North India Discovery Tour

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representatives who will transfer you to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of this luxury hotel.

Accommodation: The Maidens Hotel, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

Your full day sightseeing tour of Delhi begins in Old Delhi, once the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad, with its vibrant market lanes, old havelis (mansions) and colourful neighbourhoods. You will explore Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw through lanes or gallis, where everything from spices, brassware, antiques, jewellery and perfumes are sold. Then it’s time to visit the highly decorative Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, before passing the Red Fort and visiting Raj Ghat.

After lunch your tour continues in New Delhi with its open spaces, government buildings, museums and wide tree-lined avenues. It begins with a drive to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, Raj Path and the India Gate whose Amar Jawan Jyoti (eternal flame) has been burning since 1971 and symbolises the sacrifice of brave Indian soldiers. This is followed by Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lastly a visit to Humayun’s tomb, the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in India.

Accommodation: The Maidens Hotel, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning your drive to Agra will take about 3 – 4 hours.

Your tour of Agra begins with a visit to the forbidding red sandstone battlements of the Agra Fort and its impressive Diwan-e-Am & Diwan-e-Khas hall in the afternoon.

Later in the evening, a highlight of the tour is a visit to Mehtab Bahg, the Mughal park on the other side of river Yamuna to enjoy beautiful views of the Taj Mahal during sunset.

When arranging your dates please be aware that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 240 kms

Accommodation: The Trident, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s an early start for another visit to the Taj Mahal to see this beautiful monument at sunrise. Built in memorial of Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, this magnificent building is made entirely of marble and decorated with elaborate geometric forms and inlay work that showcases plants, flower and fruit motifs.

Later your adventure takes you into the countryside towards Ranthambore National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife including the majestic tiger. En route, you will stop to explore the fascinating ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was once the capital of the Mughal empire and includes a stunning mosque, which is still in use today.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours 50 mins, 300 kms

Accommodation: Ranthambore Kothi, Ranthambore

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

If you love nature, today is a special treat with two safari drives into Ranthambore National Park which is a former royal hunting ground. Your jeep safaris will take you through the rugged terrain which is home to a wild variety of wildlife including the elusive Bengal tiger.

Your game drives are early in the morning and then again in the early evening when temperatures are at their coolest and the animals are most active.

Accommodation: Ranthambore Kothi, Ranthambore

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning you have another opportunity to enjoy a safari in the National Park before departing for the 4-hour journey to the Pink City of Jaipur where you will stay for two nights.

Jaipur is one of India’s best-loved destinations and is home to wonderful historic sites as well as the film ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy your hotel facilities or maybe enjoy some shopping in the many bazaars.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 190 kms

Accommodation: The Trident, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning your tour of Jaipur starts with a  visit to the stunning 17th-century hilltop Amer Fort. Set in the rugged hills just outside the city you will reach the fort by jeep and can enjoy striking views of the surrounding gorges and lake. Inside the fort, the extensive Maharaja’s apartments that are decorated with murals and mosaic, and the glistening Hall of Mirrors are waiting to be discovered.

In the afternoon, our tour continues with a drive through the colourful bazaars and past the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the outside world through delicate screened windows. You will also stop to see the Royal Observatory or Jantar Mantar which was built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur and a passionate astronomer and builder and visit the City Palace complex’s collection of rare manuscripts, armoury and costumes.

Accommodation: The Trident, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

Today your venture from Jaipur to Jodhpur on an a 5-6 hour journey which  embraces the cultural diversity of Rajasthan

As you travel through the heart of Rajasthan into the Thar Desert, take time to observe the forts and palaces which are dotted along the route.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6 hours, 350 kms

Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s an early start for a jeep safari into the villages where you will experience an eco-friendly traditional way of tribal life. A village elder accompanies you on this excursion to visit a home of a Bishnoi family. The Bishnois are ecologists and are largely responsible for the preservation of blackbuck, a type of endangered antelope that can be spotted quite easily in this area. You will also visit the home of a Raika (shepherd) for a close look at local customs and to experience their warm hospitality.

This afternoon’s tour of Jodhpur includes a drive through the old city’s maze of streets through gates, bastions and towers towards the majestic hilltop Mehrangarh fort that contains one of Rajasthan’s best museums. Browse through a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, armoury and costume and stop for a commanding view of this blue-hued city from one of the ramparts. A quick stop at the Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph of the royal family and a walk through the Sardar Bazaar with its Clock Tower of 1912 completes your tour of this imperial city.

Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we drive through Aravalli Hills for about 3 hours to arrive at Ranakpur, a famous intricately carved Jain temple complex. This exquisite temple has 1444 pillars and no two of them are the same.

After lunch, your drive continues for another 2 – 3 hours to Udaipur, which is known as the City of Lakes and is home to an array of lavish royal residences

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 249 kms

Accommodation: The Trident, Udaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

Udaipur is the former capital of the Mewar region, which was once ruled by the Sisodia clan. On your half-day tour of this fascinating city you will experience a blend of sights and sounds with its medley of fairy-tale palaces, temples, gardens and lakes, all hemmed in by the lush Aravalli Hills. You will visit the Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour), the Jagdish temple and the City Palace complex. This architectural marvel towers over the lake and is surrounded by crenellated walls which house a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, arched gateways and hanging gardens. The Mor Chowk with its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass is especially noteworthy.

Later in the afternoon, a private boat ride on the 14th century Lake Pichola is included.

Accommodation: The Trident, Udaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

The morning is at leisure to relax or to pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

This afternoon you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport to board your flight to Delhi.

You will be met on arrival at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Approximate Aerial time and distance: 1 hour 20 mins, 540 kms

Accommodation: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

In plenty of time, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your return flight to the UK. Check-in is normally 3 hours prior to the estimated time of departure.

If you have a little more time and fancy exploring another area of India such as the beautiful backwaters of Kerala or you may wish to relax on a beach in Goa, please let the team know as this can easily be arranged.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing & Inclusions

The price guide for this 13 day North India Discovery Tour is

• £2790 in low season (May – September)
• £3190 in high season (October – April)

Please be aware these prices are not available during some peak dates between December, January and  February.

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid-December to mid-January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this North India Discovery Tour are the following:

• Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
• All transfers and sightseeing tours using air-conditioned Toyota Innova
• Accommodation for 12 nights on a double or twin sharing basis
• Meal Plan: Ranthambore on Full Board; Bed & Breakfast elsewhere
• English speaking guide for all sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
• Entrances and monument fee as per the itinerary
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Jeep ride to Amer (Amber) Fort and full guided tour
• Shared safari game drives at National Park
• Shared boat ride on Lake Pichola.

The price does not include:

• International and domestic flight tickets
• Travel insurance & visas
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips and beverages etc
• Meals other than those mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this North India Discovery Tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.