India Forts & Palaces

Day 1: Arrive Delhi, India

On arrival into Delhi Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of your day is at leisure. Delhi is the capital and key gateway to India that is a blend of the modern and cultural heritage that includes exotic cuisine, rich heritage, bustling marketplaces, grand architecture and an array of experiences for the senses.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Today you will enjoy a full day guided sightseeing around Old and New Delhi. This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas to the British Raj. 

Drive past Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of this mosque can hold approximately 25,000 worshippers. A rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi is an unforgettable experience…noisy, chaotic and uniquely Indian. 

Drive past the Red Fort which served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. Drive past President House and other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.  Visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife in 1562 this was the first garden tomb built in India where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

Travel to Agra by road today. On arrival visit the Red Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar. This beautiful yet forbidding structure is a fine example of Mughal architecture.  In the afternoon visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built as a symbol of an Emperors devotion to his wife. This is considered an architectural marvel and it took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete.  Distance travelled 204km / Approx 4.5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Agra to Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur

Travel by road to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri ‘The City of Victory’ along the way.  Approximately 30 miles west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1573 AD and later abandoned. Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an excellent example of an amalgamation architectural styles.
 
Jaipur is the largest city and capital of the state of Rajasthan (The Land of The Kings’. This is an ideal place to visit for a glimpse of the history, art and craftsmanship of the Rajputana and Mughal empires as it was India’s first planned city.  Often referred to as ‘The Pink City’ because of the colour of its buildings that were painted pink originally to welcome a visit from the English royal family in the 1800’s. Distance travelled 245km / Approx 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing

Today is filled with a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Visit Amber Fort, a classic, romantic Rajasthani fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside but the interior is ornate and decorated with precious stones and mirrors.  Stop to look at Hawa Mahal ‘The Palace of Winds’ on the edge of City Palace.  This grand ancient large red and pink sandstone structure is the tallest building without foundations. 

In the afternoon, visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence that has been partially converted to a museum. Visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world that is situated near the gate of the city palace and has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Jaipur to Pushkar

Travel by road from Jaipur to Pushkar, one of the most sacred Hindu places in India that is famous for its annual camel fair. In the evening you can walk old Pushkar town followed by a visit and an Aarti (ceremony of lights) at Brahma Temple also known as Jagatpita Brahma Mandir or Pushkar Temple. This city has hundreds of places to worship, but this is the most worshipped shrine in Puskar that is also dedicated to Lord Brahma. Distance travelled 150km / Approx 3 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Pushkar to Jodhpur

Travel to Jodhpur today. This afternoon visit spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, made from red sandstone.  Standing high in the Jodhpur skyline on a hilltop, this is the largest fort in India and is well preserved. Distance travelled 200km / Approx 4.5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Jodhpur to Ranakpur and Udaipur

Travel south to the unique Jain Temple of Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, this is one of the five holiest places for Jains. It contains over 1,444 hand carved marble pillars, each unique and exquisite. One pillar, carved from a single stone, has 108 snakeheads and bodies. This afternoon, arrive in the City of Lakes, Udaipur. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Udaipur Sightseeing

Visit the impressive Udaipur City Palac complex, a series of palaces that are the focal point of the city. This stunning complex located overlooking Lake Pichola was built over a period of 400 years.  After lunch, set out on a heritage walk through the bustling local markets, offering a glimpse of modern India with roots steeped in tradition. This evening you will cruise on Lake Pichola, surrounded by the splendid hills of the Aravalli Range, magnificent palaces and temples. At the heart of the lake is Jag Mandir, the Lake Palace you will stop to visit.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Depart Udaipur, India

Today your journey through northern India comes to an end.  You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

We have a number of other suggested India itineraries, or we can also tailor a trip for you. Here are some other ideas:

The Golden Triangle – 6 Days  Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Ancient India – 10 Days  Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

India North to South – 12 Days  Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin & Kerala

Highlights of India – 11 Days  Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai

India Culture & Wildlife – 8 Days  Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur