The Imperial, New Delhi
Built in 1931 by Blomfield, one of Sir Edwin Lutyen's associates, and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, The Imperial Hotel is known... Read more
Step back into a bygone era of emperors and princes in royal Rajasthan. Discover Delhi’s colonial grandeur and delectable cuisine. Be awestruck by the perfect symmetry and marbled elegance of the iconic Taj Mahal. Drink in the dusky magnificence of Jaipur's City Palace and hillside Amber Fort. Savour a sunset across the exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, India’s most romantic city. Live like a maharaja in India’s most regal hotels. This is an enchanting encounter with India at its most majestic.
Journey Highlights
Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India's northern gateway. The city
brings India’s rich cultural contrasts sharply into focus, with its ruin-studded
gardens, a growing contemporary art scene and world-class cuisine. On arrival
enjoy a warm A&K welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
The Imperial New Delhi
Today, take in the sights of Old and New Delhi. Join a local expert and navigate the narrow streets of Old Delhi abuzz with daily life, visiting the Turkman Gate and the towering minarets of India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Weave through the colourful streets, alleyways and market stalls of Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness a mishmash of cultures. Take a photo stop at the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. Gaze at the ramparts, the stage for some of India’s most momentous cultural and historical events.
In New Delhi, drive down the tree-lined Rajpath (the royal path) to the 42-metre-high stone arch of India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. At the far end of the boulevard, glimpse the sprawling President’s Residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Finish your tour at the jaw-dropping Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 for a Mughal emperor, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
The Imperial New Delhi | Meals: B
Bid farewell to India's resplendent capital and travel
overland to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Standing proud in the heart of the
city, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and is
now the world's pre-eminent expression of passionate mourning.
Check in to your hotel before heading to the former imperial city of the Mughal
rulers, the heritage-listed Agra Fort. Venture within its red sandstone walls
to discover a labyrinth of highly decorated palaces and ornate marble mosques
built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar I. As sunset nears, watch in awe as the
ivory-white marble of the Taj Mahal glistens in dramatic contrast with the
changing colours of the sky. Marvel at the uninterrupted views of the Taj from
your room, or from the private dining terrace.
The Oberoi Amarvilas | Meals: B
Rise early to marvel at the breathtaking Taj in dawn’s
tranquillity. Return to your hotel for breakfast before embarking on your
overland journey to Jaipur. Stop at the heritage-listed city of Fatehpur Sikri Founded
in the 16th century, its iconic fortified red sandstone buildings are regarded
as Mughal Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy. Enjoy lunch before a
quick photo stop at the majestic Chand Baori stepwells, built over a thousand
years ago and one of the largest in the world. A royal welcome awaits you at your
hotel, Rambagh Palace, once a royal hunting lodge for the Maharajah of Jaipur.
Rambagh Palace | Meals: BL
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a tour of the Amber Fort, with its distinctive Mughal architecture. Then, immerse yourself in the wonderful artworks and block prints of Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, housed in a beautifully restored haveli (mansion), and learn the intricacies of this traditional Rajasthan craft.
Visit the City Palace and its museum which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, antiques and artifacts. Then, learn about the heavens from within the Jantar Mantar Observatory packed with enormous astronomical and astrological instruments dating back to the 16th century.
Later, set out to discover the lesser-known wonders of the
Pink City. Step inside lively temples to witness traditional customs, take part
in a Hindu prayer ceremony, if you wish, and sip tea with the locals. Visit the
ancient Vishnu temple decorated with fine frescos and mythological paintings. Enjoy
a quick photo stop at Jaipur’s famous, Hawa Mahal (‘Palace of Winds’), with its
distinctive red and pink facade with the afternoon free to explore the city at
your leisure.
Rambagh Palace | Meals: B
Spend your day exploring at your own pace or choose from a range of activities (additional charge).
Leave the hustle and bustle far behind as you soar above Jaipur’s yawning horizons and rolling hills in an enchanting early-morning hot-air balloon flight. Spend time in the home of a noble Rajput family for an intimate cooking demonstration. Step inside Clay Botik studio for a hands-on pottery lesson with a local artist. Enjoy a delicious afternoon High Tea on the terraces and manicured lawns of your luxury property; or pay a visit to Digantar, a local school supported by A&K Philanthropy.
Rambagh Palace | Meals: B
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur, India’s most romantic city. Discover a place where cascading, whitewashed mansions sit alongside deep blue lakes and the undulating Aravalli Hills. Enjoy a regal welcome to the Taj Lake Palace, originally built on a man-made island in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II.
As the sun begins to set, take a private boat ride on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola and see the city rising majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Taj Lake Palace | Meals: B
This morning set out on a discovery of Udaipur's distinctive palaces and architecture. Your first stop is the enormous City Palace, a flamboyant fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles towering over the lake. Gleaming walls, marble balconies and the spectacular Peacock Courtyard will leave you mesmerised. Then study the beautifully carved pillars and painted walls of the three-storey Jagdish Temple. Continue to Saheliyon-ki-Bari (‘The Garden of the Maids of Honour’) to see a lavish tribute to the 48 ladies in waiting who formed part of a royal dowry.
Spend your afternoon at leisure. This evening, let a local historian regale you with stories over a glass of wine in the Taj Lake Palace.
Taj Lake Palace | Meals: B
Enjoy your final morning before transferring privately to the
airport for your onwards journey.
Meals: B
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Built in 1931 by Blomfield, one of Sir Edwin Lutyen's associates, and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, The Imperial Hotel is known... Read more
The Oberoi Amarvilas is recognised as the leading luxury hotel in Agra. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the... Read more
This historic palace, having undergone an extensive refurbishment, exudes a regal elegance – from its antique chandeliers to the peacocks... Read more
Wonderful in every detail, the Taj Lake Palace was built between 1743 and 1746, and was originally a lake island palace named Jag Niwas... Read more
From $6,610 per person twin share (low season) and from $10,220 per person twin share (high season). Solo travellers on request.
As this Tailor Made Journey can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking. Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800, send us a booking enquiry to book this journey or contact your travel advisor.
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