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Overview

Luxury trip to India

India wears her patina well and this luxury trip is the perfect opportunity to discover its countless treasures from the past. With over 5,000 years of history, there is much to be explored in this beautiful country. Embark on this incredible itinerary and discover the Golden Triangle by air flights to each destination. Arrive refreshed, relaxed and ready to explore! Old and New Delhi are so different - each offering their own slice of history to be discovered. Agra offers a monument built in the name of love and no trip to India would be complete without a view of this marble tomb at sunrise and sunset. Discover the sights and sounds of Jaipur and Jodhpur: spices, incense, gold, flamboyant colours and refined music will pave this part of your luxury trip. Explore ancient bazaars, incredible palaces and historic forts - reminiscent of a time of great wealth, power and pride. Experience the life of royalty as you visit Udaipur and Lake Pichola. This region was the playground for those who ruled this empire and today the grandeur is shared with the world. India is a complex country where the people are warm, colorful and friendly. Discover India in all her glory, beauty and charm in Golden India by Air!

Don't hesitate to contact our India experts advisor at Uniktour to get more information about this luxury trip to India!

Itinerary

Day 1| International Flight

Day 2| Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon arrival at New Delhi, you will be met in the arrivals area upon exiting baggage claim and will be transferred to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the Claridges has been a landmark in Delhi since the 1950's. Set on 3 acres of land, the hotel is a low-rise building with only three floors. It is within close proximity of the business district, ministries, diplomatic missions, shopping & cultural centers and historical landmarks.
Overnight: The Claridges (Deluxe Room)

Day 3| Delhi
After a relaxed breakfast, meet your guide of the day to begin your exploration of Delhi.
Delhi, India's capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavour. Delhi is India's showcase, be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture - everything is available here - waiting to be discovered. Delhi is a city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets. Where colonial mansions stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights.
Start your private tour by exploring Old Delhi Area. Your guide will take you to the heart of old Delhi, allowing you to savour the sights, smells and sounds of this ancient city, whose past is reflected in its present. Lead by an experienced ‘Dilliwallah', travel through the winding lanes and listen as your guide recounts tales, anecdotes and legends of a Delhi that goes back thousands of years. The walk takes you to the age old Silver market, through quaint streets selling incredible ware, to the tranquility of a Jain temple and to the flower market which is a riot of color. The tour also takes you past the Red Fort (the precursor to the Agra Fort) and the Jama Masjid, (the largest mosque in Asia) which you may visit at your convenience.
Later move to New Delhi area, created to reflect the might of the British Empire. New Delhi consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and imposing government buildings. The 12th century Qutab Minar is gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 feet. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. Drive past the India Gate, a World War I memorial, the Presidential Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.
As an option this evening, explore the emporiums and markets of Delhi.
Overnight: Claridges (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 4| Delhi - Udaipur
After breakfast, relax in your hotel or visit local sites. Early in afternoon, you will be transferred to airport to board your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur, you will be met and will be transferred to hotel. Gaze at the Aravalli mountain views from the outdoor pool at the Trident Hilton Udaipur hotel. Work out in the gym, stroll in the wildlife reserve and see Lake Pichola by boat. Leave the children in the Kids' Club while you visit central Udaipur attractions, 10 minutes' drive away. Overnight at Trident Hilton (Deluxe Garden View) (B)

Day 5| Udaipur
After breakfast, explore Udaipur on this half day, privately guided tour of Udaipur. Udaipur was founded in 1568 as the capital of the old Mewar state; it was the only Pajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps in the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles southwest of Jaipur. The city is built around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.
Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna, all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, -The Preserver- in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the gardens and fountains of the Sahelion Ki Bari. This evening you will enjoy a romantic boat cruise at Lake Pichola at sunset. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Overnight at Trident Hilton (Deluxe Garden View) (B)

Day 6| Jaipur - Jodhpur
After a relaxing breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be met and will be transferred to your hotel. Taj Hari Mahal is spread over six acres of lush, landscaped gardens and this palace of the 21st century offers luxurious refinement. With its Marwar style architecture and Moghul-inspired domes, enamelled murals, slender columns, and grand interiors, this is design that lives up to the fantasy. Located close to the city markets, nearby guests can find much to see and experience.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax.
Overnight at Taj Hari Mahal (Superior City view) (B)

Day 7| Jodhpur
After breakfast at hotel, your exploration of Jodhpur begins. Settled in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur has a history of war, romance and bravery. With its imposing Mehrangarh Fort that can be seen from all parts of the city, to its broad streets, its signature blue white houses, Jodhpur still encompasses a bygone era. Visit he impressive Mehrangarh Fort, which is set on a 37m sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird's eye view of the old city to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
In the afternoon, you will be visiting the Bishnoi Villages. Very near to Jodhpur, the villagers (Bishnois) are famous for their efforts to conserve nature. They are equally famous for their traditions and life style. You will be welcome as guests to join the villagers in an `Opium' ceremony.
Overnight at Taj Harimahal (Superior City view) (B)

Day 8| Jaipur
This morning, visit to Taj Mahal again at sunrise to see the marble wonder in different lights. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur, you will be met at airport and will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing in your hotel and exploring his amenities. Situated en route to Jaipur's renowned Amer Fort, Trident Hilton Jaipur, looks out on to the scenic Mansagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli ranges. The hotel has 138 rooms that overlook the Mansagar Lake or the Aravalli range. Elegantly furnished, the rooms are equipped with mini-bars, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones and television sets with satellite transmission. There are non-smoking rooms and rooms designed for the disabled.
This afternoon, you will begin your tour of Jaipur. Popularly known as the Pink City, it was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha Dynasty - the astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh. It is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan and a jewel which forms one point of the golden triangle. Next, visit the City Palace, the former residence of the royal family, a part of which is converted into a museum. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the old city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure.
Overnight at Trident Hilton (Deluxe Garden View) (B)

Day 9| Jaipur
After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the Amber Fort for sightseeing of this a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time-ravaged walls and fascinating palaces inside. Visit the enchanting palaces and gardens inside the fort palace to complete your tour. On your way back, stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds for a brief stop for photographs and as it is in the heart of Jaipur's shopping district, this might be an ideal time to shop for keepsakes. The highlight of this visit is an elephant ride to the top of the hill, on which this fort is built. This afternoon could be spent shopping as Jaipur is very famous for its jewels and `Tie'n'Die' style clothes.
Overnight at Trident Hilton (Deluxe Garden View) (B)

Day 10| Jaipur - Agra
After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Agra. On arrival in Agra, you will be met at the airport. Prior to check in, your driver will take you on a private tour of Agra Fort. This fort was built by the Emperor Akbar in 1565. The high red stone monument stretches for around 1.5 miles! The palace is noted for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. After your tour of the fort, you will proceed to your hotel, the ITC Mughal where you will be assisted with check-in.
Agra is renowned around the world due to the fabulous Taj Mahal and is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna. Agra is a city with a glorious past and has the distinction of being the capital of various ruling dynasties.
The ITC Mughal was Asia's first winner of the Aga Khan Award for architecture and has won the Green Hotelier Award. The architecture and winning hospitality are what make this 5 star luxury hotel so memorable. With an unmatched location, this Sheraton hotel is nestled on 35 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. There are 285 rooms in this incredible hotel and many are equipped with the finest views of the Taj Mahal found in Agra. Dining is a delight in any of the on-property restaurants which serve authentic flavors of Indian cuisine and both continental and gourmet choices. The hotel offers a royal spa, sauna, swimming pool, tennis court, room service, a beautiful cocktail lounge and a gymnasium. Guests can also enjoy full internet access and laundry facilities.
Later in afternoon you will be taken to Taj Mahal for a detailed tour. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is the ultimate tribute to love ever transcribed in architecture.
Overnight at ITC Mughal (Luxury Guest Room) (B)

Day 11| Udaipur - Delhi - International flight
After breakfast, the remainder of the morning is yours to enjoy the local sites on your own. In the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to the airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to international airport terminal to report for your flight back to home or should you be traveling onward, you will be connected to your flights.

Budget

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Overview

From the snow-covered peaks of the Himalaya to the splendors of medieval Rajasthan, India never fails to bewitch and bewilder. A land of contrasts where history and tradition survive side by side with high-tech industries, fascinating India leaves no one indifferent!

Your customized trip to India will send your senses into permanent rapture. Imagine letting yourself become one with the soothing sounds of sacred music, or gazing into the desert on camelback, marveling at the immensity of the Himalayas, sampling countless unique flavors and aromas, and feeling the warm stones of ancient temples with breathtaking architecture under your bare feet. India is an endless source of wonder and spellbinding fascination.

Geography

With a total surface area of 3 165 596 km², India is the world’s seventh largest country. The Indian peninsula forms its own sub-continent, totally distinct from Asia, from which it was separate until the first tertiary period.

India’s geographical profile is very varied, featuring snowy landscapes, deserts, hills, plains, and plateaus. Each of India’s regions has its own climate: equatorial at the southern tip, rigorous in the Himalayas. Since India covers most of the Indian subcontinent, it boasts more than 7000 kilometers of coastlines. India is bordered by the Oman Sea (also called the Arabian Sea) to the west and to the east by the Bay of Bengal.

The fertile plains through which flow the Ganges and the Indus occupy the northern, central, and eastern territories of India, which the Deccan plateau stretches to the south. In western India lies the rock and sand of the Thar Desert. The eastern and northeastern border follows the Himalaya. The highest point of India is a controversial point following conflicts with Pakistan. According to Indian authorities, it is K2 (8 611 m) in Jammu and Kashmir. Outside this area, the highest point is Kanchenjunga, at an altitude of 8 598 meters.

India shares borders with Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are Island states located south of the Indian peninsula. Politically, India is divided into 28 states, 6 federal territories and the territory of New Delhi. These divisions follow linguistic differences rather than geographical ones.

Culture

Cultural Heritage
From Agra to Delhi by way of Rajasthan, India is home to monuments of incomparable beauty. Proud protectors of their country’s rich historical and cultural heritage, essential visits include sites like Agra’s Taj Mahal, the second-most visited monument in the world, independent India’s pride, Delhi’s Red Fort, Kajuraho, the second-most visited site in India, and the Qutb Minar. Such a bounty of forts showcasing myriad architectural styles can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the country’s most impressive fortresses and palaces can be found in Rajasthan: Hawal Mahal and the City Palace in Jaipur, Jaisalmer Fort, not to mention Delhi’s Havelis.

On top of all this abundance of great sites, India also offers visitors many festivals of varying origins. In the Indian calendar, there are national, local, regional, religious, seasonal, and social celebrations bursting with color, energy, and enthusiasm. Well-known festivals include the harvest festival (Pongal), the Ganesh festival in Mumbai, and the festival of lights in honor of the goddess Lakshmi. Known as Holi, the spring festival is undoubtedly one of the most popular Hindu celebrations in India. Movie studios also make for an interesting visit. After all, movies are certainly one of the most popular forms of entertainment in India. Each year, Bollywood produces around 900 feature films, placing India at the top of the list of the world’s biggest movie producers.

Customs and lifestyles

Customs and ways of life vary greatly in India, depending largely on region and religion. Vegetarianism, dress code, cows allowed to roam freely in the city, and seeing life as a transitory stage all follow from strong belief in religion, which has a central place in the daily life of Indians. A good example of this is seen in the dress code and the tilak: this mark worn by Hindus on their forehead represents the “third eye” of Shiva or “the eye of truth”. It is also a good luck charm that can indicate social status: married women wear red tilaks, while single women will have black tilaks.

The sari, a traditional garment, can also have many meanings: different colors and ways of wearing these can express a wide variety of moods, events, occasions, ethnic background, and religion. For example, newlyweds will wear crimson, while white symbolizes mourning. To greet someone, join your hands together under your chin and lower your head: some find that shaking hands is impure. Shorts, tank tops, and short skirts should also be avoided.

Also, try to avoid kissing in public or making too many compliments, as this is frowned upon. It is also considered disrespectful to have your feet pointed at the person you are talking to, at religious statues and representations, and to step over someone in a public area.

Cuisine

India boasts many different culinary traditions, which vary according to religion, caste, and region. Spices vary in the same way, which leads to countless novel flavors. This being said, there are two main cuisines in India: vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Some of the best known dishes among the many specialties of this rich and varied culinary tradition include dhal, a lentil-based dish that serves as the basic meal across the country, biryani and pulao (pilaf rice with saffron and cooked with or without meat and fish), rotis (bread), naan and dosai (white flour biscuits and pancakes made from rice and lentil flour). Pastries and sweets also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure you try halwa or kulfi, a pistachio or almond flavored ice cream. But the best way to enjoy the myriad flavors of India is to eat with the locals: recipes are passed down from one generation to the next, carrying with them family secrets that give even more character to an already rich culinary heritage. Apart from the national drink, tea served with milk, people also love masala tea boiled with milk, sugar, cardamom, and countless other spices. Also popular are lassis (plain, sweet, or salty), fresh fruit juices, nimbu pani, limejuice served sweet or salted, and coconut juice straight from the coconut.

Climate

With such an immense territory and varied topography, India features all kinds of climates, from the alpine regions of the Himalayas to the tropical climates of the south.
There are three main seasons in India: winter, summer, and monsoon. During the winter months – from November to March – the weather is pleasant throughout the country. Temperatures drop dramatically as one enters the mountains, where snowfall is common. Generally speaking, April has the mildest weather. Summer months – from April to June – are hot almost everywhere in the country, with temperatures rising above 30, and even above 40 degrees inland. Going for a stroll in the pollution of the big cities becomes a real challenge under such intense heat.
The southwest monsoon usually stops around early June on the West coast. Apart from the southeast regions, most rainfall in India occurs between June and September. Some regions receive up to 10.000 mm of rainfall annually.