The Best Exotic Marigold

Day 1 : Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history. The city of Delhi is a blend of two different yet perfectly balanced parts, Old and New Delhi. With its intricate streets, elegant mosques, forts, monuments, and bazaars that sell a variety of goods, Old Delhi speaks volumes about its Mughal past. With its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural population, New Delhi is truly cosmopolitan.

Day 2 : Delhi

After breakfast you will be met by an expert Delhi guide and a chauffeur, who will take you on a journey through Old Delhi. Visit the marvellous red-sandstone Jama Masjid Mosque built by a Mughal emperor and creator of the Taj Mahal. Later, hop on a traditional rickshaw tour exploring real life, with tangy flavours and the buzz of old city through the maze-like streets of the iconic Chandni Chowk bazaar and Asia’s largest spice trading markets, Khari Baoli. Visit the UNESCO Heritage Site, the Red Fort, and make a stop at Raj Ghat – the memorial dedicated to father of India – Mahatma Gandhi.

This afternoon visit the famous Lutyens Delhi aka the New Delhi City, known for its innovative architecture from the 1930’s British Raj, and now the political heart of independent India. The rest of your journey will be filled with history, architecture and visits to hidden gems of Delhi. You will also experience a traditional Sikh kitchen and its Langar Ceremony where sacred meals are served to over 10,000 people a day, regardless of caste, creed or religion. Here you can witness, or if preferred participate in, the cooking of these meals. Imagine massive cooking pots stirred by strong-armed men with spoons the length of oars. Later return back to your hotel.

Day 3 : Delhi > Agra

After breakfast, take the fast train to the Agra, the legacy city of the Mughal Empire. This is also the home of the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later, visit famous buildings, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Red Fort of Agra, to learn more about its intricate architecture and history.

Day 4 : Agra > Kanota

Early this morning experience a grand sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. You will be met by an expert Taj Mahal guide who will arrange eco-friendly pollution-free vehicles for you to journey to the main gates of the Taj. Spanning an area of about 400 hectares, this majestic architectural wonder offers incredible sights. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal combines Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. On your guided tour, admire the structure’s magnificent construction, the intricate exterior and interior decor, the beautiful gardens and the outlying red-sandstone buildings. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later, drive to Kanota (2.5 hours). En route during this scenic drive, you will explore the spectacular underground step-wells of Chand Baori which lie hidden deep in the rural town of Abhaneri. Reach the village of Kanota and check-in at your ‘Hotel Castle Kanota’. For the remainder of the day you are free to enjoy exploring this site which starred as the Viceroy Club in the movie “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. The castle offers charming and relaxed ways to spend your evening.

Day 5 : Kanota > Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to the pink-washed city of Jaipur and check in to the Victorian themed Narain Niwas Palace, the country residence of a Royal family and another scene from the movie. This afternoon is all about the real life of Jaipur, enjoying the novelty of street shopping as you embark on a guided walking tour through Jaipur’s most colourful old bazaars. Later join in the fun and chaos of a Bollywood blockbuster movie at a heritage theatre.

Day 6 : Jaipur

This morning visit the picturesque ancient town of Amer, before heading for the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see of Jaipur: the Amber Fortress. Built in the 16th century by Rajput commander Raja Man Singh I, the fortress offers magnificent hilltop views with an intricate mirror palace and fine blends of Hindu-Rajasthani architecture. Continue your journey exploring Jaipur’s vibrant streets and sites.

While returning to Jaipur, visit the Water Palace, Jal Mahal, and the Astronomical Observatory, Jantar Mantar, built in 1728 and featuring the world’s largest stone sundial. Back in Jaipur visit the City Palace and its museum, and the iconic Palace of the Winds, concluding with a rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s ancient street markets.

Later, you will visit a traditional Indian family home to indulge in ethnic North Indian cooking, enjoying dinner and engaging interactions.

Day 7 : Jaipur > Pushkar

Today travel deep into rural India to Pushkar. This majestic town located at 510 metres, is set next to sacred Pushkar Lake, believed to have originated when the creator of universe ‘Lord Brahma’ accidently dropped lotus on ground. Pushkar lies next to the great Thar Desert and is also an important Hindu pilgrimage town. The town offers a mystical desert charm with its timeless architectural heritage. Get a snapshot of local life at Pushkar Lake with its 52 bathing ghats and hundreds of milky blue temples. Explore the tribal street bazaar and watch the sun set over the desert.

Day 8 : Pushkar > Narlai

This morning after breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and driven deep into the heritage state of Rajasthan to the 15th century village of Narlai. Narlai is a great place to explore the untouched rustic countryside and is home to a tribal community called Rabaris. Upon arrival you will be driven in the heart of Aravali Ranges to your boutique heritage mansion hotel, Rawla Narlai, which is also home to the royal family.

Late this afternoon embark on a village walk to witness the unique culture of the close-knit traditional community of Narlai, who still lead a traditional way of life. During the walk you may visit inside some of the houses, talk to people, ask questions, have a cup of Chai tea with them, interact and hear amazing stories.

Day 9 : Narlai > Udaipur

This morning, drive to Udaipur city where you will be met and transfer to your hotel for a welcome ceremony on arrival. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

This afternoon is at leisure. This evening watch the sun set over the 19th century Monsoon Palace.

Day 10 : Udaipur

A walking tour of the old town will introduce you to medieval bazaars, flower markets, the 16th century Udaipur Palace and Crystal Gallery towering over Lake Pichola. Visit the Salhelyion-ki-bari garden before perhaps shopping in Bada Bazaar. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola with views of the 17th century Jagmandir and the famous Lake Palace Hotel, often featured in Hollywood movies.

Day 11 : Udaipur

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport where arrangements end.