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12 day Highlights of North India tour including return international flights, accommodation, breakfast daily, in-depth sightseeing, tour guides and more
Experience an unmissable 12 day Highlights of Rajasthan tour! Marvel at the beauty of the region’s diverse landscapes and learn the history of this cultured and treasured land, all with the knowledge and guidance of expert guides.
Start your journey in India’s capital, Delhi, a major gateway to the country. Enjoy local cuisine, see the Red Fort and the President’s residence, the Rashtrapati Bhawan. After some epic sightseeing, board your sleeper train onward to Varanasi. Enjoy some free time upon your arrival before heading to the Daswamedha Ghat along the River Ganges to witness the special Hindu Aarti ceremony performed.
Make your way to Agra and be awed as you walk inside the famous Taj Mahal. Pass through Karauli and Abhaneri before arriving into Jaipur, known as the Pink City – visit Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace and be blown away by the history and incredible architecture.
Your package includes return international airfares, accommodation, dedicated tour guide, breakfast daily, sightseeing, entrance fees and more! See full Inclusions here.
Day 1: New Zealand – – Delhi
Depart New Zealand today on your flight to Delhi (please note, some flight may depart 1 day before). You will arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi –– Varanasi (B)
Today we head out on a full day to explore Delhi. Begin your day with a guided tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort—the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets of Old Delhi to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan.
Later today we visit Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. We also drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) before enjoying one of Delhi’s most incredible Sikh Temples.
After sightseeing, we make our way to the train station to board our overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. No trip the India is complete without experiencing a train journey! You can safely forget media images of overcrowded suburban trains with people sitting on the roof. On a long distance train in an air-conditioned carriage all seats are reserved and it’s a safe, civilised & comfortable way to get around India.
Day 3: Varanasi (B)
This morning, the train arrives early into Varanasi. Upon arrival, you will be met at the Railway Station and assisted by transfer to the hotel. Rooms aren’t available until 2PM, however bags may be left at reception. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before enjoying free time to explore Varanasi. This evening head to the Daswamedha Ghat along the River Ganges to witness the special Hindu Aarti ceremony performed.
Day 4: Varanasi – – Agra (B)
This morning we take a boat cruise on the Ganges to soak in the vibrant colour and life of Varanasi (subject to water levels). An early morning boat ride presents an incredible scene as the multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. On our return we visit the bazaars (local market) and Kashi Vishwanath Temple – the most sacred of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. We then return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast we visit Samath, the site where Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon enshrining the principles of his teaching. There is then free time before we return to the train station to board an overnight sleeper to Agra.
Day 5: Agra (B)
This morning, the train arrives early into Agra. Upon arrival, you will be met at the Railway Station and assisted by transfer to the hotel. Rooms aren’t available until 2PM, however bags may be left at reception. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before enjoying free time to explore Agra. This afternoon, we head out for the big one! The Taj Mahal, for a spectacle not to be missed. There is plenty of time to explore the grounds of the Taj Mahal
After, explore the Agra (Red) Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations.
Day 6: Agra – Karauli (B)
Today we leave Agra for Karauli. Karauli is a district and town in the state of Rajasthan. An old princely-state, it has an old fort and several palaces with some very attractive frescoes and jaalis. Although off the beaten track, it is well worth a visit. Here we learn about Lord Krishna and visit the City Palace and Madan Mohan Ji Temple.
Day 7: Karauli – Abhaneri – Jaipur (B)
After breakfast, we head to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur en-route visiting the famous Abheneri Step Well. Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, which means “city of brightness,” but due to mispronunciation, the name was changed. The city is now in ruins, but it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for ‘Baoris’, step wells which were invented by the natives to harvest rain water. We then continue on to Jaipur.
Day 8: Jaipur (B)
An exciting day awaits you as begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue your tour as we drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. This afternoon, enjoy some free time.
Day 9: Jaipur (B)
Today, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs” on a guided heritage walk. After, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time for your own activities.
Day 10: Jaipur – Delhi (B)
Today we make the journey back to Delhi. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time, in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.
Day 11: Delhi – – New Zealand (B)
After breakfast, the rest of the morning is at leisure. You will be met at your hotel by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the international airport for your onward flight home.
Day 12: New Zealand
Arrive home in New Zealand today.
Highlights:
How To Book:
To book your Tour:
Deposit Information:
Documentation:
Documentation will be provided 30 days prior to travel, including E-Ticket instructions, hotel confirmation, itinerary extension & optional tour confirmation (where applicable) and destination travel tips.
Single Supplement:
Standard – $289 per person in addition to the twin share price
Deluxe – $599 per person in addition to the twin share price
You can purchase your single supplement by clicking here
Group Size:
Standard: 2 – 35 people
Deluxe: 2 – 35 people
Triple Share: Not available
Land Only: To purchase this tour as land only (no flights) please click here
Coach Transportation: Where group sizes are not sufficient to use a full-sized coach, we reserve the right to use a smaller coach on the same level of comfort.
Accommodation:
The accommodation listed below may be subject to change, but will remain of a similar or higher standard. Any changes remain beyond our control and all efforts are made to communicate these as soon as possible. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed.
3* Standard:
Delhi: Sunstar Grand or similar
Trains: 2nd Class air-conditioned sleeper
Varanasi: Meradan Grand or similar
Agra: Crystal Inn or similar
Karauli: Bhanwar Niwas Palace or similar
Jaipur: Ibis or similar
Delhi (last night): City Park Airport or similar
3-4* Deluxe:
Delhi: Radisson Blu Pashim or similar
Trains: 2nd Class air-conditioned sleeper
Varanasi: Grapevine or similar
Agra: Hotel Ramada or similar
Karauli: Bhanwar Niwas Palace or similar – Please note, there is limited choice of hotels in Karauli, therefore Deluxe and Standard tours utilise the same property.
Jaipur: The Lalit or similar
Delhi (last night): Hotel the Pride Aerocity or similar
Child Price: Same price as adults – Minimum age 2 years
Tipping:
At the start of your tour:
Through our experience we have found that our travellers are often confused, frustrated or embarrassed about tipping, especially if they are unsure of the correct etiquette in the country they are visiting. To overcome this, we have established an on-tour ‘Tipping Kitty’. Upon meeting your tour guide, they will discuss the idea of having a group pooled kitty, where everyone contributes an equal share. This is to cover small tips made along the way to local services such as porters, railway station assistants (if applicable), restaurants (included meals only), toilet stops, tips to shoe keepers during temple and monument visit. Your guide will collect this amount at the start of your tour and tip the intended recipient’s on your behalf allowing you to enjoy your experience more freely.
The amount to budget for on this trip for the kitty is: INR 2350 per person
Please note that this doesn’t cover a tip for your tour leader & driver.
Towards the end of your tour:
If you have enjoyed the knowledge, service and expertise of your tour guide and driver a tip (while not compulsory) is appropriate towards the end of your tour. While it may not be customary in New Zealand, tipping is entrenched into many cultures especially within the tourism industry globally. It helps reward and inspire excellent service. The following is provided to assist our guests, but we leave the decision to provide a gratuity entirely at their discretion:
The group leader: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of INR 5310 per person for the full tour
The driver & assistant: Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of INR 1770 per person for the full tour
Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. Your guide will hand around two envelopes towards the end of the tour (1 Tour Guide and 1 Driver envelope) to make the process as easy as possible.
Tour Excludes:
Exchanging Money: When exchanging New Zealand dollars into Indian Rupees or withdrawing funds from an ATM while in India, always retain the transaction receipt. You may be required to present the receipt as proof of withdrawal if purchasing items with cash.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all customers purchase Travel Insurance as soon as they make a purchase on our website. Help cover yourself for the unexpected with great value Webjet Travel Insurance, we highly recommend it. Click here for a quote.
Any deposits paid at the time of purchase are non-refundable.
2018
9 September 2018
23 September 2018*
14 October 2018
28 October 2018
11 November 2018
25 November 2018
2019
10 February 2019
24 February 2019
10 March 2019**
24 March 2019**
21 April 2019*
19 May 2019
30 June 2019*
18 August 2019
15 September 2019
29 September 2019*
13 October 2019
27 October 2019
17 November 2019
Surcharges may apply to some dates, please see the availability calendar for more details
*$200 per person surcharge applies
**$600 per person surcharge applies
Bookings not accepted when within 65 days of departure
Availability on Departure Dates listed in Fine Print is subject to change. Live availability is shown on the availability calendar after clicking on the BUY NOW button
Airline:
Flights:
Schedule Changes:
Flight Variations:
Option 1: Arrive early and/or extend your stay post tour with the promotional airline
Option 2: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class (where available)
Should you be unsatisfied with the quote provided for your cabin upgrade, you can opt to:
1. Travel with the group as per the tour itinerary on the promotional airfare or;
2.Take the package as Land Only and receive a refund of the Land Only discount, if available.
Once your flights have been confirmed and ticketed, no further changes can be made and your booking will remain non-refundable.
Option 3: Choose an alternative airline
Should you be unsatisfied with the quote provided for your airline preference, you can opt to:
1. Travel with the group as per the tour itinerary on the promotional airfare or;
2.Take the package as Land Only and receive a refund of the Land Only discount, if available.
Once your flights have been confirmed and ticketed, no further changes can be made and your booking will remain non-refundable.