Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, evokes an image of the royal family that once ruled the region what is now called the Old City or Pink City for its trademark building colour. It is known for its fascinating monuments, colourful markets, gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens; it is not difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land here.
With buildings painted in the city’s iconic shade of blue, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It is one of the three most powerful of the erstwhile kingdoms of Rajasthan. The splendour of its imposing fort, glory of the many palaces and havelis and vibrant attraction of its bazaars make it one of the most popular destinations in Rajasthan.
Udaipur is a small city in the western side of Rajasthan. With a romantic setting that is totally unmatched, Udaipur is inarguably one of the picturesque places in India. It IS the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Founded by Udai Singh II in 1559, its set around a series of artificial lakes and known for its lavish palaces. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city's natural charms.
Mumbai is what the Indians affectionately call - the 'City of Dreams'. This fabulous city is not only the financial capital of India that serves as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center. Mumbai is where you can possess the most distinguished designer labels and products from various fashion houses that flood the busy malls. This is the one place where glamour is not an uncommon word and is reflected ostentatiously in the Bollywood film industry. Take a look at the beaches in Mumbai to witness some of God's amazing miracles- the magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly begins, which is why Mumbai is also referred to as the 'city that never sleeps'.
Namaste and welcome to India. Arrive at New Delhi international airport, meet by our representative at the arrival terminal and transfer to hotel for immediate check in. Day Free at leisure to recover from the jet lag. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel then proceed to explore the Old City of Delhi which is full of hidden gems. Explore the Jama Mosque and drive pass through the narrow lanes and visit the Sikh temple. Drive pass through the Lutyen’s Delhi and feel the difference between the Old & Imperial.
Afternoon visit Agrasen ki Baoli, the Ancient Monuments and remains Act of 1958, a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well.
Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site the highest stone tower in India. The first example of Islamic Art and the Creation of First Islamic Mosque of India, built with the sculptured stones of ancient Hindu and Jain Temples.
Safdarjung Tomb – a sandstone and marble mausoleum. It was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style for Nawab Safdarjung. The monument has an ambience of spaciousness and an imposing presence with its domed and arched red brown and white coloured structures.
In the evening return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. Later, checkout and drive to the pink city – Jaipur. - The fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Late afternoon take a rickshaw ride for a unique introduction to your surroundings. Combine local history, culture, and a bit of mystery for an experience that highlights the best of what the place has to offer. In the evening return to the hotel for overnight stay.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at hotel you’ll visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber, the ancient citadel is set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. Ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant (subject to availability). You’ll wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back photo stop at Jal Mahal, the Rajput style "Water Palace" sits in the center of the Man Sarobar lake. The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.
Afternoon continue city tour of Jaipur and visit the Maharajah’s City Palace, the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.
Visit, The Jantar Mantar (Observatory) monument is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1734 CE. Photography at Hawa Mahal (Palaces of the Wind) - a beautiful pink colour building having many small windows from where the Royal Ladies watched the annual procession of kingdom. The tourist can take photograph from outside only.
Free time for Shopping - Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi-precious stones, kundan and minakari work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine Kota doria saries are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamelware and brassware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woolen carpets and cotton rugs, as are the leather footwear especially that embroidered juties.
Overnight stay at hotel.
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, it is time to proceed to our next destination to enrich our journey and fill the memory book. Proceed to Jodhpur - The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. You have full day to enjoy the sights and to get soak in the city charm.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel and evening free to relax or stroll around the old city area. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. You have full day to enjoy the sights and to get soak in the city charm.
Major sights to enjoy - Mehrangarh Fort presents a taste of the war, honour and profligacy that characterized Rajputanas. It is one of the largest forts of India. This fort was built in 15th century by Rao Jodha but it is expanded across the land by his descendants over 500 years. Lots of history and legends are attached to this fort. The name Mehrangarh fort came from ‘Mehr’ means Sun and ‘Garh’ means Fort. It is believed that Rathore are the descendants of the sun. The fort is 400 feet above the landscape.
Jaswant Thada - Considered to be one of the architectural landmarks of Jodhpur, Jaswant Thada is popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’. The royal monument is a cenotaph dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd ruler of Jodhpur. The structure is an epitome of a Rajputana style of architecture. Built from intricately carved marble sheets, the polished stone exudes a warm glow when sunrays fall on it. The structure also has some beautiful carved marble lattice work.
This day you will proceed to Udaipur en-route covering Ranakpur Jain Temple - is a beautiful structure carved in stone. Renowned for its fabulous architectural style, for the followers of Jainism, Ranakpur temples are of great importance, as they make one of the five major pilgrimage sites. The huge structure of the temple is entirely raised in light color marble. One of the largest subterranean vaults makes the base of this colossal temple sprawling in an area of 48000 sq ft. Sited in a solitary valley on the western part of the Aravalli Hills, the temples are undoubtedly laudable for their wonderful architecture.
Later continue your drive to Udaipur ‘’ The Lake City or City of Romance ‘’. Upon arrival check in to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Today we will you to the city tour of lake city, proceed with Excursion to the Nagda and Eklingi temples, where it will be possible to participate in a religious ceremony.
Visit of the Sahelion - ki - Bari, example of a harem garden. In the afternoon, visit of the city: the City Palace with its museum, where the current Maharaja still lives in one wing. Later, boat ride, at sunset, on the enchanting Lake Pichola.
In the evening return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later, in time transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai airport. You will be met by our representative at the arrival lounge and then transfer to the hotel (rooms booked from 1400 hrs). Later, day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay); a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial centre, it's India's largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924.
After breakfast leave for half day excursion to The Elephanta Caves (Closed on Monday) from The Gateway of India. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, and a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Afternoon proceed for half day city tour and drive past The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. Visit The Haji Ali Dargah built in 1431 in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyad Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Hailing from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan, Bukhari travelled around the world in the early to mid-15th century, and eventually settled in present-day Mumbai. Drive past Bombay High Court - Beautiful British Heritage Building and one of the most distinguished high courts in the country. Drive past Dhobi Ghat, a well-known open air laundromat. The washers, locally known as Dhobis, work in the open to wash the clothes from Mumbai's hotels and hospitals. There are rows of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone, called the world's largest outdoor laundry. Drive past Marine Drive and Chowpatty beach. Visit Crawford Market; oldest market of Mumbai inside a British building. Overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Rooms booked till 1200 hours. One can spend some time exploring the beautiful market of Mumbai or just relaxing and recalling the memories captured during the tour in India to share with friends and family over a sunny Sunday brunch or High Tea.
Being in Mumbai if one has not been to the shopping means one has not been to it, the Shopping places like Linkin Road, Crawford Market and Lokhand Wala Market are few of the best places where one can buy the trending and latest clothing.
Later, as per your flight timings you will be transferred to the airport, to board your onward journey flight.
The Capital’s Palace Since 1983. Nestled amidst the heart of the historic Indian capital city, the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi has held a distinguished position amongst the finest hotels of the world for close to four decades. Spread over six acres of lush gardens, our 5 star hotel in Delhi is synonymous with timeless luxury and unmatched hospitality. With panoramic views of the city's verdant protected greens, our hotel in Delhi offers an inimitable confluence of epitomising elements of Indian art, warm, personalised service and unmatched luxury. Four award-winning restaurants featuring an array of cuisines from across the world, a stylish bar, nine-hole putting greens, a temperature-controlled swimming pool and an expansive Jiva Spa make Taj Palace, New Delhi, a true urban oasis.
See HotelOriginally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens.
See HotelBuilt between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palace has one thing in common with the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra - the palm court marble used in its construction. Perched on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with exotic views of the historical Blue City, vast sand dunes, and intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. This heritage palace hotel in Jodhpur is conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport, close to the main shopping areas, and the Balsamand and Kalyana lakes. The last of the great palaces of India, the property houses a family museum, as well as the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, with dancing peacocks and a subterranean Zodiac Pool, our 5 star hotel in Jodhpur offers 70 utterly breathtaking Art Deco- style rooms and suites. Tantalise your taste buds at Risala with authentic Rajasthani and Indian cuisine.
See HotelThis heritage hotel in Udaipur has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. The incomparable location provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisines at the elegant restaurants of Taj Lake Palace. These are open only to resident guests. Signature speciality restaurants at this palace serves a choice of cuisines. Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani and other dishes from India; and the seasonally open-air Bhairo for contemporary European delicacies. In the evening, indulge in signature martinis, cocktails and a grand collection of premium international spirits at the bar, Amrit Sagar.
The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour landmark. The recently trademarked flagship hotel overlooks the majestic Gateway of India. This legendary 5 star hotel in Mumbai has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe, and is acknowledged as a world leader in hospitality. Each of the rooms 285 rooms & suites are a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history and modern facilities. Strategically located in Mumbai’s prime historical and commercial hub, The Taj Mahal Palace is walking distance from Colaba Causeway, known for its touristy tiny roadside shops. The city’s financial hub, parliament, stadium, offices and shopping districts are all located within close proximity; as is a flourishing art and heritage precinct with must visit museums, art galleries, churches and synagogues. The airports are an hour away. For those who would like to experience fine dining in style, we host 9 of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and bars, renowned for delectable cuisines from India, Europe, the Middle East and the Orient.
See HotelJourney to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
