Compare India's Golden Triangle & Tigers by Audley Travel vs Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,507 | $ 4,689 |
| Price Per Day | $ 319 | $ 391 |
| Highlights |
N/A
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm of India with its forts, palaces and temples, as well as the Taj Mahal. Central India shelters leopards, elephants and the Bengal tiger. In India’s northeast corner, Calcutta still exudes its colonial heritage in a landscape of Bengali mansions and neo-Gothic architecture. West-coast Mumbai is an improbable proposition - a hub of manufacturing where you can wander among Art Deco architecture or through a teeming bazaar. Down in India’s south, cruising Kerala’s backwaters on a converted rice barge is a suitably relaxed way to embrace this region’s laid-back approach to life. |
Join female explorers in search of new experiences on a journey to the Sikh temples of Delhi, the hilltop yoga retreats of Jaipur and the Bishnoi people of Jodhpur—who for 500-years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species. Tour the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple in Delhi and witness the beautiful practice of langar—serving free food to the hungry and promoting equality among the Sikh women who help prepare the meals. Start your day in Jaipur with a yoga lesson led by a female guru—harnessing ancient restorative techniques to create harmony between body, mind and spirit. Marvel at the Taj Mahal and discover how Emperor Shahjahan commissioned 20,000 craftsmen to carve this monument out of white marble and red limestone—in honor of his late wife. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by one of our local representatives and your private driver. Your driver will stay with you during your time in India and will drive you to your Delhi hotel. After check-in, depending on the time, you may have the afternoon at leisure. The Lodi Gardens are a nice spot for an afternoon stroll, the hotel staff will be able to give you directions.
Day 3 : Delhi
Explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi on a private guided tour. This includes the enormous Jama Masjid from which you can walk through the bazaars and narrow streets - a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of Old Delhi. See the monumental buildings set along wide boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi, including India Gate and the President's residence.
Day 4 : Agra
Leave Delhi in good time this morning to travel south to Agra. You can either travel by road with your private driver (a three hour trip on the express highway) or take the train. Depending on the train times, the rail journey can take longer than driving, but it does offer a great experience. You'd be assisted onto the train and met at the other end by an Audley representative. In the afternoon, take a private guided walk around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning - the two were built during the same period and have much shared history.
Day 5 : Ranthambhore National Park
An early start this morning, but worth it for sunrise views of the Taj Mahal with your private guide. It's also the quietest time to visit, before the crowds arrive. There can be fog at some times of the year, your specialist will advise you.After breakfast back at your hotel, continue your travels, heading east to the ancient, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. After exploring with a local guide, drive to nearby Bharatpur railway station. Board your train and travel to Sawai Madhopur - a journey of just over two hours. This is the nearest station to Ranthambhore National Park - your location for the next two nights.
Day 6 : Ranthambhore National Park
Head into Ranthambhore Park twice to enjoy game drives through the rugged terrain which is home to lots of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Your game drives are early in the morning and then early evening, when temperatures are at their coolest, and animals at their most active.
Day 7 : Jaipur
Enjoy your final game drive in the park this morning before a leisurely breakfast back at your hotel.After breakfast drive to the Pink City of Jaipur which will take around four hours. On arrival, enjoy meeting your homestay hosts and relax in the courtyard.
Day 8 : Jaipur
Gain an insight into the fascinating city of Jaipur today on a private guided tour. Explore the Palace of the Winds, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the impressive Amber Fort located 11km (6.8 miles) outside the city.Back at the hotel, you might like to watch the evening puppet show which is shown on certain days of the week.
Day 9 : Jaipur
Your morning is at leisure to relax and take a break in the peace of your hotel.This afternoon you have the chance to explore the bazaars with your private guide - get behind the scenes of the local markets with the chance to meet local traders and artisans.
Day 10 : Delhi
Today drive back to Delhi, a journey of approximately five to six hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure, enjoy using the facilities of your airport hotel. Although lacking charm or history, an airport hotel is convenient and comfortable, and means you can avoid the bulk of Delhi's traffic.
Day 11 : International return flight
This morning your driver will transfer you to Delhi Airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to Delhi
After your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, you are greeted with the traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow female travellers for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: The hustle and bustle of Old Delhi Relaxed Start
Dive into Old Delhi’s symphony of sounds, smells, tastes and colours as you wander down beautiful narrow lanes and taste authentic Delhi street food. Visit an elegant haveli, an old private mansion and enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family.This afternoon, visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and take a walk through their community kitchen where you witness the practice of langar: serving food free of charge to anyone who is hungry. This beautiful act promoting equality also involves the Sikh women who help with the preparation of the meals.
Day 3: Exploring New Delhi
Today explore New Delhi, largely built by the British in the early 20th century. Drive along the Rajpath to see the war memorial India Gate and the colonnaded Parliament House. Visit the 16th century Tomb of Emperor Humayun. This marvelous example of Mughal architecture went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue your exploration of Delhi with Insight Choice. Choose to get creative and hands on as you take part in a jewelery making class. Alternatively, enjoy abhyangam, an Aryuveda massage practice whereby oil is applied to your body by two skilled therapists.
Day 4: Delhi to Agra
Journey to Agra and visit its historical fort complex resembling a walled city. The Agra fort is made up of a series of impressive buildings including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Sheroes Café and meet the inspiring women behind it who are survivors of acid attacks. Be encouraged by their resilience and enjoy this opportunity to chat to them about their stories and support their cause in raising awareness.
Day 5: The unmatched beauty of the Taj Mahal
Put on a traditional saree in preparation for your visit to the Taj Mahal, a true highlight of your journey. Following the death of his wife, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this mausoleum. You can’t help but be awestruck by this delicately carved white marble jewel. Later, enjoy lunch on your way to Jaipur, the stunning capital city of Rajasthan state. In the evening visit the local market and shop for a traditional Indian dress for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
Day 6: Jaipur through the locals’ eyes
On your city tour see the Hawa Maha, the Palace of the Winds. Its stunning lace-like facadehas 953 windows. Visit the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and the neighbouring City Palace, housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal art. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw Company, dedicated to empowering women from low-income households. Continue your exploration of Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to take part in a demonstration of the art of Mehndi, the traditional henna body painting. Alternatively, learn a few new moves at an energetic Bollywood dance class. Tonight, join a local family to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Get involved in the preparations for Lakshmi Puja by lighting oil lamps around the house, to invite the goddess Lakshmi to come home. Learn how to prepare traditional meals by watching a cooking demonstration before feasting on a delicious dinner.
Day 7: The Pink City
Start your day with a yoga session led by a female guru and explore the deeper meaning of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and the importance of harmony between body, mind and spirit. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose to go on a walking tour in the bazaars where you will meet the colourful characters involved in gem-polishing, tie die or bangle-making as well as the world-renowned pickle makers. Alternatively, visit a Blue Pottery workshop and see how this characteristic local pottery is made. In the late afternoon, ascend the hilltop Amber Fort by jeep and experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special Hindu blessing ceremony. Feel like royalty as you dine at the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant and savour mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine accompanied by impeccable service.
Day 8: Chandelao and the Blue City of Jodhpur
Meet the female artisans of the Sunder Rang Arts and Crafts Project in Chandelao village, producing traditional Rajasthani textiles and handicrafts. The workshop enables and empowers women to earn a fair living through developing their craft skills and providing a sustainable income. After your lunch, continue to the Blue City of Johdpur and tonight take a stroll through the Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower market. Perhaps pick up some Mathania chilis or flavoured teas and try some lassi.
Day 9: Exploring Jodhpur
This morning, venture to a nearby village and meet the Bishnoi people, who for 500 years have protected nature to ensure the survival of endangered species like the majestic black buck antelope. On your return to Jodhpur, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and see the marble cenotaph of Jaswant Thada. In the afternoon, meet an astrologer and learn about the importance of the influence of planets. Indulge in a Highlight Dinner at Khaas Bagh, a worthy tribute to the legendary lifestyle of princely India surrounded by handpicked memorabilia of the Raj Period that include a fleet of dazzling vintage cars.
Day 10: Ranakpur And Udaipur
Travel to Ranakpur to explore the elaborate carvings and classic architecture of the Jain Temples before meeting a priest and attending a special prayer ceremony. Enjoy an al fresco lunch served under a 300-year-old banyan tree at Mountbatten Lodge, a unique boutique hotel in the wilderness. Continue to Udaipur. Founded in the 16th century, the city is set around a series of artificial lakes and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Hills.
Day 11: Explore Udaipur Relaxed Start
Explore the City Palace complex, visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the Garden of the Maids of the Honour. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Seva Mandir Organization, working to empower women by building stronger and more ethical communities. Wander through the bazaars to see the spice and textile markets and later cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Tonight, experience Bedla hospitality at your Celebration Dinner. The Bedla Family had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Hear their fascinating stories and enjoy excellent entertainment while dining on superb culinary delights and toasting to your journey in incredible India.
Day 12: Fly to Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you fly to Delhi and your journey comes to an end. For your onward travels please schedule your flight after 21:00 from Delhi.
