Inspiring India

Fly to Delhi for a two-night stay. Your National Escort or Local Guide from Wendy Wu Tours will meet you at the Delhi International Airport in the Arrivals Hall. Together with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Discover Delhi A city equally chaotic and charming, Delhi grabs hold of you and doesn't let go! Spend a full day exploring the sights of Old Delhi: pass the colossal Red Fort, browse the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk, visit India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid, and take a Rickshaw ride to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. Cross over into New Delhi to make a brief stop at India Gate, and visit Humayun's Tomb and the Qutab Minar

Depart Delhi this morning and commence the 3 hour drive to the historic city of Agra. Visit the Itmad-udDaulah, nicknamed the Baby Taj, an exquisite marble tomb that predates the Taj Mahal and is thought to have inspired it. You’ll also explore the hulking mass of red sandstone that is Agra Fort, which sits on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Fort was established in the 16th century but has been much added to over time, making it an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Begin the day by viewing the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun is rising. Firstly, board your group coach and drive through the awakening streets of Agra. At a designated point, the group will disembark the coach and board smaller electric carts to continue to the entrance gate. You will spend approximately two hours here; sightseeing is easy with not many steps. For admission to the main mausoleum area, you are required to wear shoe covers (this may be provided on site – be prepared to bring an additional pair of socks). Return to your hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. Later, commence your drive of approximately 6 hours to Ranthambore, visiting the abandoned ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri en route.

Enjoy both morning and afternoon safaris through the national park, keeping your eyes peeled for tigers! There are around 50 majestic Bengal tigers living in Ranthambore’s undulating landscapes, as well as leopards, nilgai, sloth bears, wild boar, hyena and over 300 species of bird. Please note you will need to bring your passports to the gates to be allowed entry to the park

Drive approximately 3 to 4 hours to one of Rajasthan’s hidden gems, the captivating Bundi. Take a stroll through the town, discovering the unique step wells – a vital source of water in the past, and a breathtaking sight today

Depart Bundi and drive approximately 4 and a half hours to Udaipur, with a stop en route at Chittor Fort. One of the largest forts in India, Chittor sprawls across a hilltop overlooking the town of Chittorgarh. Its precinct contains grand old palaces, gates, temples and towers – its magnificence has been inspiring travellers and artists alike for centuries. Continue to Udaipur where, later this afternoon, you’ll cruise on Lake Pichola, admiring the city’s palaces from the water, including the incredible Lake Palace.

Today you will explore the city, starting with a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake and stop at the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery and Sahelion Ki Bari Garden. Later visit the ornate City Palace and take a stroll through the local shops.

Drive approximately 5 hours to Pushkar. Set on the banks of one of India’s most sacred lakes, there are 52 ghats built on the edge of the water, used for bathing by Hindu pilgrims, which are backed by hundreds of blue-washed temples. Admire the Brahma Temple, the city’s most important temple, and one of few in the world dedicated to the deity many Hindus believe is the creator of the universe.

Drive 3 hours to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and Rajasthan’s capital. On arrival, visit two of the city’s top sights, the Maharaja’s City Palace, still the home of the city’s royal family today, and Jantar Mantar Observatory, a fascinating collection of wonderful instruments designed to measure the heavens.

Begin the day with a brief stop at Hawa Mahal, the iconic ‘Palace of the Winds’, before travelling out of the city to admire the majestic Amber Fort, the colossal 16th century yellow and pink sandstone fort just 11 kilometres out of Jaipur. Back in the city, head to a craft centre to learn about traditional artistries such as block printing and carpet weaving.

Depart Jaipur and travel approximately 5 hours back to Delhi for the final night of the tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day