Compare Delhi to Goa by Intrepid Travel vs Urban India by Breathtakers Tours

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive in the fun and frenetic capital of Delhi and settle into your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and travel pals. After your meeting, take an orientation walk to get your bearings and perhaps head out for an optional dinner with your group.

Day 2 Delhi

Start your day with a ride on the metro. Your tour heads first to Old Delhi – the heart of the city. Inch your way through the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace in true local style – by cycle rickshaw! Visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest (and India’s largest) mosque – and then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). Learn about the Sikh guru who, in the 17th century, stuck to his religious beliefs and paid the ultimate price in this very spot. This afternoon is free to explore more of Delhi's sights at your own pace!

Day 3 Agra

Agra itself may not be the world’s prettiest city, but the minute you see its iconic sights, that won’t matter one bit. You will arrive by one of India's express air-conditioned trains (approximately 3 hours), then head straight to the most recognisable sight in India. The Taj Mahal may well exceed your expectations as the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. The highlights keep coming as you take a motorised rickshaw tour around town – a great way to see the monuments of Agra. You can also visit Akbar's Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors. Stop off for an optional meal at Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that supports victims of acid attacks.

Day 4 Jaipur

Travel by public bus to Rajasthan’s colourful capital, Jaipur. Settle into your hotel, then enjoy a walk through the streets and markets of this ‘Pink City’. Use the rest of the day to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting Jaipur’s ornate Royal City Palace. Your accommodation for tonight is a family-run heritage hotel. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to see a Bollywood film. Jaipur is home to one of the world's great cinema halls – the grand art-deco Raj Mandir.

Day 5 Jaipur

For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur, and today would be the ideal day to book in on one. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, and see the red stone palace of the Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds). Take in its dazzling coloured glass work and learn its interesting history.

Day 6 Pushkar

Travel to Pushkar by public bus and then private vehicle via the town of Ajmer. Pushkar is one of India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding villages. Head out to explore the town on a walking tour, stopping in at the main bazaar along the way. Here you'll come across anything from 1960s fashion and glass lamps to jewellery and traditional Rajasthani puppets. Then, take a walk around Pushkar’s lake, which is considered sacred in Hindu culture and has an interesting mythology behind it. Wander past the bustling ghats and temples, observing the devout as they worship at the city’s holy waters.

Day 7 Pushkar

Early morning risers may like to hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for sunrise views over the town. If the chai wallah is there, enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the top! Later in the day, you will pay a visit to the colourful Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god-creator Brahma. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the Pushkar Camel Fair, you can experience one of India’s most famous festivals. It's held every November.

Day 8 Udaipur

Continue on to your next destination today, travelling by private vehicle back to Ajmer and then day train to Udaipur. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, this white city is often regarded as the most romantic in India. Set amid the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur curls around a huge lake. On arrival, take a leader-led city walk to get your bearings around town. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.

Day 9 Udaipur

Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Season depending, why not take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water. Take a guided tour of the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan. While inside, check out vivid murals and royal antiques, and pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Alternatively, you could learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class.

Day 10 Udaipur – Overnight Train

Enjoy another free day in Udaipur before your overnight train to Mumbai. You might like to spend the day exploring Shilpgram – an interesting artistic neighbourhood just a few km away from town. Here, you can see a range of village houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra with exhibitions on display (season depending). Board your train to Mumbai from Falna station and settle in for your night travelling like the locals.

Day 11 Mumbai

Wake up in Mumbai, perhaps the most cosmopolitan city in India. You will take a short walk through the heritage quarter of Mumbai, the nearby Gateway of India, and the famous Taj Hotel. Discover some of the beautiful old colonial and art deco buildings, treat yourself to a meal in one of the country's best restaurants, or shop ‘til you drop in the bazaars and malls. Later in the day, visit Chowpatty Beach where colourful crowds mill about in the cooler evening air. Palm readers, balloon sellers, magicians, and acrobats all compete for your attention. A great optional activity is to visit Elephanta Island. Easily accessible by ferry from Mumbai, it's about 10 km from the south-east coast of the island city. Boats leave daily from the Gateway of India (approximately 1 hour each way).

Day 12 Mumbai – Overnight Train

While away the day in Mumbai, with a full day free to explore at your own pace. You might like to wander through the Hanging Gardens or take a half-day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Elephant Caves. Take a walk along Marine Drive beside the Arabian Sea or hang out by the picteresque Bombay High Court. Your leader will also have some great suggestions, including the best spots for a good feed! Keep in mind, you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Goa tonight.

Day 13 Goa

Arrive in Goa nice and early and check into your hotel. Take a walk to acquaint yourself with Goa and its relaxed tropical atmosphere. You're bound to see the Portuguese influence that is ever so present in the city's whitewashed churches. There's an optional visit to a local spice farm today, which gives you a fascinating look behind the rich aromas and flavours of some of India's essential ingredients. Goa's dense forested areas and favourable climatic conditions make it a perfect location to grow the spices liberally used in its cuisine, and all the spice farms use organic methods of cultivation. A tour of the plantation culminates in a mouth-watering Goan buffet lunch – so what’s not to like?

Day 14 Goa

The day is yours to spend as you please, and there's no shortage of things to do in this unique coastal spot. A bicycle trip to the countryside is a great option. For a more spiritual kind of exertion, spend the day seeking a little enlightenment with a touch of yoga. Otherwise, take this opportunity to relax on the beach or sip a cocktail at a local bar. Tonight, why not join your group for an Indian feast – the local seafood is definitely a winner.

Day 15 Goa

As there are no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You are welcome to leave at any time, provided you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out procedures.

ARRIVE IN DELHI

MEALS INCLUDED: NONE

DAY 01: Arrive Delhi by flight from onwards destination On arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport terminal, a Breathtakers Tours representative will receive you at the visitor’s lounge, with a paging sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

SIGHTSEEING OF DELHI

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 02: Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more obvious. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British during 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens architecture, is a spacious and welldesigned metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs. As the Country’s cultural Centre, it is home to a number of museums including the national Museum, the Museum of Modern art, the Museum of Natural History and the creative Arts and Crafts Museum where artisans can be seen at work.

Today start the sightseeing of Delhi and fill your day with following activities:

• Visit to Old Delhi with a rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk market.
• Visit Colonial Delhi.
• Visit Humayun's Tomb.
• End the day with visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DELHI – AGRA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 03: Today commence your drive to Agra. On arrival check in at Hotel. Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jehan governed their vast empires from here and as prolific builders; artisans from Persia, Central Asia and other parts of India were attracted by their patronage. The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverine region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites. Agra is renowned for its delicate Pietra Dura work; a Florentine technique imported by Jahangir of arranging minute pieces of precious and semi-precious stones in complex, stylized floral and geometric designs into a marble base.

Afternoon start the sightseeing of Agra and fill your day with following activities:

•  Visit Agra Fort.
• Towards sunset visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see Taj Mahal from
• opposite side of Yamuna River.

Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

AGRA – RANTHAMBORE

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 04: Sunrise proceed for the visit of Taj Mahal

After breakfast drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon visit of Dhonk. Dinner at Hotel Overnight at Ranthambore.

RANTHAMBORE - JAIUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 05: Morning proceed for the game drive at Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore National park is famous for the largest population of Royal Bengal Tiger in India. After game drive back to hotel for shower followed by breakfast. Post breakfast commence your drive to Jaipur (Approx. 4.5 hours) and upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Late afternoon explore the markets of Pink city. Evening proceed for the cooking demo session followed by dinner with local family. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

JAIPUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 06: Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja SawaiJai Singh II and is a well-planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-colored terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds.

Today start the sightseeing of Jaipur and visit the following monuments:

• Amer Fort.
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar (Observatory)
• Hawa Mahal Palace

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

JAIPUR – UDAIPUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

DAY 07: Today you will be transferred to Udaipur by road. Enroute lunch at Bijayniwas Palace Regarded by many as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola with its white island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along the take front, lively bazaars of the old city and a relaxing atmosphere make Udaipur perfect for wandering around and a visit is considered one of India’s greatest highlights. Afternoon explore the markets of Old city. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

UDAIPUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 8: Today start the sightseeing of Udaipur and visit the following monuments:

• City Palace
• Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Later enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

UDAIPUR - MUMBAI

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 09: Today you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to board your flight for Mumbai.On arrival you will be met with Breathtakers tours representative and proceed for the city tour of Mumbai.

Monuments to be visited:

• Gateway of India
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal
• Mahalaxmi Temple

After sightseeing transfer to Hotel. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight at Mumbai Hotel.

MUMBAI - GOA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 10: Early morning proceed for Mumbai by Dawn activity. Mumbai by Dawn is a detour that pays homage to the people of Mumbai and venerates all those who go about their business obstinately with one purpose – a better life. At the start of this detour you will find yourself at the clamorous and chaotic docks, where amidst understanding the life and times of the Koli fisher-folk (the original inhabitants of Mumbai), you will see the arrival and grading of 25 tonnes of fish. You will also be privet to a one-of-its-kind fish auction of the famous Bombay Duck. You will be right in the centre of all the action, as thousands of illiterate vendors sort out newspapers of 7 different languages, that too in the middle of the road. These markets are not only a great introduction to the people of Mumbai, but also a photographer’s dream come true. What’s interesting is that when you walk the same lanes a few hours later, you wouldn’t find any evidence of the morning’s flurry. After the tour you will be back to hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast transfer to Mumbai airport to board your flight for Goa. On arrival at Goa you will be met by Breathtakers Tours representative and transferred to hotel with assistance. Evening at leisure.Overnight at Goa.

GOA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 11: Early morning proceed for Yoga on Beach activity. After yoga you will be back in Hotel for Breakfast. Day at Leisure. Overnight at Goa.

GOA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 12: Day at Leisure

Overnight at Goa.

GOA – ONWARD

DESTINATION MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 13: Post breakfast transfer to Goa airport for your onward destination.

*** END OF BREATHTAKERS TOURS SERVICES***