Compare Royal India: Taj, Forts & Palaces by Great Value Vacations vs Premium India by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Welcome to Delhi!

Immerse yourself in colorful culture and fascinating history as you land in Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check in. Once you're settled, head out and explore on your own! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal of local cuisine. 

Day 2 Delhi

Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get ready for a fun first day in India. After breakfast, hop in a rickshaw and explore Old and New Delhi the traditional way! See the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk, then discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque! You'll continue onto Raj Ghat, a striking memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

In the afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings as you approach Qutab Minar - the five-storied victory tower which signifies the beginning of the Muslim rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. 

Day 3 Delhi - Udaipur

This morning, hop on a quick flight to Udaipur, known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful lakes. The capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is also known as the "City of Lakes." Take in beautiful views of lakeside palaces, pavilions, and clusters of charming whitewashed houses.

After a comfortable ride to your Udaipur accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure! Get to know the area and do some exploring on your own. 

Day 4 Udaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then take a morning tour of the grand City Palace and its immediate surroundings, the vibrant Folk Art Museum and the sparkling lakeside panorama. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. You'll even visit an ancient step well, which was used for drinking water by the locals years ago!

Next, you'll make a stop at the fascinating three-story Jagdish Temple. Climb up stone steps lined with elephant sculptures and admire intricate pillars, carved ceilings, and stunning frescoes. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure!

Day 5 Udaipur - Deogarh

Enjoy a scenic drive as you venture to Deogarh! Stop en-route and visit the White Marble Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Famous for being extremely important pilgrimage centers for the Jain community, the spectacular Jain Temples consist of 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each uniquely adorned with hundreds of carved figures.

Proceed to Deogarh and check into your beautiful accommodation. Quickly settle in, then take a short rural train ride from Phulad to Kamblighat. Keep your eyes focused out the windows, as you pass breathtaking views of jungle, hills, and tunnels! As this train stops at small local stations, you'll get a real taste for everyday life in this remote region. 

Day 6 Deogarh - Jodhpur

This morning, take a peaceful morning walk through the countryside. Watch as local farmers head to their fields and tend to their herds of cattle and goats. Mosey on to Deogarh Village and immerse yourself in the daily culture of shops and markets filled with cobblers, dyers, potters, and other artisans. 

Wave goodbye to Deogarh and enjoy a drive to beautiful Jodhpur. Overlooking the desert, the old walled city of Jodhpur is a fascinating jungle of winding streets, fascinating forts, and sacred sites. Check into your luxurious accommodation and explore this picturesque area.

Day 7 Jodhpur - Jaipur

Start your day with a morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the best-preserved and largest forts in India! Next, you'll head to Jaswant Thada, a white marble monument known for its intricately carved designs.

In the afternoon, you'll travel to the one and only "Pink City" - Jaipur! Check into your next accommodation and begin to explore this fascinating world of pastel-colored architectural wonders.

Day 8 Jaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy a morning visit to the impressive Amber Fort. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, this structure is a true example of authentic Rajput architecture. Be sure to look out for one of its most spectacular buildings: the Hall of Mirrors! Next, stop for a photo-op at the eye-popping Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)! Gawk at this beehive-shaped red and pink sandstone structure and take in its grand beauty. 

The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. You might want to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace, then check out one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder of Jaipur! Why not immerse yourself in the local culture? Visit a local temple and watch a traditional prayer ceremony. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance show with dinner!

Day 9 Jaipur - Agra

After an energizing breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Agra. Along the way, you'll stop at Abhaneri Village to experience the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Be sure to have your camera ready; Chand Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in all of India!

Settle into your accommodation in Agra, a charming city filled with bustling streets, narrow alleys, and fascinating architecture. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure and get to know this historical city. 

Day 10 Agra

Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal! Enjoy this special experience, as you see this monument by the first orangey-pink light of the day. Be sure to take tons of photographs of this awe-inspiring scene; it's surely a sight you'll never want to forget.

What a morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a day of independent exploration. You might want to check out the Agra Fort and North India's oldest Christian cemetery. 

Day 11 Depart India

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy one last scenic drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival at the airport, find your gate and board your flight home!

Until next time, India!

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and small group for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining. Tonight your leader will introduce you to the exciting world of Indian cuisine. Perhaps start out with some classic dishes like mutton rogan josh and paneer tikka.

Day 2 Agra

Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. Pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra, one of the largest mosques in India.

Day 3 Ranthambhore National Park

Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Day 4 Ranthambhore National Park

Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.

Day 5 Jaipur

Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local  family for a wonderful homecooked dinner. Chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life and learn their culinary secrets.

Day 6 Jaipur

Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.

Day 7 Varanasi

Depart your feature stay accommodation then board a flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, it is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality. Varanasi may not be known for its cleanliness, but there’s no denying it is one of India’s most inspiring places.

Day 8 Varanasi

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You will be joined by local musicians on board and watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over this sacred city.

Day 9 Delhi

Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Day 10 Delhi

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability). Perhaps pre-book an Urban Adventure and let a local show you more of this mega city.