Compare Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations vs Essence of Rajasthan with Varanasi by Payless Tours India
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 4,689 | $ 1,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 391 | $ 132 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast in the hotel |
| Description | Join female explorers in search of new experiences on a journey to the Sikh temples of Delhi, the hilltop yoga retreats of Jaipur and the Bishnoi people of Jodhpur—who for 500-years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species. Tour the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple in Delhi and witness the beautiful practice of langar—serving free food to the hungry and promoting equality among the Sikh women who help prepare the meals. Start your day in Jaipur with a yoga lesson led by a female guru—harnessing ancient restorative techniques to create harmony between body, mind and spirit. Marvel at the Taj Mahal and discover how Emperor Shahjahan commissioned 20,000 craftsmen to carve this monument out of white marble and red limestone—in honor of his late wife. |
The 14-day Essence of India luxury tour is a multi-day tour organized by a private AC vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide. A tour is a perfect option for these travelers who would like to discover not only the beauty of India admiring a lot of forts, palaces, and temples but also see the most significant cities in such a big country. The tour includes sightseeing of the cities like the capital of India Delhi, the place of Taj Mahal Agra, the capital of Rajasthan Jaipur, and the most beautiful city of the state - Udaipur called Venice of the east. You will also have a chance to see a spiritual town of India with almost four hundred temples Pushkar and admire the architecture of Jain temples in Ranakpur town. You will be provided accommodation in 4-star hotels and attractions which will bring you closer to the spirituality of India. |
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi
After your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, you are greeted with the traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow female travellers for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The hustle and bustle of Old Delhi Relaxed Start
Dive into Old Delhi’s symphony of sounds, smells, tastes and colours as you wander down beautiful narrow lanes and taste authentic Delhi street food. Visit an elegant haveli, an old private mansion and enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family.This afternoon, visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and take a walk through their community kitchen where you witness the practice of langar: serving food free of charge to anyone who is hungry. This beautiful act promoting equality also involves the Sikh women who help with the preparation of the meals.
Day 3: Exploring New Delhi
Today explore New Delhi, largely built by the British in the early 20th century. Drive along the Rajpath to see the war memorial India Gate and the colonnaded Parliament House. Visit the 16th century Tomb of Emperor Humayun. This marvelous example of Mughal architecture went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue your exploration of Delhi with Insight Choice. Choose to get creative and hands on as you take part in a jewelery making class. Alternatively, enjoy abhyangam, an Aryuveda massage practice whereby oil is applied to your body by two skilled therapists.
Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Journey to Agra and visit its historical fort complex resembling a walled city. The Agra fort is made up of a series of impressive buildings including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Sheroes Café and meet the inspiring women behind it who are survivors of acid attacks. Be encouraged by their resilience and enjoy this opportunity to chat to them about their stories and support their cause in raising awareness.
Day 5: The unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal
Put on a traditional saree in preparation for your visit to the Taj Mahal, a true highlight of your journey. Following the death of his wife, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this mausoleum. You can’t help but be awestruck by this delicately carved white marble jewel. Later, enjoy lunch on your way to Jaipur, the stunning capital city of Rajasthan state. In the evening visit the local market and shop for a traditional Indian dress for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
Day 6: Jaipur through the locals’ eyes
On your city tour see the Hawa Maha, the Palace of the Winds. Its stunning lace-like facadehas 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and the neighbouring City Palace, housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal art. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, dedicated to empowering women from low-income households. Continue your exploration of Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to take part in a demonstration of the art of Mehndi, the traditional henna body painting. Alternatively, learn a few new moves at an energetic Bollywood dance class. Tonight, join a local family to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Get involved in the preparations for Lakshmi Puja by lighting oil lamps around the house, to invite the goddess Lakshmi to come home. Learn how to prepare traditional meals by watching a cooking demonstration before feasting on a delicious dinner.
Day 7: The Pink City
Start your day with a yoga session led by a female guru and explore the deeper meaning of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and the importance of harmony between body, mind and spirit. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to go on a walking tour in the bazaars where you will meet the colourful characters involved in gem-polishing, tie die or bangle-making as well as the world-renowned pickle makers. Alternatively, visit a Blue Pottery workshop and see how this characteristic local pottery is made. In the late afternoon, ascend the hilltop Amber Fort by jeep and experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special Hindu blessing ceremony. Feel like royalty as you dine at the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant and savour mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by impeccable service.
Day 8: Chandelao and the Blue City of Jodhpur
Meet the female artisans of the Sunder Rang Arts and Crafts Project in Chandelao village, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts. The workshop enables and empowers women to earn a fair living through developing their craft skills and providing a sustainable income. After your lunch, continue to the Blue City of Johdpur and tonight take a stroll through the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower market. Perhaps pick up some Mathania chilis or flavoured teas and try some lassi.
Day 9: Exploring Jodhpur
This morning, venture to a nearby village and meet the Bishnoi people, who for 500 years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species like the majestic black buck antelope. On your return to Jodhpur, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and see the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. In the afternoon, meet an astrologer and learn about the importance of the influence of planets. Indulge in a Highlight Dinner at Khaas Bagh, a worthy tribute to the legendary lifestyle of princely India surrounded by handpicked memorabilia of the Raj Period that include a fleet of dazzling vintage cars.
Day 10: Ranakpur And Udaipur
Travel to Ranakpur to explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the Jain Temples before meeting a priest and attending a special prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten Lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Continue to Udaipur. Founded in the 16th century, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills.
Day 11: Explore Udaipur Relaxed Start
Explore the City Palace complex, visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Seva Mandir Organization, working to empower women by building stronger and more ethical communities. Wander through the bazaars to see the spice and textile markets and later cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Tonight, experience Bedla hospitality at your Celebration Dinner. The Bedla Family had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Hear their fascinating stories and enjoy excellent entertainment while dining on superb culinary delights and toasting to your journey in incredible India.
Day 12: Fly to Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you fly to Delhi and your journey comes to an end. For your onward travels please schedule your flight after 21:00 from Delhi.
Day 1: New Delhi
Company representatives will pick you up from the airport at gate 6 outside with the name board.
After fresh up enjoys local sightseeing of places like the modern Hindu temple Akshardham, the Old part of the city with sightseeing of the most famous monuments there- the biggest mosque in India - Jama Masjid, stop for a picture at Red fort which is on UNESCO list, the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi - Raj Ghat and Sikh temple - Gurudwara. During the Old Delhi trip, you will enjoy a rickshaw ride in the narrow streets of Old Delhi with a stop at the spice market. You will have a perfect chance to try street food at legendary stalls and walk at a famous Old Delhi market. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi–Pushkar
After breakfast travel to Pushkar - a holly town of Hinduism. Visit the Temple of Brahma, Sikh temple Gurudwara, and many other temples situated in the holly town. You will have an opportunity to do the shopping and take a walk in a wonderful Pushkar town enjoying the unique atmosphere of this place. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Pushkar – Udaipur
After breakfast travel to the most romantic city in Rajasthan, the city of lakes Udaipur. Local sightseeing of the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Udaipur
After breakfast enjoys sightseeing and seeing places like: a boat ride on Pichola Lake, Jagdish temple, and the biggest fort in Rajasthan. After that, you will be taken to the Royal gardens - Saheliyon Ki Bari. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 5: Udaipur – Jaipur
After breakfast, travel to the Pink City Jaipur. Check-in the hotel. Local sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit Galta Gi - monkey temple beautifully situated among the hills. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast meets the guide and does local sightseeing in the city. Visit places like Amber fort - a magnificent fort palace situated among hills, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar - Astronomic Observatory, Gaitor tombs - Royal tombs of the Jaipur Kings, Jal Mahal - the Water Palace and Hawa Mahal.- the most characteristic Wall in Jaipur with 1000 small windows. Shopping at the local market. Cooking classes are organized for you. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambore
Early morning departure for Ranthambore National Park by road with the break for sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri town - the Royal and Sacral part of the city. The park which is the most popular in India inhabits a very big population of Indian tigers and other animal species such as blue bulls, sambar, spotted deer, and wild boar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Rathambore – Agra
After breakfast safari in the national park. Come back for breakfast in the resort. Journey to Agra. Agra is a home for one of the seven wonders of the world the symbol of eternal love-The Taj Mahal. The monument was built by the emperor Shahjahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located on the banks of Yamuna and brings huge tourism to Agra. On the way, you will stop in Fatehpur Sikri and do sightseeing in the Royal and Sacral parts of the city. After it, further journey to Agra where you will meet the guide and do local sightseeing of Agra. First, you will do sightseeing at the monument on the UNESCO list - Agra Fort which is one of the most wonderful forts in India. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Agra – Orchha
Visit the symbol of love Taj Mahal with the guide down. After breakfast drive to the small Hindu town Orchha. Once a princely state, Orchha lies in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The town of Orchha was founded in the 15th century AD and in today's world it is renowned for its numerous temples, palaces, and forts. Highly popular amongst them are the Jehangir Mahal of Orchha (Classic Mughal architecture), Raj Mahal, and Laxmi Narayan temple (mural paintings). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Orchha – Khajuraho
After breakfast travel to Khajuraho. Visit the eastern and western group of temples, Khajuraho is known for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temples. As you would be done with the breakfast, the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho will commence. Under this, you would be visiting Laxmi & Varaha temples, Kandariya Mahadev temple, and Devi Jagdambi temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Khajuraho – Varanasi
After early breakfast travel to Varanasi which is the most significant city for Hinduism. Check-in the hotel and refresh. In the evening enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganga River watching "Arti" - a spectacular ceremony of offering fire to the Gods. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Varanasi
An early morning boat ride in the sacred Ganga River would be arranged for you. The city of Varanasi is known for its religious ghats. Most spectacular amongst them is the Dashashwamedh ghat, which is located close to the Vishwanath temple
After breakfast, leave for Sarnath (6 km away). Sarnath in the northeast of Varanasi is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. A highly sacred Buddhist religious place, Sarnath lies at the confluence of two rivers-Ganga and Gomati. Popular attractions here are Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa. Post that return back to Varanasi. In Varanasi, you would be visiting the Alamgir mosque, Dashashwamedh ghat, and Bharat Mata temple. Enjoy a street food tour and walk in the narrow streets of the city. Overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 13/14: Varanasi – Delhi
After transferring to the hotel and refreshingly enjoy sightseeing in New Delhi. Visit places like The India Gate and Diplomatic District where you can see The Parliament House, and Secretarial Buildings. Then, you will see places like Lotus temple - the modern temple of all believes, monuments on UNESCO list - Humajun tomb and the biggest brick minaret in India Qutub Minar. Drop off to the airport in Delhi.
