Exotic India

Resort:	Exotic India
Operator:	Cox and Kings
Destination:	India
Price From:	£3195.00

Overview

Starting from Indias historic capital, Delhi, this journey for solo travellers continues to Agra to see the sun rise at the Taj Mahal. Search for elusive Bengal tigers in Ranthambore and marvel at the majestic forts and grand palaces of princely Rajasthan, in the company of like-minded travellers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the LaLit (or similar) for 2 nights. After settling into your hotel enjoy a late afternoon tour of Old Delhi including a visit to the bustling Chandni Chowk market by cycle rickshaw. Welcome dinner at the Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi with views towards the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. (D)

Day 3: Delhi

Morning visit to the President’s Palace for the ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony, a colourful and musical spectacle held in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Continue on your tour of New Delhi visiting the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower. Afternoon at leisure – perhaps explore one of Delhi’s many markets or simply relax at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4: Agra

Today head to Agra, the home of the unmissable Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent and imposing Agra Fort and stay overnight at the Courtyard by Marriott (or similar). (B, D)

Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri Ranthambore

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the mesmerising Taj Mahal. The iconic structure is magical at this time of the day as the marble transforms its colour in the twilight. Then head to one of India’s most beautiful national parks, Ranthambore, via the ancient citadel of Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, 16th-century sandstone city was built as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, but was abandoned just 15 years after it was built due to a shortage of water. Take the train from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur on the outskirts of Ranthambore and stay 2 nights in the Sawai Vilas. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 6: Ranthambore

Wildlife drives in the early morning and late afternoon in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Although well known for its tiger population, Ranthambore is also home to sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a bird watcher’s paradise. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Jaipur

Drive to the pink city of Jaipur. A former capital of the Rajput empire, Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is a colourful city with a fascinating blend of styles. Stay 2 nights at the wonderful heritage hotel, Shahpura House. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 8: Jaipur

Spend the morning just outside Jaipur in Amber, the ancient capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs. Here you will find a majestic fort-palace displaying both Mughal and Rajput designs. This afternoon head back to Jaipur and explore the Pink City including visits to the sprawling City Palace, the curious astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar and a brief photo stop at the remarkable facade structure of ‘Hawa Mahal’, also known as the Palace of the Winds. (B, D)

Day 9: Pushkar Deogarh

Morning departure for Deogarh, visiting Pushkar and its temples and markets en route. Stay 2 nights at the Deogarh Mahal, a former palace and now a superb heritage hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax. (B, D)

Day 10: Deogarh

This morning take a scenic ride on Deogarh’s metre-gauge train, passing waterfalls, lush landscapes and rural life. Optional afternoon 4×4 safari visiting local Bishnoi tribal villages*. Enjoy an evening of traditional Rajasthani folk dancing. (B, D)

Day 11: Ranakpur Udaipur

Drive to Udaipur, undeniably one of India’s most picturesque and romantic cities. En route make a stop at Ranakpur to admire the spectacular Jain temples, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Stay 2 nights at LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace (or similar). (B, D)

Day 12: Udaipur

Enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur – including the magnificent City Palace, the Jagdish temple and the Garden of the Maid’s Honour. End the tour with a cruise on the lake. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking Lake Fateh Sagar. (B, D)