Spirit of India
Itinerary
India is one of the world's most colourful, complex destinations. It's impossible not to be astonished by India, for nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dazzling, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and languages. Our expert guide and driver bring India’s ancient civilisation and its many layers to life. We will enjoy wildlife safaris, delicious regional cuisine, fascinating bazaars, beautiful Mughal gardens, important pilgrimage sites and spectacular beauty found in textiles, temple carvings, tribal arts, and regional architecture. We will also encounter temple rituals as old as the Egyptian Pharaohs and quirky echoes of the British Raj on virtually every corner.
Day 1 - Monday 9 February
Sydney - Arrive Delhi
Depart Australia today for the adventure of a lifetime. After a short transit stop in Singapore we connect with our flight to Delhi, arriving this evening. We are met and transferred to out hotel. India’s capital is a vibrant mix of past and present.
Day 2 - Tuesday 10 February
Delhi
Today enjoy a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi we also have the opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride. After lunch, and as a complete contrast, New Delhi stands in formal splendour. A city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India) and India Gate. We also visit Qutab Minar, the tower dating back to the 13th century and Humanyun’s Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal). BL
Day 3 - Wednesday 11 February
Delhi - Corbett National Park
Today we travel north to Corbett National Park (approx. 6 hours). After an early start we reach Jim’s Jungle Retreat and shortly after arrival a delicious lunch is served. There is time to settle in and freshen up before going for a nature/village walk around the resort. This evening enjoy a talk about Corbett by the Resident Senior Naturalist, Imran Khan. BLD
Day 4 - Thursday 12 February
Corbett National Park
Enjoy an elephant or jeep safari (in rotation), then later take an escorted bird walk within the buffer zone and visit the local village school. After lunch we set off on our second elephant or jeep safari of the day (in rotation). This evening view a charming film on Corbett National Park, followed by an informative discussion over drinks around the fire. BLD
Day 5 - Friday 13 February
Corbett National Park
This morning those who have not yet enjoyed an elephant safari will be taken for a safari inside the Park. Others will be taken for a jeep safari. Afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the pool. This evening enjoy a Kumaoni folk dance followed by drinks and dinner. Share your views about your many experiences while at Corbett. BLD
Day 6 - Saturday 14 February
Corbett National Park - Fort Unchagaon
This morning we enjoy a nature walk (jeeps are also on hand) to the Tumariya Wetlands while observing the delightful bird life this area has to offer. Breakfast will be served at a picturesque spot by a dam. We then set off on our fascinating drive south to the village of Unchagaon (approximately 6 hours) and check in to our Hotel. Fort Unchagaon is a 19th century colonial mansion, lime-washed to a luminous white and planted on a spread of emerald grass. Surrounding it are the ramparts of a fortress that date to an earlier era when Unchagaon was an obscure Rajput citadel. In the evening you will be taken for a walk in the nearby village where you can see local artisans at work. B
Day 7 - Sunday 15 February
Unchagaon - Agra
Drive to Agra and upon arrival we continue to our hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the Red Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah popularly known as the ‘mini Taj’ followed by a sunset visit of the Taj Mahal. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Taj Mahal truly is one of the wonders of the world, and you’ll see it at its best - at sunset - just when the light, playing on the marble of the tomb and the reflections in the stillness of the waters, presents this incredible building in all its beauty, majesty and splendour. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For twenty-two years, 20,000 men labored day and night to build this masterpiece that has held the world awe struck ever since. B
Day 8 - Monday 16 February
Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur
This morning we set off for Bharatpur. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the forgotten empire of Akbar. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 but abandoned 15 years later due to the scarcity of water. Marvel at the graceful buildings, including the Jama Masjid and Tomb of Salim Chisti. We continue to our hotel in Bharatpur. This evening enjoy a gala dinner and entertainment by the hotel pool. BD
Day 9 - Tuesday 17 February
Bharatpur
This morning we enjoy a delightful excursion to Deeg Palace with its beautiful Mughal Gardens, once the summer residence of the rulers of Bharatpur. We return to our hotel around noon. This afternoon is at leisure prior to an early evening visit to Keoladeo National Park for bird watching and a rickshaw ride. The park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is an UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar Site and a birdwatcher’s paradise. In its marsh and grassland habitats over 400 species of birds have been recorded. B
Day 10 - Wednesday 18 February
Bharatpur - Jaipur
Before breakfast this morning we will be taken for bird watching within the Park. Rare Siberian Cranes are known to winter in the park having flown over the decades from their breeding grounds in Siberia, 6,400 km away. After a hearty breakfast we continue to Jaipur - the Pink City (approximately 5 hours). B
Day 11 - Thursday 19 February
Jaipur
Our morning tour is to the imposing Amber Fort. This afternoon our tour takes us to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory. You may also enjoy an elephant ride whilst in Jaipur. Amber, the ancient capital of the region, still recalls its heydays in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides. Here, elephants still carry visitors in stately splendour to the main Palace, through unusually high gateways, obviously designed to accommodate this archaic mode of transport. You’ll enjoy a ride during your visit today. It is an extremely well preserved building and delightful to explore. Visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal and Temple of Kali. B
Day 12 - Friday 20 February
Jaipur
Today has been left at leisure for you to enjoy this city at your own pace. Jaipur, or the city of the Viceroy, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is a marvellous synthesis of architectural influences - Hindu, Jain and Mughal. It is built from rose coloured terracotta, giving it the name, ‘The Pink City’. The bazaars teem with people, camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles, while around them loom magnificent palaces and buildings. B
Day 13 - Saturday 21 February
Jaipur - Pushkar
This morning we drive further into Rajasthan to Pushkar (approx. 3 hours). Amongst the grandeur of Rajashan, Pushkar is a unique gem. Lord Brahma, the creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual Vedic Yagna at Pushkar. Thus, it is the site of the only Brahma Temple in India and attracts large numbers of pilgrims and tourists. The idol of Brahma is a full image with four hands and four faces. The grandeur and magnificence of the Brahma Temple separates it from all other temples in Pushkar. Later this evening you will be taken for a nearby camel safari. B
Day 14 - Sunday 22 February
Pushkar - Jodhpur
After our tour of this holy city this morning we enjoy lunch before our afternoon’s drive to Jodhpur (approx. 4.5 hours). Set at the edge of the desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring to life the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, dance and musical traditions. Brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and hip length jackets and the colourful turbans worn by the men add even more colour to the city. BL
Day 15 - Monday 23 February
Jodhpur
This morning our tour will include a visit to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the beautiful Jaswant Thada. Originally Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. Once a major trade center, Jodhpur is today the second largest city of Rajasthan. This afternoon is free for you to further explore this fascinating city at leisure. B
Day 16 - Tuesday 24 February
Jodhpur - Udaipur
Our journey today is one of the most picturesque to be experienced in Rajasthan. En-route we visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. There are four shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. In the assembly hall, there are two bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes throughout the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. After lunch we drive to Udaipur and our hotel (approx. 6 hours).
Udaipur - dream destination in the desert, whose sagas of great valour and stories of high romance add colour and character to a history as proud and unrelenting as it is long. In sharp contrast to its Spartan and martial persona are lakes, hills, temples, gardens and fairytale palaces that make Udaipur the most romantic and enchanting place in Rajasthan. B
Day 17 - Wednesday 25 February
Udaipur
This morning we enjoy a half-day tour of Udaipur - including the magnificent City Palace, the Crystal gallery and the Jagdish Temple. The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenulated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. A blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palace complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely executed over the years. Afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy a delightful boat trip on Lake Pichola. B
Day 18 - Thursday 26 February
Udaipur - Mumbai
This morning is at leisure until our afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai where, on arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Once a ‘Portuguese princess’ dowry and later an adornment of Neo Gothic British architecture, Mumbai today is more than just a metropolis. It is, in fact, an enigma of mud huts and skyscrapers, age-old traditions and high fashion, the industrialist’s haven and Indian moviemakers’ ‘Bollywood’. The city is constantly changing whilst also standing still in the past and its name being changed from Bombay to Mumbai, derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherman, its oldest inhabitants. B
Day 19 - Friday 27 February
Mumbai
Our half-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai includes a visit to the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, the Victoria Terminus and Dhobi Ghats. The Gateway of India was built during 1924-1927 to commemorate the visit to India of King George V of England in 1911. It is the most enduring symbol of the city. The Victoria Terminus is the major railway station and is considered the most beautiful edifice in the city. The Dhobi Ghat (or washer man’s enclave) provides a very interesting insight into Mumbai’s local culture. Afternoon at leisure. This evening join your fellow travellers for our farewell dinner. BD
Day 20 - Saturday 28 February
Mumbai - Sydney
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to join our flight to Singapore before connecting with our onward flight to Sydney. B
Day 21-Sunday 1 March
Arrive Sydney
An early arrival back into Australia and our tour comes to a close, leaving us with enduring memories of the many highlights of our grand tour - the Spirit of India.
