The Grand Tour of India

Day 1: Arrive Amritsar

Arrive in Amritsar and check in to Taj Swarna. Visit the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony; enjoy a welcome dinner. Our travel specialists will be delighted to assist with flight arrangements if required.

Day 2: Amritsar - Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its vast community kitchen (langar). Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Day 3: Fly to Varanasi via Delhi

Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Taj Ganges. Visit the riverside Dasaswamedh ghat, or stepped wharf, to witness the wondrous aarti ceremony from the Ganges.

Day 4: Varanasi - Fly to Delhi

Awake early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, followed by a walking tour of Varanasi’s paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice, jewellery and flower markets. Take an evening flight to Delhi for a two-night stay at The Imperial.

Day 5: Old & New Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi via rickshaw. Pass the Red Fort, visit the Jama Masjid mosque, then explore on foot. In the afternoon, tour New Delhi with a drive past India Gate and the Viceregal Residence, then visit Qutb Minar and the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Day 6: Agra

Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra. In the afternoon visit the Agra Fort. Later, see the Taj Mahal as it’s bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

Day 7: Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore

Visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for lunch at the regal Laxmi Vilas Palace before a train ride to Sawai Madhopur. Stay at Jungle Vilas.

Day 8: Ranthambore National Park

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing on 4x4 safaris. Drive through the park in search of deer, sloth bears, birds, and the elusive Bengal tiger.

Day 9: Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur to stay at the ITC Rajaputana for two nights. Afternoon at leisure. Evening aarti ceremony at a local Hindu temple.

Day 10: Jaipur

Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace (a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture); Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory; and the Maharaja Museum. Later view Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of Winds’, with its elaborate pink sandstone facade.

Day 11: Jodhpur - Rohet

Drive to Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and view the bluewashed Brahmin houses. Stay at Rohet Garh, a traditional mansion.

Day 12: Rohet

Day at leisure. Optional 4x4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal village (optional activity).

Day 13: Ranakpur - Udaipur

Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Stay at the Trident Udaipur.

Day 14: Udaipur

Morning tour of the City Palace and a miniature painting studio. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure followed by a cultural dance show and farewell dinner.

Day 15: Fly to Delhi

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay and farewell drink at the Trident Gurgaon.

Day 16: Depart

Tour ends in Delhi.