India is vast and there is so much to see. But in 9 days: you can still capture some of the cultural and social highlights of this country – we have got you covered!
From the Old and New Delhi, Ruins of Mughal Empire, you will venture it all with a rickshaw ride, getting a real feel for the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city: its malls, people and sites. You will then travel onto Agra, to take in the marvellous Taj Mahal and its magical love story. Next, you will be visiting Jaipur: time to indulge in checking out the cuisine, colourful bazaars and crafts of Jaipur city. You will spend time exploring Jaipur city, tour bazaars, craft shops & enjoy a cuisine walk. You’ll also be visiting Varanasi, one of the most ancient cities in the world, to witness and experience the Aarti ceremony, morning banaras, Kedar Mandir, Kusthi Akharas and historical walks, covering southern temples and sacred ponds. Finally, you will return to Delhi, for your departure back home or your onward journey.
We have handpicked an assortment of hotels, with the minimum transfer time to get to them from the city and to reach attractions – giving you more time to enjoy the hotels, the attractions & cities.
Ideal For – Adventure seekers/ Solo travellers/ couples/ friends / families with teenagers / small groups consisting of friends and family.As this journey is available throughout the year, it is ideal for those who have busy schedules and are uncertain about the period of their holidays.
Highlights at glance
- You’ll be in Delhi, India’s capital city and visit the ruins of the Mughal Empire as well as check out New Delhi – all on a rickshaw ride – getting you about quicker and gaining a truer experience of local culture and lifestyle.
- Witness one of the 7 wonders of the World, Taj Mahal in Agra which is also considered a symbol of love all over the world.
- The Jaipur city tour and bazaars, crafts & cuisine walk will give the best of the city when you’re in Jaipur.
- Visit Varanasi, one of the most ancient cities in the world where you can fully indulge in local culture by experiencing the Aarti Ceremony, morning Banaras, Kedar Mandir, Kusthi Akharas and historical walks covering southern temples and sacred ponds.
01st & 02nd Nights: India’s Capital Delhi
A city that offers both ancient and modern day India, is Delhi. Not only the nation’s capital city it is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are seemingly silent witnesses to its magnificent history. Old Delhi brings to focus a maze of narrow, maddening alleys and back roads amidst old buildings betraying a colonial past but not overshadowing freshly prepared, piping-hot street food and vendors wooing you to yards of colourful materials and an assortment of craft. Juxtaposed is New Delhi, hi-tech, shopping malls, wide roads and a never-ending bustle of shoppers, teenagers and visitors from all over the country. You’ll find anything to everything: New Delhi never sleeps.
On your arrival at the International Airport in Delhi, our representative will receive and escort you to your hotel. You will have the time to unwind and chill in your room, perhaps exploring the hotel and its facilities. Talking to the hotel staff is a great way to get first hand details about the city, if you like to do that.
After breakfast, we’ll get you started on your tour: taking you to Old Delhi: visiting Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India – and driving past Red Fort – once the most opulent fort and jewel of the Mughal Empire (Red Fort is closed on Mondays). Then a rickshaw ride in the old city market of bustling Chandani Chowk.
Then you will see the ‘other’ side – New Delhi. Interestingly, New Delhi offers more historical sites than Old Delhi but reflects a colonial past. At the same time, you will be amazed by the bustle of people getting about the malls, cinemas and of course the food – so many street food options and restaurants to indulge in.
03rd Night: Agra
Agra – Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.
Following breakfast, we will drive you to Agra. After a 4 hour journey covering 205km, you will check in at the hotel. After a brief rest, you will visit Sheroes Hangout Café
This Café is testament to women who are survivors of acid attacks. Run solely by them, it houses a centre that runs campaigns, a library, a boutique where you can purchase handicrafts to support their cause, and of course purchase some great food and drink.
The Café empowers these women to rebuild their lives, as well as creates awareness for an issue that is very problematic in India.
This Café is testament to women who are survivors of acid attacks. Run solely by them, it houses a centre that runs campaigns, a library, a boutique where you can purchase handicrafts to support their cause, and of course purchase some great food and drink.
The Café empowers these women to rebuild their lives, as well as creates awareness for an issue that is very problematic in India.
04th & 05th Night: Jaipur
An early rise and we will whisk you off to see the wondrous Taj Mahal at daybreak. It is often mentioned that the Taj Mahal seemingly changes its colours every minute depending upon the angle of the sun rays and it is best seen either at sunset or sunrise. Naturally, sunrise offers mild light for taking those timeless pictures of this monument of love.
Jaipur is bejewelled by grandeur, brilliant architecture and history. Founded in 1727 and built on a dry lakebed, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as “Pink City”. Once ruled by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, in a grand gesture of hospitality, had the whole city painted pink terracotta in honour of a royal guest.
After an early tea/coffee, you will be driven to the Taj Mahal. At daybreak. Sunrise is considered the best time to see the palace. It is often said that the Taj Mahal seemingly changes colour, depending on the light and how the weather prevails, reflecting different hues on this symbol of love. A testament of Emperor Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz, this white-marbeled palace commands a magical view across the crescent-shaped grassy floodplains of the Yamuna river. A timeless achievement in the range of Indo-Islamic architecture, this UNESCO Heritage Site took 21 years to construct. After returning to your hotel for breakfast, you set off to Jaipur, a 5 hour journey covering 240 kms.
In the morning, you will start your tour of Jaipur by heading for the Amber Fort which houses halls, temples and gardens. On to Sheesh Mahal where elaborate mirror work takes precedence. In the City Palace complex, the seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal is a wonder with each floor housing unique paintings, mirror work, intricate woodwork and sculptural works of art. There is a beautiful peacock gate at the entry to the Mahal complete with screened balconies and a pavilion at the roof with a panoramic view of the city. The evening will wind down with a walk through the bazaar, a maze of arts and craft, made by using rich traditional artisan skills.
06th & 07th Nights: Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras, is an ancient city where Hindus believe that if one dies here, one would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Located in North India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh alongside the Ganges river, it is recognised as a centre of learning and civilisation for over 3000 years. Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, is just 10 kms away. Hindus, Jains and Buddhists converge here on religious pilgrimage throughout the year.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight for Varanasi, a journey just under 1.5 hours..
Come evening, after resting from your flight, we will take you to witness the Aarti (prayer) ceremony, an ancient ritual carried out by the bank of the Ganges river. Conducted by priests of only the Vedas and Upanishads: five elevated planks, a layered brass lamp, an idol of Ganga Devi, flowers, incense sticks, conch shell and other ritualistic items, are all used to accompany the chanting and mantras. The air is punctured by the blowing of the conch shells and the aroma of incense sticks, as Mother Ganga is venerated for her blessings upon her faithful worshippers.
Many activities planned for you, we start with the Subah or Morning Banaras, a morning ritual. You will then visit ” Kedar Mandir” followed by attending a ritual called “Kusthi Akharas”. Later we will take you on a walk. Walking along the southernmost embankment of the Ganges, listening to the story of Tulsidas; translator of the sacred Ramayana text, Banaras poet and mystic. Sometimes, we may be interrupted by bells and yelling, signalling to step aside as funerals come through – a ritual common to Varanasi.
After lunch, a late evening walk unravels the story behind Banaras being the great cremation ground of the god Shiva, ending with a late visit to the Sankata Devi temple (goddess of sorrows & a demon slayer) for a ritual worship service.
Day 8: Varanasi - Delhi
You will start your day with an early morning yoga session at Ghat: the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi are a combination of the physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements embodied in a very spiritual, even divine manner. Under the guidance of experienced yoga masters, practise yoga and enjoy the rejuvenation of your senses in the freshness of your morning. After that, it will be time to check out and prepare for your departure for Delhi; a journey that will be just under two hours’ flight time.
Day 09: Delhi - Onward Journey
On your arrival in Delhi, we will take you to Delhi airport to board the flight home or your onward journey.
What more to add?
- Hot air Balloon (Sharing basis) in Jaipur.
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,000
1-2 persons
$ 3,000
3-4 persons
$ 4,000
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,000
1-2 persons
$ 4,000
3-4 persons
$ 5,000
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 1,000
1-2 persons
$ 2,000
3-4 persons
$ 3,000
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
- Airfare is quoted on the basis of the best available average fare which is subject to change. This fare can be low or can be higher at the time of booking. Exact fare will be advised at the time of booking.
- Standard check in time is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 noon at most of the hotels.
- Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Included:
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis at hotels in their base category (unless otherwise specified) mentioned or in similar category with meals as indicated (B, L, D stand for breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively)
- Services of Air Conditioned Toyota Innova Crysta for all transfers, sightseeing and drives
- Services of guides with walking experiences during city sightseeing tours
- Entrance fee to places of visit and monuments
- Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi and Jaipur
- Jeep ride at Amber Fort, Uphill
- Private tour of City Palace, Jaipur
- Private boat ride at Ganges river, Varanasi
- Yoga Session at Ghats, Varanasi
- Battery van ride at Taj Mahal from parking area
- Tea and snacks at Sheroes Hangout Café, Agra
- Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport / railway station and during check in/out at hotels in major cities
- Mandatory Government service tax
Not Included:
- Any Airfare, any insurance fee (supplement given for domestic sector)
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
- Any Visa fee (India Visa is a must for all the visitors before boarding on their flight except nationals of 11 countries who enjoy visa on arrival. For more details visit Indian Visa https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/)
- Services of accompanying escort.
- Any optional tour.
- Any expenditure of personal nature like tipping, table drinks, laundry, tip, telephone calls, soft/ hard drinks, still/video camera fee (if any) etc. However, supplements for the same have been quoted above.
- Anything ordered from room service at any hotel including mineral water (other than what is being offered by the hotels on their complimentary basis).
- Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc. and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
3 hours
Colombo Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.