Compare Inspirational India, a Wander Women Journey, Summer 2022 by Insight Vacations vs A Portrait of India 2023 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 4,689 | $ 9,390 |
| Price Per Day | $ 391 | $ 522 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | 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. |
Make your way through India and explore the country's amazing diversity from lavish palaces in the north to canal-laced nature sanctuaries in the south – featuring special cultural connections and accommodations at some of the world's most renowned hotels! |
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.
Day 1 Arrive New Delhi
Tour begins: 2:00 PM, The Leela Palace New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your luxury hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi, renowned for gracious service in the heart of the city. Because most flights arrive late at night or very early in the morning, you may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck's India tour begins – just mention this at the time of booking; Tauck can arrange an extra night at The Leela Palace New Delhi. Your trip begins this afternoon with a welcome briefing by your Tauck Director, followed by a guided orientation tour of New Delhi including a drive through of Vijay Chowk, with views of the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace and the India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Next, stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader, Mahatma Gandhi, who forced change through non-violent protest, leading to an independent India in the late 1940s. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : The Leela Palace New Delhi
PORTOFCALL : New Delhi, India
Day 2 Back in time in Old Delhi
You'll tour two UNESCO World Heritage Sites today as you explore the centuries-old history and culture of Old Delhi and environs. The first, which you'll visit this morning, is Humayun's Tomb, constructed for the Mughal Emperor Humayan and other members of his family in the 1570s, and set within beautiful gardens. The first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and the first large structure of its kind built of red sandstone, this Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture in India, and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra. After an orientation tour of Old Delhi followed by lunch, visit the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, an imposing minaret built over eight centuries ago, part of one of the earliest surviving mosque complexes in India. Return to your hotel in New Delhi and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening as you please.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : The Leela Palace New Delhi
PORTOFCALL : New Delhi, India
Day 3 Rituals on the River Ganges in Varanasi
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river's holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Tonight, take a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep." Amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings, tonight will be a special highlight of Tauck's India tour.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Taj Ganges, Varanasi
PORTOFCALL : Varanasi, India
Day 4 Ganges cruise & off to Agra & the Taj Mahal
Awaken early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies, then fly Delhi before transferring to Agra for a two-night stay and tomorrow's visit to one of the world's most famous and recognizable buildings, the Taj Mahal. An incredible domed mausoleum complex of white marble, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to memorialize and house the tomb of his beloved third wife and completed in 1653, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture – and yes, you'll have a view of it from your room in your award-winning luxury hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
PORTOFCALL : Agra, India
Day 5 Wonders in Agra – the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, which reveals the love story behind the white marble wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique design and relief work in marble and inlay with precious and semi precious stones; your visit also includes time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Following an afternoon spent at leisure, dine as you please this evening from among a selection of your hotel's fine restaurants.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
PORTOFCALL : Agra, India
Day 6 Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory – a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes – all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions, music, dance and cuisine.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
PORTOFCALL : Jaipur, India
Day 7 Jaipur's glittering palaces and pavilions of Amber Fort
Today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions inside Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. After a thali style lunch preceded by a puppet show, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Jaipur, pursuing what interests you most.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
PORTOFCALL : Jaipur, India
Day 8 Jaipur & on to Udaipur
This morning, fly from Jaipur to Udaipur for a three-night stay at your luxury Oberoi hotel in Udaipur – nestled along the banks of Lake Pichola and spread over fifty acres, which includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wild boar. Consistently voted among the top luxury hotels in the world, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is a destination experience unrivaled anywhere – while Udaipur itself is a Rajasthan city of palaces and lakes, often called the "Venice of the East" and the "Most Romantic City in India." This afternoon brings you for a visit to the Nagda Temples, a pair of 10th-century Hindu Temples dedicated to one of the principal deities of Hinduism, Vishnu. This evening, join us for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Dinner is at your leisure in your hotel, named India's best hotel by Condé Nast Traveler and 4th in the world's top 100 hotels.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
PORTOFCALL : Udaipur, India
Day 9 Discovering Udaipur's treasures
An Udaipur sightseeing tour with your local guide includes a stop at the City Palace complex – a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples overlooking a lake that was once the elegant home of the Maharajah of Udaipur – and, a short walk away, the Jagdish Mandir Temple, where music or chanting is heard throughout the day and a visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari. This evening, enjoy a a sari and turban demonstration followed by a memorable Tauck Exclusive private dinner at Royal Repast, a restaurant owned by descendants of the Bedla clan who have played a significant role in the affairs of the Udaipur State – serving as Prime Ministers, valued advisors, commanders in chief of the armed forces and hosting all the dignitaries visiting Udaipur as state guests.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
PORTOFCALL : Udaipur, India
Day 10 Udaipur's markets & the city at leisure
Today's sightseeing begins in Udaipur with an auto-rickshaw ride around the city's bustling spice and vegetable markets, for an insightful glimpse into everyday life in Udaipur. In the vegetable markets, women in brightly colored saris sit amongst the stalls, surrounded by baskets brimming with their fresh and equally colorful produce, while burlap bags or metal pans entice with a kaleidoscopic array of curries and spices. The rest of the day is free to explore more of this "City of Lakes" as you wish. Due to its many picturesque locations, Udaipur has supplied scenic backdrops to many a film or television show over the years; portions of movies including Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Octopussy and Gandhi, plus the TV miniseries The Jewel in the Crown, were filmed here.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
PORTOFCALL : Udaipur, India
Day 11 Fly to Kochi (Cochin)
Fly via Bangalore to Kochi (known as Cochin during colonial times) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
PORTOFCALL : Kochi, India
Day 12 Traditional cuisine & more in Kochi (Cochin)
Your day today starts off with a morning lecture on Cochin and Kerala followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch at a chef's private home. This afternoon, you'll have a chance to visit the many historical sites of Kochi including; Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry district, a guided exploration of the Dutch Palace and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue. This evening, enjoy a performance of the renowned Kathakali Dancers prior to dinner at the hotel.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
PORTOFCALL : Kochi, India
Day 13 Kerala houseboat cruise & Mohiniattam dancers
Travel through the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to the picturesque island of Kumarakom in Lake Vembanad to continue your Tauck India tour with a two-night lakeside stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort. En route, board a thatched-roof rice boat that's been converted into a luxury houseboat for a cruise through Kerala's palm-fringed canals; this region is often referred to as another "Venice of the East." Tonight at your resort, you'll be treated to a program featuring dancers performing the classical Indian dance form known as Mohiniattam, dating to the 16th century.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Kumarakom Lake Resort
Day 14 Kerala villages & Kumarakom resort leisure
After an exclusive morning walk for Tauck guests only in one of Kerala's villages, spend the entire afternoon enjoying the many activities and amenities offered by your beautiful lakefront resort. An unforgettable martial arts demonstration this evening is both educational and entertaining; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques. Have dinner at your leisure at the resort.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Kumarakom Lake Resort
Day 15 Fly to Mumbai and do some city sightseeing
Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (known in earlier times as Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, an introductory sightseeing tour maps out the city and its landmark sites for you. Your accommodations for the next three nights are at The Oberoi, Mumbai; dine tonight at your choice of selected restaurants.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi, Mumbai
PORTOFCALL : Mumbai, India
Day 16 Treasures of Mumbai & a Heritage Walk
This morning, a walking tour of landmarks includes the Gateway of India, a massive triumphal arch 87 feet high, built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary, who visited in 1911; actually, they were welcomed with a cardboard facsimile because the arch wasn't finished until 1924, but since then the Gateway has been an iconic symbol of the city, and its plaza an important site for public gatherings and ceremonies. You'll also visit the city's grand railroad terminal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly called Victoria Terminus), a jaw-dropping fusion of Indian and High Victorian Gothic architecture, elaborately decorated with arches, domes, turrets, statuary, and bas-reliefs, built in 1887. Amid the colorful bustle of the city, you're bound to see hordes of dabbawalas (men in white uniforms on bicycles delivering hot mid-day meals in "tiffin" cans), a traditional sight here since the 19th century. Enjoy your lunch at Souk, a restaurant at the elegant Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : The Oberoi, Mumbai
PORTOFCALL : Mumbai, India
Day 17 Cruise to Elephanta Island
From the Gateway of India in Mumbai, take a boat cruise this morning to Elephanta Island (or Gharapuri, the "city of caves") with a local guide to explore the Elephanta Caves, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This series of rock-cut cave temples, most of which are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, was hewn from solid basalt sometime between the fifth and seventh centuries AD. Return to your Oberoi hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you please in Mumbai. Join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel, as your incredible journey to India draws to a close.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Oberoi, Mumbai
PORTOFCALL : Mumbai, India
Day 18 Journey Home
Tour ends: Mumbai. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Mumbai, India
