An unforgettable journey through the enchanting northern states of India, where every step unveils centuries of rich history and cultural marvels. Begin your adventure in the bustling capital of Delhi, where ancient monuments and modern marvels coexist in perfect harmony. Experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi as you glide along the sacred waters of the Ganges, soaking in the profound rituals and beliefs that have echoed through millennia. At the Ranthambhore Reserve, the tigers roam free, admire their majestic presence. Explore the majestic forts and palaces of Jaipur, immersing yourself in the grandeur of bygone eras. No journey to India is complete without beholding the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love and architectural perfection. Finally, indulge at a timeless palace steeped in history and charm with jaw-dropping frescoes, grand courtyards and magnificent dining arcades, showcasing the richness of royal Rajasthani hospitality.
- Home pick up and return within the Auckland Metropolitan area (if applicable).
- Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
- Economy class air fares - Auckland/Singapore/Delhi/Auckland flying Singapore Airlines including all airfare and airport taxes. Domestic India flight Delhi/Varanasi.
- Quality 4-5 Star hotel accommodation throughout including buffet breakfast daily, dinners as specified and porterage assistance.
- Sightseeing tours in India and Singapore as detailed in the tour itinerary.
- All airport and hotel transfers throughout.
- Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
SAT 01 MAR – AUCKLAND/SINGAPORE
Depart Auckland on SQ286 at 3.15pm and arrive Singapore 8.55pm. Stay Grand Park City Hall Hotel (3 nights).
SUN O2 MAR - SINGAPORE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Morning sightseeing including Gardens by the Bay. A leisurely afternoon and dinner in a local restaurant.
MON 03 MAR - SINGAPORE SIGHTSEEING B,L
A full day sightseeing and lunch in a local restaurant. Freedom dining tonight.
TUE 04 MAR - SINGAPORE/DELHI B
Depart Singapore at 4.50pm and arrive in Delhi at 8.10pm. It is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. Stay Eros Hotel (2 nights).
WED 05 MAR - DELHI SIGHTSEEING B,D
Enjoy a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi including Qutb Minar, a minaret and "victory tower" at the site of Delhi's oldest fortified city, Jama Masjid. Travel past the India Gate, Red Fort, Parliament and the President's House. Visit the Spice Market and take a Rickshaw ride. Stroll through Khari Baoli - Asia's largest wholesale spice market.
THU 06 MAR - DELHI/VARANASI B,D
Fly to Varanasi. Known for the art of silk weaving and it‘s rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. In the evening witness the Grand prayer (Aarti) ceremony conducted on the Ghats of River Ganges. You will be transferred to a surreal world, where dozens of big lamps are lit and sway in tandem at the hands of the priests. They offer prayers, sing Vedic hymns, and play traditional instruments. Visitors release 100's of small earthen lamps with flickering lights.
Stay Radisson Hotel (2 nights).
FRI 07 MAR - VARANASI B,D
Enjoy a heritage walk and sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronging with early-morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. Varanasi is associated with spiritualism, mysticism and Sanskrit, yoga and the Hindi language. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat & various other ghats. Visit impressive temples including the 18th century Durga Temple, where the map of undivided India is inscribed in stone. Visit a weavers’ village of Varanasi, where the famous exclusive Varanasi or Banarasi silk sarees are produced by the talented local weaving community.
SAT 08 MAR VARANASI/LUCKNOW B,D
After breakfast travel to Lucknow. Known as ’The City of Nawabs’ and is an intriguing blend of old-world charm, beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, and rich heritage. In the evening enjoy a walking food tour which allows you to hop-in, hop-out of the world-famous traditional roadside eateries. Stay Novotel Hotel (2 nights).
SUN 09 MAR - LUCKNOW B,D
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour including Bada Imambara a Shia Muslim meeting hall considered to be the largest arched hall in the world, the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah (labyrinth) and a summer palace with running water. Visit the State Museum with its ancient artefacts artefacts, and a chikan workshop. Lucknow is the centre for Chikan embroidery, renowned for its timeless grace. A skill that is more than 2000 years old. This evening is free to take in Hazrat Ganj and Aminabad bazaar.
MON 10 MAR - LUCKNOW/AGRA B,D
Travel to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit 16th Century Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar and made with red sandstone. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise which is a labyrinth of Mahals, Court Rooms, Gardens, secret passways. The splendid structures within the fort, the ramparts and majestic gateways signify the immense power, wealth and confidence of the Mughal empire.
Stay Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (2 nights).
TUE 11 MAR - AGRA/RANTHAMBHORE B,D
Visit the magical Taj Mahal - the most perfect marble-built monument in the world. The exquisite structure is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband for his favourite wife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later travel to Ranthambhore, one of the biggest and most renowned National Parks in Northern India popular for the Big Cat, Tiger sightings, also several species of mammals, predators, reptiles and avian wildlife. Stay AamaGhati Wildlife Resort (2 nights).
WED 12 MAR - RANTHAMBHORE B,L,D
An early morning game drive. With an estimated area of 400 sq km of amazing reserve, the park is famous for its tigers. Return to the hotel for breakfast and later enjoy another game drive.
THU 13 MAR - RANTHAMBHORE/JAIPUR B,High-Tea,D
Travel to enchanting Jaipur, the first planned city of India, and a treasure- trove of culture, art and history, famous for its colourful markets, and Rajasthani cuisine. Visit the Silver & Art Palace and discover BIS-certified Diamond & Gold Jewellery, intricately woven textiles, silver & gemstone handicrafts, and more. Dive into the bustling flea markets like Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar, renowned for their exquisite jewelry and tie-and-dye sarees. Stroll through Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldiyon Ka Rasta, home to numerous jewellery shops and silversmiths, before checking in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, indulge in the quintessential experience of high tea at Taj Rambagh Palace. Delight in a selection of the finest teas from around the world accompanied by an exquisite array of exotic canapés and pastries. Stay Hilton Jaipur (3 nights).
FRI 14 MAR - JAIPUR B,L,D
Enjoy the colourful and vibrant festival of Holi at Narain Niwas Palace. It celebrates the arrival of spring, a season of joy and hope. Enjoy a morning filled with live music, dance, drinks and mouth-watering delicacies. Smear colours and splash water on each other with pichkaries (water guns) and water balloons in the company of the host, his friends and family. Afternoon enjoy lunch at Narain Niwas Palace. Rest of the day at leisure for your own activity.
SAT 15 MAR - JAIPUR B,D
Enjoy a tour including a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). and a visit to the Amber Fort (in a Jeep), the former ancient capital of Jaipur state. Later proceed for a guided tour of Jaipur city starting with City Palace Museum; with its priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures, miniature delicate paintings preserved painted ceilings and elephant saddles. The Guinness Book of Records states that it contains the biggest silver objects in the world. Also a visit to Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories with a complex of astronomical instruments. Later in the evening enjoy a puppet show performance followed by dinner.
SUN 16 MAR – JAIPUR/ALSISAR B,D
Travel to Alsisar located in the Shekhawati region. An 18th century caravan trade route now known as an open art gallery. Within this land raises a magnificent and breathtaking 17th-century battle-hardened Alsisar Mahal. Check in to the hotel and in the evening immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan as Rajasthani folk musicians serenade you with tunes played on the Algoza, transporting you to the chivalrous era of royal Rajasthan. Dinner at the hotel.
Stay Alsisar Mahal Heritage Hotel (2 nights).
MON 17 MAR - ALSISAR B,D
Enjoy a walk to discover the heritage of Alsisar with its magnificent Havelis and cenotaphs. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the grandeur of the Palace.
TUE 18 MAR - ALSISAR/DELHI B,D
Drive to Delhi and arrive early afternoon. Rest up before your flight home tomorrow morning. Stay Vivanta Hotel by Taj Dwarka (1 night).
WED 19 MAR - DELHI/AUCKLAND B
Depart Delhi on flight SQ401 at 9.55am, arrive Singapore at 6.15pm. Depart Singapore on SQ 285 at 10.25pm.
THU 20 MAR - AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 1.20pm.
