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12 Day India Signature
Highlights: Mumbai, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra
Trip start: Mumbai
Trip end: Delhi
Price Range from $4,284pp (4ppl), from $5,304pp (2ppl) *
* USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

A luxury trip combining the must see places in Northern India. Start the tour at the financial capital of India, Mumbai. Enjoy this vibrant city with a half day city tour. Ask your guide to stop at a local restaurant for lunch , since there are plenty of great eateries in Mumbai. Fly to Khajuraho, known worldwide for its 9th to 12th century temples, which oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. Next fly to Varanasi, the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus. First, enjoy a private guided tour of the Sarnath ruins. Sarnath is one of the 4 holy places Buddhist sites. The holy river Ganges in Varanasi is believed by some to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Enjoy an early morning dawn boat ride, before your flight to Delhi. Tour Delhi, with its Red Fort, Qutub Minar etc and tombs. Fly to Udaipur ( named the best city in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine readers) to see the beautiful City Palace, Grystal Gallery, Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Then fly to Jaipur to see the Amber Fort, City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, and Elephant ride. Visit Fatehpur Sikri on the way to a sunset tour of the Taj Mahal. End the trip with your private transfer from Agra to Delhi in time to catch your international flight back home.

Travel confidently with the 24/7 support of our local office. Customize or change this tour to suit your exact wishes. Private touring means you will have your own english-speaking guide, your own A/C vehicle, and your own driver.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Mumbai
  • Mumbai: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Mahal Palace Tower Wing - south mumbai (B)
Day 2
Mumbai
  • Tour - Private - 1/2 d City tour - Car/Driver
  • Lunch at leisure
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Mahal Palace Tower Wing - south mumbai (B)
Day 3
Mumbai - Varanasi
  • Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Air - Mumbai - Varanasi [Direct ] - Economy
  • Varanasi: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Lunch at leisure
  • Tour - Private - Sarnath Ruins - Car/Driver
  • Tour - Private - Aarti Ceremony - Boat/Guide
Radisson  (B)
Day 4
Varanasi - Khajuraho
  • Ship-based - Ganges Ghats at dawn - Boat/Guide
  • Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Air - Varanasi - Khajuraho [Direct - 9W723 (1 hr)] - Economy
  • Khajuraho: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Tour - Private - Temples tour - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Chandela (B)
Day 5
Khajuraho - Delhi
  • Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Air - Khajuraho - Delhi [Direct - 9W 724 (2.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Delhi: Transfer - Airport - Innova car
  • Dinner at leisure
The Claridges - city centre (B)
Day 6
Delhi
  • Tour - Private - Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb - Innova car
  • Lunch at leisure
  • Dinner at leisure
The Claridges - city centre (B)
Day 7
Delhi - Udaipur
  • Air - Delhi - Udaipur [Direct] - Economy
  • Transfer - Airport - Innova car
  • Udaipur: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Tour - Private - City Palace, Crystal Gallery - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Lake Palace (B)
Day 8
Udaipur
  • Tour - Private - Eklingji & Nagda Temples - Car/Driver
  • Lunch at leisure
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Lake Palace (B)
Day 9
Udaipur - Jaipur
  • Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Air - Udaipur - Jaipur [Direct] - Economy
  • Jaipur: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Lunch at leisure
  • Tour - Private - Naila village Visit - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Sheraton Rajputana (5*) (B)
Day 10
Jaipur
  • Tour - Private - Elephant ride
  • Tour - Private - Amber Fort - Car/Driver
  • Tour - Private - City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Sheraton Rajputana (5*) (B)
Day 11
Jaipur - Agra
  • Tour - Private - Fatehpur Sikri/Agra - Car/Driver
  • Agra: Tour - Private - Taj Mahal & Fort - Car/Driver
  • Dinner at leisure
Taj Gateway (5*) (B)
Day 12
Agra - Delhi
  • Transfer - Delhi - Innova car
  • Kensington Cares **
  • Delhi: Other - Airport departure tax
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
3-Day Ranthambore Tiger Reserve from $755 pp sharing (value lodge) or $1697pp sharing (luxury lodge) - 4-Day Beaches of Goa from $508pp sharing

Itinerary

Day 1
Mumbai
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Built in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower is an architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a landmark of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences. The Palace offers generously appointed suites and rooms, each adorned with original paintings and period furniture that exude an aura of old-world charm and elegance. Taj offers a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favorites. Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, Taj Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies.

Mumbai (Bombay), the cosmopolitan capital of the country is located in the west of India. Its most recognizable monument is the Gateway to India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. From there you can catch a boat to the Elephanta Island, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see rock-cut temples and caves dating back to the 6th century. There are museums such as the Gandhi, art galleries, bazaars, parks and temples. Bollywood, the film industry in Mumbai produces over 400 films a year and is therefore, the largest movie industry in the world. The actors enjoy their god-like statuses and dwell in exclusive mansions on Malabar Hill.


Mumbai
Mumbai
Taj Mahal Palace and Tower
Taj Mahal Palace and Tower

Day 2
Mumbai
On a half day city tour, visit the Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade, and see the Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens on the slopes of the Malabar hills, offering a nice view of the marine lines and the Chowpatty beach. Visit the Jain temple, Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay, and the Dhobi Ghat. Also, drive past the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus train station.

Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace Tower Wing - south mumbai.


Day 3
Mumbai - Varanasi
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Take your flight from Mumbai to Varanasi today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Private guided tour of Sarnath, located 5 miles from Varanasi, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Amongst the ruins the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive at 128 feet high, and 93 in diameter. This dates from around 200 BC and is the sport where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. Evening Aarti Ceremony which looks wonderful from the Gange river, includes a boat ride to experience the magic of the river during this specatular sight. The Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a five star hotel conveniently located in the heart of the main business district. With its modern architecture, warm hospitality and topnotch services, the hotel is sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Varanasi is set at the left bank of the mighty river Ganges, this immensely chaotic place of pilgrimage is known for its ritual burnings. A dawn boat ride down the river is a fascinating and unforgettable spectacle. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world - definitely a must see destination on any trip to northern India.


Varanasi
Varanasi
Radisson Varanasi
Radisson Varanasi

Day 4
Varanasi - Khajuraho
A dawn boat ride on the Ganges with a private expert guide. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. People can be seen swimming and bathing immediately next to the funeral pyres of the riverside temples. This is a somewhat surreal experience and only for those with a strong constitution. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Take your flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Private guided tour to Khajuraho, a village in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, about 385 miles southeast of Delhi. The city was the original capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built between 950 to 1050. The Chandela capital was moved to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). A haven of peace and tranquility, Hotel Chandela offers easy access to the world famous Khajuraho temples, Panna National Park Tiger Reserve, and more. Tucked snugly amidst 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel offers an array of modern comforts.After a long day, retire to the splendid ambience of a sprawling deluxe cottage or unwind in the comfort of an elegantly appointed standard room. From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks. Take advantage of our recreation activities for irresistible fun and relaxation.
The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho showcase the architectural genius of the Chandela dynasty. Stone carvings ooze with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other creative arts. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time.


Khajuraho
Khajuraho
Hotel Taj Chandela Dining
Hotel Taj Chandela Dining

Day 5
Khajuraho - Delhi
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Take your flight from Khajuraho to Delhi today. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hours. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Centrally located, this elegant property is close to the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the city's business and shopping districts. The hotel is situated near the New Delhi Train Station, domestic airport and the international airport. The hotel offers 162 comfortable and spacious guestrooms that are complete with a range of modern amenities. Dine in elegance at any of the onsite restaurants, serving a variety of delicious dishes. The bar provides the ideal setting for you to relax with a refreshing cocktail. Leisure facilities include a health club, swimming pool, tennis court and shopping arcade. Delhi is a city of dramatic contrasts, and is the most popular starting point for any tour of India. A tour to Old Delhi includes the Red Fort and the mosque of Jama Masjid with a stroll through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Square"). A New Delhi travel includes the Humayun's Tomb, in many ways the precursor of the Taj Mahal, the India Gate, a memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers who laid their lives in the World War I, the President's House, and the Parliament House.


Delhi
Delhi
Claridges
Claridges

Day 6
Delhi
Private guided tour of old Delhi. The Red Fort was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, when he moved his capital from Agra to bring prestige to his reign. It's wall is 1.5 miles long, and varies in height from 60-110 ft. At 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193. Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture dating to the Slave Dynasty (1268-1287 AD). The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. This style of mausoleum is similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at The Claridges - city centre.


Red Fort
Red Fort

Day 7
Delhi - Udaipur
Take your flight from Delhi to Udaipur today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Private guided tour of the majestic white City Palace built in granite and marble. This largest palace complex in Rajasthan is surrounded by crenellated fort walls, and overlooks Pichola Lake. The Garden of the Maids of Honor is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. Constructed for forty eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house as part of the dowry, the garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. Crystal Gallery in the Fateh Prakash Palace features a breath taking collection of crystals including tables, sofa sets, dinning table, dressers, fountains, beds, and an exquisite jewel studded carpet, which is beyond description. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. From casual, all-day dining to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide array of delectable culinary delights and refreshing beverages.Guests can treat themselves to a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating activities.


Udaipur is referred to as the most romantic city in India and dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage. The City Palace, or the Palace of the then King of Mewar, is built with white marble and shines in the bright sunshine. There are three interconnected lakes within the town; Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichhola Lake, and Swaroop Sagar Lake. Pichhola Lake is home to one of the most romantic hotels of the world, the Lake Palace Hotel. Fateh Sagar Lake contains two small islands, one contains the Udaipur solar observatory, and the other one has the beautiful Nehru Garden.


Udaipur
Udaipur
Taj Palace
Taj Palace

Day 8
Udaipur
Private guided tour of Eklingji, located about twelve miles north of Udaipur, featuring a complex of 108 ancient temples, carved from sandstone and marble. The main temple, was built in AD 734, to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva. At Nagda there are some 10th century temples. The Jain temple of Adbudji is essentially ruined, but its architecture is intresting. About 500m away, the Sas Bahu temple has very fine and intricate carvings. There are also some small temples submerged in the nearby lake. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Taj Lake Palace.


Day 9
Udaipur - Jaipur
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Take your flight from Udaipur to Jaipur today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Nalia Village Visit - 15 Kms from Jaipur. It is a small replica of Jaipur with similar gate names like Chand Pol and Suraj Pol, a Chandra Mahal like in the Jaipur City Palace and also broad streets with squares. This village is rich in culture and handicrafts. Nalia is well known since President Clinton's visit on march 23, 2000. He visited the ladies co-operative which aims at making the village women self-confident and self sufficient by providing them loans. He liked the place so much that he came back on a personal visit when he visited India to meet the Gujarat earthquake victims. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Experience the finest Jaipur has to offer at the Sheraton Rajputana Palace Hotel, Jaipur. Just 15 kilometers from the airport and half a kilometer from the city center this regal-influenced design and gardens echo the city’s history. Retreat to one of the 218 guest rooms and take in the view from your balcony while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee. You’ll wake up the next morning feeling absolutely refreshed and rejuvenated. Bring a group together for dinner at one of the restaurants that offer tastes from around the globe. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or challenge a fellow traveler to a game of tennis.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and known as the Pink City for its reddish stucco on the massive Rajput forts.The Amber Palace complex overlooking the artificial lake south of the town is one of the most popular tourist sites. Bustling markets offer great shopping.


Jaipur
Jaipur
Rajputana Palace Sheraton
Rajputana Palace Sheraton

Day 10
Jaipur
Ride up the base of the Amber fort on an elephant accompanied by a professional mahout. Private guided tour of Amber Fort, located in Amber 11 km from Jaipur. The structure which is today known as Amber fort was initially a palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort. The fort is constructed of red sandstone and white marble overlooking Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. The most magnificent sight inside is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands of tiny intricate mirrors would light the entire room. Private guided tour of the City Palace of Jaipur, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of massive astronomical instruments, built of local stone and marble. Each instrument carries an astronomical scale marked on the marble inner lining, and bronze tablets were also employed. Adjoining the Palace is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Sheraton Rajputana (5*).


Day 11
Jaipur - Agra
Transfer to Agra with private vehicle and driver. On the way, visit ancient ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, the "City of Victory" was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Private guided tour of Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571.
Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Situated close to the Taj Mahal, the world-renowned monument to love, The Taj View Hotel is also conveniently located near Agra Cantt Railway Station. Guests can look forward to gracious interiors, personalized service and the Taj's inimitable style for a memorable stay. Stylish and comfortable, all guestrooms at Taj View Hotel evoke the beauty of the Taj Mahal itself, with several offering an uninterrupted view of it. Taj offers a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favorites.Guests can take advantage of the hotel's recreation activities and its dedicated activity team that organizes a range of recreational activities.


Agra boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and nearby Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters, writers and photographers. Agra Fort is a testament to the Mughal dynasties and their conqueror architecture. And the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri dazzles with its temples and palace yards.


Agra
Agra
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
exterior
exterior

Day 12
Agra - Delhi
Transfer to Delhi with private vehicle and driver. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Departure tax will be charged at Delhi airport, paid in cash by the passengers: 5US$ per person for domestic fligths, and 27US$ per person for International flights. Depart from Delhi international airport - end of itinerary.



Trip Includes
Service of an English speaking professional guide - All ground transport in a private car with driver - Guaranteed departure - Airport transfers as per the itinerary - Meal plan as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner) - Specialised and personalised services - All entrance fees to include local government taxes - Flights where indicated as per the itinerary

Trip Excludes
Laundry - Tips - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages including mineral water - International airfare - Visas - Optional activities/extras - Vacation insurance (purchase at www.kensingtontours.com/insurance.cfm )

Trip Terms & Conditions

    Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order. The price shown is per person, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible. Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price. Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms.cfm