Cox and Kings Grand Tour of India

– 4- & 5-star accommodation
– Flexible extensions, room & flight upgrades available
– Small group size – average 12 people (max 18)
– International flights
– Internal flights in India with 20kg luggage allowance
– Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
– Experienced local tour manager
– 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
– Guided sightseeing & all entrance fees
– 2 included wildlife safaris
– Porterage at airports & stations
– Festival departures

– Evening Palki Sahib ceremony at the Golden Temple, Amritsar
– Dine in a palace
– Varanasi’s hidden alleys and markets
– Take part in Holi celebrations
– Stay in a former fort in Rajasthan

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar via Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
(No Meals)

Day 2 – Amritsar
Visit the Golden Temple, where you’ll experience the Palki Sahib night ceremony. You’ll also enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Amritsar – Wagah
Morning visit to the Golden Temple and the community kitchen called langar. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk. Late afternoon visit to Wagah-Atari for the changing of the guard ceremony.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Fly to Varanasi via Delhi
Morning flight to Varanasi. This evening, visit the Dasaswamedh ghats to witness the magical Ganga aarti ceremony from a boat on the Ganges.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Fly to Delhi
Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Then, head off on a walking tour of Varanasi’s hidden alleys and its markets.. Take the afternoon flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay (Breakfast)

Day 6: Old & New Delhi
Morning tour of Old Delhi by rickshaw, driving past the Red Fort before visiting the Jama Masjid Mosque. In the afternoon, tour New Delhi, including India Gate, Qutb Minar and the tomb of Humayun.
(Breakfast)

Day 7: Agra
Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra (or similar). Visit the huge Agra Fort and enjoy the highlight of sunset at the Taj Mahal.
(Breakfast)

Day 8: Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore
Early morning visit to the Methab Bagh Gardens to see the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16th-century sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for lunch before taking the train to Sawai Madhopur.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Ranthambore
Wildlife drives in the early morning and late afternoon in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Although well known for its tiger population, Ranthambore is also home to sambars, panthers, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a bird watcher’s paradise.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur . Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, before attending an evening aarti ceremony at a local Hindu temple.
(Breakfast)

Day 11: Jaipur
Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Then, view the Hawa Malah, the Palace of the Winds.
(Breakfast)

Day 12: Jodhpur – Rohet
Full-day drive to Rohet via Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort and wander past the blue-washed house. Continue to Rohet where you’ll stay in a heritage mansion.(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 13: Rohet
Day at leisure. Optional 4×4 safari to visit the Bishnoi Tribal Village.(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 14: Ranakpur – Udaipur
Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route.
(Breakfast)

Day 15: Udaipur
Morning tour of the City Palace, Jagdish temple and a miniature painting studio. Afternoon at leisure, followed by a cultural dance show and a farewell dinner.(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 16: Fly to Delhi
Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay.
(Breakfast)

Day 17: Fly to London
Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to London.
(Breakfast)

Taj Ganges, Varanasi
The Taj Ganges Varanasi is a comfortable, centrally located hotel situated on Raja Bazaar road. The hotel is set amid 5 hectares of verdant land, making it an oasis of greenery in the bustling holy city. The hotel’s restaurants are renowned as some of the finest in the city and offer a delectable array of cuisines.

Rohet Garh
The majestic setting and ancient ramparts of this old fort capture the spirit of Rajasthan. Enter through the high walls into the intimate surroundings and beautiful gardens of this family home, still lived in by the town’s ruling family. Rohetgarh Fort’s traditional style is reflected in the 34 bedrooms and dining room.

Trident Hotel, Udaipur
Enjoying an excellent lakeside location, the Trident captures the romance of the Rajasthani city of Udaipur. Set within its own gardens, the Trident is 10 minutes by boat or car from the city centre. The blend of architecture and service transports guests back to a distant age while still providing all the comforts of the modern day. The restaurant offers both Rajasthani and continental cuisine. Views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills can be enjoyed from the terrace adjacent to the main restaurant where traditional events also take place.