15 Nights - Luxury India Land Tour with Abercrombie & Kent

Day 1

2 March 2023

Arrive: Delhi

The Oberoi New Delhi Deluxe Room – Single / Double

Arrive in Delhi by this evening.

Upon arrival our representative meets you at the aerobridge and escort you through the immigration, baggage collection and customs formalities. Following this you are handed over to an Abercrombie & Kent representative, as you EXIT the arrival terminal building who escorts to your hotel. (please note check in time is 1400 hours).

Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at The Oberoi.

The Oberoi, New Delhi is an iconic, premier five-star hotel located in the heart of the capital city of India. It is a 30-minute drive from the New Delhi Domestic Airport and a 45-minute drive from the International Airport. The design of the Oberoi, New Delhi is a contemporary interpretation of Sir Edwin Lutyen's architecture and takes pride in providing the "cleanest air" in the city. Usage of the best technology, to provide clean air quality at par with global standards is an integral aspect of the hotel. All rooms and suites of the refurbished The Oberoi, New Delhi feature elegant and large picture windows, which allow natural light and offer unmatched views of the Delhi Golf Course on one side and Humayun’s Tomb and the Delhi skyline on the other. Furnished with Burma Teak timber flooring, all rooms and suites offer spacious layouts, well- appointed walk-in closets, full length mirrors and a luxurious Italian marble bathroom.

The Oberoi New Delhi
Deluxe Room – Single / Double 2 nights

Day 2

3 March 2023

Arrive: Delhi

The Oberoi New Delhi Deluxe Room – Single / Double B – L

After breakfast please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel for your half day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.

We start our journey with the old part of the town, with the Jama Masjid as the first stop. The Jama Masjid - The World-reflecting Mosque - is the largest mosque in India and has been standing tall for more than 350 years, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal. Take a short ride on a cycle rickshaw through the shopping district of Chandni Chowk before boarding the bus.

Thereafter proceed to visit the Red Fort, the residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. The ramparts of the Red Fort bear witness to some of the best cultural and historical events of India. History truly comes alive at the Red Fort in the evening with the 'Sound and Light Show', a multimedia extravaganza recounting the history of Delhi. The old city tour winds up at Raj Ghat, the final resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Raj Ghat immediately centers your thoughts with its peaceful, green landscape, complete with sprawling lawns and overhanging trees.

After the morning's exploration, stop for lunch at local restaurant to refuel for the next set of adventures.

We now head to the newer parts of the city, but which still hide historical wonders in its folds. The first stop, Humayun's Tomb, is the first Persian-style garden-tomb to be built in India. The structure, seen as a marvel of Mughal architecture, set the tone for future leaps in architecture, which peaked with the Taj Mahal.


We now move to the area where modern India's seeds were first sown. A drive down the Raj Path (the royal path) takes you to the India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the British Empire's army fighting in World War I. At the farther end of the Raj Path sits the sprawling residence of India's President, located on Raisina hill.

The President's Residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan) is a mansion with 360 rooms. The residence's premises also house the Mughal Gardens, which has a wide variety of flowers and interesting landscaping. The North and South Block, which fall close to the Parliament, the seat of the largest democracy in the world, and the President's House, and have in them the highest offices of the Indian Government and its ministries.

The Oberoi New Delhi
Deluxe Room – Single / Double

Day 3

4 March 2023

Delhi - Jodhpur

Taj Hari Mahal Deluxe Room Pool View – Single / Double B

Later you will be met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and proceed to Delhi Airport to where, you will meet your Abercrombie & Kent representative who will also assist you with your luggage and check-in at the airport.

Depart: Delhi Airport, Delhi at 12:55 on Saturday, 04 March 2023 on Indigo Airline Flight # 6E 2369
Arrive: Jodhpur Airport, Jodhpur at 14:00 on Saturday, 04 March 2023

Upon arrival at Jodhpur Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel.
The second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan. Jodhpur is also known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year and the "Blue City" because most of its houses in the old city are painted indigo.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at Taj Hari Mahal Jodhpur.

Taj - Hari Mahal, Jodhpur offers Rajasthan's legendary hospitality along with comfortable opulence. Stroll across 6 acres of the hotel and its lush garden. Soak in this 21st century fantasy palace. This heritage hotel features 93 luxury rooms. Modern Rajasthani and Continental are enjoyed at Latitude, which even features live traditional music performances. Authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines are served at The Good Earth. Other amenities include business center, fitness center, swimming pool. Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal is located 3.5 kms from the Jodhpur Railway Station and 4 kms from Jodhpur Airport.

This evening you will visit the local market with your guide.

Taj Hari Mahal
Deluxe Room Pool View – Single /Double 2 nights

Day 4

5 March 2023

Jodhpur

Taj Hari Mahal Deluxe Room Pool View – Single / Double B

This morning, please meet your Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel and proceed for your tour to the Bishnoi villages.

Travel 45 minutes out of Jodhpur to visit a traditional Bishnoi village on the outskirts of Jodhpur. Here you learn about the principles of the ecology of these villages. They were created centuries ago by a survivor, known as Jambeshwar or Jambhoji, of the great famine of 1485. He observed that the famine was the result of deforestation in the region and created a list of 29 rules. Bish-noi means ‘29’ in the Hindi Language and rules included not cutting down green trees and only taking what you need from the fields. Notice the buffaloes, sheep and goats kept by the villagers - but not for meat as they are all vegetarians - only for milk, wool and manure. Learn how they use the manure for fuel as well as constructing houses.

You will also have chance to witness the opium ceremony and interact with potter community.

Later return to your hotel.

This afternoon please meet your Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel and proceed for the city tour of Jodhpur.

Begin your tour with one of the largest forts of the country, the majestic Mehrangarh fort. The fort is famous for its expansive courtyards, intricate carvings and multistoried palaces. Built on a high rocky cliff, the views from the fort stretch all across the plains as far as the Mewari fort at Kumbalgarh. Almost impregnable, the fort is entered through seven fortified gateways. Beside the last gate, the 15th century Loha Pol, or Iron Gate are the handprints of 15 royal sati Jodhpur queens who immolated themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands. The fort is divided into three sections – the public areas, the Maharajas palaces, and the zenana, or queen palaces. The zenana is decorated with exquisite sandstone filigree work. Within the fort is the museum which among its varied exhibits has an excellent collection of royal palanquins and the howdah section which has perhaps the finest collection of old ornate elephant howdahs in the world.

Your next stop is near the fort, on the banks of a lake, the Jaswant Thada. This is the memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Made of gleaming white marble on a platform of red sandstone this monument is worth a visit.

Taj Hari Mahal
Deluxe Room Pool View – Single / Double

Day 5

6 March 2023

Jodhpur - Udaipur

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa Udaipur Deluxe Room – Single / Double B – L

After breakfast please meet your Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your transfer to Udaipur.

Today you are driven for six hours to Udaipur. En-route stop at the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Ranakpur is primarily famous for the Jain Temple. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills and located on the banks of 'Magai' river this grand and gigantic four-facet structure was built between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. The present structure of the temple came into being after 50 years of hard work by various artisans and sculptors. The temple is dedicated to 'Lord Adinath'. Light color marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which rises majestically from the slope of a hill with its distinctive domes. The temple has over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail and no two pillars in the temple are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. So with countless pillars and each different from one another, you are bound to be baffled by the beauty of this unique temple.

Later stop for lunch at the Mountbatten Lodge near Ranakpur.

Post lunch continue your drive to Udaipur.

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes is like the oasis of the Thar desert. The many lakes in the city have lent it the name of 'Venice of the East'. The royal palaces and forts add to beauty of the historic city of Udaipur founded in 1559.

Your stay has been arranged at Taj Aravali Resort & Spa.

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur is set in the ancient Aravali range in north western Udaipur. The hotel is set in 27 acres of land at the foot hills of the breath taking Aravali Ranges, taking inspiration from the nomadic tents which formed an integral part of the history & tradition of Rajasthan. Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur has 92 well-appointed rooms, a sprawling all day diner, a pure veg specialty restaurant with a separate kitchen, a bar, an outdoor grill restaurant, beautifully appointed banquet venues and well-manicured outdoor lawns. The resort also features a magnificent Jiva Spa with Ayurveda services.

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa Udaipur
Deluxe Room– Single / Double 3 nights

Day 8

9 March 2023

Udaipur - Jaipur

Jai Mahal Palace Luxury Room – Single / Double B

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for transfer to the airport

Depart: Udaipur Airport, Udaipur at 08:00 on Thursday, 9 March 2023 on SpiceJet Flight # SG 2974
Arrive: Jaipur Airport, Jodhpur at 09:10 on Thursday, 09 March 2023

On arrival at Jaipur Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Beautiful palaces, forts and colorful bazaars speak of the pink city's glorious regal past. Modernity walks hand-in-hand with history in Jaipur. This largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, is famous for its magnanimous hospitality.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at Jai Mahal Palace.

Taj Jai Mahal Palace is a heritage palace hotel in Jaipur that reflects centuries-old architecture and is surrounded by landscaped Mughal Gardens. Stay in one of the 100 rooms and suites that reflect local essence in the form of antique furniture, miniature paintings and Rajasthani motifs. Sample local cuisines at Cinnamon, Italian at Giardino, and multicuisine fares at Marble Arch. At Taj Jiva Spa, indulge in local treatments, aromatherapy as well as varieties of bath and body rituals.

As the check in time is of 1400 we will request for early check in, but this will be subject to availability. You can leave your luggage with concierge and proceed for the city tour.

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

While all of Jaipur is a traveler’s delight, we will begin our tour of the city with its heart, The City Palace. The Jaipur royal family still continues to live in the City Palace. The Palace is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The Palace complex houses a seven story Chandra Mahal in the center giving a fine view of the gardens and the city. The Diwan-E-Am (Hall of Public Audience) has intricate embellishments and collection of manuscripts. The Palace also has a rare collection of costumes and armory of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.

From here we head to the Jantar Mantar. Built in the 18th Century this astro-observatory is a must visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 20 astronomical instruments built in monumental sizes and makes for an enlightening experience.

Hawa Mahal (A photo stop) - Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds” with its ornately screened windows that allowed the women of the palace to gaze out onto the street unobserved. The side facing the street outside the palace, has 953 small windows and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in the hot summer months.

The Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Luxury Room – Single / Double 2 nights

Day 9

10 March 2023

Jaipur

Jai Mahal Palace Luxury Room – Single / Double B - L

Please meet the Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your tour to Amber Fort.

As we set out to see the regal Amber Fort, we take a small photo stop en route at Hawa Mahal- the Palace of Winds, the landmark structure of Jaipur. The 5-storied semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Hawa Mahal also has the most vibrant and colorful bazaar.

Amber Fort, 11 Kms north of Jaipur Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhwaha Rajput’s from 1037 until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to a newly created Jaipur. The architecture shows distinct Mughal influence. The building of the fort was begin by Raja Man Singh a noted Rajput general of Akbar’s army in 1600 and was later added to by successive rulers.
Post visit you will be driven Dera Amer

This afternoon you will be driven to Dera Amer for a Camel Safari followed by lunch at the camp.
Dera Amer, a private farm situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort is the ideal location for outdoor recreational and adventure activities. The camp is located at the foothills of the Aravali range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake.

Afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the amenities at your hotel.

Later this evening visit the colorful local market of Jaipur with your guide.

The Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Luxury Room – Single / Double

Day 10

11 March 2023

Jaipur - Agra

ITC Mughal Mughal Chamber – Single / Double B - L

After breakfast in the hotel please meet your Abercrombie & Kent representative in the reception area of the hotel for your overland transfer to Agra which will be approx. six hours drive.

En-route stop for lunch at Kadam Kunj followed by visit Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world.

After your visit, continue your drive to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra you will be met by Abercrombie & Kent representative who will assist you in check in at your hotel.

Akbarabad, as Agra was known during the Mughal era, is home to some of the most magnificent Mughal architectures. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the monumental beauty of Agra has inspired countless people around the world. This third largest city of the state of Uttar Pradesh is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at ITC Mughal.

Sprawled over luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. This luxury hotel in Agra comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendour and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Its offerings present an eclectic selection of fine dining options that include a range of Indian and international cuisines. The restaurants at ITC Mughal promise an inspiring culinary experience, unrivalled by any other in Agra. Other facilities and amenities include Spa, Salon, Health Club, Swimming Pool. Situated close to the city centre ITC Mughal, the ideal hotel is 10 kms away from the airport, and 6 kms from the railway station.

Late this afternoon, please meet your Abercrombie & Kent guide in the reception area of the hotel and proceed to visit the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Taj Mahal - Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the monumental beauty of the Taj Mahal has inspired countless people around the world. The Mughal masterpiece- The Taj Mahal has made Agra a must-visit on every traveller's list. It took approximately 22 years, nearly 22,000 labourers and a thousand elephants to build what we see today as The Taj Mahal. One can have the most spectacular view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. As the sun sets in the horizon, the silhouette of the Taj Mahal against the crimson sky presents a stunning spectacle.

ITC Mughal
Mughal Chamber – Single / Double 2 nights

Day 12

13 March 2023

Agra - Delhi - Varanasi

Taj Ganges Varanasi Deluxe Room – Single / Double B

After breakfast, you will be driven for four hours to Delhi airport to board the flight to Varanasi.

Depart: Delhi Airport, Delhi at 15:30 on Monday, 13 March 2023 on Indigo Airlines Flight # 6E 6195
Arrive: Varanasi Airport, Varanasi at 16:50 on Monday, 13 March 2023

Upon arrival at the Varanasi Airport, an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Dating back to more than 3000 years, Varanasi is said to be the oldest city of the world. There are temples at every few steps here giving it the sobriquet, 'city of temples'. In Hinduism it is believed that those who breathe their last in this city attain nirvana and get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

Your stay in the city has been arranged at The Gateway Hotel.

The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. This classic hotel features 130 rooms. It has two restaurants serving Indian and multi-cuisine recipes. Other amenities include the spa, business center, fitness center, swimming pool. The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance from the airport. It is also located just 6 km from the commercial hub of Vanarasi, also known as ''The Chowk''

Taj Ganges Varanasi
Deluxe Room – Single / Double 2 nights

Day 13

14 March 2023

Varanasi

Taj Ganges Varanasi Deluxe Room – Single / Double B

This morning please meet the Abercrombie & Kent guide at the reception area of the hotel and proceed to visit the Sarnath.

After breakfast you will visit Sarnath. Varanasi is sacred for both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Sarnath which lies a short distance from the main city, is the place where the Buddha came in 500 BC to give his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Other than the archeological park which has the remains of the monastery that developed here, of interest is the fairly new Buddhist temple. On the walls are paintings depicting the most significant episodes from the birth of Buddha as Prince Siddhartha, to the time he gained enlightenment and became The Buddha.

The visit to the old city is a fascinating insight into the rituals of Hinduism. Every temple is well attended and every street corner has roadside shrines and vendors selling garlands, incense sticks and other items used in worship. We walk through the narrow alleys where we share space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people to the banks of the Ganges. Here we board a boat, which takes us mid-stream to witness the evening “aarti” ceremony. This is the evening service performed by a priest on the banks of the river. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat of drums and bells and the chanting of prayers, the whole ceremony is mesmerizing ending with the release of hundreds of lamps into waters of the river

Taj Ganges Varanasi
Deluxe Room – Single / Double

Day 15

16 March 2023

Depart: Delhi

B (*B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Morning you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board flight for onward destination (Flight details to be advised)

Room will be available till 12 Noon.