Highlights of India

Highlights of India Tour – 18 Days

Overview

This breathtaking journey through India covers a diverse range of historical, cultural, and natural wonders. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal, the deserts of Rajasthan, and the spiritual banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, experience the magic of India’s vibrant past and present.

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – 16 nights in hand-picked 4-star hotels
✔ Meals – Breakfasts: 16, Lunches: 8, Dinners: 10
✔ Flights – International & domestic flights with current taxes
✔ Transport – High-speed trains, private transfers, and domestic flights
✔ Guided Tours – Expert English-speaking local guides for all sightseeing
✔ Entry Fees – Admission to all included attractions
✔ Cultural Experiences – Traditional dance performances, boat rides, and rickshaw tours
✔ Wildlife Safaris – Morning & afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Delhi

• Arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital.
• The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Old & New Delhi

• Drive past the Red Fort.
• Take a rickshaw ride to Khari Baoli Spice Market.
• Visit:
  • Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque.
  • Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple.
  • India Gate & Gandhi Smriti.
  • Qutub Minar – A 12th-century, 73m-high tower.

Day 4: Agra Fort & Taj Mahal

• Drive to Agra.
• Visit:
  • Agra Fort – A magnificent 16th-century Mughal stronghold.
  • Taj Mahal – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 5: Train to Jhansi & Orchha

• Take a train to Jhansi, stopping at Orchha en route.
• Continue to Khajuraho, home to the famous erotic temples.
• Enjoy a traditional dance performance in the evening.

Day 6: Khajuraho Temples & Fly to Varanasi

• Explore the eastern & western groups of temples, known for their intricate carvings.
• Fly to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital.
• Take a rickshaw ride to the ghats for the Ganga Aarti ceremony – a mesmerising ritual dedicated to the river goddess.

Day 7: Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

• Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River.
• Take a brief city tour of Varanasi.
• Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Day 8: Fly to Jaipur

• Fly to the Pink City of Jaipur.
• Evening at leisure or enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dance performance.

Day 9: Jaipur’s Iconic Landmarks

• Visit:
  • Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – A stunning facade with 953 small windows.
  • Amber Fort – A magnificent 16th-century fortress.
  • City Palace – Home of the royal family.
  • Jantar Mantar Observatory – A collection of astronomical instruments from the 18th century.

Day 10: Travel to Jodhpur

• Drive to Jodhpur, known as the Blue City.
• Evening at leisure.
• Take a walking tour through the local vegetable and spice markets.

Day 11: Explore Jodhpur’s Forts & Palaces

• Visit:
  • Mehrangarh Fort – One of the largest forts in India.
  • Jaswant Thada – A beautiful white marble cenotaph.
  • Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum.
• Enjoy an auto rickshaw ride to a local restaurant for lunch.

Day 12: Travel to Udaipur & Lake Pichola Cruise

• Drive to Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
• Take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, admiring the city’s grand architecture from the water.

Day 13: Explore Romantic Udaipur

• Visit:
  • Fateh Sagar Lake.
  • Folk Museum & Mewar Art Gallery.
  • Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens.
  • City Palace – A fusion of Rajasthani & Mughal styles.

Day 14: Bundi & Chittor Fort

• Drive to Bundi, a charming town known for its stepwells.
• En route, visit Chittor Fort, one of the largest forts in India.
• Take a walking tour of Bundi, exploring its intricately designed stepwells.

Day 15: Ranthambore National Park

• Travel to Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most famous tiger reserves.
• Afternoon at leisure to relax before the safaris.

Day 16: Ranthambore Safaris

• Early morning & afternoon game drives in search of:
  • Bengal tigers.
  • Leopards, sloth bears & over 300 bird species.

Day 17: Train to Delhi

• Travel back to Delhi by train.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 18: Fly Delhi to UK

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ Incredible Landmarks – Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort & Chittor Fort
✅ Cultural Experiences – Rickshaw rides, dance performances & heritage walks
✅ Spiritual & Historical Sites – Ganges River, Sarnath & Khajuraho Temples
✅ Wildlife Adventure – Morning & afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park
✅ Comfortable Travel – Flights, trains & private transfers for a seamless experience

This 18-day tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive Indian adventure, packed with history, culture, wildlife, and architectural marvels.