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One Week in India

One Week in India

From $ 870 AUD

Description

From the honking horns of Delhi’s rickshaws, to the glistening beauty of the Taj Mahal and a whole heap of flavoursome food in between, immerse your senses in the colourful chaos on this mind blowing, one-week trip through India. Spot the majestic tiger in Ranthambhore National Park, dance to bhangra bangers at a Bollywood blockbuster, see pink in the fiercely flamboyant city of Jaipur, be mesmerised by the pavilion of mirrors in Amber Fort and tikka-bite out of Delhi’s food scene – from spicy samosas to tongue-tingling tandoori. With all the included highlights and plenty of optional extras, create your own adventure in a country that nowhere else on earth can prepare you for.

Trip Name
One Week in India
Last Updated
2020-10-09
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • The Taj Mahal is the mother of all mausoleums and a big part of Agra’s allure. Capture your best selfie in front of this marble masterpiece on an included visit to this Indian icon.
  • With so much going on in the vibrant and chaotic capital of Delhi, a guide should almost be a requirement – let your expert leader navigate you through its busy, bustling and bold streets.
  • From survivors to Sheroes, hang out at a cafe run by female acid attack survivors that encourages Indian society to re-evaluate its norms about beauty and appearance.
  • Snap pics in front of a slew of ornate pink-hued buildings in the fabulously photogenic Jaipur and check yourself out in the pavilion of mirrors at Amber Fort.
  • Ranthambhore National Park is the best location in India to spot the majestic tiger, keep your eyes peeled for these elusive creatures on an included 4WD safari.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
Honk-honk! Beep-beep! Welcome to Delhi, a fabulously chaotic capital city that will warm your heart and overwhelm your senses. The air is thick with the smell of spices and the sound of mayhem as vendors whip up masala chai on the side-streets, locals barter at bazaars for the best bargain, bhangra music blasts from the alleyways and the honking horns of cycle-rickshaws resonate through vast crowds of colourful sari-clad women. With no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you have time, why not go beyond the cliched curry and try some authentic Indian bites on a Delhi Food Walk with Urban Adventures. From homemade ice cream to fruit beer and dumplings, Delhi’s food scene is thriving and surprising, and what better way to tantalise your tastebuds than on a guided tour with a local expert – find out more at urbanadventures.com.
Day 2 - Agra
Escape the Delhi madness this morning and take the 3-hour train ride through rural India to the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, home to the mother of all mausoleums – the Taj Mahal. Considered to be the most beautiful building in the world, you won’t be disappointed! On arrival, join your leader on an included visit to this world-famous monument, and catch your breath as you step through the ornate gates, and set your eyes upon the marble masterpiece that rises above the surrounding landscaped gardens and basks in the hazy Indian sun. Take your time to explore the grounds of this World Heritage Site. Practise your best Princess Di pose with the Taj as your backdrop or ask one of your new travel buddies to take a smashing snap of you that will make your Instagram account explode. After walking away wondering if you’ve ever seen anything quite as epic, head to the one-of-a-kind cafe, Sheroes Hangout. ‘She + heroes = Sheroes’ is a project that promotes social integration, employment and empowerment for women who’ve survived acid attacks, as well as forcing society to re-evaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. Sit down and enjoy a hot cup of masala chai and a soulful snack as you learn the stories behind these strong-willed women.
Day 3 - Jaipur
Jump on a bus this morning and cross over into the colourful and charismatic state of Rajasthan on a journey that takes you through lush green countryside and on to its flamboyantly pink capital – Jaipur. On arrival, stop off for a quick picture at the city’s most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, an elaborate five-story palace of pink and red sandstone. Continue to your hotel and take the opportunity to freshen up before venturing out on a leader-led walking tour of the old city, stopping for a delicious lassi and some street food at the local market. The rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional tour of the City Palace in your spare time, an impressive complex of courtyards, gardens and structures that lies in the heart of Jaipur. This evening, why not try a movie experience like no other and check out the latest Bollywood blockbuster. No one will tell you to ‘shhh’ in this showing – laugh, dance, wolf-whistle – get involved!
Day 4 - Jaipur
Rise and shine for an optional hot air balloon experience above the oh-so-pretty pink landscape of Jaipur (available between September and June). Later in the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the medieval Amber Fort with a local expert. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, this magnificent fort is a complex of courtyards, palaces, halls and gardens created from an elaborate blend of white marble with pale yellow and pink sandstone. Sitting high on a hill, this architectural fusion of Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) styles has one of the best views over the city and its ornate design detail and beautiful pavilion of mirrors, makes it one of the most well-known forts in India. After your guided visit of Amber Fort, the rest of your day is then free to explore Jaipur at your own pace.
Day 5 - Ranthambhore National Park
Leave the hustle and bustle of the pink city behind and take the 3-hour train ride to rural Rajasthan for your 2-night stay in the stunning Ranthambhore National Park. Once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, the National Park is now one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a conservation programme launched by the Indian government. On arrival, check in to your hotel before an included visit to the ancient ruins of Ranthambhore’s 10th-century fort, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding park. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps find a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy Rajasthan’s juxtaposing quiet.
Day 6 - Ranthambhore National Park
Make sure your phones are fully charged this morning as you head out on an included 4WD drive safari in search of the perfect snap of the elusive tiger. Ranthambhore National Park is one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators roaming around in their natural habitat, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some cute cubs! Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife too –such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars and birds – this is a nature lovers paradise!
Day 7 - Delhi
Watch the world whizz by from the window of your carriage as you roll through rural life and picturesque countryside on an early morning train back to Delhi. This afternoon, check out the sights and sounds of Old Delhi on a leader-led tour of this enchanting quarter of the capital. Take a ride on the city's modern metro system, get a taste of India's famed public transport with an optional cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets (such as the famous Chandni Chowk), make a visit to the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings – then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. This evening, indulge in all the curries and condiments you can and toast to your amazing Indian adventure with a farewell group dinner.
Day 8 - Delhi
There are no planned activities today, so why not delve into Delhi’s past on an Urban Adventure that honours the enduring legacy of one of India’s most influential figures – Gandhi. Hear stories of his courageous life, pore over artefacts and documents at the museum and walk in the footsteps of this global icon. To find out more about Gandhi’s Delhi, visit urbanadventures.com

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-12-202013-12-2020AUD $ 870-
13-12-202020-12-2020AUD $ 870-
20-12-202027-12-2020AUD $ 870-

Accommodation

Heritage Property (3 nights),Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Auto-rickshaw,Cycle rickshaw,Jeep,Public bus,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Train

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