India: Golden Triangle With Udaipur - SOLD OUT

Join Stephen Scourfield in India - presented by Wendy Wu Tours

A 13 day Guided Tour of India 

Departing Perth 18 November 2016. This tour has SOLD OUT.

Gold Members $50 Voucher accepted.

India is a dazzling rainbow of culture, enigmatic history and exquisite landscapes, a journey through this spiritual land will leave you speechless. On this specially designed tour you will experience the must-see destinations– Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur. This tour is the perfect introduction to a magnificent country.

Arrive into Delhi, a fast-paced metropolis where Old Delhi and New Delhi exist alongside each other in great contrast. Old Delhi is filled with ancient monuments, fascinating museums and bustling markets. New Delhi flourishes with modern museums, world-class hotels and stylish restaurants on wide tree-lined boulevards. 

Travel to the historic city of Agra to see the Taj Mahal, the city’s most famous monument dedicated to love. Jaipur, the capital and largest city in the state of Rajasthan, will amaze you with beautifully carved and ornate palaces, forts and architecture showcasing artefacts from ancient times. Our tour culminates in Udaipur with a cruise on enchanting Lake Pichola. 

Exclusive to our journey of India is a personally led tour of Amber Fort by Mr Stephen Scourfield. Enjoy a special dinner in Agra and a lunch and presentation hosted by Mr Scourfield in Udaipur.

We invite you to discover India and be graciously welcomed by the warm and gentle people

Bookings Call 1300 727 998

DOWNLOAD: Travel Club Fully Inclusive India Tour

Your Tour Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1-2: 18-19 November 2016 – Arrive Delhi

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival in Delhi today you will be met by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day will be free at your leisure.

As the capital of India, Delhi is the third largest city with a population of approximately 18 million. Its strategic location along the north-south, east-west route has given it a focal position in Indian history and many great empires have been ruled from here. The monuments and ruins of these are scattered throughout the city, often cheek by jowl with modern structures and high rise towers.

Meals: No meals are included today.

Day 3: 20 November 2016 – Delhi

Today you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing starting in Old Delhi where you will view the Red Fort from outside before walking through Chandni Chowk, savouring the ambience of the oriental, crowded bazaar. Afterwards, continue to India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid. 

Afterwards have a brief photo stop at India Gate, a memorial to the Indian servicemen who died in World War I. Continue to Humayun's Tomb (the second Mughal Emperor) built in the mid-16th-century. This tomb is the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb and was the inspiration for several monuments such as the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Later this afternoon, visit the always busy and jam-packed Connaught Markets, where you can find linen, clothing, saris, handicrafts, jewellery, books, home wares and everything in between.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: 21 November

2016 – Delhi to Agra

After breakfast today you will drive to Agra stopping en-route to visit Mathura - The mischievous Lord Krishna, as he is lovingly known is the most beloved of all earthly avatars of the Hindu God Shiva. Fall in love with this naughty God who came to earth to fight immorality, revel in stories of his childhood exploits and his role in the Mahabharata, the fiercest of all battles between good and evil which produced a complex philosophy of life and death. Find joy in the frolic and fun that is epitomised in the temples which celebrate Krishna’s relationship with his consort Radha. Glimpse into the lives at temple ghats (river banks) as you enjoy a boat ride at Mathura.

Later continue your drive to Agra, where you will check into your hotel upon arrival.

In the evening experience the dance-drama Show Mohabbat the Taj at Kalakriti Culture & Convention centre.

 A lavish dramatised extravaganza transports you to the 16th century, in which dwells a powerful King pining for his beloved and deceased wife. The KalaKriti Theatre at Agra immortalises Shahjahan’s love yet again in a glowing tribute to this love story with the show Mohabbat-theTaj. From the lavish life of the Mughals to that of the artisans who laboured on the exquisite expression of love, the dance drama provides a unique glimpse into medieval North India. Extravagant sets which recreate Mughal architecture, detailed costumes, lively musical scores set in Braj style, together provide an inimitable cultural experience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: 22 November 2016 – Agra

Early this morning you will visit the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun is rising. No polluting vehicles are allowed within a 500m radius of the Taj Mahal complex, so at a designated point you will need to board a small electric cart to drive to the entrance gate. Here you will clear security and then be admitted to the complex.

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Spend 2 hours here. For admission to the main mausoleum area you are required to wear shoe covers (they may be provided on site, but please remember to bring an additional pair of socks just in case).

Return to your hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. Later this morning travel to a marble inlay workshop, where you can learn more about the intricate skill of laying marble, which you would have seen this morning at the Taj Mahal. (The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday)

This evening enjoy a special private dinner at the Hotel Clarks Shiraz hosted by Mr Stephen Scourfield. Enjoy a night of dance and music. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: 23 November 2016 – Agra to Jaipur

After breakfast commence the drive to Jaipur (approximately 4-5 hours) visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Located 40km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 after it was prophesised that the then childless Akbar would have sons if he moved his capital to the site. At great expense to the empire, the capital was moved here but sadly only occupied for 14 years before slowly being deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city due to a scarcity of water. Whilst here you will visit the remarkably well-preserved and graceful buildings within the Ghost City including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal Empire at the height of its power.

Enjoy lunch at Bharatpur, which was once considered to be an 'impenetrable city', and was the capital of the Jat Kingdom, whose people were pastoralists and herds of the lower Indus river-valley area. Continue to Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City' for the colour of the buildings in the old town. Some parts of the road are very rough so the journey takes most of the afternoon.

Jaipur was founded in 1727 as Mughal power within India was declining. The then Maharaja Jai Singh moved his capital from Amer Fort down onto the plain below. The city is now the capital of Rajasthan State and commonly called the 'Pink City' because of the pink paint on all the buildings in the old city area. This was apparently done to imitate the magnificent, red sandstone buildings of the Mughals and in an attempt to impress the Prince of Wales when he visited Jaipur in 1876. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: 24 November 2016 - Jaipur

GROUP -1

Today after an early breakfast proceed to visit Amer Fort at approximately 07:30 hrs. 'Amber Fort' as the British called it. Erected in 1799 by the Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so that the veiled ladies of his harem could observe, unnoticed, the lively street scenes below.  After you arrive at the base of Amer Fort, you will take a Jeep ride that will take you all the way up to the entrance. Inside the fort you will visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, which houses the famed Sheesh Mahal.

Later visit the Maharaja's City Palace this afternoon to explore the former Royal residence; part of the building has been converted into a museum, while the Royal family of Jaipur still uses the remaining sections of the palace. Outside the gate to the Maharaja's City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

You will have the opportunity for a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds); tourists are unable to enter the building so you will be able to view it from the busy street opposite.

Before returning to the hotel, stop for some shopping inside the walled city, where villagers from around Jaipur come to sell and trade their produce. The remainder of the evening is free at your leisure.

GROUP -2

Today after an early breakfast proceed to visit Hawa Mahal at 08:30 Hrs for a photo stop (Palace of the Winds); tourists are unable to enter the building so you will be able to view it from the busy street opposite.

Next visit the Maharaja's City Palace to explore the former Royal residence; part of the building has been converted into a museum, while the Royal family of Jaipur still uses the remaining sections of the palace. Outside the gate to the Maharaja's City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Later continue your drive to 'Amber Fort' as the British called it. Erected in 1799 by the Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so that the veiled ladies of his harem could observe, unnoticed, the lively street scenes below.  After you arrive at the base of Amer Fort, you will take an Jeep ride that will take you all the way up to the entrance. Inside the fort you will visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, which houses the famed Sheesh Mahal.

Before returning to the hotel, stop for some shopping inside the walled city, where villagers from around Jaipur come to sell and trade their produce. The remainder of the evening is free at your leisure.

GROUP -3

Today after an early breakfast proceed to visit Hawa Mahal at 09:30 Hrs for photo stop (Palace of the Winds), tourists are unable to enter the building so you will be able to view it from the busy street opposite.

Continue your drive to 'Amber Fort' as the British called it. Erected in 1799 by the Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so that the veiled ladies of his harem could observe, unnoticed, the lively street scenes below.  After you arrive at the base of Amer Fort, you will take a Jeep ride that will take you all the way up to the entrance. Inside the fort you will visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, which houses the famed Sheesh Mahal.

Later visit the Maharaja's City Palace to explore the former Royal residence; part of the building has been converted into a museum, while the Royal family of Jaipur still uses the remaining sections of the palace. Outside the gate to the Maharaja's City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Before returning to the hotel, stop for some shopping inside the walled city, where villagers from around Jaipur come to sell and trade their produce. The remainder of the evening is free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: 25 November 2016 – Jaipur

This morning visit the Nahargarh Fort, also known as the Tiger Fort, which was built in 1734. It overlooks the city from a sheer ridge to the north and is floodlit at night. An 8km road runs up through the hills from Jaipur, and the fort can be reached along a zigzagging 2km path for glorious views from the fort.

Next you will visit Galtaji Temples, a pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site, located only 10km away from Jaipur. One of the jewels of Jaipur, the temple complex encompasses natural fresh water springs and 7 holy 'kunds' or water tanks. Among these kunds, the 'Galta Kund', is the holiest one and is believed to never get dry. A spring of pure water flows from the 'Gaumukh', a rock shaped like a cow's head, into the tanks. A spectacular structure, this magnificent temple is built in pink sandstone, amidst low hills, and is structured to look more like a palace or 'haveli' than a traditional temple.

Enjoy dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant situated in the premises of Amber Fort and also witness the Light and Sound show

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: 26 November 2016 – Jaipur to Udaipur

After breakfast begin your drive to Udaipur stopping en route at Deogarh for lunch. Deogarh is situated on the right bank of the River Betwa at the Western end of the Lalitpur range of hills. The chief of Deogarh, known as 'the Rawat', was one of 16 Umraos (feudal barons) entitled to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur.

Later, continue driving to Udaipur, where you will check into your hotel on arrival.

The origins of Udaipur are based on a legend which tells of a holy sage that Maharaja Udai Singh encountered while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range in Mewar. The sage told the King to build a palace in that exact spot and it would be well protected and so with this advice, Maharaja Udai Singh built his residence there. At the time, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar state, however in 1568 Chittorgarh was attacked by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and so Maharaja Udai Singh moved the capital to Udaipur

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: 27 November 2016 – Udaipur

Begin your second day in Udaipur with a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake, which has a garden café on its island. Located nearby are the Folk Museum and Mewar Art Gallery. Although the Folk Museum is small and has been neglected a bit over the years, the unique variety of ethnic groups and cultures of the hills around Udaipur make this visit well worthwhile. You will also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari Garden (Garden for the Maids of Honour). This delightful 18th-century retreat in the north of the city was built for the Queen of Udaipur, whose dowry included 48 maids.

Enjoy lunch at the Darikhana Restaurant located on Jagmandir Island

Next visit the massive City Palace which overlooks Lake Pichola. The City Palace, built in 1725, comprises of 11 palaces including the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna, all of which are ornately decorated. Then walk down the street leading from the gates of the palace to our bus where we have the opportunity to shop in the local stalls along the way.

Enjoy a cruise on the 4km long Lake Pichola, fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats and temples. See the Lake Palace, formally known as Jag Niwas, it was built between 1734 and 1751. It was once a royal summer retreat and is now one of the world's greatest hotels. It is also a popular location for film shoots, including James Bond's Octopussy.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: 28 November 2016 – Udaipur 

After breakfast proceed on a short excursion to Jhadol Village Safari. Drive from Udaipur through the hills and forests, to an oasis in the desert hills of the Aravalis. The Bhil tribes that inhabit the hamlets present a life different from mainstream society. Learn about their life, admire their skilful products and soak in the beauty of simple village life. Relax, mingle, heal, enjoy and feel your mood lift to the rhythmic beat of the tom-toms in the evening before heading back to the city

This evening enjoy dinner at the Sunset Terrace located at Fateh Prakash. A restaurant offering unparalleled views of the city’s landmark palaces and magnificent natural scenic beauty, and live music are the perfect accompaniments to delicious food. Daylight and night-time both offer their own unique charm to the ambience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12: 29 November 2016 – Udaipur to Australia (via Delhi)

After breakfast and check out today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Delhi, where you will connect with your international flight back to Australia. Arrive home on 30 November.

Meals: Breakfast 

Inclusions

• Return international economy class airfares flying with Singapore Airlines
• Tipping and current airline fuel levy – subject to change (see pricing section) 
• All accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary (please note hotels listed below are subject to change)
• All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions (excludes camera fees) as per the itinerary
• National Tour Escort accompanying you throughout your destination 
• Single Entry India visa fees for Australian passport holders 
• Domestic flights based on economy class including taxes (Udaipur to Delhi)
• Australia and India departure taxes 
• A Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet 

Exclusions

• Personal expenditure such as all drinks (including at meals) laundry service and souvenirs 
• Camera and Video entry charges at Monuments/Forts etc 
• Insurance of any kind 
• Arrival / departure transfers if not travelling on group flights 
• Early / late check in/out not guaranteed, if requested it is at an additional cost 

Prices

From $5,390 per person, twin share ex Perth
(also available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra)

Single hotel supplement: From $995 per person

Price includes airline fuel surcharge $629 and tipping AUD$99 (USD$75) payable upon arrival. These amounts are subject to change. Prices correct as at 1 July 2016.

Pricing and services are all subject to availability. Please refer to terms and conditions for full details.