Iconic India
Our Insider Experience
Experience the charm of Old Delhi on a rickshaw ride tour, immersing yourself in the vibrant way of life. In Varanasi, witness the ancient city come to life on a boat ride accompanied by a traditional flute artist. Explore the mesmerizing Ghats of Varanasi and indulge in local snacks like samosas. Discover the Pink City of Jaipur on a rickshaw tour, guided by well-trained women who reside in the slums and low-income areas of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in village life with a walk to Deogarh village. A scenic rural train ride offers panoramic views of scrub jungle and surrounding hills, providing a simple yet captivating journey. Finally, be captivated by the beauty of Lake Pichola in Udaipur as you enjoy a serene boat ride.
From EUR € 4.006
Tour Details
Specification: Iconic India
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Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather in the reception area of your hotel to meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Please note that international flights often arrive in Delhi late at night, so your tour briefing may be scheduled for the following day.
This fascinating city has many faces, from ancient alleyways and monuments of Old Delhi to regal New Delhi. Today, we begin our exploration of this historic city, of over 15 million people, with a drive to the Red Fort. View this monumental 400-year old landmark from outside – a great opportunity for a photo. Then embark on a bicycle rickshaw ride through colourful Chandni Chowk – one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi – and then to Delhi’s famous spice market, Khari Baoli. Afterwards, take a fascinating walk through the food street of Parathey wali gali, perhaps stopping to sample some local food or masala chai. Walk to the great mosque of Delhi, the Jama Masjid, said to be the largest mosque in India, dating back to the mid seventeenth century before continuing to the stunning Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to get a glimpse of Sikh worship. After lunch we visit the 16th century tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun, with graceful architecture and recently restored ornamental gardens. This World Heritage-listed site provides an introduction to Mughal architectural style which reached its peak in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. Drive past Rajpath – home to India’s government buildings and the President’s residence, all featuring graceful Lutyen’s architecture which characterises New Delhi, and India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers who gave their lives during World War One. Finally, end this memorable day with a look at Lodhi art district.
Insider Experience – Taste: take a walk along one of Delhi’s most famous food streets where traditional methods are used to prepare delicacies such as fresh-baked paratha breads, samosas, chai and kebabs. Many families here have passed these traditions down through generations after serving as cooks to Mughal rulers of India, and some of the least impressive of shopfronts may hide the most celebrated cooks of particular recipes.
This morning we take a short flight to Varanasi. Drive straight from the airport to Sarnath, a complex of stupas and temples where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha gave his first sermon, and which now attracts Buddhist pilgrims and other visitors from around the world.
Insider Experience – Spiritual: explore the vibrant trading streets of Varanasi’s old town, where lanes are so narrow vehicles are unable to gain access, before continuing to the city’s famous riverbank to embark on a boat ride along the ghats for a fantastic view of the evening aarthi ceremony where Hindu priests stage a spectacular offering.
Rise early to experience this unique city. Take a stroll along the ghats before commencing a boat trip to witness spectacular scenes. Enjoy free time after your early morning touring before taking a trip in the afternoon to a local ashram, to gain an understanding of what life is like in an ashram for many devotees throughout India.
Insider Experience – Spiritual: Rise early for a misty dawn boat ride on the holy Ganges, where thousands of Hindus bathe daily. At the riverside we will board small boats, and from the river we have the perfect spot to watch the colourful ghats slowly come to life, as pilgrims begin to bathe themselves in the holy river and offer prayers as the sun rises – a sight believed to have changed relatively little for a millennia. Not only is Varanasi reputed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, it is also one of India’s holiest sites. For any Hindu to die in Varanasi represents a chance to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and smoke from the cremation ghats can be seen rising all hours of the day and night. Enjoy the sounds of a local musician on board your boat to add ambience to your journey.
Insider Experience – Taste: try a local chai, and if you like a freshly-fried samosa, in one of the many typical riverside tea houses popular with pilgrims and other visitors rising before the sun for prayers and reflection at the Ganges.
Begin today with a visit to the milk market and gain an insight to a farmer’s daily life. Continue on to admire the striking façade of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, designed for the royal ladies to watch the processions and daily life of the city without being seen themselves – a result of the strict “purdah” which was observed until the 20th century. The impressive Amber Fort, around twenty minutes’ drive outside Jaipur itself, is our main site for the morning. This imposing fort is situated atop a mountain in the midst of stark and dramatic landscape and dates back to 1592. You will drive up to the fort by jeep and explore the various buildings. Marvel at the beautifully painted traditional Mughal doorways and the remarkable Sheesh Mahal with its thousands of mirrored tiles. Walk down from the fort and return to downtown Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to continue your exploration of Jaipur.
Insider Experience – Unique: see a local milk market come to life, with turbaned farmers cycling their fresh milk in and haggling over prices and the day’s produce in ways little changed over the past century or more.
Begin today’s touring with a visit to the imposing Meherangarh Fort, surely one of India’s most impressive forts and a dominating feature of the city. You will enter via a convenient lift, installed by the current Maharajah, taking you up to the fort’s fine museum housing royal palanquins, elephant howdahs and regal costumes. The fort ramparts offer stunning views of the blue city below, out to Umaid Bhawan Palace where the royal family reside to this day.
Insider Experience – Unique: walk from the fort down to the city’s colourful bazaar, famed for its colourful bangles and jutis, the stylish leather slippers favoured by locals and visitors alike. The bazaar is alive with Rajasthani colour and is a popular shopping stop for desert women from outlying communities.
Enjoy your afternoon at leisure or further explore the town of Jodhpur.
After breakfast enjoy a visit of Ellora Caves. The Ellora Caves are listed in the world-heritage list. They are located about 30 km from Aurangabad. The Kailash Temple of the Ellora caves is the most attractive masterpiece of the creator. Visit Daulatabad Fort. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Mumbai – The city that never sleeps!
What´s included
- 16 nights in described Hotel or similar
- Daily Breakfast for 2 Persons
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Dinner
- All flights as specified in the itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Small group touring
- All Entrance fees
- English speaking tour leader
- All Tipping
- Arrival and departure transfers
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Visa fees
- Porters
- Insurance and personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar, telephone and drinks
Departure Dates and Rates
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Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in EURO unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice..
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless "Private Tour" is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
- Self-Drive Tours may not always include a car rental. Please check carefully the included and excluded box. Driver must be in posseion of an valid drivers license and for some countries an international license as well as a valid credit card.
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- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
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