Northern India Family Holiday

Delhi Arrive

Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your Indian adventure in the one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, a magical city of surprising contrasts. There’s a welcome meeting today at 1 pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city, but it's also one of the most interesting in the world – packed with historical sites, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi, everything competes for space – squeeze through the Old City’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, the mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. Go with the flow on a rickshaw (own expense) 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.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Agra

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 tantalizing glimpse of the Taj across the river.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Ranthambhore National Park

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!

Overnight stay at Hotel.

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, stalking 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.

Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Jaipur

Head northwest to the dazzling pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 4-5 hours), and arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon you and your family will explore the impressive Jantar Mantar Observatory and learn about the history of astrology in India. The carefully designed site dates back to the 18th century and it allowed users to observe the movements of the stars and planets.

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 traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches, monkeys climbing wires and camels carting goods.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Jaipur

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, and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. 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 façade filled with concealed windows. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal. 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 for you and your family to explore together. You might like to tour the inside of Hawa Mahal or hit the bazaars to practice your haggling skills, where you’ll find a range of textiles, gems, and pottery. Alternatively, you could check out the latest Bollywood film or simply find a place to people-watch and relax.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Nawalgarh

Early Morning visit to Amer Fort. 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, 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, and look down over picturesque Moata Lake.

Later, head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan to Nawalgarh, leaving the city behind for a more relaxed village vibe (approximately 4 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. If the sun’s still up, take a walk around the village, meet the locals and maybe accept the challenge of a game of cricket!

Alsisar

located in the Shekhawati region and uncover the artistic heritage of the area (approximately 1.5 hours).

The semi-arid village of Alsisar is painted with legendary stories with its many hand painted havelis. Our accommodation for this evening is the breathtaking palace of Alsisar “Alsisar Mahal" which was built in the 17th century. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms it will be a highlight of your trip. And the kids will love the pool!

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Delhi

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 – snacks like 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 your leader will arrange one ‘last supper’, where you can look back over the trip of a lifetime and get your head around all the wonders you’ve witnessed.

Overnight stay at Hotel.