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 …
Days 2-4 – Jaipur: the Pink City
Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so early the next 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. The following day we’ll arrange a guided tour of this remarkable city, including a visit of the magnificent Amber Fort that’s perched high on a hilltop overlooking the city and surrounding rugged hills.
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.
Days 4-6 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way you can stop at a few interesting sights including the Monkey Temple at Galta, and the fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri.
The 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, spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a 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.
Days 6-8 – Riverside ruins & lost temples
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, 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, it was the capital of the Bundela dynasty, which had magnificent palaces built here. The palaces that have been preserved to this day can be easily visited on your own.
The next day continue your journey to Khajuraho, which is known worldwide for its artistic temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the sacred temples, known for their erotic scenes from the Kama Sutra, with a local guide. The temples are about 1000 years old, but they’re incredibly well-preserved.
Days 8-10 – Sacred city on the Ganges
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. We will arrange a morning boat tour along the sacred River Ganges, followed by a walking tour of the old town. The rest of your stay is free to explore on your own. In the evening, be sure to attend the atmospheric Aarti ceremony!
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.
