Royal India with Taj Hotels
Live and breathe India’s rich history when you stay at Taj Hotels’ historic and luxurious properties. Each of their hotels is distinct in style and combines vibrant local culture and true Indian hospitality with state-of-the-art facilities. This 12 day tour includes the fairytale Taj Lake Palace which ‘floats’ in Lake Pichola at Udaipur, and the majestic Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, once home to generations of royalty.
12 days/11 nights
Lodges/Resorts
Departs daily ex Mumbai
Highlights:
- Experience India while staying in some of its most luxurious heritage properties
- Explore the highlights of historic Mumbai from the iconic Taj Mahal Palace
- Sleep beneath the white marble domes of Taj Lake Palace, in Udaipur’s Lake Pichola
- Stroll past peacocks on the lawns of striking Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur
- Visit the Taj Mahal from the tranquil Gateway Hotel on Fatehabad Road
Royal India with Hotels
Itinerary
12 days/11 nights
Hotels/Resorts
Day 1
Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai. Transfer to The Taj Mahal Palace (Tower Wing), a gracious landmark offering views of the Arabian Sea.
Day 2
Mumbai
Explore the highlights of Mumbai including the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, the Prince of Wales Museum and the Hanging Gardens. B
Day 3
Udaipur
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur (1.5 hrs), the ‘City of Lakes’. Arrival transfer to Taj Lake Palace, a dream of white marble located in the middle of Lake Pichola with the dramatic Aravalli Mountains as a backdrop. B
Day 4
Udaipur
After breakfast, visit the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola. B
Days 5/6
Jodhpur
Drive to the desert city of Jodhpur (5.5 hrs) visiting the Ranakpur Temples en route. Tonight, stay at the beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace, the last of the great palaces of India. On day 6 enjoy a morning visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 on top of a 37-metre high sandstone hill. Remainder of the day is free to explore the city’s signature blue houses and broad streets. B
Days 7/8
Jaipur
Depart for the Rajasthani capital of Jaipur (7 hrs) stopping at Pushkar for lunch. On arrival, check in to Rambagh Palace, former home of generations of royals, offering elegantly appointed rooms, marble corridors and majestic gardens. On day 8 visit the sites of Jaipur including the fascinating Amber Fort, Palace of Winds, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Evening free to explore the markets and streets of the ‘Pink City’. BL/B
Day 9
Agra
Early departure for Agra (7 hrs) via Fatehpur Sikri. The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad Road in Agra is a tranquil retreat set amidst six acres of manicured gardens. B
Day 10
Delhi
Visit the Taj Mahal (closed Fri) and 16th century Agra Fort. Drive to Delhi (4 hrs) stopping en route to pay respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. On arrival in Delhi, check in to the Taj Palace, a grand hotel set in the city’s exclusive diplomatic enclave. B
Day 11
Delhi
Full day tour of Delhi, including Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Chandni Chowk bazaar (closed Sun), Raj Ghat and India Gate. B
Day 12
Tour ends Delhi
Transfer to the airport. Tour ends. B
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Visit the glorious Taj Mahal before touring Rajasthan with its royal palaces, walled cities, medieval fortresses and fascinating temples.
Rajasthan and North India Overview
Why visit Rajasthan & North India? This is one of the most visited and famous areas of India, renowned for its dramatic history, romantic desert cities, ancient and mysterious temples, massive hilltop forts and colourful desert peoples, as well as the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Majal.
When is the best time to go to Rajasthan & North India? The best time to visit Rajasthan is October to mid April. Clear blue skies and a moderate to slightly chilly temperature (particularly Dec – Jan) make these months the perfect time to visit. From mid April to mid June it becomes very hot followed by the onset of monsoon rain. The monsoon continues until early August. August and September are warm to occasionally hot in the day with cool evenings.
What can I combine Rajasthan with? The vibrant city of Varanasi situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River and the temples of Khajuraho with their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures.
Ho do you get to Rajasthan? Fly into Delhi and then travel by air, road or rail to cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra or Varanasi .