North India Luxury Itinerary with Taj and Oberoi Hotels
Itinerary Overview
India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Comprising the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern entity, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of stunning architecture, notable monuments, and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort complex, Qutab Minar and its attendant monuments, and Humayun’s Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most traditional wholesale and popular retail centers today, particularly for jewelry and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Namaste and welcome to India!
Arrive Delhi and after having done all the formalities of immigration, baggage, and customs as you exit the arrival halls, you will be greeted by a Geringer Global Travel representative waiting to receive you with a placard bearing your name.
You will then be assisted and transferred to your hotel.
Today after breakfast, enjoy a rickshaw experience in Chandni Chowk. This is not your standard guidebook tour! Join an expert and witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed locals, and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historical alleys.
After lunch at the hotel, proceed to visit Qutub Minar, the second-tallest minaret in India. Constructed from red sandstone and marble, it is adorned with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Next, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb. It was built in 1570 and is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. These include the red-hued Agra Fort, the sacred Jama Masjid mosque, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs and semi-precious gems. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and needless to say is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.
Upon arrival, tour the majestic Agra Fort. Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It is a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.
Later check into your accommodation.
Next visit the Baby Taj. Often referred to as the “Baby Taj Mahal“, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Dalulah is a Mughal mausoleum and is often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. It basically consists of Indo-Islamic architecture, using arched entrances and octagonal-shaped towers. If you take a bird’s eye of Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, it looks like a jewel box set in a garden.
Evening, you will visit the Mehtab Bagh to witness the Taj Mahal at sunset from across the garden. The gardens in the Taj are perfectly aligned with the ones here and the view of the Taj from here, with the setting sun in the background is spectacular.
Wake up at the crack of dawn to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon is at leisure.
In the evening, indulge in a serene and rejuvenating private yoga session, tailor-made to suit your individual needs and preferences. Led by a skilled instructor, this tranquil experience allows you to connect deeply with your body and mind through a series of carefully curated poses and breathing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the session will focus on relaxation, flexibility, and mindfulness, ensuring a calming and restorative practice.
Sawai Madhopur, the lively capital city of the greater Sawai Madhopur District, is sited in southeast Rajasthan, on the northern extension of the sprawling Vindhyan Plateau. The city is famous for its flourishing fauna and flora and mouth-watering cuisine. Some of the best ways to experience these local treasures include a meander through enchanting public gardens and a sampling of the delicious local dishes at the numerous restaurants. Both a history and nature enthusiasts dream, Sawai Madhopur opens up a world of enjoyable excursions with some of the most notable attractions being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort; the religiously significant Chamatkar Temple; and the remarkable Ranthambhore National Park, renowned for its abundance of free-roaming wildlife including the majestic Bengal tiger and Indian leopard.
After breakfast, check out and you will be transferred in your private vehicle to Ranthambore. (approx. 5.5 Hrs.)
Lunch will be at the hotel.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the park. The park used to be the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur but later in 1972 the sanctuary came under the Project Tiger scheme. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild.
Dinner and overnight are at the hotel.
Today enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambhore National Park by private jeeps.
Experience its lush forests that are home to tigers, leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, and over 250 species of birds. The duration of the safari is around 3 hours and is accompanied by an experienced naturalist.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur is the capital and largest city in India’s northern state of Rajasthan. This city is famed for being India’s first planned city featuring a multitude of pink terracotta buildings within the walled historic center, earning it the nickname,’ The Pink City. Jaipur falls within the Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, and serves as a gateway to the neighboring desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. This colorful city is a combination of tradition and modernity and offers visitors vibrant bazaars, lavish palaces, and ancient temples. The salmon-hued old city is home to the opulent City Palace, encompassing an impressive assortment of palatial structures, sprawling gardens, courtyards, and buildings. Don’t miss the fairy-tale splendor of the Amber Fort, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape.
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and transfer to Jaipur in your private car. (Approx. 3.5 hrs)
Upon your arrival, you will check into your hotel.
Evening, proceed to explore the art and antiques of Old Jaipur.
Jaipur, as a contemporary tourism destination and the historic city continues to fascinate streams of visitors from all over the globe. Back in 1727 Maharaja Swai Jai Singh Il decided to shift the bastion of the Kachwaha rulers from Amber, because he felt the need for a bigger more spacious capital. He roped in Bengali the architect Vidhyadhar Chakravorty. The auspicious beginning of the new capital was formalized with architectural mores conceived from ancient Vedic tenets. The blueprint of the city divided the new capital into nine blocks (chaupars/chowkries) and featured wide and straight streets. The entire setting was fortified by a formidable wall by a progressive politician and warrior but also an astronomer and mathematician.
One of the historic chowkries in the 18th century walled city of Jaipur is a block associated with the Modis (trader communities. The Modikhana Chowkri is a historic urban quarter with structures from the 18th and 19th century as well as the present-day.
A walk in the area enriches you with windows opening up everywhere on its architectural traditions, crafts, its religious pursuits, the local people and so much more.
Today after breakfast, proceed to visit Amber Fort, situated in the valley of the Aravalli ranges just below Jaigarh Fort. This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard.
After the visit of Amber Fort, hop on a rickshaw for a special tour of the pink city. The Pink City Rickshaw tour is a unique innovative initiative of ACCESS Development Services, a not-for-profit organization, and aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. Ride through the city as you visit some of the famous heritage spots in the city like Hawa Mahal and Albert Hall.
Evening is at leisure.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Today after breakfast, proceed for the city tour. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armories, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings.
Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur in the 18th century and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day.
Also, take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, perhaps the most stunning example of Rajasthani heritage from the time of the Royals is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a wonder of wonders that will leave you spellbound with its architectural ingenuity.
End your day with a cooking demo with an Indian Family.
What would you say if, during your stay in Jaipur, you could enjoy a unique cooking demonstration, in a unique hotel? This is what we are offering you today! Come and discover Dera Mandawa Hotel and its hosts, who are the best in welcoming people and will definitely make you feel at home.
Get to know the owner of this place by sharing a homemade dinner, made in a friendly atmosphere during a cooking demonstration.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist destination featuring a variety of ornate palaces, age-old forts, and sacred temples. Dubbed “The Blue City”, most houses in the old city are painted a beautiful shade of indigo. While Jodhpur is largely a sprawling modern metropolis, enclosed within its old city walls is a labyrinth of winding, narrow medieval streets, and bazaars. Jodhpur is home to one of the largest forts in India, the massive 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city from its sandstone plinth. Other must-see attractions include the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world’s largest private residences; and the Jaswant Thada, an intricately carved white marble mausoleum.
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and transfer to Jodhpur in your private car. (Approx. 5.5 hrs)
Upon your arrival, you will check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, join your local expert for a walking tour of Jodhpur.
Walking into the obscure corners of the city, exploring its stunning architecture, passing by cluttered ‘Chaupars’ (intersection points), slipping through the crowded market streets. It is a way of embracing the Jodhpur life in all its traditional rhythms and routines.
Brahmins, residents in the old city for ages, and who have said to paint their houses blue to stand out from the other castes, have engrossing narratives, age-old stories and secrets to share of the indigo hued lanes that not everyone knows about! Sauntering through these old alleys, stopping by the homes of the Brahmins living here you might even chance upon windows to the city from another perspective.
After this fascinating walking tour, return to the hotel.
Start your day by walking up to the stunning Mehrangarh Fort from the Clock Tower Side. It’s an experience you will treasure; taking the cobbled path up while admiring Rajasthan’s most imposing structure in its many moods and the awesome defense structures it had in place to thwart enemies. If you still want to look back while walking, do so, for the views.
Next, you will visit Jaswant Thada. This white marbled architecture is a memorial site of a Rajput clan. The architecture is made of white marbles which are so fine that the outer surface of the whole building emits a warm glow during sunlight. Currently, it exhibits a variety of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur rulers.
Experience Mharokhet which brings an exciting change to the dining experience. This experiential farm, located on the outskirts of Jodhpur, produces over 80 varieties of nutritious crops – a gamut of exotic and native herbs, fruits, vegetables – grown naturally without any chemicals.
Mharokhet’s culinary offerings are 100% ‘chemical free’ as they employ sustainable techniques to bring the most to their produce whilst not harming the land and local ecosystem.
Depending on the availability of water and seasonal climatic patterns, Mharokhet grows fresh produce and champions exotics including native herbs, fruits, and vegetables. So, get set to enjoy a wonderful time enjoying the gifts of Mother Earth in the best possible way in a nature-friendly eco-system.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichhola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake – and is encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale-like palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Must-see attractions include the City Palace, the Lake Palace (set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola), and the Udaipur Solar Observatory – Asia’s premier solar-gazing site.
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and transfer to Udaipur in your private car. (Approx. 5 hrs)
En route visit the Ranakpur Jain temples.
The Ranakpur Jain Temples, nestled in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, are among the most stunning and revered Jain pilgrimage sites in India. Built in the 15th century, the main temple—dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha—is a masterpiece of marble architecture, featuring 1,444 intricately carved pillars, each uniquely designed. The temples are renowned for their serene ambiance, symmetrical design, and exquisite craftsmanship, reflecting the profound devotion and artistry of Jain culture. Surrounded by lush forests, Ranakpur offers both spiritual peace and natural beauty.
Continue your drive to Udaipur where upon your arrival, you will check into your hotel.
After breakfast, start your day by visiting the City Palace Museum, where grandeur and intricacy are stroked all over in granite, marble, and mosaics which are displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows. Marvel at the ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers.
Then visit the Jagdish Temple, which was built in 1651 AD. Discover the Sahelion Ki Bari, the spectacular garden of Udaipur which displays the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
Your evening is reserved for an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight is at the hotel.
A handful of skyscrapers reach for the sky in the CBD of Gurgaon, a northwestern metropolis in the province of Huryana, near Delhi. Historically known as Guru Gram, the dormant town gathered economic momentum when Indian automobile manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, set up a manufacturing plant here in the 1970s. Just a few decades later, half the Fortune 500 companies had opened offices in Gurgaon. Despite the congested urban areas, birding enthusiasts can find respite at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, a famous bird-watching spot only 15 km from the city.
