Essence of India

Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
(Localities: Delhi – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaipur – Agra)

Day 01 – ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrival in Delhi.
Reception and assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 – IN DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning: visit Old Delhi, including the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Drive around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue for Mughal royalty, now one of the busiest commercial areas of the city. Rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Also visit Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial).
In the afternoon: tour of New Delhi, including a visit to the 12th-century Qutub Minar. Then, visit Lakshminarayan Temple. Drive past the India Gate (a monument to Indian soldiers), the President’s Residence (formerly the Viceroy’s Palace), the Parliament House, and the Secretariat buildings, a fascinating mix of Victorian and 20th-century architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – DELHI – UDAIPUR BY FLIGHT SG 2437 (11:10/12:35)
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the designated time, transfer to the airport to take flight SG 2437 (11:10/12:35) to Udaipur. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – IN UDAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning: tour of Udaipur city to visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (decorated with Belgian mirrors), Moti Mahal, and the Lord Krishna Palace, all meticulously decorated. Visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 and dedicated to the god Vishnu. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains. Later, drive around Fatehsagar Lake.
In the afternoon: boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – UDAIPUR – RANAKPUR – JODHPUR BY ROAD (257 kms / approx. 5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Jodhpur in the morning, with a stop at the Jain temples of Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon: visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. From the top of the fort, enjoy a panoramic view of the old city, known for its blue houses. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a striking marble cenotaph built in 1899. At the end of the tour, enjoy a brief walk through the vibrant local bazaar in Jodhpur. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 – JODHPUR – JAIPUR BY ROAD (321 kms / approx. 6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – IN JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning: visit Amber Fort by elephant ride. Amber is a classic and romantic Rajasthani palace-fort. Inside the fort, visit the Jag Mandir or Hall of Victory. The famous Sheesh Mahal is located within the Jag Mandir, a hall with walls and ceiling entirely decorated with sparkling mirrors imported from Belgium. On the way to Amber Fort, make a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
In the afternoon: city tour of Jaipur, starting with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former royal residence, part of which has been converted into a museum. A small section is still used by the Jaipur royal family. Then, visit Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone and marble observatory, located near the entrance to the City Palace. The observatory houses 17 large instruments, many of which are still functional. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA BY ROAD (237 kms / approx. 6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Agra in the morning, with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Known as the “City of Ghosts,” it was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory in southern India.
Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – AGRA – DELHI BY ROAD (204 kms / approx. 3½ hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit the Taj Mahal, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings in the world. Known for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it ranks among the proudest creations of mankind and is invariably included in the list of world wonders (closed on Fridays). Also, visit Agra Fort, one of the largest forts in northern India.
In the afternoon, transfer to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
(No overnight accommodation in Delhi is included on this day).