Tour members depart from their respective capital cities with Singapore Airlines to Singapore.
Arrive Mumbai at 1035.
After clearing customs & immigration, you will be met by Margaret and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Balance of day free to relax.
Mumbai Formerly known as Bombay, is India’s dream city and often related to the New York of India. Mumbai has lots to offer to the modern traveller, from its renowned Bollywood film industry, a fashion epicenter, colonial-era architecture, Gateway of India by waterfront, a home to Asia’s largest slums & to the world’s most expensive home.
Mumbai, with its Colonial and Art Deco buildings, tall skyscrapers, wild traffic and frenetic pace of life, is one of India’s most intriguing cities.
This morning after breakfast & check out. we begin Mumbai sightseeing.
British India’s Bombay, now called Mumbai is a city best explored on foot. We start with a Heritage Walk Tour inside a well-known 140-year-old Washermen’s Colony in an Open-air Laundromat, locally called Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat and the biggest human-powered washing machine. You might just spot your own Hotel clothes here.
Next we visit ManiBhawan that was the political activity headquarters for father of India ‘Mahatma Gandhi’.
We reach Churchgate Railway Station and witness a traditional yet unique Lunchbox Delivery System, the Dabbawala, exclusive to Mumbai city. This started in 1890 when the ‘British’ and ‘Persians’ needed convenience meals on their doorstep. Witness the Dabbawala’s at work collecting hot, home cooked lunches and delivering them to office workers around the city using traditional bicycles and trains.
Afterwards, we take you to the Mumbai Harbor waterfront located bold arch Gateway of India that was built to welcome ‘King George V’ and ‘Queen Mary’ into India. Here we enjoy a photo-stop outside the popular Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and then explore the wealth of colonial era buildings present around, including Bombay High Court, Bombay
University and Prince of Wales Museum that showcase a world-class collection of ancient artifacts.
Later we visit UNESCO world heritage site Victoria Terminus Train Station built in 1888 showcasing finest Victorian-Gothic architecture and the famed location for the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
Evening flight to Udaipur.
This morning you will be taken for city tour of princely state from British India aka the lake city of Udaipur.
The best way to explore this heritage city is by foot, so we begin with a Heritage Walk through the chaotic streets of Old Town, exploring timeless markets, ancient temples and fantastic palaces including Udaipur City Palace, Crystal Gallery & Museum built in 16th century by founder of Udaipur ‘Maharana Udai Singh II’ and towers glamorously over the famous ‘Lake Pichola’.
Witness an afternoon prayer ceremony inside cities most prominent Jagdish Temple belonging to the great Indo-Aryan Era.
Next we visit Saheliyon-Ki-Bari that literally translates to The Garden of Maidens who
came as a part of the princess dowry. We arrive at the popular Clock Tower surrounded by Street Markets of ‘Bada Bazaar’, which is a treasure-trove of traditional goodies and lively arts & crafts scene.
Tour ends with a Sunset Boat Cruise on the shimmering Lake Pichola to view the sparkle of Udaipur by night including the 17th century pleasure Palace on Island ‘Jagmandir’ and the world famous ‘Lake Palace’ of India, popular in Hollywood films. After the tour you will be transferred back to your Hotel.
The palace on Jagmandir Island, about 800m south of Jagniwas, was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620, added to by his successor Maharana Jagat Singh, and then changed very little until the last few years when it was partly converted into another (smaller)
hotel. When lit up at night it has more romantic sparkle to it than the Lake Palace.
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and then driven on to the Blue washed city of ‘Jodhpur’. En route visit Jain Temples in Ranakpur Village. The tour continues with a drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival in Jodhpur check in at your hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax or do your own activities.
This medieval Blue Painted City houses the Mighty Mehrangarh Fortress that is still run by the Royal Family of Jodhpur.
Towering 120m above the skyline of Jodhpur and its array of blue shaded Traditional Houses in the Old City, a colour sacred to the highest caste of Hinduism ‘The Brahmins’. Jodhpur is set in the stark of the Great Indian Thar Desert, and offers plenty to the
modern traveller. From its heritage palaces, forts, temples to glittering bazaars selling everything from trumpets to saris. Experience the buzz of Jodhpur and its legendary history. On the outskirts of Jodhpur is a town called Bishnoi - home to the infamous 15th century ‘Bishnoi Village Tribes’.
Welcome to Jodhpur, the mystical blue colored town of India. We cover the legendary 15th century built Mehrangarh Fortress that stands 410 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur offering stunning views of this blue painted town. Royal Cenotaphs, built as a milky-white marble memorial to Jodhpur’s Maharaja ‘Jaswant Singh II’.
Next, a Heritage Walk through Old Town to explore Jodhpur’s lifestyle, their charming blue washed houses and discover some lesser-known secrets. Feel free to peep inside to interact with welcoming ‘Jodhpuri’ residents. Meet with a priest family at Hare Krishna Temple. Discover Ancient Stepwells ‘Tunwarji Ka Jhalra’ and downtown located Clock Tower with its surrounding Street Markets ‘Sadar Bazaar’.
Later in the afternoon we hop-on local Jeeps and we take you for a Tribal Tour in the infamous 15th century’s Bishnoi Village to encounter and interact with raw tribal life of Bishnoi Tribes known for their unique lifestyle, fine artwork and pottery making skills. Experience their traditions, decorated huts and a unique ‘Opium Ceremony’
performed specifically by the Tribal Chief. By dusk, in the village we enjoy Jeep Safari to spot rare flora-fauna around Guda Lake including Indian Black Bucks, Blue Bulls, Demoiselle Cranes and many more.
Enjoy a scenic Bishnoi Village Safari and mingle with the tribal Indians inhibiting the land. Watch the Bishnoi folk as they go about their lives in this land where time stands still. No trip to Jodhpur is complete without a visit to the Bishnoi Village Safari. Meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and be prepared to travel to a land where time has come to a stand-still. Warped in the bygone eras, the delightful little village of Bishnoi, is best explored through a village safari. The safari tour was founded by Jodhpur’s Rajas and
Maharajas, to offer a glimpse into the rich cultural life of this Marwa state, to Indian and foreign guests. Bishnoi Village Safari is ideal for peeking into the life of tribal India. Marked with Khejri trees and deer, Bishnoi is a scenic village, where Lord Vishnu worshiping villagers continue to worship nature and everything it has to offer. The naturally serene Guda Bishnoi Lake is an ideal picnic spot, where you can find various species of exotic migratory birds and endangered species of animals, like blackbucks and chinkaras.
After Breakfast and checkout, we will journey to Jaipur (335 Kms) aka the legendary Pink City and capital of Rajasthan state of India. Upon arrival our representative will meet you for Check-In at Hotel.
This afternoon we arrive in the heart of Old City to visit residence of the Royal Family locally called Jaipur City Palace and Museum. Built in 1700 AD by ‘Raja Jai Singh II’, this Palace is a paradise of royal heritage history as it houses rare galleries from British Raj and Rajput Era. We capture real life of Jaipur and enjoy novelty of street shopping as we take you for a Bazaar Walk and Tuk Tuk Ride Tour through Jaipur’s most colourful bazaars. Put your negotiating skills to the test here, as this market is a trading hub of basically everything from blue pottery, Indian saris to Jooties, traditional shoes made of camel leather with extensive hand embroidery. During walk tour witness Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark The Palace of Winds ‘Hawa Mahal’ built in a unique pink-colored beehive design that is certainly hard to miss. Witness its 958 intricately designed windows that were built for Royal Women to explore city life from a high-rise. In the evening, an optional visit to the local Spice and vegetable market Choti Chaupar.
After Breakfast our expert guide will met you for briefing on your heritage program for the day.Your morning begins in heritage style as you are presented with traditional turban, bindi and stoll to wear. You then be taken to the outskirts of Jaipur to walk through the grounds and structures of the Amber Fort, famous for its Rajput architecture with terraces and ramparts that are reflected in the Maota Lake below.
Among the best hilltop forts in India, the sprawling Amber Fort is a typical example of what the lives of the gallant Rajputs were like – militant, adventurous, temperamental and also self-indulgent. Within the stern exteriors that seem to grow out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Continue on to see some of Jaipur’s other attractions including the City Palace Museum
and Jantar Mantar Observatory. The City Palace is an architectural marvel that presents a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The palace has projecting balconies, arches and the entrances. It covers one-seventh of the area in Jaipur and houses a museum with an exclusive collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniature paintings, carpets and royal paraphernalia.
Afterwards, we depart for Sanganer village and Bagru to learn the art of hand block printing and dyeing from traditional artisans A textile expert will give you an introduction into what you will be doing today covering in detail the process showing examples of Indigo dyeing and block-printing to understand the technique better.
Then head to the master artisan’s workshop where you will have a hands-on workshop dyeing and block printing, making your own masterpieces to take home with you. If permitting we visit IICS (Indian Institute of Crafts & Design). Afterwards we return to your Hotel in Jaipur.
The village of Sanganer, about 12km south of Jaipur, has essentially been engulfed by urban sprawl. It boasts a ruined palace, a group of Jain temples with fine carvings (to which entry is restricted) and two ruined tripolias (triple gateways). The main reason to visit, however, is to see its handmade paper and block-printing shops, workshops and factories (mostly found around the main drag, Stadium Rd), where you can see the products being made.
The village of Bagru where block printing is still a small, family-based undertaking and has essentially been engulfed by urban sprawl. The main reason to visit, however, is to see its block-printing shops, workshops and factories (mostly found around the village), where you can see the products being made. You can also walk down to see the enormous, brightly
coloured fabrics drying in the sun as they hang on huge racks.
After Breakfast/Check-Out we drive you to Agra. En route stop at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (including Rickshaw Ride inside the Park). Bharatpur is famous for its wonderful Unesco-listed Keoladeo National Park, a wetland and significant bird sanctuary. Apart from the park, Bharatpur also has a few historic vestiges and a good museum worth visiting, though it wouldn’t be worth making the journey here for these sights alone. The old town is busy, noisy and not particularly visitor-friendly. Bharatpur hosts the boisterous and colourful Brij Festival just prior to Holi celebrations.
Next stop enroute is at the deserted mughal empire city of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is the magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Earlier, Akbar had visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, still in use today, and three palaces, one for each of his favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian (though Hindu villagers in Sikri dispute these claims).
Later in the afternoon we will arrival iun Agra, aka the home of iconic Taj Mahal. You will be met for check-in to your Hotel.
Today at dusk you will be picked up from your hotel in Agra and then taken for a Sunset Photgraphy Tour of Taj Mahal from riverside gardens of Mehtab Bagh located on the banks of holy river ‘Yamuna’. After sunset we return to Hotel.
Later in the evening we take you out to enjoy traditional Indian Mughlai Dinner in the city. After Dinner we return to the hotel.
At the break of dawn our Taj Mahal expert guide will meet you in the lobby along with eco-friendly vehicles to take you for a Sunrise Grand Tour of The Taj Mahal. You will be met by our expert Taj Mahal guide who will arrange eco-friendly pollution free vehicles for you to journey to the main gates of the Taj. Spanning an area of about 1,000 acres (400 hectares), this majestic architectural wonder offers incredible sights. Built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and combines Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. On your guided tour, admire the structure’s magnificent construction, the intricate exterior and interior decor, the beautiful garden and the outlying red-sandstone buildings. Capture the changing faces of the Taj in different light conditions. Our expert guides will also help you find special
vantage points for perfect photography moments of Taj. Afterward Taj tour we return back to hotel for Breakfast. A Jewel of Muslim Art in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child, today renowned as the best wonder of the world. In 1631 construction began with 20,000
masters from India and Central Asia. Specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and Pietra Dura inlay work using precious stones.
Later in the morning, we journey through the cities Traditional Houses, Local Schools, British Raj Colonies to Mughal Era Architectures. We arrive at our destination and conduct a Guided Heritage Walk inside India’s finest Mughal fortress The Red Fort of Agra, an acclaimed UNESCO heritage site and the imperial residence of 16th century rulers of ‘Mughal Dynasty’.
Next, we will experience the famous art of Agra - Marble Inlay Work. We will visit certified arts & handicrafts centers to witness a live demonstration of this rare artwork that was performed at the Taj Mahal and other Mughal Monuments in 1600’s. You will see traditional tools and the entire process of fixing the precious gemstones in marble. Enjoy Masala Chai-Tea served on spot, and meet with local families who are keeping this art alive since centuries. Here you can also explore various antiques through their treasured arts collection such as embroidered textiles-fabrics, rugs, leather goods, silverware, tea, spices and much more. If time permitting enjoy a wonderful shopping experience in the street markets of Agra’s Sadar Bazaar, our Guide will walk with you to assist in negotiating and explaining the life and culture of Agra.
Dinner will be serve at your hotel in Agra.
After Breakfast & check-Out, at 11:00, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Agra Airport in order to Catch your flight for Varanasi.
Welcome to Varanasi, a sacred town believed to offer its visitors Moksha, liberation from cycle of rebirth.
Depart : Agra by Air India Flight AI-406 (ETD 1355 Hrs) (Operates only Mon,Wed,Sat)
Arrive : Varanasi ‘Economy Class’ (ETA 1610 Hrs)
(Air India will allow 25 KG Checkin luggage and 7 KG Hand baggage)
Upon arrival in Varanasi you will be met and transfer to hotel for check in.
This evening you will be picked up from your hotel in Varanasi and then taken participate in Sunset Ganges River Ceremony Aarti, a Sanskrit prayer performed to worship The Ganges River by several priests, accompanied by bells, drums, cymbals and flower petals.
Afterwards we will continue for your Dinner. Indulge in local specialty Vegetarian Thali Dinner in the city (Restaurant Shree Shiv or similar - on direct payment basis).
Magical auspicious city of Varanasi, best described as the India of your imagination! This is India’s most holy city and has a spiritual legacy stretching across 3,000 years. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, and attracts a large number of people from all over the world. For centuries, Varanasi has been famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism.
Early morning: experience a magical Sunrise Cruise on The Ganges River. Capture picturesque views riverfront steps Ghats filled with ancient temples, classic houses and hundreds of pilgrims who come to wash-away their sins and attain salvation from this sacred river. Crematory Rituals at burning Ghats of Manikarnika, to understand karma, salvation and afterlife.
Afterwards, we conduct our iconic Heritage-walk through maze-like streets of Varanasi and get an eye-opening insight to this holy city. We begin heritage walk from Assi Ghat to Dasaswamedh Ghat, do the old city walk which comes out near Ram Ghat, from there we pick-up the boat again and head for Raj Ghat where we depart by bus and go to family run weavers Village - Sarai Mohana Village & Pili Kothi to experience the blend of serenity and chaos that defines true local Indian life. Learn about local agriculture and traditional customs.
These are attractive villages well known for silk weaving especially the opulent gold and silver brocade worn by Indian women on weddings and other very special occasions. Weaving work here has been carried on since the ancient times and transferred from generation to generation. In the village we will get to know the craftsmanship of the weavers with their unique designs. We will explore through handlooms (New & Old patter ), Dye Making process, Coloring, Embroidering and final product. We will be meeting with Ustad (Master Weaver) Hasim Mohammed & Discuss about the art of weaving with Masala tea.
Afterwards, we transfer to Varanasi airport in order to connect your onward flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transfer to hotel for check in.
Dinner will be served at your hotel in Delhi.
This morning after Breakfast, you will again met by our expert City guide who will take you on a journey through to India’s renowned capital, influenced by 1850’s British Raj and 1630’s Mughal Empire. Tour includes heritage rich Old Delhi and raj era’s New Delhi. We visit India’s largest Mosque Jama Masjid built by Mughal
Emperor and the maker of Taj Mahal himself – Emperor ‘Shah Jahan’ in 1644 AD, and showcases finest Islamic style of architecture. Then, we hop-on a Rickshaw Ride Tour exploring real life and buzz of Old City. The ride includes maze-like streets of the iconic Spice Markets - Khari Baoli.
Then, Crafters Street Kinari Bazaar, where you will find embroidery items and other treats such as lace, gold/silver work, precious gems,embellishment pieces and wonderful fabrics. Later, we take a stop at Delhi’s authentic street food at Paratha Wali Gali aka The Bread Street. Witness unique cooking styles using ancient utensils as we taste a signature ‘Paratha’ (a fried flat bread with meat/veg stuffings served with mint chutney, yogurt and onions), ‘Kulfi’ (Cardamom, Saffron, Pistachio based Indian Ice Cream). Our rickshaw ride ends at the Mughal residence fort of 1600’s - The Red Fort of Delhi.
Afterwards, special arrangements will be made for group North Indian inspired Lunch at the renowned Chor Bizarre Restaurant in Old Delhi. Chor Bizarre brings authentic Indian cuisine in a setting that is unabashedly Indian. Our chefs have endeavored to stay true to the actual origin of each regional dishes, honestly recreating flavors that one would
normally associate only with home cooked food of that region.
After Lunch you will be transferred to your Hotel. Later afternoon free to relax or to do your own activities.
We suggest a visit to street markets for some last minute souvenirs/shopping that is surrounding your city centre Hotel.
Dinner will be served at your hotel in Delhi.
After Breakfast, you will again met by our expert City guide who will take you for street shopping tour. We will cover:
a) Dilli Haat, where artisans come to sell their wares, from sophisticated fabrics, metal crafts, to leather goods.
About: https://www.tripsavvy.com/dilli-haat-delhi-market-1539681
a) Next, journey to the City Centre Market Connaught Place named after the ‘Duke of Connaught’ and surrounds the central park of Delhi. This horse-shoe shaped market remains a showpiece of Lutyens Delhi. Here we also visit the bargain streets of “Janpath” Known for Handicrafts, hippy clothing, shoes, paintings, brassware, Indian artifacts, leather work, fragrances, and cheap jewelry.
About: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/Places-that-make-Connaught-Place-what-it-is/gs47894571.cms
b) Next visit Khan Market for shopping tour. The market is heritage and serving since the times of the great Mogul Empire. It offers a range of chic/boutiques catering to Organic designers and eco friendly clothing found here. For years these shops ideals have been those of conservation and development, through the input of design, marketing and project funding into the community they are in. The market is well known as an alternative role model for good business practices, and the ongoing revival of traditional textile skills in India.
About: http://delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/shopping/khan_market.jsp
After the shopping tour return back to your hotel.
Later in the evening you will be taken out for a Farewell Dinner. Arrangements will be made at a specialty restaurant near your city centre hotel in Delhi.
0900 check out.
We continue by drive to New Delhi tour, we begin Humayun’s Tomb, afterwards we explore inside gold covered Sikh Shrine Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and volunteer inside its holy Community Kitchen that daily feeds over 10,000 devotees, pilgrims and homeless.
Next, we visit Ceremonial Boulevard Raj Path to witness Sir Edwin Lutyens finest works from 1920’s British Raj Era including Colonial Government Buildings, President and Parliament House from outside and The India Gate Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1921, this imposing 42m-high stone memorial arch pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian army soldiers who died in WWI.
After the tour we will visit boutique central guest house Bajaj Indian Home-stay where spare 2 rooms will be at your disposal for wash/change. Followed by Indian Family Lunch set-up by Bajaj Family.
Later at 1745pm you will be collected from the home-stay and transferred to Delhi international airport to connect your onward Singapore airlines flight to return back home.
Singapore Airlines and Journeys Worldwide offer an attractive package in this interesting cosmopolitan city.
The Basic Package consists of:-
- Return airport transfers
- Accommodation in a range of hotels from 3 stars - 5 stars on a bed only basis
The Stopover Holiday Program is suitable for longer stays and consists of:-
- Return airport transfers
- Accommodation in a range of hotels from 3 stars - 5 stars including breakfast
- Hop-on hop-off bus pass
- Night safari Singapore
- A range of discounts on all the local attractions including Sentosa Island.
Consider an extension to Kathmandu - please see our website for details
