North India Highlights

Delhi, India

Day 1-2: Meet in Delhi

Tour architectural highlights including the 12th century Qutab Minar (the oldest Indian mosque), Safdarjang ka Maqbarah, (Garden tomb built as one of the last great examples of Mughal architecture) and Shah Jahan Jami Masjid (the biggest mosque in the world built in 1650). We also visit the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (one of the largest in India) and Gandhi Museum.

Uttar Pradesh

Day 3-4: Varanasi

Dawn boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the religious ceremonies of the Hindus. Afterwards, a walking tour of temples and ghats (stairs built down into a holy body of water).

Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

In the evening we witness an Aarti (fire ceremony performed by a Hindu priest) on the banks of River Ganges, from our private boat.

Madhya Pradesh

Day 5-6: Khajuraho - Gwailor

Visit the 9th-11th century Chandella Temples and quaint village of Khajuraho. Stop in Orchha, the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783, before continuing to Gwailor. Savor your stay at the 120-year-old Usha Kiran Palace Hotel.

Uttar Pradesh

Day 7: Agra - Taj Mahal

Introduction to the Indo-Persian architecture of the Timurid Dynasty and the famous marble inlay work of Agra. Tour thed Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Rajasthan

Day 8-9: Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur

En-route to Jaipur, we shall visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Great Mughul Empire from 1570 to 1586, a unique architectural concept.

A full exploration of Jaipur, built in the 1720s and popularly known as the Pink City, includes the City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal (Water Palace). We also visit 11th century Amber, the ancient kingdom of Jaipur.

Rajasthan

Day 10: Pushkar

Delve deeper into the colorful Rajasthani culture visiting Pushkar on the banks of the lovely holy Pushkar Lake. Nov tour attend Pushkar Camel Fair.

Rajasthan

Day 11: Jodhpur

Drive to the desert town of Jodhpur with its imposing fort and abundant traditional crafts.

Visit the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort and the old city surrounding it.

Day 12: Narlai

We drive three hours to Narlai, an enchanting village located amidst dramatic boulders and ancient temples.

This afternoon we explore the nearby villages including bustling bazaars and temples where a miraculous flame has burnt for centuries producing saffron instead of soot!

Day 13-14: Udaipur

Enroute to Udaipur we visit the magnificent 1439 Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Lunch at the wonderful Maharani Bagh (Mango Orchard of the Maharaja of Jodhpur) near the temples.

Continue to serene Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar with its palace, art galleries and gardens. Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Tour of Udaipur's City Palace, Crystal Gallery, artist studios, sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 15: Udaipur-Delhi

Late afternoon flight to Delhi for departure home.
If joining the Ellora-Ajanta Caves Extension, fly directly to Aurangabad.

EXTENSION: Ellora and Ajanta Caves

Day 15: Fly Udaipur- Mumbai (Bombay)

Overnight at airport hotel.

Day 16-17: Ellora-Ajanta Caves

An extraordinary excursion for all history and archaeology buffs. The caves at Ajanta date from 200 BC to 650 AD and retain the remarkable quality of their murals, which relate the life story of Buddha. The Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves at Ellora, noted for their sculptures, are considered to be the finest in India and date between 600 and 1100 AD.

Day 18: Evening flight to Bombay-Depart

Room at airport hotel for wash/change in Bombay

Trip Length

15-day trip begins and ends in Delhi.

Dates

February 20-22 & November 27-29, 2023
Post Extension to Ellora & Ajanta Caves

February 6 - 20 and November 13-27, 2023
Nov Tour with Pushkar Camel Fair

Land Cost

2023 FEB: $4410 per person based on minimum of 4 people
Single Room Supplement: $1290 NOV 2023 TBA

50% Single Room Discount to first 2 singles who book, based on min group size 6 people

Accommodations

5-star, heritage & palace hotels

Group Size

4-12 guests

Included Meals

Nov: breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners

Reading List

Suggested Reading - General India
Suggested Reading - Rajasthan
San Francisco Examiner

Trip Preparations

E-Visa

Our trip was very educational. Our guides were all very knowledgeable, patient, and answered our questions. Our driver was excellent and handled driving in traffic with ease and patience. He was always prompt and ready to assist with bags, kind and respectful.
Our highlights were the rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, and exploring the Taj and Qutub Minar.

The drivers were all excellent, especially Manoj. The hotels were also excellent, beyond our expectations. Our service was quick, efficient and helpful. Everything went without a hitch.

A big thank you for the greatest life-changing experience you made possible for me and my husband. We see India filtered into every aspect of our everyday lives. I loved all of the sites included in the trip. I loved the hotels which were selected and the guides also.