Compare Indian Getaway by Intrepid Travel vs Rajasthan Fort And Palace by GeTS Holidays

Day 1 Delhi

Honk-honk! Beep-beep! Welcome to Delhi, a fabulously chaotic capital city that will warm your heart and overwhelm your senses. The air is thick with the smell of spices and the sound of mayhem as vendors whip up masala chai on the sidestreets, locals barter at bazaars for the best bargain, bhangra music blasts from the alleyways and the honking horns of cycle-rickshaws resonate through vast crowds of colourful sari-clad women. With no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore the streets. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. After the meeting, perhaps get to know your new travel buddies over an optional group dinner.

Day 2 Delhi - Overnight Train

This morning, check out the sights and sounds of Old Delhi on a leader-led tour of this enchanting quarter of the capital. Take a ride on the city's modern metro system and get a taste of India's famed public transport with a cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets (such as the famous Chandni Chowk). Make a visit to the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings – then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi (approximately 13 hours).

Day 3 Varanasi

On arrival into Varanasi this morning, check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out on a guided walking tour of the Old City. Set along the banks of the holy Ganges River, Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Overflowing with temples, shrines, and devotees, it might not be one of the world's cleanest cities but there’s no doubt it’s one of the most amazing. It’s a unique experience to navigate through Varanasi's maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops, stalls, and lumbering cows. See pilgrims performing rituals unchanged for hundreds of years and pass chiming temples as wafts of incense fill the air.

Day 4 Varanasi

Today’s an early start, but it’s completely worth it as you take a boat ride down the Ganges to watch the sunrise. Even if you're not the spiritual sort, you can't help but get goosebumps. Pass the many ghats (stairs leading to the water) and temples along the river, and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in glorious shades of amber and orange. Witness the rituals of life and death taking place along the riverbank and be prepared for potentially confronting sights and smells, as this is also where families come to cremate deceased loved ones. The rest of the day is free to explore.

Day 5 Varanasi - Overnight Train

Today there’s lots of free time to explore more of Varanasi before you get a unique slice of Indian life on board an overnight sleeper train bound for Agra (approximately 13 hours). You could take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations and the site where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment. There’s also the crumbling 17th-century fort and palace on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ram Nagar Fort. Varanasi is home to India’s silk-making industry, so maybe investigate the many silk markets dotted around the city, otherwise, take the chance to perfect your yoga in the ultimate chakra-balancing place.

Day 6 Agra

Agra might not be the prettiest city in the world, but the minute you check out its most famous site that won’t matter one bit – of course, we're talking about the glorious Taj Mahal, and you’ll head out for a guided tour of this elaborate monument on arrival. Afterward, enjoy a free day to explore Agra's alternative highlights. An optional trip on a motorised rickshaw takes you to some of the city’s best monuments. If you’ve got the energy, head out to Agra Fort and stroll the palatial gardens of this red sandstone stronghold or check out Akbar's Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors. In the evening, perhaps try Agra’s delicious signature curry – butter chicken – or a meal at Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that supports acid attack survivors.

Day 7 Tordi Garh

Jump into private transport and drive through idyllic countryside to Tordi Garh, a village that few travellers venture to (approximately 8 hours). This remote and rarely visited village offers a fantastic glimpse of the real Rajasthan. Once there, meet the locals, visit the old village temple and wander through the markets, gaining an insight into everyday life in this peaceful community. Tonight you’ll sleep in heritage accommodation, a 16th-century palace with its owner as your host. Settle in, then savour delicious local flavours in tonight’s included dinner.

Day 8 Jaipur

Journey to Jaipur, India's oh-so-pretty Pink City, by private vehicle (about 3 hours). You'll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart's content at the bazaars and backstreets where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and stunning blue pottery. Enjoy a guided walk on arrival to orientate yourself with the city, then perhaps drop by one of India’s finest palaces, the Royal City Palace. Food lovers will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat, a snack served with chutney, yogurt, chili, and potato. Then cool off with a lassi at Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Cinema buffs won't want to miss the chance to take in a Bollywood blockbuster at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema this evening. Your accommodation for tonight will be in another family-run heritage hotel.

Day 9 Jaipur

If you're keen for a different view of the Pink City, an optional early morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. For more information please see the Important Notes. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then it’s out to the old capital of Amber and an exploration of the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you like.

Day 10 Delhi

This morning, take a train ride back to India's capital (5 hours). This exciting city is overflowing with incredible historic sites, museums and galleries, shops, and endless bazaars. Watch one of the world's greatest shows unfold as people, cars, rickshaws, and cows all work together in a kind of organised chaos. Perhaps sit back with a chai and let it all soak in as you enjoy a free day to explore. Ask your expert leader for their top recommendations on how to make the most of your time here. This evening, enjoy an optional dinner with your group and toast to your adventures.

Day 11 Delhi

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi

On arrival at New Delhi airport, our GeTS Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and enjoy a day of leisure.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Udaipur (by flight)

Post breakfast check out from hotel for half day sightseeing tour and visit two of Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Firstly, you will visit the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory. Its construction was commenced in 1193 under the supervision of Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top. Proceed towards the Humayun’s Tomb - an early example of Mughal architecture in India that was built in the year 1565. Humayun's Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Then, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Udaipur.

Upon arrival in Udaipur get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and enjoy a day of leisure.

Note: Sightseeing depends on flight schedule

Day 3: Udaipur sightseeing

After breakfast, get ready for sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Visit City Palace built in 1559, a small palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan; with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose, and visit Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution with a museum, which exhibits collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening in an adjacent open air theater. Next stop will be at Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening is free to relax, optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Ghats at lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola.

Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.

Day 4: Udaipur - Pushkar via Ajmer (287 kms; 7hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Pushkar – the Holy City of Rajasthan. En-route visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Dargah Sharif that marks the grave of the revered Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The 13th century shrine displays fine Muslim architecture. People of all faith throng at this holy site to get their wishes fulfilled.

Later, continue your pleasant drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.

Day 5: Pushkar - Jaipur (145kms; 3hrs drive approx.)

This morning after breakfast, head out to see the famous Brahma Temple – the only temple in the world dedicated to Hindu God Brahma.

Then, drive to the Jaipur - the Pink City of India. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravali Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red and pink sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles with fortified walls built for protection from the invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (235kms; 5hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast drive to Agra; en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its center, the Panch Mahal palace and other important buildings and structures. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Agra.

Day 8: Agra - Delhi (205kms; 4hrs drive approx.)

After breakfast, get ready for Agra sightseeing tour. The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Pay a visit to this beautiful edifice, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife. It is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Then, visit the massive Agra Fort, a historical red sandstone fort and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, that reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers.

Proceed towards Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check into hotel and relax. Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Delhi.

Day 9: Delhi Departure

Post breakfast check out for airport to catch your flight for onward destination.