11 Nights - Luxury India Tour, The Golden Triangle & The Ganges

Day 1

7 March 2020

Arrive Delhi !!

Oberoi Delhi Deluxe Room – Single / Double

Arrive in Delhi by this evening.

Upon arrival our representative meets you at the aerobridge and escort you through the immigration, baggage collection and customs formalities. Following this you are handed over to an Abercrombie & Kent representative, as you EXIT the arrival terminal building who escorts to your hotel. (please note check in time is 1400 hours).

Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at The #1 rated Oberoi Hotel.

The luxurious Oberoi, New Delhi, is spread out over six acres of lush gardens in the heart of India's capital city. It is an oasis of calm while still being right in the middle of the city's action. Not surprisingly, then that 403 rooms and 41 suites have played gracious host to princes, heads of state, corporate czars and high-powered conferences and the grandest of weddings for close to four decades. The palace features Fine-dining specialty restaurants-Masala Art (Indian), Orient Express (European) & Blue Ginger (Vietnamese), Kate Fontana, an all-Day-Dining restaurant. Other amenities include spa and salon, large outdoor pool, fitness center. Centrally located in New Delhi, it is even close to domestic and international airports.

MEALS not available

Day 2

8 March 2020

Delhi

Oberoi Delhi Deluxe Room – Single / Double

After breakfast please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel for your half day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.

We start our journey with the old part of the town, with the Jama Masjid as the first stop. The Jama Masjid - The World-reflecting Mosque - is the largest mosque in India and has been standing tall for more than 350 years, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal. Take a short ride on a cycle rickshaw through the shopping district of Chandni Chowk before boarding the bus.

Thereafter proceed to visit the Red Fort, the residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. The ramparts of the Red Fort bear witness to some of the best cultural and historical events of India. History truly comes alive at the Red Fort in the evening with the 'Sound and Light Show', a multimedia extravaganza recounting the history of Delhi. The old city tour winds up at Raj Ghat, the final resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Raj Ghat immediately centers your thoughts with its peaceful, green landscape, complete with sprawling lawns and overhanging trees.

After the morning's exploration, stop for lunch at local restaurant to refuel for the next set of adventures.

We now head to the newer parts of the city, but which still hide historical wonders in its folds. The first stop, Humayun's Tomb, is the first Persian-style garden-tomb to be built in India. The structure, seen as a marvel of Mughal architecture, set the tone for future leaps in architecture, which peaked with the Taj Mahal.

We now move to the area where modern India's seeds were first sown. A drive down the Raj Path (the royal path) takes you to the India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the British Empire's army fighting in World War I. At the farther end of the Raj Path sits the sprawling residence of India's President, located on Raisina hill.

The President's Residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan) is a mansion with 360 rooms. The residence's premises also house the Mughal Gardens, which has a wide variety of flowers and interesting landscaping. The North and South Block, which fall close to the Parliament, the seat of the largest democracy in the world, and the President's House, and have in them the highest offices of the Indian Government and its ministries.

MEALS: B,L

Day 3

9 March 2020

Delhi / Udaipur

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa – Deluxe Hill View Room – Single / Double

Today you will fly 9W-824 (11:20 AM / 12:30 PM) for Udaipur. Upon arrival you will be met and transfer to your hotel.

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes is like the oasis of the Thar Desert. The many lakes in the city have lent it the name of 'Venice of the East'. The royal palaces and forts add to beauty of the historic city of Udaipur founded in 1559.

Your stay has been arranged at Taj Aravali Resort & Spa.

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur is set in the ancient Aravali range in north western Udaipur. The hotel is set in 27 acres of land at the foot hills of the breath taking Aravali Ranges, taking inspiration from the nomadic tents which formed an integral part of the history & tradition of Rajasthan. Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur has 92 well-appointed rooms, a sprawling all day diner, a pure veg specialty restaurant with a separate kitchen, a bar, an outdoor grill restaurant, beautifully appointed banquet venues and well-manicured outdoor lawns. The resort also features a magnificent Jiva Spa with Ayurveda services.

In the evening you take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces. This lake as originally created in the 15th century by a grain merchant who built the dam allowing to create a roadway for his grain carts in the monsoon. You will stop at Jag Mandir which witnessed two important historical events. This 17th century water palace was the refuge for Prince Khurram later known as Shah Jahan when he was exiled by his father. His palace here is a curiosity – the upper floor designed in the Hindu style while the lower floor is built in the Muslim style. Later in during the uprising of 1857, the Rana of Mewar offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Neemuch.

MEALS: B

Day 4

10 March 2020

Udaipur

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa – Deluxe Hill View Room – Single / Double

Today enjoy the festival of color “Holi”.
Holi is a “Festival of colours” these colours are actually colours of joy, colours of love and colours that fill our life with happiness to the core of our heart. It is also a festival of love and unity and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It adorns each life with its various hues. All hearts are lighted with glory and people everywhere enjoy with their near and dear ones with different colours
Rest of the day will be at leisure.

MEALS: B

Day 5

11 March 2020

Udaipur

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa – Deluxe Hill View Room – Single / Double

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide at the reception area of the hotel and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Udaipur.

After breakfast you will start at the City Palace. Home of the Maharanas of Udaipur who claim descendance from the Sun, the whole complex appropriately faces east. This sprawling palace was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles. In the main it is a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal inspired decorative art on the inside. In terms of an exemplary eye to detail and craftsmanship, few palaces match the artwork in this palace. Extravagantly decorated in mosaic, mirror and tile work, the palace somewhat bizarrely also has a whole porcelain painted Gallery decorated in striking blue Dutch inlaid tile work, one of them unexpectedly showing Joseph and Mary on their flight to Egypt with the infant Jesus. Also of particular note here is the exquisite collection of priceless Rajput Miniature paintings done in the Mewari tradition. You walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Object d’art and furniture including a complete bedroom set, discovered recently in a store room in the palace. After this royal treat, our next stop is the 18th century garden, ‘Saheliyon ki bari’. With lush green lawns, marble fountains and beautifully carved pavilions, it makes for the most beautiful garden.

MEALS: B

Day 6

12 March 2020

Udaipur / Jaipur

JW Marriott- Jaipur Deluxe Room– Single / Double

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for transfer to the airport

Depart Udaipur Airport by Spice Jet SG 2637 (0945-1040 hours) for Jaipur.

On arrival at Jaipur Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Beautiful palaces, forts and colorful bazaars speak of the pink city's glorious regal past. Modernity walks hand-in-hand with history in Jaipur. This largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, is famous for its magnanimous hospitality.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at Fairmont, Jaipur.

Fairmont Jaipur is an ode to the pink city through awe inspiring architecture and decor, inspired by the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs of yore. Tranquil gardens and broad avenues, which were painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, add to the historic charm and rich culture of this unforgettable city. All 199 rooms and suites are elegantly appointed, to reflect a perfect blend of traditional Rajasthani décor and modern amenities. The opulent accommodation is complemented with an array of eclectic dining options, from the vibrant and energetic Zoya, all day dining restaurant, with a special emphasis on authentic Rajasthani cuisine, the regal Zarin, which celebrates the fusion of Indian and Persian cuisine, to the spectacular rooftop restaurant Asmaa, which offers Raj Era cuisine. Other amenities include a bar, convention center, spacious lawns, meeting rooms. Jaipur's Sanganer Airport is situated 12 kilometers from the city. Jaipur Railway Station, located a half kilometer from the city center. National Highway 8 connects Jaipur to Delhi.

As the check in time is of 1400 we will request for early check in, but this will be subject to availability. You can leave your luggage with concierge and proceed for the city tour.

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

While all of Jaipur is a traveler’s delight, we will begin our tour of the city with its heart, The City Palace. The Jaipur royal family still continues to live in the City Palace. The Palace is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The Palace complex houses a seven storey Chandra Mahal in the center giving a fine view of the gardens and the city. The Diwan-E-Am (Hall of Public Audience) has intricate embellishments and collection of manuscripts. The Palace also has a rare collection of costumes and armory of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.

From here we head to the Jantar Mantar. Built in the 18th Century this astro-observatory is a must visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 20 astronomical instruments built in monumental sizes and makes for an enlightening experience.

Hawa Mahal (A photo stop) - Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds” with its ornately screened windows that allowed the women of the palace to gaze out onto the street unobserved. The side facing the street outside the palace, has 953 small windows and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in the hot summer months.

MEALS: B

Day 7

13 March 2020

Jaipur

JW Marriott - Jaipur Deluxe Room– Single / Double

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your tour to Amber Fort.

As we set out to see the regal Amber Fort, we take a small photo stop en route at Hawa Mahal- the Palace of Winds, the landmark structure of Jaipur. The 5-storied semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Hawa Mahal also has the most vibrant and colorful bazaar.

Amber Fort, 11 Kms north of Jaipur Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhwaha Rajput’s from 1037 until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to a newly created Jaipur. The architecture shows distinct Mughal influence. The building of the fort was begin by Raja Man Singh a noted Rajput general of Akbar’s army in 1600 and was later added to by successive rulers.
Post visit you will be driven Dera Amer

This afternoon you will be driven to Dera Amer for a Camel Safari followed by lunch at the camp.
Dera Amer, a private farm situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort is the ideal location for outdoor recreational and adventure activities. The camp is located at the foothills of the Aravali range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake.

Afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the amenities at your hotel.

Later this evening visit the colorful local market of Jaipur with your guide.

MEALS: B,L

Day 8

14 March 2020

Jaipur / Agra

ITC Mughal Mughal Chamber – Single / Double

Early this morning please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for transfer to the airport

Depart Udaipur Airport by Air India flight AI AI 9687 (6:50 AM / 8:00 AM) for Agar.

(This flight operates only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)

On arrival at Agra Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Akbarabad, as Agra was known during the Mughal era, is home to some of the most magnificent Mughal architectures. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the monumental beauty of Agra has inspired countless people around the world. This third largest city of the state of Uttar Pradesh is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at ITC Mughal.

Sprawled over luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. This luxury hotel in Agra comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendor and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Its offerings present an eclectic selection of fine dining options that include a range of Indian and international cuisines. The restaurants at ITC Mughal promise an inspiring culinary experience, unrivalled by any other in Agra. Other facilities and amenities include Spa, Salon, Health Club, Swimming Pool. Situated close to the city center ITC Mughal, the ideal hotel is 10 kms away from the airport, and 6 kms from the railway station.

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your visit to the Agra Fort & Taj Mahal during sunset.

This afternoon you will visit the Agra Fort. The present structure stands on the site of 14th century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.
Later enjoy the horse carriage ride till Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, which you visit next, by sunset is perhaps the world’s most perfectly proportioned monument. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal, “light of the palace”. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an “Urs”, an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr. Prayers are said and passages from Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber.

MEALS: B

Day 9

15 March 2020

Agra / Varanasi

The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Executive Room – Single / Double

Early this morning please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. At sunrise, when it is bathed in the pinkish glow of the rising sun, the Taj Mahal holds your gaze. It is also a great time to take some unforgettable pictures!
Post visit return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, you will be driven for four hours to Delhi airport to board the flight 6E 176 (4:25 PM / 5:55 PM) to Varanasi.

Upon arrival at the Varanasi Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Dating back to more than 3000 years, Varanasi is said to be the oldest city of the world. There are temples at every few steps here giving it the sobriquet, 'city of temples'. In Hinduism it is believed that those who breathe their last in this city attain nirvana and get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at The Gateway Hotel.

The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. This classic hotel features 130 rooms. It has two restaurants serving Indian and multi-cuisine recipes. Other amenities include the spa, business centre, fitness centre, swimming pool. The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance from the airport. It is also located just 6 km from the commercial hub of Vanarasi, also known as ''The Chowk''

MEALS: B

Day 10

16 March 2020

Varanasi

The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Executive Room - Single/Double

This morning please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide at the reception area of the hotel and proceed to visit the Sarnath.

After breakfast you will visit Sarnath. Varanasi is sacred for both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Sarnath which lies a short distance from the main city, is the place where the Buddha came in 500 BC to give his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Other than the archeological park which has the remains of the monastery that developed here, of interest is the fairly new Buddhist temple. On the walls are paintings depicting the most significant episodes from the birth of Buddha as Prince Siddhartha, to the time he gained enlightenment and became The Buddha.
The visit to the old city is a fascinating insight into the rituals of Hinduism. Every temple is well attended and every street corner has roadside shrines and vendors selling garlands, incense sticks and other items used in worship. We walk through the narrow alleys where we share space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people to the banks of the Ganges. Here we board a boat, which takes us mid-stream to witness the evening “aarti” ceremony. This is the evening service performed by a priest on the banks of the river. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat of drums and bells and the chanting of prayers, the whole ceremony is mesmerizing ending with the release of hundreds of lamps into waters of the river.

MEALS: B

Day 11

17 March 2020

Varanasi / Delhi

The Oberoi New Delhi- Deluxe Room – Single/Double

Early this morning please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide at the reception area of the hotel and proceed for the boat ride on river Ganges.

A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without a tour of the ghats at sunrise. This is the most auspicious moment in Hinduism and people flock to the river to greet the rising sun. You will watch the activity from a boat, and as you drift down river you will see a panorama of life in a pilgrim town. People take dips in the holy river, yogis practice their art along the steps, mud wrestlers, women doing laundry and washing vessels, pilgrims worshipping at shrine - and in the background the constant sound of temple bells and chanting.

You will return to your hotel for breakfast.

Rest of the morning will at leisure.

This afternoon you will fly 9W-370 (3:45 PM / 5:35 PM) for Delhi.

Upon arrival at the Delhi Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at The Oberoi New Delhi.

This evening enjoy the farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant (without alcoholic beverages)

MEALS: B,D

Day 12

18 March 2020

Depart Delhi

Check out of your hotel, return to airport

This morning you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board flight for onward destination (Flight details to be advised)

Room will be available till 12 Noon.

MEALS: B