In partnership with Taj Hotels & Exotic Destinations
India is a cultural kaleidoscope of colour, beauty and mesmerising history. As home to some of the world’s most iconic historical and cultural sights; peaceful waterways reflecting majestic palaces, temples and gardens; and bustling cities dotted with spice-laden markets, arts and intriguing architecture, India is a uniquely magical destination that has captivated travellers for centuries.
With so much to discover it’s often hard to know where to start, so in partnership with Taj Hotels and luxury tour specialists, Exotic Destinations, we have tailored an incredible journey into India that will leave you with memories to cherish long after returning home.
You will experience the enchanting layers of authentic India – from the romance of the magnificent Taj Mahal, the serenity of a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, the colour and history of a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, to the wonders of ‘The Pink City’ Jaipur, and more – our expertly curated itinerary and experienced on-the-ground tour guides will unveil local secrets and take you on an exotic adventure, as you travel like a maharaja in the luxury of Taj Hotels and Palaces, where a warm welcome awaits at every stop.
Read on for an overview of our luxury 10 night Jigsaw Journey into India, then reach out to us on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au so we can start piecing together your travel dreams.
Journey Highlights:
- Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
- See the majestic Taj Mahal at sunset & sunrise
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site at Fatehpur Sikri
- Inspirational walking tour of Old Jaipur
- Discover the lesser-known wonders of Jaipur, the “Pink City”
- Travel through the narrow alleys of the Blue City in a Tuk Tuk
- Visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
- Sunset leisurely boat cruise on Lake Pichola, Udaipur – the “Venice of the East”
DELHI
STAY – Taj Mahal Hotel (2 NIGHTS)
Taj Mahal, New Delhi, located in the heart of the city, stands as tribute to legendary hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Central to The Taj Mahal Hotel’s prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary luxury. All around, grandeur meets elegance—antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents and colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and comforts.
Renew, revitalize and restore yourself at The Spa and shop for Indian artefacts at Taj Khazana. Unwind after a long day at the health club and state-of-the-art fitness centre that caters to individual needs. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and offers gym equipment, sauna, jacuzzi and steam baths
EXPLORE DELHI
Delhi is the capital of India, a cosmopolis constantly inhabited since the ancient times. Exploring the narrow lanes of the city, you will be immersed in the melting pot of religions, ethnicities and schools of thought that have served as Delhi’s greatest strength and its greatest vulnerability. Experience an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk – a hustling & bustling market place. Visits will be made to a number of significant sites, including:
Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque, an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan with vast marble domes and minarets
Raj Ghat – where the Father of India, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated in 1948
Humayun’s Tomb – visit Humayun’s Tomb, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. Built in 1572 AD during the Mughal rule, Humayun’s Tomb is one of Asia’s most magnificent tombs. It is an excellent example of the marriage of Persian and Indian architectural styles
DEPART DELHI & TRAVEL ONTO AGRA
Farewell India’s capital, and journey to Agra, home of the majestic Taj Mahal via private transfer. Agra was the capital and stronghold of the Mughal Empire until Shah Jahan shifted base to Delhi. The city is dotted with Mughal structures of which the most famous are Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Agra is a testimony to the love of art, architecture, and aesthetics that the Mughals were known for.
STAY: Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra (1 night)
Taj Hotel’s modern 5 star hotel in Agra lies a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal. A refreshing rooftop infinity pool offers magical views of the Taj Mahal, while an abundance of dining options, invigorating spa and a buzzing fitness centre are at hand to rejuvenate every guest.
On arrival in Agra, visit the former imperial city of the Mughal rulers and the heritage listed Red Fort which was originally built by Akbar in 1565.
Late in the afternoon, you will experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of love for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, almost four centuries ago, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of the city and has bestowed everlasting fame on Agra.
The next morning, before departing Agra, you will return to the Taj Mahal to view it in a different light, as the spectacular marble dome and minarets are bathed in early morning sunlight.
DEPART AGRA FOR JAIPUR
After breakfast, journey towards the Pink City known as Jaipur. Well known for its decadent royal palaces and spectacular forts. As you journey overland, an en route visit to Fatehpur Sikri. The red sandstone city complete with palaces and mosques was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition like it was over 300 years ago.
The Pink City of Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and a shopping mecca. The buildings in the old city were painted with an auspicious rose pink shade under the orders of Maharaja Ram Singh to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit to India in 1876. This earned the city its famous epithet. Even today, the buildings inside the old walled city are bedecked in the blush pink hues that set it apart from other cities in the country.
STAY: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur (2 nights)
Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. Within this most glorious of palaces showcasing the best of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, you also experience the best fine-dining restaurants in Jaipur.
EXPLORE JAIPUR
Explore the hidden gems, living traditions and lesser-known wonders of the Jaipur on an inspirational early morning Walking Tour of Old Jaipur. Experience the religious life of local communities as you visit colourful temples, interact with resident artisans, shop owners and share tea in the homes of locals, all while discovering some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating city.
Day 2 in Jaipur will take you to the 16th century UNESCO World Heritage Site Amber Fort, to gain insight into the life of the Moghuls. It was constructed by Maharaja Man Singh, one of the most successful generals of Mughal Emperor Akbar and a fierce warrior and overlooks the Maota Lake. The fort complex houses the most stunning palaces, gardens, and courtyards decorated with colourful frescos and mirrors.
In the afternoon, you will tour the City Palace which has an amazing collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, then end the day gazing at the heavens from within the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar) which holds astronomical instruments dating back to the 16th century.
TRAVEL FROM JAIPUR to JODHPUR
The following morning, bid farewell to the Pink City and journey overland to the Blue City known as Jodhpur.
Among Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This five-hundred-year-old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs celebrated for their tales of daring. One of the most beautiful Indian cities, the land of royalty is a glittering jewel set in the golden sands of barren desert landscape. The light that reflects off the golden sands engulfs a land renowned for its vibrant colours, people in bright clothes and beautiful jewellery, living in a city dominated by towering forts and palaces that rise from the sand like a mirage. Jodhpur is now a major export centre of handicrafts.
STAY: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Palace room, Jodhpur (2 nights)
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palace has one thing in common with the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra—the palm court marble used in its construction. Perched on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with exotic views of the historical Blue City, vast sand dunes, and intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, with dancing peacocks and a subterranean Zodiac Pool, the hotel offers 70 utterly breathtaking Art Deco- style rooms and suites, enticing restaurants and bars and a rejuvenating wellness centre offering signature treatments, yoga and meditation.
DISCOVER JODHPUR
Explore the magnificent and mighty Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada which dominate the city of Jodhpur as one of Rajasthan’s three great hilltop forts, originally built in 1806.
Later enjoy walking through the narrow alleys of the Blue City, passing Brahmpuri where the blue houses of the Brahmins are located. Hop into a tuk-tuk to reach the Sadar Bazaar area which is a treasure trove for shoppers and full of interesting characters.
TRAVEL FROM JODHPUR to UDAIPUR
Journey overland via private transfer from the Blue City to the city of lakes, Udaipur. Stopping enroute to admire the largest and most important temples of the Jain religion, built in the 15th century, the Ranakpur Temples.
Udaipur’s kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of an heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of Lake Pichola is an enticing sight. The marble palace’s beautiful gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
STAY: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (2 nights)
A jewel floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace was constructed between 1743-1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. With architecture influenced from Mughals, predominantly lead by Mewari techniques this heritage hotel is built from marble locally sourced from Rajnagar, in Udaipur and has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites.
Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. The incomparable location provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisines at the elegant restaurants of Taj Lake Palace open only to resident guests.
DISCOVER UDAIPUR
Explore the main sights of Udaipur such as the City Palace – a marvel of marble and granite overlooking Lake Pichola, is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Visit the three storey Jagdish Temple with its carved pillars and painted walls. View Gangaur Ghat, situated in the heart of the city, streaming through the old veins of the old city area. A visit will be made to the exquisite Crystal Gallery and to Sahelio-ki-Bari (The Garden of the Maids of Honour).
On your final evening in India, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola.
FINAL MORNING
Depart Udaipur via private transfer to Udaipur airport to board your flight for your onward journey.
Your Itinerary Includes:
- Accommodation as stated in itinerary
- Meals: Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Local English-speaking guide at all destinations.
- Air-conditioned private vehicle for all transport services.
- Entrance fees at monuments and places of visits (as mentioned in the itinerary).
- Sunset and Sunrise at Taj Mahal
- Rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
- Jeep ride in Jaipur at Amber Fort – subject to availability
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola
- Assistance by English speaking representative for airport-hotel-airport transfers
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES DEPENDANT ON DATE OF TRAVEL:
- Holi, the Festival of Colours, one of the biggest and most colourful Indian Festival. Normally held in March/April. This ancient Hindu festival originated as a celebration of the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. You will have the opportunity to participate in the celebration in Jaipur.
- Every October, Delhi celebrates Dussehra – the festival of the victory of good over evil. Effigies of evil characters from Indian mythology are set on fire in public grounds all over Delhi. Arrive a few days earlier and photograph these hand-made effigies getting their final touches.
- Diwali, the Festival of Lights is one of the most popular Indian Festival. Normally held in October/November. Homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared. The entire city is illuminated with fireworks everywhere.
WIN YOUR OWN LUXURY ADVENTURE INTO INDIA WITH TAJ HOTELS & EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
To celebrate the launch of our incredible Jigsaw Journey into India, you could win an immersive two-day exploration of Delhi, ensuring your adventure to India starts in a truly unforgettable and luxurious way.
Competition details and how to enter will be announced on our Instagram. Follow us at @jigsawtravel for your chance to win.