23 Day Essence of India – Mumbai to Delhi – 2012

This one’s for the ladies…

Join this exclusive tour which is for women only.

Click here for our February 2013 Departure

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Maximum Group Size: 10

Starts in Mumbai on Monday 15th October 2012

Finishes in Delhi on Tuesday 6th November 2012

Entrance Fees Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary

Fully Escorted by Deb Kindness, who has over 19 years experience in India and Nepal.

Cost from AUD3490 per person twin share

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS – Some testimonials from our past travellers

Accommodation	Transport	Meals
19 nights Hotels	Airport Transfers	4 dinners
2 nights overnight train	Train	18 Breakfasts
1 night desert camping	Bus	2 Lunches
	Plane
	Boat
	Bicycle
	Private Vehicle (4WD)
	Taxi
	Cycle Rickshaw
	Auto Rickshaw

From the sprawling commercial capital of Mumbai to Rajasthan, the land of the Kings and from the banks of the holy Ganges to the magnificence of the Mughal cities, we will show you the well known and introduce you to some wonderful secrets. The massive forts of Rajasthan, the opulence and splendour of Maharajah’s palaces, markets and bazaars, holy cities, a town seemingly lost in time, a camel safari and a search for the elusive Bollywood star all make for a trip full of highlights and contrasts.

Day 1 Mumbai

Arrival Day. Please arrive in time to meet with the group by Midday when we have a welcome meeting before we head out for lunch and an afternoon of sightseeing.

Day 2 Mumbai

We have another full day to explore Mumbai, the exciting and frantic commercial capital of India, where we visit some of the sights including the Gateway of India, Dhobi (laundry) washers and Chowpatty beach.

Days 3-4 Udaipur

We take a morning flight to Udaipur. Often called the romantic city, Udaipur lives up to its name with its white washed havelis ‘private mansions’ and palaces lining the banks of the charming lake Pichola. We visit the City Palace complex (the largest palace complex in India) and take in a classic Rajasthani Dance show. We wander the local markets and learn how to make a sensational Indian curry. Why not try your hand at a spot of miniature painting or cruise the lake. Udaipur is a friendly and charming city just made for exploring.

Days 5-6 Mt Abu

We drive 3 hours to Mount Abu where we enjoy the charms of Rajasthan’s only ’Hill Station’ – a place to escape the heat of the plains. Well off the international tourist trail, Mt Abu is popular with Indian tourists and is famous for it’s remarkable Jain Temples. Some great walks and views are to be had in the hills surrounding the town.

Day 7 Bhenswara

A 3 hour drive today brings us to the small hamlet of Bhenswara where we get to spend the night like Maharanis (Queens) in a Heritage Ravla (Castle) 240 years old. We take a jeep safari to nearby villages and meet some of the local tribal people living in this remote part of South-Western Rajasthan.

Days 8-9 Jodphur

Travelling on to Jodhpur we wander the palaces of the magnificent Meherangarh Fort before exploring the markets in the city below. Famous throughout the country for its special Makhani (butter) lassi’s (yoghurt drink), Jodhpur is also where the pants come from.

Days 10-12 Jaisalmer

Like something out of 1001 Arabian nights, Jaisalmer is both exotic and mysterious with a unique fort, which unlike all others in India is still lived in, and accommodates a quarter of the towns population. We wander the ancient streets of the fort and the town, visiting the intricately carved sandstone havelis (merchant’s mansions) and temples. Jaisalmer is famed for its handicrafts and there are many wonderful shops in the bazaar.

On day 10 we head out to the desert on our camel safari. Camping out in the desert is an unforgettable experience, and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. We return to Jaisalmer mid morning, giving us a day and a half to explore before taking our first overnight train to Jaipur.

Days 13-14 Jaipur

We arrive very early morning into Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan. Amber Fort is a splendid example of Rajput/Moghal architecture and was the old capital of Rajasthan prior to 1727. We take a wander through the markets and colourful bazaars of Jaipur and visit the wondrous Jantar Mantar. You have the chance to see the splendid City Palace Museum and there is free time to explore some of Jaipur’s many sights, or markets. We also experience a Bollywood extravaganza here in Jaipur.

Days 15-16 Agra

Leaving Rajasthan, we travel by private vehicles today to Agra, enroute visiting the deserted Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri. We make a dawn visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal and visit the remarkable Agra Fort and the exquisite ’Baby Taj’.

Days 17-18 Orchha

A 3-4 hour train ride takes us further south to Jhansi, from where we travel a short distance to Orchha. Surrounded by temples and palaces seemingly forgotten by the passage of time, Orchha is a tranquil small town situated on a sparkling river with friendly locals and a fabulous ambiance.

On the evening of day 18 we take an overnight train to Varanasi.

Days 19-20 Varanasi

We arrive mid morning into Varanasi. After transferring to our riverside hotel, we take a walk along the Ghats (steps) on the bank of the Ganges and explore the old city. Whilst in Varanasi, we enjoy an evening ceremonial “aarti” on the riverbanks and take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges. We visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon and still have plenty of free time to explore the Ghats and alleyways of ancient Varanasi.

Days 21-22 Delhi

We have an afternoon flight into Delhi. Included here is a visit to Old Delhi visiting the Jama Masjid, (the largest Mosque in India), the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia. We also pay our respects to the Moghul emperor Humayan, at the spectacular tomb built by his grieving widow in the mid 16th century.

Day 23 Departure Day

There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at anytime.