10 days, 9 nights
Duration

Twisting bazaars filled with spices and fabric, the early morning sun glistening off the spectacular white marble of the Taj Mahal, the twinkling lights of Diwali adorning streets and homes, ancient forts and palaces, and the narrow-cobbled streets of Udaipur with views of Lake Pichola in the background. Diwali is truly a magical time to explore North India. Come with Ekno during this special time and explore the sights of Rajasthan and North India, including the Taj Mahal, majestic Rajasthani forts, ancient Mughal ruins, spectacular royal palaces and medieval spice markets.

We’ll celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, in the blue city of Jodhpur. Diwali is one of Hinduism’s most important festivals, and is celebrated across India with lights, firecrackers, prayers, sweets, and joyous festivities. Join us as we participate in the celebrations with locals from across the city, before enjoying a special Diwali feast to ring in the occasion. This trip is not to be missed.

 

TOUR DATES

27 October-5 November 2024

15-24 October 2025

TOUR COST

A$4100 per person, twin share

Single Supplement A$1450

* Fixed departure – price based on minimum of 6 people
Independent Travels – price on application

DURATION

10 Days, 09 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  •  Explore the colourful bazaars of Delhi
  • Marvel at the wonders of the Taj Mahal at sunrise
  •  Discover the sights of Jaipur, including the majestic Amber Fort
  •  Enjoy a heritage walk through Mehrangarh Fort
  •  Experience the Diwali festivities in Jodhpur and celebrate with a Diwali feast
  •  Travel to Udaipur, the ‘Venice of East’

TOUR ROUTE

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur, India

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Day 1

Arrive Delhi

You’ll be met by one of our representatives at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or soak up the sights of this bustling city. In the evening we’ll share a welcome dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2

Delhi to Agra

In the morning we’ll drive to Agra, arriving with plenty of free time to explore this Mughal city. We’ll visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in fond memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal has been described as the most extravagant monument to love ever built and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. However, not all love stories have happy endings, and Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son during his final years.

Overnight: Hotel, Agra

Day 3

Agra to Jaipur

Rise early and pay a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is India’s most-photographed monument, and today you’ll see why. After the Taj, we’ll return to our hotel for breakfast and then travel onwards by car to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ of India. We will reach the capital of Rajasthan in the afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the day free to spend at your leisure. You may wish to explore the sights and colours of the Jaipur markets including the famous Johari Bazaar (jeweller’s market), or pay a visit to Jaipur’s iconic cinema, Raj Mandir, for a taste of Bollywood’s magical brand of entertainment.

Overnight: Hotel, Jaipur

Day 4

Jaipur

On our second day in Jaipur, we’ll visit the magnificent Amber Fort. The Amber Fort was built in 1592, and has seen renovations and improvements for over two centuries. The name is said to derive from the many jewels that are used for decoration inside…come and see for yourself! After visiting the fort, we’ll head back to Jaipur to visit Hawa Mahal and the City Palace Museum. The museum is filled with rich collections of Rajasthani costumes and medieval armoury.

Overnight: Hotel, Jaipur

Day 5

Jaipur to Jodhpur

After breakfast we’ll travel to Jodhpur by car, arriving in the early afternoon (approx. 5 hours). Jodhpur is known as the ‘Blue City’ as many of the houses are painted in shades of blue. With the towering backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, the city is quintessential Rajasthan. In the afternoon we’ll head to Sardar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India, for handicrafts and antiques. The diversity of what’s on offer is impressive.

Overnight Jodhpur

Day 6

Diwali Celebration in Jodhpur

Start the day off right with a delicious omelette and a famous Makhaniya lassi, one of many Indian delicacies that originated in Jodhpur. We’ll then head up to Mehrangarh Fort and take in the sweeping view of the city. You can either have the late afternoon free or attend a Rajasthani cooking class at a local family’s house. In the evening we’ll join locals as they celebrate Diwali before making our way to the city for a special Diwali feast. During Diwali, temples, houses and gardens surrounding the city are lit up with colourful lights and decorated in flower garlands, and locals flock to give offerings to deities. It is a truly magical time to be in India.

Overnight: Hotel, Jodhpur

Day 7

Jodhpur to Udaipur

After breakfast, we will travel to Udaipur by private vehicle. Udaipur, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, is one of India’s most picturesque cities. The city was founded in 1559 and was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Palaces surround the city, the most famous being The Lake Palace, which covers an entire island and was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this beautiful and seductive city. In the afternoon we’ll take an orientation walk through the narrow streets so that you can get your bearings. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore the city.

Overnight: Hotel, Udaipur

Day 8

Udaipur

After breakfast, we’ll visit the massive City Palace before enjoying a boat ride on Lake Pichola. In the afternoon we’ll visit Bagore Ki Haveli, a beautiful mansion housing an art gallery of contemporary and folk art. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or to enjoy one of our bespoke experiences. We’ll meet in the evening for dinner at the Udaigarh Hotel, which overlooks Lake Pichola and the City Palace.

Overnight: Hotel, Udaipur

Day 9

Udaipur to Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll fly back to Delhi. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is free to either shop or visit the sights of Delhi. We’ll meet in the evening for our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi 

Day 10

Depart Delhi

After breakfast, the tour will come to an end. We will transfer you to the airport for your onward international or domestic flight.

INCLUDES

 Met on arrival at the airport by an Ekno representative

  Services of an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour

  Local guides in Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur

  9 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

  All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle as per the itinerary

  Domestic flight from Udaipur to Delhi

  Entrance fees to all sites and monuments as per the itinerary

  Boat ride in Udaipur

  Welcome and farewell dinners

  Diwali celebration dinner

EXCLUDES

Return international airfares to India

Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)

Compulsory insurance of any kind

Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified in the itinerary

Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs

Tips

Camera and video entry charges at sites and monuments

Occasional optional items not identified in the itinerary description

Optional Extras

  • Heritage walk through Old & New Delhi
  • Sultanate Delhi tour
  • Heritage tour of the old Mughal city in Agra
  • Live theatre show on the story of the Taj Mahal
  • Cooking class with a local family in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Udaipur
  • Morning heritage walk in Jaipur
  • Visit the ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’
  • Early morning heritage walk and bicycle ride in Udaipur
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