Down to earth holidays

Description

Quite simply, this adventure holiday is the essence of northern India. Not only will you tour the Taj Mahal and other iconic sites in the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but we also include a railway journey to the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges, and a chance to spot tigers in Ranthambhore National Park. With varied accommodation from homestays to a forest resort, this is an excellent Indian holiday in many ways.

Your tour starts in the capital, Delhi. On your first full day you will have a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the contrasting cities of Old and New Delhi, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the old and the elegance and space of the new.

India and railway journeys somehow seem very closely linked, and this trip includes two overnight train trips - one from Delhi to Varanasi, then another from Varanasi to Agra. What a great experience!

Varanasi is the city on the holy Ganges River, with the ghats (steps) by the river where all aspects of life take place on a daily basis here. A boat trip on the Ganges is a fascinating way to experience this city. We also take you to see Sarnath, an important Buddhist stupa just outside of the city.

In Agra you will visit the impressive Agra Fort, and the next morning is an early start, but worthwhile to view the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise. Surely no other building in the world can match this for sheer beauty and sunrise is one of the best times to appreciate its magnificence.

Travelling on towards Ranthambhore you will stop at the atmospheric site of Fatehpur Sikri, once a great city but fated to be abandoned due to the shortage of water. Many of the fine palaces remain as a tribute to its former opulence.

Ranthambhore National Park is where you get a chance to spot tigers - it is one of India's most famous tigers parks. Of course there is other wildlife in this park, but tigers are the main draw and as they are accustomed to vehicles, you can actually get quite close to them without them being disturbed. With two days in the park with up to two game drives daily, you stand a good chance of seeing them. Sloth bear are regularly seen here and there are plenty of deer and antelope -in particular you see chital (spotted deer), chinkara (Indian gazelle), and nilgai (blue bull). There are some very large crocodiles in the lakes which can be seen basking on the banks. And of course there is no shortage of langur monkeys.

Jaipur is the famous ‘pink city', whose sandstone buildings were painted this colour as a sign of welcome for the visit of Prince Albert in 1853 and remain that colour today. It is the capital of Rajasthan and is a busy city with a range of impressive buildings which you'll have ample time to explore. You will also have the chance to see the imposing Fort at Amber, another ‘must'.

All in all this is an Indian adventure holiday which brings you a really diverse and exciting tour of the major highlights of northern India.

Detailed Itinerary

1. DAY 1: On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your homestay, and your welcoming hosts.
2. DAY 2:  Today you have a full day guided tour of Delhi seeing all the main sites which are open on that day. With over 13 million people, this is a busy, crowded city with a full and rich history. There has been a city on this site since at least the 6^th century BC and has since been rebuilt several times. There are numerous historical sites and monuments throughout the city reminding you of this varied past and today your guided tour will take you to many of these. You will explore the bustling alleyways of Old Delhi and the wide tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi.
   You are taken to the railway station in time for your 8:30pm train to Varanasi. You can either ask your homestay host to make you a packed dinner for the train, or you can buy a meal on the train (they’re usually not bad at all!). You are in a 2^nd class aircon carriage (which is a curtained compartment for 6 people with fold-down beds). There is a shared loo at the end of each carriage. (There is no 1^st class carriage on this route).  (B)
3. DAY 3:  You arrive in Varanasi at 9am. You will be met and taken to check in at your hotel before taking a guided city tour. (Note: the hotel is a small heritage hotel. It's quite charming but quirky). (B)
4. DAY 4: This morning you are taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. You pass the ghats and see life unfolding by the river. In the afternoon, you visit Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist stupas in the area. Enjoy an evening aarati (prayer ceremony) on the Ganges. (B)
5. DAY 5:  Today is a free day to explore Varanasi on your own. Depart Varanasi on the 10pm train to Agra. (B).
6. DAY 6:  On arrival at station closest to Agra at 7am you will be met and transferred by car the rest of the way into town. In the afternoon you will have a guided tour of the Red Fort. (Note: as with Varanasi, Agra is a city of large hotels rather than small characterful places). (B).
7. DAY 7: Prepare for an early start to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It’s worth it! This is surely one of the main highlights of any trip to India and is an unforgettable experience. Built in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan to the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj sits on the bank of the Yamuna River. With its dome and 4 minarets it is an iconic building and one that never fails to impress. Up close you will see the intricate carvings and opulent mosaic decoration.
   Later in the day you’ll be driven to Fatehpur Sikri to explore this amazing deserted city. This was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the late 16^th century. There are many surviving buildings including palaces, halls and tombs which hint at the former grandeur of the city. The city was abandoned after some 14 years due to the lack of water in the area.
   Take 3:45pm train to Ranthambore, arriving at 6pm. You’ll again be picked up and transferred to your lodge near Ranthambore. (B,D).
8. DAYS 8-9: Game drives in Ranthambhore. The chance of spotting tigers in this park is reasonably good, though of course we sadly can’t guarantee it. Note: Entrance to the park is very heavily controlled by the authorities and the rules change on a regular basis without notice. There are a finite number of vehicles allowed in the park on a rota system. There are small jeeps and large canters which take up to 20 people. You may not get the vehicle of your choice, or be permitted to enter the park every day of your stay here. So having some time and some patience here is well advised.(FB).
9. DAY 10: This morning we drive you from Ranthambhore to Jaipur (about 4 hours). You have a free afternoon based in your lovely homestay lodging, a gracious colonial villa surrounded by sweeping lawns and palm trees. (B)
10. DAY 11:  Full day tour of Jaipur and Amber.  Amongst the famous monuments in Jaipur are the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, from behind which the ladies of the palace used to watch the city’s processions and activities without themselves being seen, and the fascinating Jantar Mantar or observatory. There are also several museums and palaces and the shopping here is excellent.
    Amber was the capital of the area before Jaipur. It is an imposing sight with a hilltop location and lake below. The architecture is a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences. Originally built as a palace it still retains elements of opulence and artistry, with murals, paintings, mirror work and intricate carvings. Overnight in your homestay. (B).
11. DAY 12: Drive to Delhi (about 4-5 hours) and stay in a homestay again. (B).
12. DAY 13: Transfer to airport. (B)