Compare Luxury Rail: a taste of the Maharajas' Express and western Rajasthan by Audley Travel vs Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 7,828 | $ 4,689 |
| Price Per Day | $ 712 | $ 391 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Visit the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra. Explore the Pink City of Jaipur and nearby Amber Fort. Climb atop the ramparts of Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Experience life in rural India with a local family. Relax in peaceful Udaipur. |
Join female explorers in search of new experiences on a journey to the Sikh temples of Delhi, the hilltop yoga retreats of Jaipur and the Bishnoi people of Jodhpur—who for 500-years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species. Tour the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple in Delhi and witness the beautiful practice of langar—serving free food to the hungry and promoting equality among the Sikh women who help prepare the meals. Start your day in Jaipur with a yoga lesson led by a female guru—harnessing ancient restorative techniques to create harmony between body, mind and spirit. Marvel at the Taj Mahal and discover how Emperor Shahjahan commissioned 20,000 craftsmen to carve this monument out of white marble and red limestone—in honor of his late wife. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arriving into Delhi International Airport, one of our local colleagues will meet you. You'll then be transferred by private vehicle into Delhi and to your hotel for the night.
Day 3 : On-board train
Board the Maharajas' Express this morning, before the train heads to Agra. After brunch on board you will arrive and visit the iconic Taj Mahal.
Day 4 : On-board train
Day two on board the Maharajas' Express. An early start as you head to Agra Fort, before the train departs for Ranthambhore National Park. This afternoon explore the park on a game drive, in search of the elusive Bengal tiger.
Day 5 : On-board train
Day three on board the Maharajas' Express. Spend the day in Jaipur, known as the Pink City, visit the nearby Amber Fort, and enjoy a special dinner within one of the impressive city palaces.
Day 6 : Jodhpur
Upon arrival into Delhi this morning, enjoy breakfast before disembarking the Maharajas' Express. Bid farewell to your fellow guests and meet your Audley driver who will take you to the airport. From Delhi you will fly to Jodhpur, a short journey of around 90 minutes.Upon arrival, a local representative will meet you and you'll be driven to your hotel in the heart of the Blue city, as Jodhpur is fondly known.
Day 7 : Jodhpur
Explore Jodhpur today with your local and knowledgeable guide. You'll be guided through the fascinating and extensive Mehrangarh Fort before discovering the Old City on foot. Later, enjoy a cookery experience with a local family.
Day 8 : Chanoud
Continue south through Rajasthan this morning to a small village called Chanoud. Here you will stay with a local family in their beautiful home, which has been painstakingly restored and converted into a small hotel. Chanoud is an Audley favourite and receives excellent feedback.
Day 9 : Udaipur
During the long journey to Udaipur today, you will have the opportunity to stop for lunch and explore the expansive and intricate Jain temple at Ranakpur as well as the impressive fortress at Kumbhalgarh.
Day 10 : Udaipur
Explore the pretty city of Udaipur today, which sits around Lake Pichola, accompanied by your experienced local guide. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure and consider a boat ride on the lake to watch the sun set across the city palace.
Day 11 : International return flight
After being transferred to the airport, you will start your homeward-bound journey. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi
After your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, you are greeted with the traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow female travellers for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The hustle and bustle of Old Delhi Relaxed Start
Dive into Old Delhi’s symphony of sounds, smells, tastes and colours as you wander down beautiful narrow lanes and taste authentic Delhi street food. Visit an elegant haveli, an old private mansion and enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family.This afternoon, visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and take a walk through their community kitchen where you witness the practice of langar: serving food free of charge to anyone who is hungry. This beautiful act promoting equality also involves the Sikh women who help with the preparation of the meals.
Day 3: Exploring New Delhi
Today explore New Delhi, largely built by the British in the early 20th century. Drive along the Rajpath to see the war memorial India Gate and the colonnaded Parliament House. Visit the 16th century Tomb of Emperor Humayun. This marvelous example of Mughal architecture went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue your exploration of Delhi with Insight Choice. Choose to get creative and hands on as you take part in a jewelery making class. Alternatively, enjoy abhyangam, an Aryuveda massage practice whereby oil is applied to your body by two skilled therapists.
Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Journey to Agra and visit its historical fort complex resembling a walled city. The Agra fort is made up of a series of impressive buildings including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Sheroes Café and meet the inspiring women behind it who are survivors of acid attacks. Be encouraged by their resilience and enjoy this opportunity to chat to them about their stories and support their cause in raising awareness.
Day 5: The unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal
Put on a traditional saree in preparation for your visit to the Taj Mahal, a true highlight of your journey. Following the death of his wife, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this mausoleum. You can’t help but be awestruck by this delicately carved white marble jewel. Later, enjoy lunch on your way to Jaipur, the stunning capital city of Rajasthan state. In the evening visit the local market and shop for a traditional Indian dress for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
Day 6: Jaipur through the locals’ eyes
On your city tour see the Hawa Maha, the Palace of the Winds. Its stunning lace-like facadehas 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and the neighbouring City Palace, housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal art. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, dedicated to empowering women from low-income households. Continue your exploration of Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to take part in a demonstration of the art of Mehndi, the traditional henna body painting. Alternatively, learn a few new moves at an energetic Bollywood dance class. Tonight, join a local family to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Get involved in the preparations for Lakshmi Puja by lighting oil lamps around the house, to invite the goddess Lakshmi to come home. Learn how to prepare traditional meals by watching a cooking demonstration before feasting on a delicious dinner.
Day 7: The Pink City
Start your day with a yoga session led by a female guru and explore the deeper meaning of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and the importance of harmony between body, mind and spirit. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to go on a walking tour in the bazaars where you will meet the colourful characters involved in gem-polishing, tie die or bangle-making as well as the world-renowned pickle makers. Alternatively, visit a Blue Pottery workshop and see how this characteristic local pottery is made. In the late afternoon, ascend the hilltop Amber Fort by jeep and experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special Hindu blessing ceremony. Feel like royalty as you dine at the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant and savour mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by impeccable service.
Day 8: Chandelao and the Blue City of Jodhpur
Meet the female artisans of the Sunder Rang Arts and Crafts Project in Chandelao village, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts. The workshop enables and empowers women to earn a fair living through developing their craft skills and providing a sustainable income. After your lunch, continue to the Blue City of Johdpur and tonight take a stroll through the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower market. Perhaps pick up some Mathania chilis or flavoured teas and try some lassi.
Day 9: Exploring Jodhpur
This morning, venture to a nearby village and meet the Bishnoi people, who for 500 years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species like the majestic black buck antelope. On your return to Jodhpur, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and see the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. In the afternoon, meet an astrologer and learn about the importance of the influence of planets. Indulge in a Highlight Dinner at Khaas Bagh, a worthy tribute to the legendary lifestyle of princely India surrounded by handpicked memorabilia of the Raj Period that include a fleet of dazzling vintage cars.
Day 10: Ranakpur And Udaipur
Travel to Ranakpur to explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the Jain Temples before meeting a priest and attending a special prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten Lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Continue to Udaipur. Founded in the 16th century, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills.
Day 11: Explore Udaipur Relaxed Start
Explore the City Palace complex, visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Seva Mandir Organization, working to empower women by building stronger and more ethical communities. Wander through the bazaars to see the spice and textile markets and later cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Tonight, experience Bedla hospitality at your Celebration Dinner. The Bedla Family had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Hear their fascinating stories and enjoy excellent entertainment while dining on superb culinary delights and toasting to your journey in incredible India.
Day 12: Fly to Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you fly to Delhi and your journey comes to an end. For your onward travels please schedule your flight after 21:00 from Delhi.
