Day 1 – The Start of your Luxury North India Tour
Welcome to the first destination of your Luxury North India Tour: Delhi. With a population of 16.3 million, India’s capital city is the second most populous metropolis in India and the eighth most populous city in the world. Prepare yourself for a magical and memorable Luxury North India Tour.
Day 2 – Explore India’s Capital City
Explore Delhi accompanied by a knowledgeable, English speaking local guide. First, visit the Salaam Balak Trust, an organisation for the protection of street children. Your guide was once rescued by the organisation and knows the area intimately; they will introduce you to the heritage of the backstreets of Delhi, divulging their own personal insights and stories along the way. You will see both Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi pulses with energy and colour; the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars is laced with narrow lanes between tall, leaning houses. New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards known for its formal parks, the magnificent Parliament Building and the India Gate.
Day 3 – A Day Trip to The Taj Mahal
Few Luxury North India Tours are complete without a trip to see the Taj Mahal. Even more special is being able to witness the impressive structure as the sun rises; it is often thought of as the most iconic sight in India. A monument of love built by Shah Jehan in 1630 for his Queen, The Taj Mahal was constructed by over 20,000 men over many a year. It became an enduring wonder of the world, and will remain firmly imprinted in your memories of your Luxury North India Tour.
Day 4 & 5 – Arrive in Jaipur and Explore
After having travelled back from Agra to Delhi in the evening and then travelling onwards to the wonderful city of Jaipur, you’ll be given a well-earned opportunity to rest within the magnificent grounds of Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, or you can plan your own activities at your leisure. On the following day you can explore the bazaars which teem with people, camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles, while around them loom magnificent palaces and buildings which your guide will point out to you.
Day 6 – Visit Amber Fort
Before the end of the first week of your "Luxury North India Tour", trek through the surrounding Aravalli hills, visit Meena tribal settlements, a ruined fort, hidden shrines, and converse with the local people on the most private and exclusive tour in Jaipur. Later you will visit Amber Fort, an extremely well preserved building that is delightful to explore in the ancient capital of the region.
Private Dining for Two in the Beautiful Gardens at Umaid Bhawan Palace
Day 7 & 8 – Jodhpur City
At the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. You will be taken on a tour of Jodhpur city which will include a visit to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the beautiful Jaswant Thada before heading back to Umaid Bhawan Palace where you will be staying. Umaid Bhawan is a truly majestic palace that sits aloof above Jodhpur’s horizon. The atmosphere cannot be paralleled; with different wings to be explored, a large subterranean spa pool, exquisite fine dining restaurant and beautifully manicured gardens, Umaid Bhawan is the essence of regal luxury.
Over the Halfway Point of your Luxury North India Tour!
Day 9 – The Fabled Taj Lake Palace
En route to the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur you will take a timely detour to the 15th century Ranakpur Temples. The finest Jain temple complexes in the country, some are made in white marble with 1444 intricately engraved pillars! On arriving in Udaipur, you will understand its reputation as one of India’s most beautiful cities. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur completely contrasts the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. The Taj Lake Palace sits atop the lake and gleams in picturesque majesty, awaiting your arrival.
Day 10 – Sightseeing Tour of Udaipur
Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, and its multiple ornately decorated sub-palaces inside of it, before strolling into the old city. You’ll be sharing space with cows, elephants, people and their bikes, and walking through winding lanes as you gain insight into the lifestyle of “small town India”. Shops selling a variety of items including folk art, small architectural gems and miniatures give you an introduction to Udaipur’s finest artisanship during your Luxury North India Tour.
The magnificent view from the Taj Lake Palace - overlooking the Jiva Spa Boat.
Day 11 – Fly to Mumbai
Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands, derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Once a "Portuguese princess" dowry and later an adornment of neo-gothic British architecture, modern day Mumbai is an enigma of mud huts and skyscrapers, age-old traditions and high fashions, the industrialist’s haven and moviemakers Hollywood. You will be staying at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai – a most loved and famous heritage luxury hotel in India.
Day 12 – Explore the Cultural Capital of India
On a sightseeing tour of Mumbai you will see the Gateway of India, The Prince of Wales Museum, the Victoria Terminus and Dhobi ghats - the washer man's enclave. The Gateway of India was built during 1924-1927 to commemorate King George V of England’s visit in 1911. Later you will explore the historic Kala Ghoda Area, the heart of the Fort Mumbai area. A feast of architecture ranging from Gothic to art deco, and a thriving mix of street vendors, cafes, galleries, local cricket matches and food stalls contribute to the liveliness of the area.
Day 13 – It’s the end of your Luxury North India Tour
Your Luxury North India Tour has now come to an end. You are free to make the most of our last moments in India at its most valued, atmospheric hotel before leaving for your departing flight.
This Luxury North India Tour with Only Exclusive Travel is in collaboration with Banyan Tours. For more information about this tour itinerary, any of our other itinerary suggestions or to for help with designing your own, bespoke Luxury India Tour, we would be happy to receive a call or quote request from you.
Image credit: Priyambada Nath (Flickr.com)