India is vast and there is so much to see. But in 11 days: you can still capture some of the cultural and social highlights of this country – we have got you covered!
You will get to visit Delhi, Ruins of Mughal Empire and New Delhi; go on a rickshaw ride and then you’ll travel to Agra to witness the marvellous Taj Mahal. You’ll be visiting Jaipur to witness what this city has to offer by indulging in Jaipur city tour and bazaars, crafts & cuisine walk. Visit Jodhpur which offers its visitors an unbeatable blend of modern and ancient that divides the city neatly into two parts, Old and New and after that visit Udaipur, known as city of lakes and also made up of a lot of histories and then reach your final destination back to Delhi.
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, the capital of India and visit the ruins of the Mughal Empire, do New Delhi sightseeing and you can go on a rickshaw ride to experience the true local culture.
- You will get to see one of the 7 wonders of the World: Taj Mahal in Agra which is also considered a symbol of love all over the world.
- Then to Jaipur – a city tour through bazaars, craft shops & cuisine walk will give the best of the city when you’re here.
- Witness the Mehrangarh Fort: spread over 5 kilometres! On a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 metres.
- Dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of this enchanting city on your Jodhpur heritage walk.
- You’ll have a lunch provided by a family in Jodhpur which gives you the experience to witness how a typical Rajasthani home looks like and experience its cuisine.
- Perhaps visit the famous Maharani Textiles in Jodhpur, as this city is a major handicraft and textile export hub.
- In Udaipur, you will see Jag Mandir, a palace built on an island which is also called as “Lake Garden Palace.”
- Visit Udaipur City Palace, one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan.
- Admire the largest temple of Udaipur city, Jagdish Temple built in Indo-Aryan style of architecture.
- You will go on a walk through Udaipur’s most beautiful streets and sites and experience the ‘Real Udaipur’ – its people.
- Then to sightsee Eklingji, a lovely marble complex made up of 108 temples which was built in Mewar Kingdom.
- Finally, a walking tour at Delwara Village, by Seva Mandir, an initiative of NGO can be organised to witness how the village has improved in terms of caste relations, womens’ rights, access to water and much more.
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.
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: Jodhpur
Located in the state of Rajasthan which lies in north western India, it is the second biggest city after the capital, Jaipur. Jodhpur borders the famous Thar desert; a huge fortress wall city with bastions. You will be struck by the sight of Jodhpur’s blue buildings, initially painted to signify that they were occupied by Brahmins, the highest caste in India.
Read MoreRao Jodha Ji who claimed descent from Lord Rama founded Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar State, in 1459.
Jodhpur’s historic origins are best revealed by its countless cultural celebrations, of which the annual Marwar festival, is the region’s most inspiring spectacle. The formidable Mehrangarh Fort perched on a hillock and the breathtaking Umaid Bhawan Palace, a world renowned heritage hotel, certainly offer a glimpse of Rajasthan’s attractions.
After breakfast, you will set off on a 5 to 6 hour drive to Jodhpur. The road trip will cover 350 kms. On the way, we will make sure you get to break journey, to stretch and catch your breath. On reaching Jodhpur, we will check you in to your hotel, giving you a chance to freshen up, relax and perhaps you may wish to make use of the hotel facilities.
After breakfast, you will visit Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a low sandstone hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Rathore Rajput king Rao Jodha started building Mehrangarh Fort in 1459, when he established Jodhpur as his new capital. The fort underwent modifications and architectural enhancements, as it changed hands, before finally returning to the royal family, the Rajputs. The fort opened up to heritage tourism in 1971, in order to sustain the grand historical Mehrangarh Fort. Come afternoon, you will go on a tour to the city; Jodhpur is a major handicraft and textile export hub, filled with embroidered leather goods, lacquerware, antiques, carpets, puppets and figurines.
You can opt for a Balloon Safari – to see India and its spectacular forts, hidden palaces, breathtaking terrain and traditional local villages from a very unique perspective. The balloon is launched from various places depending on weather and wind direction.
08th & 09th Nights: Udaipur
Udaipur, popularly known as the City of lakes, founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The beautiful city of Udaipur houses 5 pristine lakes with Pichola being the most impressive. The Old City of Udaipur is dotted with numerous historic temples, Havelis and baoris (Step wells). On this walk, you will come across diverse cultures, traditions and craftsmanship. Udaipur is made up of mysteries, histories, and stories. Behind the buildings and beauty that keeps changing and developing with time, there are some things which stay intact. You will get a feel of this special city, with all its intricacies and ancient beauty.
After breakfast, you will set off on a 5 to 6 hour drive to Udaipur. The road trip will cover 350 kms. On the way, we will make sure you get to break journey, to stretch and catch your breath. On reaching Udaipur, we will check you in to your hotel, giving you a chance to freshen up, relax and perhaps you may wish to make use of the hotel facilities Then you are off to Jag Mandir, a palace built on an island on Lake Pichola. It is also called the “Lake Garden Palace”. The construction of the palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh, continued by Maharana Karan Singh (1620–1628) and finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652). It is named as “Jagat Mandir” in honour of the last named Maharana Jagat Singh. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace for holding parties.
You will embark on a city tour of Udaipur’s most iconic tourist attraction, the City Palace, with its marble and granite walls laden with miniature paintings, and decorated with tiles, glasswork and mirrors. It is a beautiful insight into the spaces of the royalties. There is also the Jagdish temple located in the City Palace complex. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the main shrine houses the striking four-armed god. After this, you will take a Walking Tour and meet various locals and communities engaged in jewellery making, pottery and bamboo craft. You will also gain an insight into the local traditions and customs of the local people. The walk will give you a feel of a vibrant, colourful local life in Udaipur.
10th Night - Delhi
Eklingji is a lovely marble complex made up of 108 temples, the first of which was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal, legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, who ruled the Mewar kingdom for hundreds of years.
On entering the temple, you will be greeted by a silver image of Nandi (bull). According to mythology, Nandi is considered to be the gate-guardian deity of Mountain Kailasa. There are two other carvings of Nandi in brass and black stone in the temple. The four-faced idol of Lord Shiva or Eklingji is placed in the main temple. The statue is placed in a towering pillared hall called a mandap.
The Shiva lingam is a five-faced statue and an inscription of the temple’s southern wall shows when the idol was established.
You will leave the hotel after breakfast and enroute drive to Eklingji temple to visit the Nagda temples. After that, a walking tour of this small Delwara village – an exemplary place where they have made real and sustainable improvements to caste relations, women’s rights, access to water, livelihoods, sanitation, governance and preservation of heritage. During this walk you will explore an 18th century palace, 1000 year old Jain temples and much more. In Delwara, you will experience rich cultural heritage including: traditional step-wells, temples and buildings of architectural importance known as havelis, whose art dates back to the mediaeval era. You will then be transferred to the Delhi airport for your onward journey.
Day 11: Delhi - Onward Journey
On your arrival in Delhi, we will take you to Delhi airport, well in time, to check-in and board the flight home or your onward journey.
We welcome Solo Travellers and Groups consisting of friends and family. Please do contact us for an attractive and customised quote.
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.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
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.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
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.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
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 every Friday.
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 Private Chauffeur driven air conditioned Toyota Innova for all transfers, drives and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- Services of English speaking expert guides with walking experiences at Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur during city sightseeing tour
- Entrance fee to places of visit and monuments
- Services of a local stationed English speaking guide at Agra.
- Battery van ride at Taj Mahal from parking area
- Jeep ride at Amber fort, uphill
- Lunch with local family in Jodhpur
- Packaged drinking water available in vehicle during drives and sightseeing ● 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 compliment).
- 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 acts of god, 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.