, and take your time exploring the cluster of 17th-century palaces, each in its own crumbling but atmospheric state.
Day 7 – Discover the Khajuraho temples
After breakfast you’ll depart Orchha heading to Khajuraho – a small, relaxed town famous for its collection of UNESCO-listed temples which you will visit this afternoon with a local guide. The temples were built between the 9th and 12 centuries and are incredibly well preserved. Intricate carvings cover the temple walls – including scenes from the Karma Sutra. The most impressive and largest temple is the Kandariya Mahadev, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Day 8 – Take the train to Varanasi
Today is a full day of travel and you’ll make an early start for the journey to Varanasi. You’ll be transferred to the station at Satna (3 hour drive), where you’ll catch the train, arriving about 8 hours later in Varanasi. You should arrive just after 4pm. You’ll be collected at the station and transferred straight to your hotel. Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It’s an overwhelming yet beautiful jumble. A city of constant chaos, colour and wandering cows that can be a shock to the senses. Get ready to be knocked off your feet…
Day 9 – Sacred city on the Ganges
At dawn, you’ll set off on an atmospheric boat trip down the Ganges. You’ll see ritual bathing in the sacred waters, hear the soft chants of pilgrims and watch the sun rising over the riverside temples. The Ganges is flanked by a series of Ghats – broad stone staircases leading down to the water – that stretch for miles and provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Varanasi.
Following your boat ride, you’ll head off on a short guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old town, with shrines, markets and chai stalls. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Next to the cremation Ghats, you’ll find kids playing cricket, holy men smoking, cows nosing through piles of rubbish and women beating laundry on the rocks. If you prefer, we can arrange an afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the city where Buddha first shared his teachings. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
In the evening – if you wish – you can join the prayer ceremony on the main Ghat. As the priests chant and wave lamps of fire, hundreds of flower candles drift onto the river, creating a magical and unforgettable sight.
Days 10 & 11 – Back to Delhi and departure
You’ll have some free time for some final sightseeing of Varanasi before being transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Delhi. Flying time on this route is usually about 90 minutes. Tonight, for convenience, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a pool, that’s just a 20 minute drive from Delhi Airport. The following day, we’ll arrange a transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. If you would like to spend some time exploring Delhi just advise your Travel Specialist and we can add on a night or two in central Delhi.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Taste of India - In Style accommodation
For most of the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer a more personalised experience or something more unique – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary, select our In Style option below. NB there is a limited choice of quality accommodation in Khajuraho and Orchha so in these destinations you’ll stay in our carefully selected ‘standard’ choice.
