Northern India Family Holiday

Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your adventure in the one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world, Delhi. There will be a welcome meeting today at 1 pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. After a chance to meet the rest of the families and buy some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets, everything competes for space – squeeze through the Old City’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, this mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. If you’d like, why not catch a rickshaw through the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – broad, tree-lined avenues, and former monuments to British power. Visit the main sights – Parliament House, President House, and India Gate, before returning to the hotel.

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately 3 hours). The city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days, inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just all about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Sitting along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj across the river. (B)

Not many people like really early mornings, but this one is definitely worth it. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. This is truly magical. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 2 hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 2 hours) – the 'Jungle Book' brought to life! (B/D)

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is also is teeming with wildlife to spot. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples and stalk through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. (B/L/D)

Head northwest to the dazzling pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 4-5 hours) in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Jantar Mantar observatory – a favourite with children. The observatory houses a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II and was completed in 1734. In the afternoon, you will have some free time as a family. Perhaps take a swim in the hotel pool or wander through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Enjoy a free evening in Jaipur tonight. Perhaps hit the streets of the old town for raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato - and cool off afterwards with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Look out for camels carting goods and be careful of the monkeys climbing wires overhead! (B)

Visit the sprawling City Palace, once home to the Maharaja: an amazing complex that's home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed facade filled with concealed windows. The impressive structure makes it the most photographed building in the country, after the Taj. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. The rest of the day is free to explore or to find a spot to people watch and relax. (B)

Climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view (approximately 30 minutes). Pass Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol (Victory Gate). This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs, who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war, they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms, which now make up the Amber Fort. The fallen empire’s legacy, the opulent palace is packed with elaborate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace, covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles, looking down over the picturesque Moata Lake. Later in the day, head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan. Then, leave the city behind and travel to the relaxed village of Nawalgarh (approximately 3 hours). Catch glimpses of life in the most colourful of India’s regions – sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water, bangles tinkling as they walk. Take a walk around the village and meet the locals before continuing to your final stop for the day, the small town of Alsisar (approximately 1.5 hours). (B/L/D)

The semi-arid village of Alsisar is full of legendary stories with its many hand-painted havelis. This morning, join your leader on a walk around the village to discovery these beautiful and ornately decorated buildings, and perhaps say hello to some of the local residents along the way. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this peaceful town or enjoy your splendid accommodation, the Alsisar Mahal, built in the 17th century. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms it will certainly be a highlight of your trip. And the kids will love the pool! (B)

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi by mid-afternoon (approximately 9 hours). Use the rest of the day however you like. Practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything imaginable, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats (Indian snacks, including deep fried fritters and flatbread). Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. No doubt you’ll like to get together in the evening with your group leader and the other families for a special dinner. Your leader will have great recommendations on where to eat. (B)

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If your family would like to spend some more time in Delhi, why not book into an Urban Adventures tour? The Made In Delhi Shopping Tour takes you to the best markets to shop, so you can find some bargains. Better yet, it’s child-friendly! Find out more information at urbanadventures. com/destination/delhi-tours. We would be more than happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)