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 | India is perhaps the most fascinating country on earth, with a population of 1.2 billion, a wealth of religions and languages, incredible cuisine, and some of the most impressive historical monuments in the world. This Two week itinerary offers an unique insight into this amazing country.
| | | Privileges | | •
| Price for two people from HK$200,000 / US$26,000
| | | Includes:
| - | All transfers within India | | - | All Accommodation on a double room basis | | - | Breakfast at The Imperial | | - | Breakfast at Oberoi Amarvilas | | - | All meals at Khem Villas | | - | Breakfast at Samode Haveli | | - | Breakfast at Amanbagh | | - | Dinner at Karim's, Delhi | | - | Dinner at Dera Amer, Jaipur | | - | Dinner at Amanbagh on Day 12 | | - | Tour Escort | | - | David Horsman at Amanbagh | | - | Jungle safaris for two people | | - | Elephant Safari with Dinner at Dera Amer | | - | Local guides at sightseeing monuments | | - | Entrance fees to the monuments (one visit per person) | | - | All current applicable taxes, however any other as and when levied by the Government shall be extra |
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| Itinerary | | Day One (Delhi)
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met at the airport by your representative as you enter the arrivals hall. You will be introduced to your driver and taken to your hotel to check in.
Delhi is a fascinatingly diverse city, encapsulating two very different times, the ancient and the modern. New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British in the 1930s and is the youngest of several historic cities that have occupied this site. Now a metropolis of more than 14 million people the area is dotted with the ruins of it's fascinating past. There are museums and art galleries with impressive collections and it has become a major cultural centre of the country with music, dance and art events throughout the year. Delhi also has some of India's finest restaurants and during your time here you will be able to sample different kinds of cuisine from across the subcontinent.
Dinner this evening will be at your hotel in the acclaimed Spice Route restaurant. Decorated with south Indian murals and antiques from the Chettinad area of Tamil Nadu, this is one of Delhi's finest restaurants. The murals took 6 years to complete and while the setting is spectacular the food is equally impressive. The head chef will meet you before dinner to discuss your options. Overnight at The Imperial, Delhi.
Day Two (Delhi)
Your guide will meet you at your hotel once you have finished breakfast to take you on a tour of Delhi. It is recommended that you start your day by visiting the Jama Masjid- India's largest mosque. Built by Shah Jahan who was also responsible for the Taj Mahal - it can accommodate more than 20,000 worshipers. Following this it is fun to take a cycle rickshaw round the narrow streets of Delhi's famous Chandi Chowk bazaar. The rickshaw will drop you near the Red Fort. The Lal Qila or Red Fort is a massive structure, built at the zenith of Moghul power by Shah Jahan. The emperor however never moved into his new fort as he was deposed and imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Lunch at the Imperial's 1911 by the pool. After lunch you will visit Humayun's Tomb. Following this you will head to the Qutb Minar. The Qutb Minar was the first large mosque in India and was built out of the remains of 23 Hindu temples that originally stood on the site. The 'victory tower' was designed to pronounce the arrival of Islam in Hindustan and dates back to the 11th Century. In the evening head out into Old Delhi for dinner at Karim's, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the city. The chefs are descendants of the Moghul emperors own cooks and specialize in Mughlai tandoori and curries. You will be escorted by your guide who will take you for a walk through the night market before dinner. Overnight at The Imperial, Delhi.
Day Three (Delhi - Agra by car)
After breakfast you will be driven from Delhi to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra your local representative will meet you to help you plan your time here. Spend the late afternoon with your local guide visiting the Taj Mahal so that you catch it for sunset when the light is as its most beautiful. This evening you will enjoy drinks overlooking the Taj Mahal followed by a delicious tasting menu at the Oberoi's Esphehan restaurant. We have arranged for the head chef to meet you before dinner to answer any questions you may have about the menu. Overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas.
Day Four
(Agra - Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri by car. Bharatpur - Ranthambhore by train)
After breakfast check out of your hotel and meet your driver who will take you to Fatehpur Sikri to meet your local guide. Fatehpur Sikri is the stunning abandoned capital of Akbar the Great. By exploring the palaces and halls spread over the hilltop location it's easy to picture the extravagant court life of the Moghul emperors. You will then drive to Bharatpur where you will catch your train to Sawai Madhopur. Ranthambhore National Park is on the outskirts of the district of Sawai Madhopur - once you are on the train you will need to look out for Sawai Madhopur station which is three hours away from Bhatapur. Our representative will meet you at the station as you leave the train and take you to your hotel to check in. Ranthambhore National Park is one of the most picturesque game reserves in the world with the entire forest being dominated by the ruins of Ranthambore Fort. Ranthambore is noted for the fact that its tigers can frequently be seen during the day - seeing a tiger roaming over the ruins is an incredible experience. There is also a large population of leopards and panthers as well as crocodiles, hyena, jackal and jungle cat. Overnight at Khem Villas.
Day Five (Ranthambhore)
The jungle safaris at Ranthambhore National Park are organized by the government. A limited number of vehicles are allowed into the park on a daily basis, however you will enjoy both a morning and afternoon safari in your own private jeep. This evening we have arranged a cooking class for you with Usha Rathore the owner of Khem Villas where you will be staying this evening. You will then be able to taste the scrumptious results at dinner. Overnight at Khem Villas.
Day Six (Ranthambhore - Jaipur by car)
This morning we have arranged for a picnic breakfast up at Ranthambhore fort in the centre of the park, your naturalist will also accompany you on the walk up. The views from the parapets over the lakes and valleys of Ranthambhore are absolutely spectacular. Alternatively spend the morning on safari in the park before leaving for Jaipur after a late breakfast. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the Pink City as all the buildings in the old city must be painted, by law, a deep saffron pink. An extraordinarily colorful place it is vibrant, bustling and a fascinating city with wonderful shopping and beautiful sites to visit. Once you arrive you will be met at your hotel by our local representative who will talk to you about your time here and how best to spend your time exploring the city. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel. Overnight at Rambagh.
Day Seven (Jaipur)
Your guide will meet you after breakfast to take you on a tour of the Pink City. This usually starts with a visit to Jaipur's City Palace. The City Palace is built over a huge area with large courtyards leading to the main palace buildings. In the first courtyard the excellent textile museum is housed in an intricately decorated palace and nearby is the armaments museum. The highlight is the Durbar Hall which now houses a superb collection of miniature paintings, portraits of the Maharajas and some amazing carpets amongst other royal memorabilia. From the City Palace you can also explore Jaipur's observatory. Maharaja Jai Singh began building this fascinating medieval observatory known as Jantar Mantar, in 1728. Each construction has a specific purpose and your guide will explain how each of the instruments work. Finally, you will see the Hawa Mahal (otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds), Jaipur's most distinctive landmark. It was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the processions of the city. The palace forms part of the City Palace complex and overlooks the city's main square. Quintessentially Escape suggest that you then have lunch at Niros, which is on Jaipur's central MI Road and is famous for being the oldest restaurant in town. Following this you may want to spend your afternoon exploring Jaipur's bazaars and boutique shopping. Jaipur has some of the best shopping in Rajasthan but it can be a little tricky to navigate your way around. If you would like a shopping guide or to spend the afternoon with an expert personal shopper please let us know. Overnight at Ambagh.
Day Eight (Jaipur)
Your guide will meet you after breakfast to take you to Amber Fort. Amber Fort was the capital of the Kachawahas before they moved to Jaipur in the 1750's. There is a small cafe for lunch at the fort though watch out for the monkeys! In the afternoon we have arranged a private elephant safari in the countryside surrounding Jaipur for you. This is a wonderful and unique way to ride an elephant in Jaipur. As opposed to the commercialized route up to Amber Fort this is privately organized and a far more rewarding experience - both for you and the elephant! After your elephant ride Mr Abhay Singh will give you a Rajasthani cooking demonstration. His specialty is Lal Mas, a hearty and spicy mutton curry which is very popular with the Rajput warrior caste! Overnight at Ambagh.
Day Nine (Jaipur - Amanbagh by car)
Your driver will meet you after breakfast to drive you to Amanbagh. Amanbagh is perhaps India's most luxurious hotel. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing with a fantastic dark green marble pool and spa. The service is impeccable and the stunning countryside around the hotel is well worth exploring. There is plenty to see and do in and around the hotel - we recommend visiting Bhangarh, a deserted medieval town that is famously haunted after being cursed by a court magician. Bhangargh is said to be one of India's top ten heritage sites but as few people manage to include it on their itinerary you should have it largely to yourself. Ajabgarh Village, Fort, Temple and Mosque are also nearby and excursions can be organized there on foot, camel or open jeep. At Amanbagh you will be met by David Horsman, long time resident of India and expert chef. He teaches cookery classes around the world and will be on-hand during your stay to take you to the local village markets, buying the freshest Rajasthani produce and introducing you to some of the more unusual culinary delights of the area. During your stay Amanbagh's resident head chef will also give two afternoon demonstrations in the wonderful gardens. Overnight at Amanbagh.
Day Ten (Amanbagh)
Spend the day exploring Bhangarh and have a picnic lunch under the vast banyan tree at the center of the ruins. If you would like we can also arrange a yoga class before lunch at the temple nearby. Overnight at Amanbagh.
Day Eleven (Amanbagh)
Today we have arranged a village safari, your bullock cart will pick you up from the hotel to take you on a trip to the nearby village. Stop at the market to pick something up for lunch and visit a private home to meet a local family for tea along the way. David will be on hand to translate and bargain in the market! Spend the afternoon relaxing by the gorgeous green marble pool or at the hotels wonderful spa in preparation for the evening event. You will be picked up by open top jeep at 7pm to drive out to a chattri or domed pavilion where you will enjoy a spectacular feast. Your chef will accompany you and prepare some delicious dishes over an open fire. Dinner will be followed by fireworks and champagne. Overnight at Amanbagh.
Day Twelve (Amanbagh - Delhi by car)
Your driver will meet you after a late breakfast to drive you to Delhi. During the journey, you will be able to stop at Alwar to visit the palace and museum, the collection of miniature paintings on permanent display is one of the best in the world. Overnight at The Imperial.
Day Thirteen (Depart India)
Today you will be taken to the airport for your return flight home.
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| Terms & Conditions | | | • | Subject to availability. | | • | Only meals specified are included. | | • | Quintessentially Escape's Terms and Conditions apply. |
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