Private Departures: Northern India

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary to North India, featuring the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Travel to Rajasthan for a 11-day journey of a lifetime to experience India, with its opulent palaces, colorful textiles and crafts, impeccable hospitality, and unique wildlife. Spend four days aboard the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, a new luxury train styled in the elegant tradition of the coaches used to transport Rajasthan's royal families with the comfort of modern amenities.

Begin by exploring New Delhi then head to Udaipur for an unforgettable night at the white marble Lake Palace, picturesquely set amid the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. From aboard your elegant train, make stops at Ranthambore National Park for an Indian safari, Jaipur for its famed Amber Fort, Khajuraho with its 9th- to 12th-century temples, and Varanasi, the oldest city in the world. Your journey concludes with a memorable visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. (Although an afternoon Indian safari in Ranthambore National Park is included in this trip, consider a trip extension to Kanha Tiger Reserve for a more extended tiger safari.)

• Day 1-2 – U.S. to New Delhi
  Depart the U.S. for New Delhi, arriving the next day. Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Lodging: The Oberoi
  
  
• Day 3 - New Delhi
  Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon a guide will take you on a tour of New Delhi. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen), and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 237-foot-high tower dating to the 13th century, and Humanyun's Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. In the evening enjoy a special dinner at your hotel. Lodging: The Oberoi
  
  
• Day 4 - Old Delhi
  Enjoy a morning exploring bustling Old Delhi in the company of your private guide. This part of the city pulses with energy and color and the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars. You’ll see the famous Red Fort, the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, and the Chandni Chowk bazaar. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Lodging: The Oberoi
  
  
• Day 5 – New Delhi and Udaipur
  After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the Delhi airport for your flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. One of the top hotels in the world, the Lake Palace features an ethereal setting on Lake Pichola, and provides the highest of luxury standards. Later in the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Lodging: Lake Palace
  
  
• Day 6 - Udaipur and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
  After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. The enchanting “City of Dawn” looms like a vision in white. You'll visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which features various palaces inside, such as Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the Palace of Krishna, all ornately decorated. Later in the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to the Udaipur railway station to board your train, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, departing Udaipur for Chittorgarh. The fort of Chittorgarh is a treasure trove of history and offers insight into the life of the great Rajput rulers. The victory tower, or Vijay Stambh, is one of the main attractions of the fort. Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
  
  
• Day 7 - Ranthambore National Park and Jaipur
  Today, enjoy the contrast of natural and cultural treasures. Begin in Ranthambore National Park where you may catch a glimpse of majestic tigers that roam in the open wilderness. You’ll also visit the imposing Ranthambore Fort to discover some of Rajasthan's history. Next head to Jaipur -- a city of pink -- where the light playing upon the buildings, creating shadows and highlighting every nuance of the architecture, will enchant you. Stop to view the mysterious “Hawa Mahal” (the Palace of Winds) as you travel to Amber Fort for a special visit. Return to Jaipur and visit the city palace, the former residence of the maharaja of Jaipur, which houses a museum of magnificent collections once owned by the maharaja. You’ll also visit the ancient observatory. Enjoy dinner at the Hotel Jai Mahal Palace, enhanced by a cultural program. Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
  
  
• Day 8 - Khajuraho
  The 9th- to 12th-century temples of Khajuraho demonstrate the architectural genius of the Chandela dynasty, while the temple sculptures reflect passion, eroticism, dance, and music. Enjoy lunch at a five-star hotel and your dinner on board your train. Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
  
  
• Day 9 - Varanasi (Banaras)
  More than 3,000 years old, Varanasi is famous as the city of temples and the oldest city in the world. Among the temples you will see is Jyotirlinga Visvanatha temple or “golden temple,” rebuilt in 1776, and dedicated to the lord Shiva. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy, and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja, and Patanjali. Enjoy lunch at a five-star hotel and dinner on board your train. Lodging: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
  
  
• Day 10 - Agra
  After breakfast, disembark the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and take a sightseeing tour of Agra. Highlights include Agra Fort and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in A.D. 1565, is a masterpiece of design and construction. The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a World Heritage site and is now considered by many as the most perfect piece of architecture in the world. Lodging: Amarvilas Hotel
  
  
• Day 11 – New Delhi and the U.S.
  Transfer to New Delhi in the late morning. From New Delhi you will connect to international flights home.

Price: From $7,760 per person, double occupancy