Cross the Ganges plain from Delhi to Kolkata (Calcutta), taking in the majesty of the Taj Mahal and Amber fort, remarkable wildlife in Ranthambore, the spiritual aura of Varanasi and colonial Lucknow and Kolkata. Extend your tour in the tea plantations of Darjeeling, by the beach in the Andaman Islands, looking for rare one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park or relaxing in the countryside at the heritage hotel Rajbari Bawali.

14 Days & 12 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Travel from London (regional connections available) with Jet Airways to Delhi. (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Trident Gurgaon for an overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure. Optional half-day tour of New Delhi. This evening join the rest of your group and your guide for a welcome drink. (N)

Day 3: To Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur for a 3-night stay at Khas Bagh, a heritage homestay complete with stables and horses. (B)

Day 4: Jaipur

Morning visit to the nearby Amber fort; the ancient capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs from 1037. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 5: Jaipur

Explore the ‘Pink City’ visiting the sprawling palace complex, still home to the current maharajah, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the local bazaars selling jewellery, silk and traditional Indian crafts. (B)

Day 6: Ranthambore National Park

Drive to Ranthambhore for 2 nights at Swai Villas (or similar). (B, D)

Day 7: Ranthambore National Park

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife drives in search of tigers. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Agra

Morning train to Bharatpur and drive to Agra. Visit the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal and explore the imposing Agra fort. Overnight stay at Trident (or similar). (B)

Day 9: Lucknow

Travel to Lucknow for a 2-night stay at Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar. Afternoon heritage walk and culinary tour. (B)

Day 10: Lucknow

Full-day tour of Lucknow, followed by a visit to La Martinière College, the Lucknow Residency, Asifi Imambara and the magical Husainabad complex. Rest of the day at leisure before the highlight of a dinner with a royal family of
Lucknow. Enjoy a live Kathak dance performance before a home-cooked Awadhi dinner. (B, D)

Day 11: Varanasi

Take the morning train to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Taj Gateway Varanasi (or similar). This evening watch the mesmerising aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges. (B)

Day 12: Varanasi • Fly to Kolkata

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see cremation sites and colourful bathing ghats. After breakfast, visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon after receiving enlightenment. Take the evening flight to Kolkata for 2 nights at the centrally located LaLiT Great Eastern Hotel or upgrade to the Oberoi Grand (Deluxe room) from $110. (B)

Day 13: Kolkata

Half-day tour of Kolkata’s colonial heritage including a ride on one of Kolkata’s historic trams. Optional afternoon visit to the Victoria Memorial, South Park Cemetery and Kumartuli – the potter’s village where the idols are created for the city’s festivals. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London

Take the Jet Airways flight to London via Mumbai. (B)