Best of India
Best of India
Best of India
11 Days Starting in New Delhi, India and ending in Varanasi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Varanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
INGAN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of India with the "Best of India" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene ghats of Varanasi, exploring iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Amber Fort. Discover the hidden gems of Delhi with a unique city walk led by a former street child, and witness the traditional silk weaving in Varanasi's Weavers Village. Enjoy a thrilling safari in Ranthambore National Park, and savor a home-cooked meal with a local family in Jaipur. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and a blend of cultural and natural wonders, this tour promises a deep dive into the heart of India.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza CBD Shahdara
Meals Included: Dinner
India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable journey through northern India’s most exquisite sights. On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day 2: Discover The Delights Of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza CBD Shahdara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colorful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 3: See The Sights Of Delhi Make Travel Matter
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza CBD Shahdara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organization that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavors for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 4: Sunset At The Taj Mahal
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Double Tree by Hilton
Accommodation Name: Saura Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travelers. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.
Day 5: From The Taj To The Tigers
Location: Ranthambore
Accommodation: Anuraga Palace
Accommodation Name: The Sher Garh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you’ll come to discover this morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a 17th-century royal residence which served as the principal residence of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards due to a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece devoid of inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then, appreciate first-hand a quintessential travel experience in India as you board a train bound for Ranthambore, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6: Roam Ranthambore In Search Of Tigers
Location: Ranthambore
Accommodation: Anuraga Palace
Accommodation Name: The Sher Garh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. Have your camera ready in case the park’s tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax, or to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Day 7: Onwards To Jaipur Dive Into Culture
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hilton
Accommodation Name: Club Mahindra Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, Dive Into Culture and see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colorful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner in their home and savor some of the regional delicacies.
Day 8: Explore Colorful Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hilton
Accommodation Name: Club Mahindra Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.
Day 9: Venutre To Varanasi Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Madin
Accommodation Name: Madin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Jaipur this morning and board your included flight to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi to explore the city's role as the center of Hindu religion. There’s a palpable sense that life begins and ends on the shores of Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges), but local spirituality extends beyond the sacred waters of the river. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples and old ghats that lead down to the river. You’ll see all this and more, but first there’s free time for lunch before the sightseeing. Next, experience a rural way of life during a walk around Weavers Village, where a Local Specialist reveals the centuries-old silk weaving tradition. Your visit during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will help the community’s efforts to keep this extraordinary tradition alive. You'll see first-hand how the talented weavers create beautiful silk fabrics. These are used to make the famous Banarasi silk saris, highly sought after for weddings and other special occasions. Later this evening, feed your soul as you cruise down the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti. Watch as the delicate diya, laden with candles and tiny flowers, float down the river. After this poignant ritual, return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 10: Witness Local Life Along The Ganges
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Madin
Accommodation Name: Madin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the changing light as the sun rises over the Ganges, and the sights and sounds of Varanasi come to life along the banks of the river. Observe locals taking their morning bath in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun. Afterwards explore the city on foot, the best way to immerse yourself in the day-to-day of the oldest living city of the world. You’ll have an opportunity to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi's main temple. Demolished and rebuilt many times over its history, the temple is a sight to behold with its towering spire and domes made of pure gold. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. Perhaps choose to join our Optional Experience to watch a live performance of Indian classical dances known as Kathak. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Explore the spectacular collection of Buddhist artefacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. Continue to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Farewell Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your spiritual and cultural encounter with India at its end, it's time to bid farewell to Varanasi. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included in the tour.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included in the tour.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included in the tour.
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Transportation
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included in the tour.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional Experiences and free time are included in the tour.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and experiences not listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included in the tour.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.
- Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy alternative transportation options like rail journeys, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience across India.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at cherry-picked hotels such as Le Meridien New Delhi, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Double Tree by Hilton, Anuraga Palace, Hilton, and Madin, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your journey in India.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour to make travel matter?
The tour includes a guided walking tour in Delhi with the Salaam Baalak Trust, which provides a caring environment for street children. In Varanasi, you will visit Weavers Village to learn about the community's efforts to preserve the centuries-old silk weaving tradition.
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What cultural experiences can I expect during the tour?
You will take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, visit a local market in Jaipur, and participate in a hand-block printing workshop in Jaipur. Additionally, you will have dinner with a local family in Jaipur as part of the 'Be My Guest' experience.
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What is the significance of the visit to Ranthambore National Park?
Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to spot resident animals and birdlife, including the park's tigers, on two game drives.
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How does the tour incorporate local dining experiences?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' dinner with a local family in Jaipur, where you can savor regional delicacies. Additionally, there is a Farewell Dinner in Jaipur and various meals at local restaurants throughout the tour.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Taj Mahal?
You will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra and admire its elegant marble facades during sunset, allowing you to appreciate the monument's beauty as it is awash with rose and golden hues.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will bid farewell to Varanasi and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your spiritual and cultural encounter with India.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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