Cultural India
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Upon arrival into Delhi a transfer is waiting to take you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore.
Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 2: City Tour of New & Old Delhi
We spend the day in Delhi, exploring some of the sights in both the “Old” and the “New” cities. In Old Delhi, we visit the the Jama Masjid, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, explore Qutab Minar, Gandhi’s tomb and a drive around the India Gate that leads to the Indian Parliament. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: Fly To Varanasi, Evening Ceremony
Fly to the "Eternal City" of Varanasi India's most sacred city. Many devout Hindus move to Varanasi to end their days and have their ashes scattered in the holy Ganges. Special ceremony with traditional music along the Ganges River in the evening. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi, Sunrise on the Holy Ganges River, Aarti
Early morning boat trip on the Ganges River takes us past the ghats where pilgrims have come to purify themselves by bathing and cremations are regular practice. Visit Sarnath, the ancient site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. This evening we travel by rickshaw to visit a ghat at Aarti (prayer) time. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 5: Fly to Khajuraho
In the morning, we take a short flight to Khajuraho, a medieval city filled with intriguing temples. In the afternoon we explore Khajuraho’s temples (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Intricately carved, these ancient temples depict human and divine forms engaged in daily life.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 6: Orccha, Local Home Experience
This morning we depart to Orccha arriving in time for our cooking class in a local home. While relaxing in a local home watch and learn how some of the local Indian dishes are made and after enjoy them! Learn about not only cooking but how life is like in India as you interact with this family in their home. After lunch we say goodbye to our host and explore the temples of Orccha. In the evening we will see these ancient temples come alive with the brilliant lights that make them shine. Overnight in Orccha.
Day 7: Amermahal Palace, Train to Agra
In the morning, we visit the Amermahal Palace, which resembles a European-style castle. In the afternoon we drive to Jhansi where we board the train for Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. Upon our arrival in Agra we check into the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Agra.
Day 8: Agra, Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb
We have a full day to explore some of the most famous sights of Agra, including the Taj Mahal (UNESCO). This white marbled jewel was built over a 22-year period by Shah Jehan as a monument to his great love for his wife.
We also visit Agra Fort (UNESCO) built by Akbar the Great, which includes the Pearl Mosque, the Palace and the Halls of Private and Public Audience. Later, we visit the Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, which was also known as the mini Taj Mahal. We will learn why this tomb pre-dates the Taj Mahal as we marvel in the lace design that makes this tomb so unique. Overnight in Agra.
Day 9: Jaipur, Bollywood night
In the morning we depart Agra for Jaipur, the "Pink City" of Rajasthan, which was built in 1728 and holds many attractions for the modern-day traveler. It earned its moniker as the Pink City because the rock that was used in the city's construction has a pink hue. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the Pink City or for those who want to learn more about the famous Bollywood, we will attend a true Hindi Bollywood movie at one of the oldest and most extraordinary cinemas in Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur, Palace of the Winds, Amber Palace Fort, Astronomical Observatory and City Palace
In the morning we go back in time and enter the Amber Palace and Fort like the ancient kings did, riding on an elephant's back. We stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) to catch the morning sun on this beautiful structure. We will explore this majestic fort and learn the history of Jaipur and how life was like in the king's day. In the afternoon we will journey to the famous Jantar Mantar the largest stone astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh (UNESCO). We will also visit the City Palace. In the afternoon we will end our sightseeing with some free time to wonder the colorful markets of Jaipur or take a rickshaw ride through the old city. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 11: Pushkar
Today, we travel overland to Pushkar. Situated on the edge of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, the town of Pushkar is a peaceful oasis where travelers escape the bustle of big city India - to a place frozen in the ancient ways of an India from the past. Arriving in the afternoon you have free time to sit by the lake and watch the pious perform their ablutions in the holy waters, or explore this fascinating town as troops of monkeys perform their antics around you. Orientation walk around the lake. Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 12: Pushkar
Pushkar is an oasis in the desert and is a special place in its own right. Today we will take a morning walk before we see the sights and sounds of this city. Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 13: Udaipur via Ranakpur Jain Temple
We continue our long journey to Udaipur, stopping en route to see Ranakpur Jain Temple and have lunch. We arrive in Udaipur late afternoon and settle into our hotel. A short orientation and some free time to explore on your own before our culture show.
Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 14: Udaipur City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake
Set in the Girwa Valley amidst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur is a beautiful city — regarded by Indians and foreigners alike as one of the most romantic in India. It is a lovely city to explore with fairy tale white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills that create a feeling of serenity. Udaipur is undoubtedly an oasis of color in an arid region of India. Visit the City Palace, a local artist studio to see how the famous miniature paintings are created and a walk to through the windy streets. After lunch we board a small boat and cruise on Fateh Sagar Lake to view this wonderful city from the water including a view of the famous Lake Palace. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 15: Fly to Delhi, Cultural Experience New Delhi
Fly back to Delhi were we will transfer to our hotel for a quick check in and then journey to the Spice Market. We will then take cycle rickshaws through out the busy streets of Dehli to the Sikh Temple to see this temple in action. Tour the kitchen where massive pots cook the free meals this temple serves on a daily basis. We will return to our hotel for lunch and the rest of the afternoon free to pack for your departure the next day and to rest before our farewell dinner. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 16: Depart New Delhi
Today we say goodbye to this remarkable part of India. You are transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
15 Nights Accommodation in 3/4 star hotels based on twin share
3 Domestic airfare - Delhi/Varanasi - Varanasi/Khajuraho - Udaipur/Delhi
Train from Orchha to Agra seat
Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 16 / Lunch from Day 2 to 15 / Dinner 2 & 15
Private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
Arrival and departure airport transfers in Delhi
English speaking city guides
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per itinerary
English speaking Walkabout Journeys leader
Water while sightseeing
Excluded
International flights & Domestic not included
Drinks of all kinds (Except water while sightseeing
Optional activities not listed as included
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities to tour leader (approximately $14 per passenger per day)
Gratuities of any kind (Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc
Visas https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/