India and the Himalayas
10 Day North India and the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - From: $8,040
Trip Summary
India's largest state, Rajasthan, commands your attention in many areas, and this 10 day journey allows you to experience them all: opulent palaces, colorful textiles and crafts, impeccable hospitality, and an Indian safari. Spend four days aboard the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, a new luxury train styled in the elegant tradition of the coaches used to transport Rajasthan's royal families with the comfort of modern amenities.
Begin with guided tours of Old and New Delhi before heading to Udaipur for an unforgettable night at the white marble Lake Palace picturesquely set amid the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Once aboard your train, you'll start with an Indian safari in Ranthambore National Park, before heading to Jaipur and its famed Amber Fort, the 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho, and Varansi, the oldest city in the world. Your journey concludes memorably at the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Although an afternoon Indian safari in Ranthambore National Park is included in this trip, for a more extended tiger safari, consider a trip extension to Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Highlights
- See Rajasthan's countryside and great architecture on a four-day rail journey aboard a luxury train.
- Visit Udaipur complete with a boat ride on Lake Pichola and an overnight at the dreamlike, 18th-century, white marble Lake Palace.
- Go on an Indian safari in search of tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
- Explore the exquisitely detailed carvings of Khajuraho Temples.
- Visit Varanasi, the oldest city in the world.
- Discover the city of Agra, and visit the world-famous Taj Mahal.
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| October - February | $8,040 |
Based on two guests traveling together. Note that prices may be higher during peak Holiday travel time from mid-December through mid-January.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi
Arrive Delhi via your international flight, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Lodging: The Oberoi
Day 2
New Delhi
Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of New Delhi. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 237 foot high tower dating back to 13th century and Humanyun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal). In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Lodging: The Oberoi
Day 3
Old Delhi
This morning visit Old Delhi. It pulses with the energy and color, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. You will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride.
Lodging: The Oberoi
Day 4
Delhi - Udaipur
After breakfast, you will met and transferred to Delhi airport for your flight for Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later in evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Lodging: Taj Lake Palace
Day 5
Udaipur and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
After breakfast, enjoy a half day city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. The enchanting City of Dawn looms up like a vision in white. You'll visit City Palace, built in 1725, and has various palaces inside such as Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the Palace of Krishna, all ornately decorated. Later in the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to Udaipur railway station to board your train Royal Rajasthan on Wheels departing Udaipur for Chittorgarh. The fort of Chittorgarh is a treasure trove of history and offers insight into the life of the great Rajput rulers. The victory tower, or Vijay Stambh, is one of the main attractions of the fort.
Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Day 6
Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur
Today you'll enjoy the contrast of Indian wildlife viewing and a visit to Jaipur. Begin in Ranthambore National Park where you may catch a glimpse of the majestic tigers roaming around in the open wilderness and also pay a visit to the imposing Ranthambore Fort to discover some of Rajasthan's history. Next head to Jaipur --a city of pink -- where the light playing upon the buildings, creating shadows and highlighting every nuance of the architecture will enchant you. Watch the awesome Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds) and take an elephant ride at Amber Fort. Visit the city palace residence of the erstwhile maharaja of Jaipur which houses a museum of amazing centuries-old artifacts and the observatory. Enjoy dinner at the Hotel Jai Mahal Palace with a cultural program.
Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Day 7
Khajuraho
The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho are the evidence of the architectural genius of the Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music depicted in sculpture. Images of the temples were built in north Indian Nagara style of architecture. Enjoy lunch at 5-star hotel and your dinner on board
Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Day 8
Varanasi (Banaras)
More than 3,000 years old, Varanasi is famous as the city of temples and the oldest city in the world. Among the temples you will see is Jyotirlinga Visvanatha temple or golden temple, rebuilt in 1776, and dedicated to the lord Shiva. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali. Enjoy lunch at a 5-star hotel and dinner on board.
Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Day 9
Agra
Take a sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Agra Fort and the incomparable Taj Mahal with lunch at a local hotel. Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D, is a masterpiece of design and construction. Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now a "Wonder of the World." Return to the train for dinner.
Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Day 10
Depart
After breakfast on board, disembark the train and transfer to The Trident Gurgaon hotel where you have a day use room. Later transfer to the Delhi airport for departing flight home.