North India Tour From UK
Duration - 10 nights/11 days
Destinations Covered - Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Udaipur -
Delhi
Ideal for either the first time visitor to India or the repeat traveller
in search of complete luxury this journey combines accommodation in
remarkable hotels with the diversity of northern India. Your journey
starts in India's capital - Delhi, a bustling metropolis that blends
ancient and modern. A short drive South is Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal,
the world's most famous monument of love. From here you enter Rajasthan to
visit Jaipur, the state's pink painted capital, 'hunt' for tigers in
Ranthambore National Park and Udaipur, the "Venice of the East". On this
journey you will experience five of the world's most magnificent hotels -
all offering exceptional service, luxurious accommodation and superb
facilities. More than this however, each has been hand crafted with unique
and beautiful Indian flare, in the style of its locality.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi /
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your
chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama
of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and
ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide,
tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Stay 2 nights at The Imperial Hotel.The
Imperial Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Delhi. Built in 1933, it
combines Victorian style with colonial architecture and is trimmed with a
playful dosage of art deco. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the hotel is
centrally located on Janpath and offers its guests an outdoor swimming
pool, a shopping arcade, permanent in-house art galleries and a variety of
restaurants.
Day 02 - In Delhi /
A full day's sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi
visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of
Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu
temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan - the
President's House; Humayun's Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower
and the Bahai Temple - beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower.
Overnight at The Imperial Hotel, Delhi.
Day 03 - Drive Delhi to Agra
(220 kms/04 hrs) / Drive to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal where you will
be delivered to the Oberoi Amarvilas. Located only 600 metres from the Taj
Mahal this luxury resort has been designed to give guests uninterrupted
views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. The classical
architecture of the hotel is enhanced by the elaborate gardens, terraced
lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The lobby, restaurants,
bars and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of Agra's world famous
monument. The décor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the
luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.In the afternoon visit the Taj
Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World and created by the Emperor Shah
Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and then Agra Fort, offering
gorgeous views from its lofty walls.
Day 04 - Drive Agra to Bharatpur
(55 kms/01 hr) & train to Ranthambore / Depart Agra early to visit
Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar and an almost
perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital, before boarding the 11am
express train from Bharatpur Railway Station to Ranthambore, arriving in
the early afternoon.On arrival your host will transfer you to Vanyavilas
where there will be time to freshen up before heading out on an afternoon
game viewing drive. India's leading luxury lodge, Vanyavilas is located on
the edge of Ranthambore National Park. This is truly a regal base from
which explore this wild corner of India and to 'hunt' for the Royal Bengal
Tiger. Vibrant frescoes and richly detailed interiors create the ambience
of an old world, royal, hunting palace and your accommodation is in luxury
tents surrounded by beautiful gardens and waterways. Each tented suite
features finely embroidered canopies, luxurious bathrooms and a private
walled garden - the perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.
Day 05 - In Ranthambore /
Morning and evening game drives in Ranthambore
National Park - the diversity of habitats, the ancient ramparts and the
variety of flora and fauna are breathtakingly beautiful and your guide
will share his intimate knowledge of the Park. Overnight at Vanyavilas.
Day 06 - Drive Ranthambore to Jaipur
(180 kms/03 hrs.) / After an early morning game drive and breakfast depart
for Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still!
Here you will spend 2 nights at the Oberoi's Rajvilas. Set amidst 32 acres
of lush gardens, orchards, decorative pools and fountains, Rajvilas
provides a heaven for the senses. Exemplary service comes together with
harmoniously appointed interiors to give you a taste of the gracious
lifestyle of legendary Rajput princes. In the elegant guest rooms discover
exquisite furnishings, four-poster beds and sunken marble baths. The
central courtyard houses a world class spa with steam rooms, saunas,
Jacuzzis, plunge pools and a gymnasium. Indian and international cuisine
can be enjoyed in the al fresco dining areas.
Day 07 - In Jaipur /
A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the
Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput
architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a
gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces
and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of
the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed
to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they
believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Retreat to Rajvilas for a
delicious dinner or perhaps some pampering treats at the spa.
Day 08 - Fly Jaipur to Udaipur /
You will be transferred to Jaipur Airport for your
flight to Udaipur, the famed "city of sunrise" also called the Venice of
the East. Your arrival transfer will take you to Hotel Udaivilas, the
latest in the line of luxury hotels from the Oberoi Group. Udaivilas is a
truly outstanding hotel overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and the
City Palace. Conceived as a splendid palace, wonderfully recreating the
romance of the past and representing the continuity of the grand
traditions of Mewar, the hotel is completely in keeping with the 21st
century. Spread over an expanse of 30 acres, its carefully planned and
executed design has evolved as a seamless assimilation of spaces -
courtyards and walkways, gently rippling water bodies fountains and
reflecting pools all surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens and
dotted with sculptures and frescoes, arches and domes, niches and alcoves.
The building lends itself to discovery and continual surprise. Embellished
by beautiful works of art and craft from in and around the region,
Udaivilas is a vast canvas that changes with the light and seasons.
Day 09 - In Udaipur /
A half day's sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting
the opulent City Palace - towering over the lake, this is the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone
image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki
bari is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a
delightful lotus pool. The afternoon is yours to further explore the town
or enjoy Udaivilas.
Day 10 - Fly Udaipur to Delhi /
You will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for your
flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the
Imperial Hotel for one last night in India.
Day 11 - Depart Delhi /
You will be transferred to the International Airport
for your departure flight.
