Compare Indian Getaway by Intrepid Travel vs Classical And Heritage Tours Of India by Yolo India Tours

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 In Delhi

Arrival at New Delhi International airport. On arrival Meet, Greet and assist by Yolo India Tours Representative and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in New Delhi.

Day 2: Guided City Tour Of New And Old Delhi

The morning begins with refreshing breakfast.  Your guide will meet you at your hotel and ready to show you the best of Old and New Delhi.  The tour will start with Old Delhi where you will visit the Jama Mosque- the largest mosque of India. In continuation we take a Rickshaw ride (Pedi cabs) through the 300 year’s old Chandni chowk bazaar to explore the historical lanes of Old Delhi and Asia’s largest spice market.

At the end of the rickshaw ride we move on to Raj Ghat, the memorial of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.  It is a peaceful place with beautiful gardens.

Later we head to British Delhi (New Delhi), drive pass the official home of President of India (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and India’s highest legislative body the parliament building. Also visit the Iconic India gate memorial to 90,000 India soldiers who died during World War 1.

Our last visit for the day will be Qutub Minar UNESCO world heritage site

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi-Udaipur (By Flight)

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight to Lake City Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur airport you will be received by your driver. After the transfer to your hotel, rest of the time is yours. You can visit Moonsoon palace (Sajjangarh ), this palace was created to view the cloud passing during the monsoon season. It is a perfect place for ideal view of the city and the two lakes that are close by.

Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 4: Udaipur City Tour

After breakfast enjoy guided city tour of Udaipur and visit City palace, the biggest palace in Rajasthan located on a hill that gives fantastic view of Lake Pichola. Further we visit Jagdish temple, the largest Hindu temple in Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe. Its intricately carved pillars and beautiful sculptures are fine examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. We then proceed Sahelion ki bari or the garden of beautiful lady friends. This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name.

Later enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Pichola lake, one of India most beautiful lakes. Watch the beautiful sunset with the majestic mountains in the background. Evening is free to spend on one of the terraces or to walk around the lake.

Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Day 5: Udaipur- Pushkar (280 Kms / 04-05 Hours Drive)

After breakfast drive to Pushkar. Pushkar is among the Oldest and holiest sites of Pilgrimage in India. Upon arrival in Pushkar take a walk around the holy lakes and visit the Brahma Temple.

Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Day 6: Pushkar-Jaipur (150 Kms / 03 Hours Drive)

After breakfast drive to Pick city Jaipur. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Later visit laxmi narayan temple and Albert hall museum. Evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur

Right after a filling breakfast, you will be collected by your guide and taken to Amber fort. Enjoy elephant ride at Amer fort. After exploring Amber for we head to the city for rest of the sightseeing tour. En route we stop to take picture of the amazing spectacle Jal Mahal (Water palace).

Afternoon enjoy a local Jaipur style of artwork, block printing and stone cutting.

In continuation of the tour we visit City palace- Built between 1729 and 1732, Located in the epicentre of the Pink city Jaipur. Also visit solar observatory Jantar Mantar. The observatory was built in 1716 A.D and contains 15 astronomical instrument complexes, one remain unfinished, of which 6 function with solar lithe and 11 by Lunar and stellar reflection. Evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 8: Jaipur-Agra ( 220 Kms / 03-04 Hours Drive)

After delicious breakfast drive to Agra. Enroute we make stop to visit 9th Century stepwell  Abhaneri and the ghost city Fatehpur sikri. Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 9: Agra-Jhansi -Orchha (By Train)

Today we wake up early to visit Taj Mahal at Sunrise. Return to the hotel for hot breakfast. Later we check out from the hotel and visit Agra fort. In the afternoon we transfer you to the railway station to catch the superfast air-conditioned train to train to Jhansi.

Our representative will receive you at the Jhansi train station upon arrival and drive to Orchha which is 20 kms from Jhansi. Evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay in khajuraho.

Day 10: Orcha – Khajuraho

After breakfast drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. After fresh and change visit the famous UNESCO world heritage temple complex of Khajuraho. This temple complex was built between 950 -1050 AD. For some 700 years these temples remained hidden. Evening enjoy light and sound show of khajuraho.

Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 11: Khajuraho-Varanasi (By Flight)

After breakfast we take a flight to Varanasi – A city of Light , it is said to be one of the oldest inhabited and most exciting cities in the world, which has been standing the test of time for over 5,ooo years. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

In the Evening we will visit the Ghats of Varanasi and witness the Ganges prayer. The prayer of 45 minutes is a real spectacle. This is a religious ritual worshiping Ganga Maiya (Holy Mother Ganga,). The sound of hand pumped harmonium, tabla and bells with the fragrance of incense makes environment so amazing. The magical content of Prayer cannot be easily explained but it can easily experience.

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 12: Varanasi

We will wake up early for Boat ride at sunrise is one of the experiences not to be missed when in Varanasi. It gives a glimpse of morning life along the Ghats and stunning views sun rising from eastern horizon.

Later we will take a walk to the narrow streets to reach the heart of the city to experience the life style of people, feel the culture of the city and also visit Manikaran Ghat: The ancient Hindu cremation place.

We return to our hotel for breakfast.  In the afternoon we will do most popular excursion to Sarnath located 13 kms north east of Varanasi. Another sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in a deer park.  Dhamek stupa, Founded by the king Ashoka in 249 BC,is the one of the most prominent Buddhist structure in India.

Also visit Archaeological Museum, sarnath

The buildings form half of a monastery in plan. There are five galleries and two verandas. The antiquities in the museum are datable 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.

Return to Varanasi. Evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 13: Varanasi-Delhi (By Flight)

After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi catch your onwards flight.