Tour

Incredible North India with Holi Celebration

13 days
from $5,945* Per person twin share
Includes boutique 4 and 5 Star accommodation with cultural tours

Experience the wonders of Northern India. Commencing in Delhi you will immerse yourself in the Indian culture touring through Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur & Udaipur. Learn the history while exploring the temples, markets and forts. Marvel at the wonder that is the Taj Mahal and enjoy high tea with a view. Experience an early morning jungle safari spotting tigers. Join the celebration of the Holi Festival along with many more cultural experiences, finishing each day in the boutique luxury of your 4 and 5 star accommodation.

Your Package Includes

Your Package Includes

Your Package Includes

Your Package Includes

• Welcome dinner at the heritage hotel Haveli Dharampura
• High Tea at the Oberoi Amarvilas
• Holi celebration in Jaipur
• Jungle safari in Ranthambore
• Traditional cooking demonstration
• Learn the basics of Block Printing
• Experience the technique of Blue Pottery
• Exclusive Henna Session

• 12 nights’ accommodation in 4 & 5 Star Boutique and Modern hotels
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All arrival transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per itinerary
• Economy airfare from Jaipur-Udaipur and Udaipur-Delhi
• Entrance fees at monuments as per itinerary
• Single Room supplement available
• Add a Maldives Extension from $2,979 per person twin share

Valid for travel
6 March to 18 March 2025
Offer expires
10 Jan 2025 unless sold prior

Day 1

Thursday, 6 March - Arrive Delhi. (B,D)

Delhi, the soul of India and a mélange of cultures, encapsulates two very different worlds, the “old’ and the “new” giving a
feel of both ancient and modern India.
The city is nestled in the lap of majestic Yamuna River and presents the soul of India in its true self. Over thousand
years, it has wooed rulers, fascinated plunderers, and tried historians with details. Even today, Delhi preserves an
enviable heritage; it’s a city always on the move. The city is sprinkled with captivating ancient monuments, picturesque
gardens, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing arts scene and some of the sub-continent’s best restaurants.
This city of contrasts is a treasure trove for tourists.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at The Maidan Hotel 5*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 2

Friday 7 March - Delhi. (B,D)

Later proceed for the full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
Introduction to Delhi starts with a heritage walk to Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) visiting Red Fort, Jama Mosque,
Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat. In the 17th century, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, made his capital in
Shahjahanabad, the area that broadly covers present-day Old Delhi, also called the walled city.
Jama Mosque is the largest and most well-known mosque in India. It is flanked by Red fort on one side and old city
Chandni Chowk on another side. Built by Shah Jahan in 17th century, Jama Masjid is one of the most crowded
destinations in Delhi for pilgrims and tourists. It is a great place of Muslim pilgrimage. There are three entrances to the
Courtyard- on the East, North and South. Since the mosque is laid on a hillock, the steps climbing up to this are steep.
The eastern gate has 774 steps.
Chandni Chowk is the oldest market places of Old Delhi. The origin of Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in
Indian history. According to legends, Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan and was designed by Jahanara-Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter. Today this market is considered to
be one of the busiest markets in the world.
Raj Ghat lies on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. It
also houses two museums dedicated to Gandhi. At the Gandhi Memorial Museum, you can catch a documentary on the
life of this noble soul and the philosophy of the Sarvodaya Movement.
The British Empire established their capital in New Delhi with much fanfare in 1911. King Edward of Britain came to Delhi
and designated the leading British Architect, Edward Lutyen’s, with the task of building the new capital in Delhi. Lutyen’s
Delhi primarily consists of the administrative area of the capital, India Gate and the Viceroy’s House (which is now
known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). A visit to Delhi is incomplete without going to Lutyen’s Delhi which one can say, is the
place where the Central Government of India currently resides and works from.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located near the main Connaught Place in Delhi. It has developed into a center of
pilgrimage for thousands of people every day. People from various religions, castes and places visit this holy place. The
Art Gallery present in the basement of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is worth seeing. They exhibit the paintings depicting
historical events related with the Sikh history. The gallery is named after the Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh. A
community-operated free kitchen, housed within the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – a historic Sikh house of worship in
central Delhi – runs 24/7, 365 days a year and feeds over 35,000 people every day. Recently, Britain’s Prince Charles,
visited the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib kitchen and helped in making chapattis for langar.
Later, you will visit to Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar.
Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. This
magnificent garden tomb was bui lt in 1565, nine years after the death of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, by his
widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure are garden squares with walkways, water channels and a mausoleum
with a double dome in the center.
Humayun’s Tomb is often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal owing to the stylistic similarity of its structures.
Qutab Minar with a height of 234 feet is considered the tallest individual tower in the world. It is one of the many
masterpieces that depicted the sheer brilliance of the Mughal architects of those times. It was constructed under the rule
of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199. It is surrounded by other ancient monuments which are collectively called Qutub
complex.
Enjoy the Welcome Dinner at a Heritage Hotel – Haveli Dharampura.
Overnight at The Maidan Hotel 5*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 3

Saturday 8 March - Delhi to Agra. (B,HT)

After breakfast, travel by surface to Agra. Famed with one of the
Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal, historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of
marbles, Agra thrives as one of the tourist destination in India. The city is known for its superb inlay work on marble by
craftsmen supposedly with a lineage dating back to the Mughals. Agra’s handicrafts also include carpets, gold thread
embroidery and leather shoes.
Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel.
Late afternoon, enjoy the High Tea at The Oberoi Amarvilas.
In the evening, proceed for the special show ‘Mohabbat the Taj’.
The show is a saga of love based on story behind the making of Taj Mahal. The eternal love story of Emperor Shah
Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who gave us first wonder in the world in the form of ‘Taj Mahal’. The romantic
tale from Indian history has been told in a dramatic manner through a live performance by over 80 professional artists
packed by latest light and sound technologies. The main attraction of this show is the 12’ Taj Replica weighing 8250
kilos.
Overnight at Grand Mercure 4.5*
B=Breakfast
HT=High Tea

Day 4

Sunday 9 March - Agra. (B)

Early morning visit Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World that symbolizes the love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his
beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place.
Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s
heritage. It was completed in 1653 AD, it is believed that it took nearly 22 years to complete the grandeur palace. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the same. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it
needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations
in the daylight.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. The time for the sunrise visit of Taj Mahal during winters may vary depending upon
the weather / fog conditions.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah.
The Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with number of
richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The fort contains a maze of
buildings forming a small city within a city. The Agra Fort offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna.
Itmad-ud-Daulah also known as the Baby Taj is located in the old city of Agra on the banks of river Yamuna. This
tomb was built in the memory of Mir Ghiyas Beg, the father of Noor Jahan. The tomb is a perfect fusion of Indo –
Islamic architecture with a touch of Persian influence.
Rest of the day is at leisure in the hotel to pamper yourself with Spa/ Wellness session.
Overnight at Grand Mercure 4.5*
B=Breakfast

Day 5

Monday 10 March – Agra to Ranthambore. (B,D)

After breakfast, travel by surface to Ranthambore.
Near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Park is an outstanding example of Project
Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private grounds of
the Maharajas of Jaipur. As a result of the stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have
become more and more active during the day.
Upon arrival in Ranthambore, transfer to hotel.
Later in the day, visit Dastakar – an NGO that helps local craftspeople make quality goods and market them directly to
consumers. It is working with over 1 Lakh craftspeople many of them women and village based, with the objective of
helping craftspeople regain their place in the economic mainstream.
Overnight at Ranthambore Kothi 4*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 6

Tuesday 11 March - Ranthambore. (B,L,D)

Early morning and afternoon, enjoy jungle safari by a shared 4×4
jeep.
More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. It is very easy to chance upon
a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambhar around the lakes. Apart from tigers, you will
come across a few panthers too. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle
cats & sloth bears. Sambhar are found in abundance all over the area, the prime target of all predators. Chital, Nilgai &
chinkara are the other inhabitants here.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Ranthambore Kothi 4*
B=Breakfast
L=Lunch
D=Dinner

Day 7

Wednesday 12 March - Ranthambore - Jaipur. (B,D)

Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, travel by surface to Jaipur.
Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts and verdant green gardens against a scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Jaipur represents the charm of India’s rich past and the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis. Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II founded the city in 1727, when he decided to shift his capital from Amer. A renowned architect, astronomer,
and avid scientist, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built his capital with geometric precision and made Jaipur one of the most
well-planned cities in India.
The traditional cooking demonstration followed by dinner at Dera Mandawa would leave you amazed. You would
witness a cooking class organized by the host. The dishes they would demonstrate have been in the cuisine for
generations. They come with flavours of the land and wonderful back stories. You would learn the process and the best
use of the spices etc. The guest also works hands on and can cook at the cooking station. The session would continue
with dinner and drinks. This would be a sit-down dinner with the hosts where we shall serve the soft drinks, beverages,
beer etc. during the demo & dinner. The ancient way of cooking that too the traditional cuisine is mouthwatering desire of
taste.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli 4*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 8

Thursday 13 March - Jaipur. (B,D)

After breakfast, visit Sanganer Village to experience textile techniques
and practices of Jaipur.
Today you will learn the basics of Block Printing. You may participate in the single block printing and the double block
printing workshops. The ‘design’ is first drawn on paper & stretched out on a smooth surface of the wood. The motif or
design is then pierced through the needles so that the ‘impression’ is transferred on the smooth surface of the wood. You
will also get the chance to try your hand at preparing the block and then printing a souvenir.
Later experience the technique of Blue Pottery. Take a look at one of the most well-known items constructed in
Rajasthan, blue pottery which was once only the luxury of the rich today has become a reasonable piece of
ornamentation. Today the items made in blue pottery are available in many colors like pink, yellow and green. The Jaipur
blue pottery, prepared from Egyptian paste, is shiny and low-fired. Some of this pottery is semi-transparent and generally
ornamented with animal and bird designs.
Afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace, Observatory and Hawa Mahal.
The City Palace is the former residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. It is located in the heart of the walled city. The
huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace also has
a museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II where on display are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite
and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Banarasi Silk sarees, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery.
Visit to Observatory or Jantar Mantar. It is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It was built by
Maharaja Jai Sigh II in 1724, whose passion for science, engineering, and astronomy prompted him to construct this
complex of fourteen scientific instruments. It’s been over 200 years since they were first constructed, these fourteen
structures can still accurately measure time; predict eclipses, and track stars and planets in their orbits.
Drive past magnificent Hawa Mahal and walk through the old bazaar of Jaipur, popularly known as Bapu Bazar.
Hawa Mahal is perhaps the most well-known architectural landmark of Jaipur. An imposing structure in the city’s
signature pink color, Hawa Mahal is a unique palace as it does not have any rooms or halls. It is a five-storeyed structure
embellished with numerous little windows and balconies. It was designed as a viewing gallery for the women of the royal
household, the windows and balconies of this palace feature delicate latticework that is astonishing in detail and level of
craftsmanship.
Enjoy special dinner in 1135 AD.
Set in the historic Amer Palace, 1135 AD restaurant aims to make all its diners feel like royalty. It has an open air
courtyard, a formal dining room and a private dining space, Sheesh Mahal, crafted entirely silver and gold. The kitchens
of 1135 AD proudly recreate the centuries-old local royal recipes that were closely guarded by palace cooks.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli 4*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 9

Friday 14 March - Jaipur (Holi Celebration). (B,L)

After breakfast, participate in the celebration of Holi – the
festival of colors.
Holi is the most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, observed all over the North. It heralds the end of winter and the
beginning of the spring. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’. The colorful
festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. It is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature,
and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful coexistence. On this day, people hug and wish each other. Spraying
colors, dancing on traditional Holi songs, rhythmic drum beats and wild processions are the common scenes that one
comes across during this festival.
Celebration of Holi Festival will Include:
• White Kurta (Shirt) and Pyjama (loose Trouser) as traditional attire for celebration.
• Organic dry Colours for the celebrations.
• Snacks, soft drinks and local delicacies during the celebrations.
Buffet Lunch after celebrations at the hotel.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli 4*
B=Breakfast
L=Lunch

Day 10

Saturday 15 March - Jaipur – Udaipur (By Air). (B)

Breakfast is at the hotel. Later proceed for the sightseeing
tour of Amber Fort by Jeep.
Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 Km from Jaipur. The fort boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a
reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of
medieval India. Man Singh I started the construction of this fort in 1592 and, perhaps, it was the defense that topped his
priorities before constructing this fort. The Kesar Kyari Complex of Maota Lake enhances the entire experience.
Visit the historic step well – Panna Menna Ka kund.
Later transfer to Jaipur Airport to board flight for Udaipur.
Udaipur titled as the ‘Most Romantic city in India’, ‘Venice of East’, and ‘City of Dawn’ was founded by Maharana Udai
Singh in 1559 AD. The city draws its beauty from the numerous lakes set amidst the green Aravalli Hills in the desert
state of Rajasthan. The clear blue waters of Lake Pichola, the 17th century palaces of sandstone and marble, adorned
with amber, colored glass, fountains, Japanese-style gardens, and a string of canals connecting the various artificial
lakes, make Udaipur a quintessential royal city amidst a gorgeous natural setting. The spectacular view of the reddish
sun setting beneath the mountain ranges in the backdrop of the lakes is a sight to behold.
Overnight at Fatehgarh 5*
B=Breakfast

Day 11

Sunday 16 March - Udaipur. (B)

Breakfast is at the hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Crystal Gallery, Sahelion Ki Bari and Jagdish
Temple.
City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace complex and stands on the east bank of the serene Lake Pichola. The palace
offers grand sweeping views of Lake Palace hotel and Jag Mandir on one side, and Udaipur city on the other. Built of
marble and granite in 1725 by Maharana Udai Singh, the palace today is home to the 74th Maharana of Udaipur, Shri
Arvind Singh and his family. A fine blend of medieval Indo-European architecture, you will be amazed by the sheer
lavishness of its courtyards, overlapping partitions, terraces, corridors and lush green gardens.
The Crystal Gallery housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel showcases the largest private collection of crystal in the
world. It was established by Maharana Sajjan Singh who ordered the crystal collection from the Birmingham-based F&C
Osler company in 1877. But he died before the crystal collection arrived and all crystals remain packed in the boxes for
110 years. Crystal gallery was opened for public in 1994 and exhibits precious crystal items brought from various parts of
the world.
The Jagdish Temple next to the City Palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty
bird called Garuda – in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.
Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes located in the heart of the city. This lake was created in
the 15th century and a dam across was also created in that period. Later Maharana Udai Singh II strengthened the Dam
and widened the lake, as he was building his capital on the shore of the beautiful Lake. A boat ride in this picturesque
lake is a lifetime experience.
Exclusive Henna session will be organized for the guests in the hotel.
Overnight at Fatehgarh 5*
B=Breakfast

Day 12

Monday 17 March - Udaipur. (B,D)

Early morning, practice Yoga Session in the hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets or relax by the pool.
Evening enjoy farewell dinner in a lakeside restaurant.
Overnight at Fatehgarh 5*
B=Breakfast
D=Dinner

Day 13

Tuesday 18 March - Udaipur to Delhi (By Air) & Departure. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Udaipur airport to
board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to New Delhi International Airport to return home or continue exploring the Maldives or Mumbai.
B=Breakfast

Ask me about this tour.

Call Joanne

* Conditions

Advertised prices are per person twin share, correct at time of publication and are subject to availability and change and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notification due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Offer is not combinable with any other offer. Change and cancellation fees may apply. Minimum of 4 people to confirm this tour with 12 people required to have the tour escorted from Australia. A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is required at the time of booking with final payment due within 60 days of travel. Other conditions apply. Please view the TravelManagers general terms and conditions here and contact your personal travel manager for more details.

Joanne Crouch
Location
Based in Werribee, VIC
Trading Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm | Weekends and afterhours by appointment only

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