The Grand Tour of India
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi for your onward connection to Amritsar. Check in to Taj Swarna for 2 nights. Visit the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.
Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its vast community kitchen (langar). Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Taj Ganges (or similar). This evening, visit the Dasaswamedh ghat (stepped wharf) to witness the magical aarti ceremony from the Ganges.
Rise early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, followed by a walking tour of Varanasi's hidden alleys, paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice, jewellery and flower markets. Take an evening flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay at The Imperial.
Morning tour of Old Delhi via rickshaw. Drive past the Red Fort, visit the Jama Masjid mosque, then explore on foot. This afternoon, tour New Delhi with a drive past India Gate and the Viceregal Residence, before visiting Qutb Minar and the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra (or similar). Afternoon visit to the Agra Fort. This evening, visit the Taj Mahal as it's bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
Visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the Taj Mahal in the golden hour of sunrise. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted 16th-century sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for lunch at the regal Laxmi Vilas Palace before a train ride to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to The Tigress (or similar) for 2 nights.
Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing on 4x4 safaris. Drive through the park in search of deer, sloth bears, birdlife, and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Morning drive to Jaipur to stay at the ITC Rajaputana (or similar) for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Evening aarti ceremony at a local Hindu temple.
Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace, a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture; Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory; and the Maharaja Museum. Then view Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of Winds', with its elaborate pink sandstone facade.
Drive to Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and view the blue-washed Brahmin houses from the ramparts. Stay at Rohet Garh (or similar), a heritage mansion, for 2 nights.
Day at leisure. Optional 4x4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal village.*
Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Stay at the Trident Udaipur (or similar) for 2 nights.
Morning tour of the City Palace and a miniature painting studio. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure followed by a cultural dance show and farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay and farewell drink at the Trident Gurgaon (or similar).
Tour ends in Delhi.
Trip Inclusions
- Evening Palki Sahib ceremony at the Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Walking tour of Varanasi's hidden alleys and markets
- Dine in a regal palace
- Ride like a local on a rickshaw tour through Old Delhi
- Stay in a heritage mansion to explore rural Rajasthan
- Porterage at hotels & railway stations
- Two wildlife safaris with a naturalist guide
- All entrance fees & sightseeing
- 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners
- Experienced local tour manager
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Internal flights
- Flexible - extensions & room upgrades available
- 4 & 5 star accommodation
- Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- † These activities can be pre-booked and incur an additional cost.
- Festival departures - Holi: 12 & 19 Mar 2027 Diwali: 24 Oct and 01 Nov 2026, 22 Oct 2027
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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