Classic India

Signature experiences for the first-timer

Classic India

  • India
  • 16 Days
  • Mumbai | Jodhpur | Jawai | Udaipur | Jaipur | Agra | Khajuraho | Varanasi | Delhi
  • Colonial hues of Mumbai
  • The majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
  • Traversing the leopard country of Jawai
  • City Palace of Udaipur
  • India’s greatest emblem of love – Taj Mahal
  • The ghats of the oldest city of the world – Varanasi

Overview

Handpicking the most memorable experiences for a first-timer to India can be challenging, especially when the country has so much to offer. In this trip, you get to experience the varied hues of India – contemporary vibe of a metropolitan, historical legacies left behind in stone, wild encounters with leopards, architectural splendour, ancient temples and the oldest living city of the world. These extraordinary cities and towns have morphed into famous travel haunts with their definitive vibe. Since we’ve been creating tailor-made trips for decades, we’ve included the most immersive and local experiences. By the end of it, you’ll feel like an insider.

In Mumbai, not only do you see the grand museums but also visit a fascinating open air laundry – a dhobhi ghat. But it is the cities in Rajasthan that are sure to leave your jaw dropped. Whether it is the old havelis (heritage homes) which haven’t aged, showcasing architectural prowess, a majestic fort on a rocky escarpment, crammed markets with shops drooped under bright textiles, the untamed wilderness offering a tryst with leopards in Jawai or the beauty of a lake city catching your breath. Later, you wend to Agra, home to the resplendent Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments. Khajuraho’s exquisite temples, with their walls covered in intricate sculptures leave you mesmerised. The last leg of the journey takes you to Varanasi – the oldest city on earth – where labyrinth of streets in the old city spreads along the Ganges River. Sit on the stepped ghats and watch boat-loads of people in boats along the river. Heads bowed to the bevy of temples along the ghats. Let Varanasi slowly reveal its culture and eccentricities; crammed streets, timeless musicians, love for street-food and reams of exceptional woven fabrics. End the trip in the capital, Delhi, lauded as one of the most atmospheric cities that will offer you a glimpse of the old and new.

Itinerary

1

Mumbai : You will be met on arrival at the Mumbai airport and then transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

2

Mumbai : Start the day from Gateway of India to the 7th century caves on Elephanta Island, accessed via a cruise. In the afternoon, visit Mani Bhawan – once home of Mahatma Gandhi in Mumbai, Bhau Daji Lad Museum – the oldest museum in Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat – open air laundry, and drive past the Victoria Terminus, Marine Drive, fondly Queen’s Necklace and Crawford market. You sample the best of Mumbai on this day.

3

Mumbai – Jodhpur : Take a late morning flight from Mumbai to Jodhpur and transfer to the hotel. Later in the afternoon a tuk-tuk ride covers the slim lanes flanked by typical blue painted houses. Get down and take a leisurely stroll through the market near the clock tower in the heart of the city.

4

Jodhpur : Reserve the morning hours for the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, that rises hundreds of feet from the ground, the rest of the town sprawled under its shadow. Give yourself a break, and relax in the hotel for the rest of the day.

5

Jodhpur – Jawai : Drive 4 hours south to Jawai, a small hamlet that is well-know for its population of leopards. Arrive at Jawai and check into the luxurious Sujan Jawai. Late afternoon, leave on a 4X4 in search of the spotted big cats accompanied by a tracker guide from the camp. You will get to see the colourful Rabari herdsmen with their striking red turbans and, local life in the villages.

6

Jawai – Udaipur : This morning calls for another safari, before you leave for Ranakpur (1.5 hours) to see the magnificent marble Jain temples. Continue your journey and drive another 2 hours to Udaipur, the most romantic city in Rajasthan built at the edge of a sprawling lake, with a befitting sobriquet of ‘Venice of the East’.

7

Udaipur : The morning is kept for the City Palace and its museum, the Jagdish Temple with superbly carved elephant motifs and the colourful markets in the old town. Late afternoon, you will be taken on a boat ride on the Lake Pichola, where you can visit Jag Mandir – a marble palace on an island, and enjoy the warm colours of the sky at sunset, with beautiful views of the lake side temples with bathing ghats, the City Palace and the surrounding Aravalli hills.

8

Udaipur – Jaipur : This is a travel heavy day with a 6 hour drive to Jaipur. It’s your chance to see the countryside and halt for photographs. The rest of the day is at leisure, once you reach the hotel.

9

Jaipur : Spend the full day touring the Pink City of Jaipur. Start with the beautiful Mughal style hilltop fort of Amber. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the City Palace complex consisting of several palaces, pavilions and gardens, Jantar Mantar – a spectacular observatory and drive past the Hawa Mahal – the palace of the winds, a five storey structure with latticed windows through which the royal ladies watched the city pass by. End the day with a walk though the bustling market in the walled city.

10

Jaipur – Agra : Leave for Agra, which is 5 hours away from Jaipur. En route stop to visit the erstwhile Mughal capital Fatehpur Sikri. Check-in at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

11

Agra : Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise to experience the first rays of sun reflecting off the glistening white marble. Later in the day visit the other sites in the city – the impressive Agra Fort and the little known tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah.

12

Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho : Early morning transfer to the railway station to board a train for Jhansi. From here, drive another 4 hours to Khajuraho. En route stop at the medieval town of Orchha set along the Betwa River and tour its cluster of palaces, temples, towers and royal cenotaphs.

13

Khajuraho – Varanasi : In the morning, visit the sandstone temples built by the Chandela rulers. These are known for its erotic sculptures and other exquisite temple art in India. Later, take a flight to Varanasi.
After checking in, keep the evening for visiting the ghats (river banks) along the Ganges for the evening aarti (prayer ceremony).

14

Varanasi – Delhi : Take a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, and witness thousands of pilgrims taking a dip in the holy river. Later take a walk in the old city’s maze of alleys, which house temples, homes, shops and animals. This walk might be the most alluring part of the trip. In the afternoon, fly to Delhi.

15

Delhi : The early hours of the day are reserved for a tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk market. In the afternoon, visit the Akshardham temple, a comparatively new construction brilliantly showcasing the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and spiritual messages.

16

Departure : Get transferred to the airport in time for your international departure flight.
October – March : Winter months, recommended to travel.
Mid April – June : Summer months, when it is moderately hot in April, but May and June are avoidable.
July – September : Monsoon months where trips are doable.
August Temprature
Delhi

34° 27°

Jodhpur

34° 26°

Udaipur

33° 26°

Jaipur

31° 25°

Varansi

34° 27°

Khajuraho

34° 25°

Agra

34° 26°

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