Highlights
- Experience the vibrant Diwali Festival (also known as the Festival of Lights)
- Guided tour of Old Delhi & New Delhi
- River worship ceremony in Varanasi
- Dawn boat ride on the Ganges
- Guided tour of Varanasi & Sarnath
- Marvel at the Taj Mahal
- Visit the Agra Fort
- Search for tigers at Ranthambore National Park and Ranthambore Safari
- Jaipur & High-Tea at Rambagh Palace
- Visit the Amer Fort
- Elephant experience at Dera Amer
- City Palace of Jaipur & Jantar Mantar exploration
- Jodhpur sightseeing - including Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
- Leopard jeep safari in Narlai
- Udaipur city tour and Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Inclusions
Fully escorted tour - your Sisterhood Tour Hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return airfares ex Melbourne to India including taxes and baggage (other cities upon request)
Beautiful accommodation throughout including Luxury Heritage Hotels
Internal domestic flights in India
Private transportation throughout
All meals as described in itinerary
Licensed English speaking guides
All sightseeing and activities as described in itinerary
Willing to share option
**TIPPING**
Local tipping is customary in India. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Notice
The word Diwali (or Deepavali as it’s sometimes called) means “row of lights” in an Ancient language of India, called Sanskrit. During this festival, people decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps, called diyas. For many people, Diwali honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come! It’s also a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and different legends based on this theme are associated with Diwali. In northern India, Hindus celebrate the return of the deities (gods) Rama and Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana! Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition –– beautiful patterns made using colourful powders and flowers. People draw rangoli on the floor by the entrance of their homes to welcome the gods and bring good luck! But it’s not just about lights and legends –– Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch firework displays and wear new clothes.
Visa Requirements:
An elecronic E-Visa is required for entry to India - SWT will provide the link to complete the visa online prior to the tour departure.
View Itinerary Map - https://hayleymorris.travelmap.net/india
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 4 November 2023
Melbourne - New Delhi (Meals Inflight)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.
Meet your tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for our flight to India.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of the airlines as we head towards Delhi.
Upon evening arrival into Delhi we'll be transferred to our hotel.
Overnight - The Maidens Hotel Delhi (or similar)
Day 2 - Sunday 5 November 2023
Delhi (B,D)
Today we'll head out to explore both Old and New Delhi on a guided tour that includes visiting the one of the country's largest mosques, Jama Masjid, stopping for a photo at the historic Red Fort, exploring by rickshaw Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) famous for its colourful bazaars, plus sightseeing some of the city's cultural landmarks; Ghandi Smriti Museum, Birla Mandir Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and more.
After a day of sightseeing, tonight we'll enjoy delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight - The Maidens Hotel Delhi (or similar)
Day 3 - Monday 6 November 2023
Delhi - Varanasi (B)
This morning, we will have breakfast at our hotel before transferring to the airport for our 90 minute flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival into Varanasi, we will be transferred to our boutique hotel located close to the holy river Ganges where we will spend the next two nights.
We have the rest of the day to relax at our hotel before spending the evening at the Ghats of river Ganges where we will witness at sunset, the arti (river worship) ceremony. Every evening at sunset an elaborate ganga aarti (river worship) ceremony with fire is staged at the Dasaswamedh Ghat and is best viewed from a boat on the river. Led by a group of young pandits (priests), the ceremony commences with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks and circling of large flaming lamps that stand out dramatically against the darkened sky.
Overnight - Hotel Ganges View Varanasi (or similar)
Day 4 - Tuesday 7 November 2023
Varanasi & Sarnath (B)
This morning, our day begins early with a dawn boat ride on the holy river, Ganges, where we will witness the city and the
river come alive as hundreds of devotees come to worship the Sun God.
After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we will spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Varanasi with a local guide, paying a special visit to Sarnath, where we will feel the spirituality of the area come alive as we explore this city filled with museums and temples.
Just 10 kilometres from Varansi, Sarnath is a city filled with museums and temples that all attest to its historic significance as the first location where Gautama Buddha taught Dharma to the first five monks who would then spread the word of Buddha to the world. As the centre of Buddhism, Sarnath became hugely significant for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain people who flock to the city to pay their respects.
Overnight - Hotel Ganges View Varanasi (or similar)
Day 5 - Wednesday 8 November 2023
Varanasi - New Delhi - Agra (B)
This morning, after breakfast we'll transfer to the airport for our morning flight back to New Delhi.
Upon arrival into New Delhi, we will begin the four-hour journey by private bus to Agra where we will check in to our accommodation.
We'll have the rest of the day to relax at our hotel, ready for an exciting day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Overnight - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Agra (or similar)
Day 6 - Thursday 9 November 2023
Taj Mahal - Agra Fort - Ranthambore (B, D)
Today, we'll place a tick on our bucket list as we embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. The grace of perfect proportions and the grandeur of geometrical patterns are balanced out by well-appointed gardens that enhance the elegance of this unbelievable complex. Where the serenity of paradise rests with the Queen and King; unfold the pages of the past to churn out the mystical charm of the Taj Mahal. The grace of perfect proportions and the grandeur of geometrical patterns are balanced out by well-appointed gardens that enhance the elegance of the complex altogether, and add magnificence to the delicacy of the love, dedication and purity of the Taj Mahal!
Following this memorable first stop, we will head to UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Agra Fort, the highlight of the city of Agra, that today, stands a symbol of power, strength and resilience. The fort was the seat of the Mughal dynasty until the capital was moved to Delhi in 1638 and was the idea of Emperor Akbar, however, it was finished by his grandson Shah Jahan who made most of the marble additions to its structure. Shah Jahan went on to make the Taj Mahal, the sister building to the Agra Fort, now one of the most iconic structures in the world.
In the afternoon, we begin the journey to our next destination, Ranthambore, where we will check into our accommodation and enjoy dinner after a culture-filled day.
Overnight - Nahargarh Ranthambhore Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 - Friday 10 November 2023
Ranthambore National Park Jeep Safari (B, L, D)
Today in Ranthambore, we will enjoy an early morning as well as an afternoon Jeep Safari to Ranthambore National Park, a highly honoured tiger reserve, visited by millions of wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. The wildlife safari in Ranthambore is an excellent way to explore the jungle where wild predators like royal Bengal tigers and leopards roam.
The jeep safaris will take us to sight a tiger by following their trails. Sighting a tiger could happen at any moment where they may sit quietly just a few feet away - what an experience!
Overnight - Nahargarh Ranthambhore Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 - Saturday 11 November 2023
Ranthambore - Jaipur (B, High Tea)
This morning, we enjoy breakfast before our transfer to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will check in to our accommodation before enjoying high tea at Rambagh Palace. Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel is part of Taj group of hotels who has stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens
*High-tea is subject to permission / approval from hotel*
In the late afternoon, we will visit a Sari shop where we have the opportunity to purchase a Sari for the upcoming Diwali celebrations. A tailor will also be on hand to make any required alterations.
Overnight - Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur (or similar)
Day 9 - Sunday 12 November 2023
Jaipur - Amer Fort & Elephant Experience at Dera Amer and Diwali Celebrations (B, L, D)
Today, we embark on a morning excursion to must-visit, 16th-Century Amer Fort, also known as Amber Palace. Going by the name Amber Palace, Amer Fort and sometimes Amber Fort, this 16th-century fort was built by a trusted general of Akbar, Maan Singh. The area surrounding the fort, which is known today as the town of Amer, was ruled by Maan and known as the Amer state. Just a few kilometres outside the main city of Jaipur, the magnificent fort comprises of an extensive palace complex, built in iconic pink and honey-hued sandstone as well as white marble, all divided into four main sections complete with their own courtyard. Afterwards, we will head to Dera Amer where we will spend time with kind-hearted elephants, scrubbing them and walking through the jungle with them.
After heading back to the hotel to freshen up, we'll depart late afternoon to spend time with a local family to enjoy the Diwali Celebrations. Dress up in our saris for this special and unique inclusion.
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's one of the important festival of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas is to Christians. Enjoy this festival with the local family of Jaipur. We will arrive at their house where we will get a traditional welcome with "arti" and "tikka" (arti means prayer as guest is considered God and tikka means putting a traditional vermilion red or orange-red dot on the forehead). We will interact with the family and learn about the festival, welcome drink will be served. We are welcome to help the family in preparing the earthen lamps. Join the family in their prayer as local family worships Goddess Laxmi for the prosperity. Once the prayer is done, lamps will be placed in different parts of the house. Fire works are part of festival celebrations (subject to local administration approval). Enjoy dinner with the family.
Later return back to hotel.
Overnight - Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur (or similar)
Day 10 - Monday 13 November 2023
Jaipur - Jodhpur (B)
Today, enjoy breakfast at our accommodation before spending the morning exploring the City Palace of Jaipur, home to a series of gardens, buildings, courtyards, a temple and a museum. The City Palace is spread over a large area and occupies one seventh of the old city of Jaipur. The museum debuts the city's great historical importance and the palace itself as a magnificent royal palace that served as a residence to the former Maharaja (ruler) of Jaipur.
We will also visit the Royal Observatory, UNESCO Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, home to the world's largest sundial. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments built by the Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, in 1728 and completed in 1734.
After a morning of sightseeing, we will transfer to Jodhpur where we will check in to our next accommodation.
Overnight - Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel, Jodhpur (or similar)
Day 11 - Tuesday 14 November 2023
Jodhpur - Narlai (B)
Today, enjoy breakfast at our accommodation before spending the morning visiting one of the largest forts in Rajasthan, Meharngarh Fort, a sight not to be missed. Perched on a hill, the fort stands at 400 feet and offers visitors an insight into the city’s rich history and culture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a white marbled memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II of the Rajput clan, the 33rd ruler of Jodphur. The beautiful structure sits above a small lake with its series of domes. Built in 1899, the building is complete with stunning carved marble lattice screens known as jalis and is complete with portraits of Rathmore rulers from the 13th century. When in Jodphur, Jaswant Thada cannot be missed, even if only to marvel at the beautiful architecture.
After the morning spent sightseeing, we will explore and experience the city of Jodhpur in the best way, taking a fascinating walk around the Clock Tower and the colorful Sardar market.
In the afternoon, we transfer to Narlai where we check in to our accommodation and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight - Rawla Narlai Luxury Heritage Hotel, Narlai (or similar)
Day 12 - Wednesday 15 November 2023
Narlai - Leopard Jeep Safari - Udaipur (B)
This morning we are in for a treat, as we embark on an early morning Leopard Safari by Jeep. The rugged countryside around Narlai suit the leopards and over a period the number has increased. We'll ride customised jeeps for a our safari and it's not unusual to spot a leopard sunning itself on the rocks or resting under the shade of a tree.
After a nature-filled morning, we return back to our accommodation for a late breakfast before transferring to our next destination, Udaipur.
Overnight - Trident Hotel, Udaipur (or similar)
Day 13 - Thursday 16 November 2023
Udaipur (B, D)
Today, we wake up in Udaipur and begin with a Udaipur city tour where we will visit the City Palace, which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The colossal citadel bears architectural influence from all corners of the world, due to its construction spanning over 400 years. Here you’ll find a fusion of European, Chinese, Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and this melting pot of cultures is what makes the palace so alluring to visitors. Built entirely of marble and granite and featuring numerous wall paintings, mirror-work and murals, the palace complex is a fine example of its royal heritage which contrasts with the natural beauty of the surrounding lake.
We also visit Jagdish temple, found inside the complex of the City Palace of Udaipur, it is a large Hindu temple which dates back to 1651. Built during the Mewar Dynasty, the Jagdish Temple is yet another architectural marvel of intricate carvings in the city of Udaipur. In order to reach the temple, we'll first have to climb a steep, elephant-flanked flight of steps. With its Indo-Aryan style, the temple stands out from others in the state. Its beautiful halls, carved pillars and ceilings and spectacular painted halls cannot be overlooked in this structure.
Also on this tour The Saheliyon ki Bari or the garden of the Maids of Honor is a small exquisite garden with fountains, stone elephants and a beautiful lotus.
A visit to Udaipur is incomplete, without enjoying a picturesque boat cruise on Lake Pichola, providing views of surrounding lakes, mountains and important historical monuments.
As it is our final night in India, time to celebrate great memories with a farewell dinner.
Overnight - Trident Hotel, Udaipur (or similar)
Day 14 - Friday 17 November 2023
Udaipur - New Delhi (B)
After experiencing the very best of India over fourteen, culture-filled days, it is time to enjoy our last breakfast at our hotel before heading to the airport for our flight to New Delhi.
Once in New Delhi, we'll transfer to a shopping mall for our last bit of shopping.
Later we'll transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards Melbourne.
Day 15 - Saturday 18 November 2023
New Delhi - Home
Welcome Home! We thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!