North Indian Highlights

North Indian Highlights

Day 1: DELHI

Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Florence Inn.

Day 2: MANDAWA

Drive to the Mandawa, famous for its painted havelis and exquisite frescoes. You spend the night at a heritage hotel with a maze of terraces and courtyards. Stay at Castle Mandawa.

Day 3: MANDAWA DESERT RESORT

This morning you have free time to take a walking tour of Mandawa followed by a camel ride to some of the surrounding villages. You spend the night at a charming village of specially created mud huts. The resort also has a lovely swimming pool, set overlooking the rolling sand dunes of Mandawa. Stay at the Desert Resort.

Days 4 & 5: JAIPUR

Travel to Jaipur, the captivating `Pink City'. You visit the fabulous Amber Fort then continue to your tastefully furnished boutique hotel. Jaipur is a riot of colours, and offers incredible photographic opportunities. The following morning you visit some of the city's palaces (including the famous facade of the `Palace of Winds'). Stay at Hotel Madhuban for two nights.

Days 6 & 7: RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Drive to Ranthambore National Park where you stay in a deluxe tented camp. In the afternoon you visit the magnificent old Ranthambore Fort, now populated only by monkeys. The next day you take a morning and afternoon game drive and try to spot tigers and other wild animals. Stay at Ranthambore Bagh for two nights.

Day 8: KARAULI

Drive to Karauli where you stay in a Maharaja's residence. Afternoon walking tour of Karauli market (a very `local' experience!) and the wonderful City Palace, where you won't see another tourist and can get lost for hours in the hidden passages and beautiful rooms. Stay at Bhanwar Vilas Palace.

Day 9: BHARATPUR/AGRA

This morning you leave to travel to Agra, stopping at Bharatpur, famous for the nearby Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, and the abandoned ancient Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built from sandstone. Stay at Mansingh Palace.

Day 10: AGRA

Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. The pure white marble of the tomb seems to constantly change colour throughout the day and night. In the evening you board the sleeper train to Varanasi.

Days 11-13: VARANASI

The holy city of Varanasi is the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats (wide steps), which line the west bank of the Ganges. Hindus believe that anyone cremated on the banks of the river Ganges, especially at Varanasi, is certain to gain entry to heaven. The best way to view the river is on an early morning boat ride. At this time it is possible to see the holy men chanting mantras as they bathe, a profound and unforgettable experience. Varanasi is arguably the most colourful and photogenic location in India and a fitting climax to your trip. You have ample time to explore this holy city. Stay at Palace on Ganges for two nights. On the evening of Day 13 you take the sleeper train to Delhi.

Day 14: DELHI

On arrival you check in to your hotel and enjoy a free day. Stay at Florence Inn.

Day 15: DELHI

Tour ends. Transfer to Delhi airport to connect with your onward travel.

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