India Incentive: An Enchanted Land

On this journey through India, you will get to discover the country’s long and rich history, the diversity of her people, the many cultures and varied landscapes. From the opulent forts and palaces of Rajasthan to the elegant and stunning Taj Mahal, from vibrant, loud, colourful markets and organized chaos to serene, spiritual experiences, from camels and elephants to rickshaw rides, this journey covers it all. And does it in style! Welcome to Incredible India and be prepared to be amazed..

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Delhi

08 Days/07 Nights

Highlights
  • Fun ride on cycle rickshaw though Old Delhi
  • Opportunity to volunteer at a Sikh temple
  • Sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal
  • Fabulous themed dinners including a gala evening at City Palace, Jaipur
  • Learning the art of draping an Indian sari and turbans
  • Welcomes on arrival at luxury hotels fit for royalty
Inclusions
  • Accommodation
  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Entrances

Not included is travel insurance, tips and any expense of personal nature

Extensions

Destinations

India's golden triangle is a tourist circuit which connects the national capital Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so called because of the triangular shape formed by the locations of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan on a map. Udaipur, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis.

Trip Plan

Day 1

New Delhi

Day 2

New Delhi

Day 3

Delhi – Agra

Day 4

Agra - Jaipur

Day 5

Jaipur

Day 6

Jaipur – Udaipur

Day 7

Udaipur

Day 8

Udaipur – Delhi

Day 1

New Delhi
Welcome to India! Your flight lands at Delhi’s international airport. You are met by our airport representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Our representative will address any last minute question you have about the itinerary and will introduce you to your guide who will be your travel companion for the tour. Transfer directly to your hotel and check-in. Upon arrival at your hotel you are welcomed by Indian ladies dressed in elegant traditional saris who will perform an aarti welcome ceremony that includes applying a mark of vermilion on your forehead and garlanding you with fresh, brilliantly hued, fragrant flowers. Enjoy a cool welcome drink and check-in to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

New Delhi
After breakfast explore New Delhi, driving past Rajpath or “King’s way” the wide tree lined avenues of New Delhi, which served as the capital city for the former British Empire. Today, it is the address for some of the most iconic building of modern India. Among the buildings you drive past are the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace (Rashtrapathi Bhawan), and India Gate, a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21. You stop at one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire – Humayun’s Tomb. It is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour and the fountains working, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb. Next, visit the Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), a feature of which is a free community kitchen for visitors of all religions. Today, we will donate food supplies as a contribution for the day’s meal and there will be opportunity to lend a helping hand while food is being cooked and served. After a hearty lunch, you drive to Old Delhi where you trade your vehicle for cycle rickshaws. Travel through the narrow lanes selling an astonishing range of wares from silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is a wonderful introduction to the organized chaos that is quintessentially Indian! Disembark at India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid believed to be the largest in India and was Shah Jahan’s last architectural legacy. Tonight, enjoy a private cocktail reception and later a dinner of Southeast Asian cuisine at one of the city’s top restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Delhi – Agra
Agra is your destination today, home of the stunning Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s monument to his love, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy worked twenty two years to construct this masterpiece. Also visit the imposing Agra Fort. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna This evening dine on a traditional Mughal feast from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperors while enjoying a private Kathak performance, a classical dance-form characterized by its intricate and delicate footwork, accompanied by live Indian classical music. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Agra - Jaipur
It is worth waking up early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal as the soft glow of the sun’s rays cast a soft pink glow on the white marble casting a perfect reflection on the pools. Return to your hotel for breakfast and then check out to continue your journey as to drive to your next destination, Jaipur. India’s famous ‘Pink City’ is so called because its walls were painted pink to honour visiting royalty, the Prince of Wales in the 1800’s. The drive excluding stops takes approximately six hours and en route you make some interesting stops. Stop first at Fatehpur Sikri built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to honour the Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of Akbar’s’ son and heir. Constructed entirely in vibrant red sandstone architecturally it draws its inspiration from Hindu, Persian and Islamic styles. Then stop for lunch before you continue your drive to Jaipur arriving by evening. On arrival at the hotel you are escorted by mounted lancers who lead the procession of caparisoned camels and elephants and welcomed with a shower of fragrant rose petals. After your long drive, tonight is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5

Jaipur
After breakfast visit the majestic Amber Fort, its interior walls covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Return to the city and visit the extraordinary “Jantar Mantar”, the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1827. Roughly translated the name means “The Formula of Instruments”. This is one of five observatories he built in northern India. The instruments resembling massive futuristic structures are actually highly sophisticated instruments which are accurate even today. In the afternoon unwind at the hotel or perhaps experience the colourful mosaic of a Jaipur shopping spree, perusing all manner of jewelry, crafts, fabrics , and spices. Tonight relive the golden era of the Rajput princes and their desert kingdoms while dining on a lavish buffet of Rajasthani delicacies. Your venue for dinner is City Palace and you will be the only guests. For this occasion a wonderful selection of Indian outfits will be organized for you. The palace, situated in the heart of the old city, occupies a large area divided into several courtyards and gardens, surrounded by buildings of various sizes and styles. The seven-story Chandra Mahal, in the heart of the complex will be the evening’s venue. While dinner is being served you are be entertained by performances of traditional Rajasthani folk dances and music. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Jaipur – Udaipur
It is an early start as you fly to Udaipur the capital city of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar, believed to be direct descendants of the Sun (an insignia you'll see everywhere), and was built on the shores of Lake Pichola by Udai Singh II in 1559. Known as the "City of Sunrise," it is often described as the most romantic city in India and was built around four man-made lakes. The placid blue waters reflect ethereal white palaces and temples, beyond which shimmer the distant Aravalli Hills. Start with a visit to City Palace. This sprawling palace was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles. The main section is a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal inspired decorative art on the inside. In terms of an exemplary eye to detail and craftsmanship, few palaces match the artwork in this palace. Of particular note here is the exquisite collection of priceless Rajput Miniature paintings done in the Mewari tradition. Also take a walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Object d’art and furniture including a complete bedroom set, discovered recently in a store room in the palace. Next, take a walk in the old city with your guide. Sharing space with cows, elephants, people, and the walk through the winding lanes is an interesting insight into lifestyles in what is referred to as “small town India”. Shops selling a variety of items, unexpected folk art decorating the walls of houses and small architectural gems like a latticed work Haveli window. The afternoon is at leisure. Few activities in Udaipur compare to a boat ride on the mystical Lake Pichola. This evening take a private cruise and enjoy the incomparable views of an opalescent Indian sunset. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7

Udaipur
This morning, kick start the day with a session of yoga. The yoga instructor will take you on a journey of well-being with a yoga session held in the serene surroundings of the gardens. After breakfast drive outside the city to the nearby temples of Eklingji—a collection of one hundred ancient temples that date to the 10th century. The main temple enshrines an enormous four-faced Shiva, many stories high. You also visit Nagda, the site of two fourth-century temples, both embellished with intricately carved royal edits, recalling the harsh rulers of centuries past. This temple complex has some intricate and beautiful carvings on the pillars, ceilings, and the walls depicting stories from the mythologies of Mahabharat and Ramayana. A sumptuous multi-cuisine lunch awaits you at the beautiful 18th century Devigarh Fort Palace. After lunch, if you wish, you may explore the nearby village by foot, bicycle, or camel cart, encountering locals along the way. Return to Udaipur city by evening. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a private venue with stunning views of the City Palace on one side, and the elegantly lit domes of the hotel on the other. The ambience is magical – decorated with hundreds of candles and fresh flowers while the soothing melodies played by live musicians float on the breeze – this is an unparalleled setting for an unforgettable night. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8

Udaipur – Delhi
The morning is at leisure. Your vehicles will be available at your disposal for any last minute shopping. Today you fly back to Delhi where on arrival you are met and assisted with your transfer to a hotel near the international airport where a room for wash & change is reserved for you. Tonight your journey though Incredible India comes to an end as return to the international airport for your onward flight.
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