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Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Southern India & Varanasi

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 Trip Length
17 Days
 Trip Starts
Mumbai
 Trip Finishes
Delhi
17 Day Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Southern India & Varanasi Itinerary (Globus)
Countries Explored: India
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
ODY2

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Globus 17 Day Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Southern India & Varanasi. Discover India, a diverse country filled with a long history, a variety of languages, amazing monuments, and a rich cultural heritage. On this India tour, visit some of its most famous sights and get to know the culture through special experiences. Of course, you'll visit the Taj Mahal, built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan from 1631-1648 AD as a memorial to his beloved wife. Plus, visit Agra Fort, the 16th-century red sandstone fortress where Moghul rulers lived. In 1876,...read more Jaipur was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it has been known as the “Pink City" ever since. Here, visit the Amber Fort, built in 1592 with white marble and red sandstone.

Remarkable structures are just part of India's appeal. You'll enjoy a rickshaw ride through a colourful local bazaar (a unique adventure included by Globus), a cooking demonstration of Indian food, and a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family - an out-of-the-ordinary experience offered by Globus. Another tour highlight is a visit to Ranthambore National Park. Here, three game drives in an open-air safari vehicle give you an opportunity to see native wildlife, including the elusive leopard and Bengal tiger. You'll also visit Mumbai, home to “Bollywood," and Cochin, where you'll take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways.

If you're interested in the different religions in India, you'll get a chance to learn more in Varanasi. Here, board a boat to watch the Hindu's devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge. You'll also witness the spritiual Gagna Aarti ceremony in the evening along the river.

These are just a few of the many highlights offered on this marvelous India tour. It's an amazing holiday!

Itinerary

Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colourful history. This vibrant city is now India's premier seaport, centre of culture and industry, and home to "Bollywood." Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

This morning's GUIDED TOUR includes the GATEWAY OF INDIA, Mumbai's most famous monument, which commemorates a visit by Queen Mary. Then, drive along Marine Drive, a seafront promenade, and see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (an open-air laundromat). You will also visit the HANGING GARDENS, MANI BHAVAN (former residence of Mahatma Gandhi), and the MUMBAI MUSEUM (closed Mondays). The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B/L)

Fly to Cochin. (B)

Your GUIDED TOUR starts with the Chinese Fishing Nets that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area and a walk through the Jewish quarter. Next, visit the KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM which aims to preserve and educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable CRUISE on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields. (B/L)

Today, fly to Delhi. (B)

Today's sightseeing starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit QUTUB MINAR, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B/L/D)

This morning, visit HUMAYUN'S TOMB and GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB, Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B/L)

Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Later, travel to AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)

Today, stop at FATEHPUR SIKRI (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a TRAIN bound for RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B/L/D)

Today, explore the park on MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B/L/D)

Rise early this morning for one last GAME DRIVE in this magical land. Then, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it has been known as the "Pink City" ever since. Tonight, enjoy a HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family, followed by a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING demonstration. (B/D)

Today, visit the amazing AMBER FORT, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Tour the interior with its intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. This afternoon, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at JANTAR MANTAR and the famous HAWA MAHAL (Palace of the Winds). Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through India. (B/D)

Fly back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.(B)

Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This evening, your PRIVATE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING witnesses the GANGA AARTI (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the Ganges. (B)

Around dawn, board a BOAT and watch a striking religious ritual-the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. This afternoon, a PRIVATE GUIDED EXCURSION takes you to nearby SARNATH, the "Cradle of Buddhism," where Buddha first spoke of his philosophy. (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi. (B)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • MUMBAI: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Gateway of India, a Dhobi Ghat, Hanging Gardens, Mumbai Museum, and Mani Bhavan; Host service during your stay
  • COCHIN: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and Kerala Folklore Museum; walk through the Jewish quarter; cruise the backwaters of Kerala; Host service during your stay
  • DELHI: Visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar; welcome dinner with Indian cooking demonstration
  • AGRA: Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort by tonga, and Fatehpur Sikri
  • BHARATPUR-RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK: Travel by train
  • RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK: Three game drives
  • JAIPUR: Home-hosted dinner with Indian noble family featuring a sari and turban-tying demonstration; visit Amber Fort, the City Palace & Museum, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal
  • VARANASI: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the ghats for the Ganga Aarti; boat ride on the Ganges to see the Hindu bathing ritual; excursion to Sarnath; Host service during your stay
  • MEALS: American breakfast (B) daily, 6 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Delhi and home-hosted dinner in Jaipur
  • Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable

  • 16 Breakfasts
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners

  • Hotel Classifications: Moderate Deluxe (MD), First Class (F), Superior First Class (SF)
  • Delhi Le Meridien New Delhi (MD), Agra Trident, Agra (SF), Ranthambore National Park Dev Vilas (F), Jaipur Trident, Jaipur (SF), Delhi Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport (F)

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included
Sightseeing & VIP Access
Sightseeing & VIP Access

Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more

Culture Through Cuisine
Culture Through Cuisine

Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Asia through its regional cuisine. Read more

Expert Local Guides
Expert Local Guides

Travel with professional Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Asia. Read more

Superior Hotels
Superior Hotels

Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more

We Handle the Details
We Handle the Details

Globus takes care of the components that make your tour unforgettable, so just sit back and relax. Read more

Local Favourites
Local Favourites

Experience Asia like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more

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Brochure

Worldwide

Globus Worldwide (2023-24)

From the Great Pyramids to the Great Barrier Reef; from the Grand Canyon to the Colosseum, each Globus tour includes the legendary landmarks and must-see sights with an eye for hidden local gems you won’t find in any guidebook. Globus takes you to the head of the line at the world’s most awe-inspiring and iconic attractions, while sharing nearly a century...more of travel expertise in discovering off-the-beaten-path surprises for immersive experiences in the true cultures and traditions.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These 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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