Essence of India (19 Days/18 Night)
FROM NZ$3399 - AU$2500
It’s never been easy to see Indian in one visit which preserve abundant of historic palaces, temples and wildlife sanctuaries to name few. Our Essence of India small group journey will give you ample opportunity to drink in the ineffable beauty of the majestic white marvel, the Taj Mahal, numinous influence of holy Varanasi, beauty of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, tempting camel fare of Pushkar, scenic and beautiful Mount Abu and the enthralling bazaars of cosmopolitan Delhi.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi the capital of India. Our tour Manager will welcome us at the airport arrival lounge with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with overnight at hotel.
Day 02: : Delhi
Delhi is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established here from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of imperial India. Before we proceed for the sightseeing our tour Manager will brief us about the day tour. We visit Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple and drive pass India gate, Parliament and President House before entering in to the famous bazaar of Chandani Chok. During our sightseeing you will be surprise that every monument, Bazaar and street tells their own story. Overnight at hotel. (B,D).
Day 03:Delhi – Varanasi (Overnight Train)
We enjoy our leisurely breakfast as you are free to explore the city till our transfer to board Shiv Ganga Express overnight Train depart at 6.30pm to Varanasi. Overnight on board.(B,D)
Day 04: Arrive Varanasi
Morning around 07.30am we arrive Varanasi, the most ancient living cities in the world. The city is a great religious centre for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. Even today, the city has about 1,500 temples, the most important and famous of them being the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check in. After some rest and breakfast take an excursion tour to Sarnath – famous Buddhist pilgrimage where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon followed by city tour. Evening witnessing a Maha Pooja (Main Hindu Prayer Ceremony). overnight at Varanasi.(B,D)
Day 05: Varanasi – Agra (By Train)
In the early morning, experience a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. Witness thousands of pilgrims offering salutations to the Sun God in waist-deep water, secure in their conviction that the muddy waters of the Ganges will wash away all the accumulated sins of their life. After breakfast, checkout and transfer to the railway station to board overnight train ETD 5.20pm to Agra. Bedding will be provided by attendant while we enjoy our overnight journey and witness the rural part of India. Overnight on board.(B,D)
Day 06: Agra
On arrival ETA 6.10am at Agra Fort Station, transfer to the hotel. After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630. Legend says the tomb was built for his, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. This monument took 22 years to build and apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Then visit Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Rest of the evening at leisure with dinner and overnight at Agra.(B,D)
Day 07: Agra – Bharatpur (55 kms / 1 hr)
It’s the day when travel to Bharatpur a small town famous for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's most famous bird sanctuary. En-route we enjoy short visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. The city was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Panch Mahal before continuing our travel to Bharatpur for overnight stay.(B,D)
Day 08: Keoladeo Ghana National Park
This morning we enjoy the tour of Keoladeo Ghana National Park and spot 100 different species of birds. The Sanctuary was previously the bird hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. He built an artificial marsh consisting of raised earthen bunds and water channels. The trees growing on the bunds give birds a place to roost and nest and the underwater roots and beetles give the birds enough food to feed on. Don’t forget to carry your binocular to add flavour during your visit. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 09: Bharatpur – Jaipur (176 kms / 4 hrs)
Today we travel to Jaipur a colourful city known as the Pink City of India. In 1853, when the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, the whole city was painted in Pink colour to welcome him and still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues, provide a magical charm to the city. Afternoon is free to explore this vibrant and exciting town and witness traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans with long moustaches where else women is wearing mirror embossed multicolour costume and jewellery. We enjoy rickshaw ride through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, trucks and bicycles. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 10: Jaipur
True to its title of being a Royal City, Jaipur offers everything from historic monuments to precious stones and pearls and not to forget the famous lacquer bangles that are famous worldwide. The city is remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. We enjoy our city sightseeing tour to City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal which leaves you completely spell bound. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 11:Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to visit stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. This majestic fort will leave you spellbound. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. Within the stern exteriors that seem to grow out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Climbing on the back of a well cladded elephant from the foot if the hill to the top of the fortress surly adds the magic touch to our visit. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur – Pushkar (130 kms / 2 hrs 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to another grandeur city called Pushkar, famous for its Camel fair during the month of November. The fair is overwhelming in its magnitude and its visual impact. Colourful bazaars are set up; camels are paraded and also bought and sold. Dance, music, gaily attired men & women, various cultural events add to the fun and charisma to the occasion. This is a truly dramatic event that shimmers and gleams with rich colours and vibrant life. If you happen to join the group during festival you surly will love the overall experience. Afternoon is free to explore this renowned city. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 13:Pushkar
We enjoy our sightseeing tour of this holy city of which happens to have only Hindu God Brahma temple in the world. This place is considered sacred, as it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses performed a Yagna (holy ritual) here. Marble steps lead upto the temple that has a red spire and an image of Hans (goose), the vehicle of Lord Brahma, on the top of the main doorway to distinguish it from other temples nearby. The temple is built with marble, is decorated with silver coins and there is a silver turtle on the floor. Visit temples and Pushkar Lake and experience the colour scattered around this small town with overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 14: Pushkar – Udaipur (275 kms / 5 hrs 30 mins)
Out of many sobriquets of Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes' and the 'City of Dawn' are the most famous appellations given to Udaipur. The city of Udaipur is ideally set amidst the lush green Aravalli hills and the three lakes. The mesmerizing lakes, palaces, temples and gardens make Udaipur one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in India. The glittering waters of Lake Pichola make the city of Udaipur most romantic city of India. Enjoy and explore the city the way you like as the city offers treat for every one. Optionally you can enjoy the light and sound show before enjoying your dinner and overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 15: Udaipur
Today we enjoy the sightseeing tour of the city and visit City Palace which includes Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas. Today, the palace has an exclusive collection of antique articles, decorative furniture, paintings, and utensils. Evening we enjoy sunset boat ride where one can have a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" and "Jag Mandir". Return to the hotel for overnight.(B,D)
Day 16: Udaipur – Mount Abu (185 kms / 3 hrs 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to Mount Abu, a green oasis in the barren deserts cape. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. There are many temples in this region and the place is said to be an important place of penance for the sages in ancient times. Rest of the day will be free to enjoy and explore this amazing town. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 17:Mount Abu
We enjoy the sightseeing tour of Famous Dilwara Temples, carved of white marble, built in 11th century along with the Gaumukh Temple and finally the Nakki Lakes where you have an option to take a boat ride. Late afternoon proceed to the sunset point to experience town is covered with the beautiful natural colour while sun goes down the horizon. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 18: Mount Abu – Delhi (Overnight Train)
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast as the day is free till we board overnight train ETD 9.20pm to Delhi. Bedding will be provided by the attendant while we enjoy our journey in air condition sleeper class. Overnight on board.(B,D)
Day 19:Delhi Departure
Arrive Delhi ETA 10.10am in the morning and direct transfer to the airport to board flight for your onward journey.
Tour Ends
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation with private facilities
- Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance and all transfers
- All sightseeing as specified
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
- THO tour manager (min 7 Traveller)
- Local English speaking tour guide
- All Entry fee to the monuments
- Bird watching at Bharatpur
- Elephant ride at Jaipur
- Sunset Cruise at Udaipur
- Train Tickets Delhi-Varanasi-Agra and Mt Abu-Delhi
- All collectable taxes
| Confirm Group Departures |
| Start Delhi |
| 2009 |
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2010 |
| Start |
Finish |
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Start |
Finish |
| 08 Oct |
26 Oct |
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05 Feb |
23 Feb |
| 23 Oct |
10 Nov |
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11 Mar |
29 Mar |
| 12 Nov |
30 Dec |
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01 Apr |
19 Apr |
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For more enquiry regarding this tour, please fill up the following form. |
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