North India East to West Cultural Journey
Country
India
Duration
17 Days
Price
$$5895 AUD
About Destination
North India Highlights
- Explore India’s former capital to the British Raj – Kolkata
- Witness all the splendour of the Ganges River in the Holy city of Varanasi
- Witness some of North Indias Festivals
- Witness the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset
- Stalk a Tiger in the rural National Park of Ranthambore
- Explore the Palaces and museums in the Pink city of Jaipur
- Hike up to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort in the Blue City Jodhpur
- Explore Venice of the East the city of Udaipur
Details
Itineraries
One of India’s most historic and cosmopolitan cities, Kolkata has been at the center of activity of various civilizations. Large populations of Chinese, Armenian, Jewish, and other immigrant communities have all called Kolkata home, and the city’s stunning architecture pays testament to its social, political, and cultural richness.
- Arrival from Sydney at Kolkata International airport at approx 11pm local time
- Private taxi to meet and greet you outside the airport (name sign) and transfer your hotel in downtown Kolkata
- Hotel check in and straight to bed
- Breakfast followed by sightseeing with local guide in and around Kolkata, including Mother Theresa House, Queen Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Sudar St & College Street bookstores & cafes
- Afternoon free time to relax around hotel or visit local market and café area of Suddar Street
Stay 2 nights
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of North India, and but also one the holiest of seven sacred cities in Hinduism
- After breaky, check out and depart in taxi to Kolkata domestic airport for flight to Varanasi
- Varanasi airport pickup and transfer to hotel overlooking the Ganges River
- A few doors down is the Tiwari Travel shop , go there to meet Sunit Tiwari for chai and chat about your upcoming journey and sightseeing
- Evenings enjoy the Arti (fire) ceremony overlooking the Ganges River in Assi Ghats
Sarnath located 10kms outside of Varanasi, is where, circa 528BC, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first Buddhist sermon after attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya.
- This morning sunrise boat ride on Ganges River
- Back to the hotel for breakfast and later guided visit the old city laneways and temples and ghats in and around Varanasi
- On your final day after breakfast take a driver out to visit the Buddhist town of Sarnath
- On return visit the Tiwari family home in their village for a home cooking meal with the family a wonderful local experience to witness real life in a middle class Indian family home
Stay 3 nights in Varanasi
Agra is legendary as the home of the Taj Mahal, the immortal marble mausoleum and an ode to love
- After breakfast , Check out of hotel in Lucknow and taxi transfer early to Agra (approx 4hr drive)
- Arrive check into hotel, relax, afternoon take a stroll to the Yummna Riverside
- dinner in your hotel
- Next morning sunrise entry into Taj Mahal & visiti Agra Fort
- Some local shopping and dinner at either local restaurant or in your hotel
Stay 2 nights Agra
In the Jungle of East Rajasthan with diverse flora and fauna, and home to India’s Bengal Tiger. Enjoy a Tiger safari to explore the National Park and all its wildlife and hopefully spot wild Tigers.
- Early start for drive to Ranthambore (approx. 5-6hr drive)
- Arrive check into hotel arrive in time for an afternoon /sunset wildlife safari in the national park (shared jeep)
- Next morning sunrise safari (approx. 6am). Back to hotel for breakfast Rest of day to relax around resort and pool or local sights.
Stay 2 nights
The beauty of the Pink City of Rajasthan is known to one and all. Surrounded by Aravalli Hills and residing next to the Thar desert, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is a splendor of history and culture
- Depart early from Ranthambore to Jaipur, (approx. 4hrs)
- Check into hotel relax rest of the day
- Next day Local guide to meet you for day sightseeing around Jaipur, Including visiting the City Palace complex and the majestic Amber Fort
- Final day to explore at own pace with your driver and do some local shopping
- If time permits see a Bollywood Film at Raj Mandir in the evening
Stay 2 nights in Jaipur
Jodhpur is famous for its 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a former palace that’s now a museum, set on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the famous blue painted houses that are symbolic of this town
- Depart early from Jaipur to Jodhpur and enjoy the beautiful rural countryside, and stopping for chai along the way
- Arrive check into hotel. Relax, dinner in hotel
- Next day local sightseeing tour with guide in and around this the Blue city, including a walk up the Mehrangarh Fort, and sightseeing tour inside
- Last day to explore further around the old town and shopping and cafes/local restaurants be sure to try a local Lassi yoghurt drink
Stay 2 nights
Set around a series of beautiful yet artificial lakes is known for its lavish royal residences. City Palace overlooking Pichola Lake, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens.
- Depart early from Jodhpur to Udaipur (approx. 5 hrs) and enjoy the beautiful rural countryside, passing through small villages and stopping for chai along the way
- Arrive check into hotel. Relax, dinner in hotel
- Next day your local guide will meet you for you sightseeing tour in around town
Stay 2 nights
Delhi India’s capital is a big metropolitan city, which consists of Old & New Delhi with so many wonderful sights to see. In New Delhi is the famous India Gate & Connaught Circus for fantastic shopping. Explore Old Delhi to witness the call to pray at the Jama Masjid mosque and Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar fill with food carts, sweet shops and spice stalls.
- Check out of hotel taxi transfer to Udaipur domestic airport for flight to Delhi
- Arrive relax in hotel or take a walk in the local area
- Next day a guided sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including Jama Masjid and Chandi chowk & then India Gate and Connaught Place in New Delhi
- Dinner at hotel before transfers to the Delhi international airport for late night flight back to you home country
Stay 1 night and 1 late departure to airport
Included
- All transport in private vehicle (as per itinerary)
- All airport & hotel pickup & transfers
- Mix of 4 & 5 * hotels with breakfast included, 1 double standard room
- Domestic flights Kolkata to Varanasi , Udaipur to Delhi to Amritsar return
- Sightseeing with local guides (half day morning sightseeing approx. 4-5 hrs) as per itinerary
- 2 x jungle Safari in Ranthambore national Park (sunrise & sunset) shared jeep
- Sunrise boat ride on Ganges River Varanasi
- Lunch at Tiwari family home in the village (local experience)
- Indian Tour Manager
Excluded
- International Airline tickets
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Indian tourist visa
- Entrance fees & camera fees to monuments, temples and sites eg. Taj Mahal
- Any personal tipping e.g. restaurant waiters, hotel staff, temple donations, carrying of bags in hotels, airports, train stations
- Any meals food or drinks outside included meals in itinerary
- Any costs associated with changes in itinerary, such as additional bookings of hotels for extra nights due to delays beyond the control of Tiwari Travel