Kolkata - Darjeeling - Delhi - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Delwara - Udaipur 15 days/14 nights
Combining the heart of the tea growing country, the color and culture of Rajasthan and the sites of the fascinating city of Kolkata (Calcutta), this luxury private journey offers a great insight into Himalayan, Buddhist and city life in India. Begin in Kolkata, locally regarded as India’s intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. Then, take a flight to Darjeeling, the definitive Indian hill station, surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations. Next, fly to India’s cosmopolitan capital Delhi where you will enjoy the contrasts of the city, from souk-like bazaars to tree-lined colonial avenues before venturing to vibrant Rajasthan. Arrive in the bejewelled city of Jaipur with its splendid architecture, not to mention fantastic shopping then continue to Jodhpur, a rhapsody in blue. Finish in the romantic city of Udaipur, staying in one of the world’s best hotels. This is just a sample itinerary to show just one of the many possibilites in India. We can further refine this program to suit your tastes and interests.
Your luxury private journey of India begins on arrival in Kolkata, where you will be met by a member of our team at the airport and chauffeured to the Oberoi Grand, a gracious building characterized by its Victorian architecture with interiors immaculately designed to reflect its grand, colonial past. Fondly referred to as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, The Oberoi Grand has been an icon on the landscape of Kolkata for more than a century; with a reputation for taking care of its guests like no other. The sense of calm that pervades the outdoor space is carried into the classically appointed rooms and suites that encircle the courtyard, fine dining spaces, grand banqueting venues and the swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, is a true oasis, among this otherwise bustling and beguiling city. Spend the day at leisure.
An early start to visit Calcutta's famous and bustling flower market on the banks of the Hoogly river. It is sprawling and almost a city in itself. Return to your hotel for breakfast before embarking on a guided tour to spend the day exploring this fascinating city, redolent with history, Victorian architecture and known to have produced some of India's greatest writers. Visit the Heritage Rail Museum in Howrah, where you'll see 19th-century steam locomotives. Next, discover the beautiful colonial building built by the East India Company and the St Paul's Cathedral. Also visit the synagogue and Mother teresa's home. it is here she started her mission to fight poverty. Thereafter visit, the splendid Victoria Memorial – an inspired creation of Lord Curzon and referred to as the ‘Taj of the Raj’ filled with a fabulous collection of Thomas and William Daniell's landscapes. Lord Curzon wanted to create a museum that would tell the story of the British empire but it is sadly called an unhappy attempt to replicate the Taj Mahal.
This morning, board a direct flight from Calcutta to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a jewel nestled in the Himalayas and famous for its tea estates. Upon arrival, you’ll be chauffeured to your luxury hotel for the next three nights, Glenburn Tea Estate. A heavenly plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the mighty River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, this working tea estate has been lovingly restored, whilst ensuring that its colonial past is retained. Spend your afternoon at leisure, soaking up some peace and solitude.
Today will be spent at leisure at Gleburn Tea Estate. Established by Scottish tea planters in the 19th century, the property is a stunning place where you can both relax and explore. There is plenty to do by way of private tours of the tea estate and an abundance of mountains activities including some spectacular hikes, cycling and walks. Simply sitting on the flower-filled veranda, enjoying the magnificent Himalayan vistas, is a special, timeless experience, too.
Morning transfer to Darjeeling Railway Station to board the ‘toy train’ on the slim tracks of India's first mountain railway. Later on, visit Lloyd Botanic Gardens, named after William Lloyd, the owner of the Lloyd's Bank during the Raj before exploring the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Ghoom. Finish with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which exhibits memorabilia from the early Everest expeditions, which set off from Darjeeling. Also walk along the Mall to see the fold of the sleepy town Darjeeling. If you have more time it is possible to visit Kalimpong and Gangtok to see the peaceful hilly small towns and the buddhist monasteries.
This morning, you’ll be chauffeured to Bagdogra Airport for an afternoon flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll check into The Imperial, Your luxury private honeymoon tour of India begins on arrival in Delhi, where you will be met by a member of our team at the airport and chauffeured to The Imperial, a beautiful combination of Art Deco, Victorian and colonial architecture. The Imperial is reminiscent of life in the 1930's colonial times when it was built for Viceroys and other dignitaries during the British Raj and is definitely the right choice for those wanting to relive history. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps going for a stroll through verdant Lodi Gardens or just relaxing in your luxurious hotel.
Start the day with a guided walking tour through the bustling alleyways of Chandni Chowk’s souk-like bazaars, including Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market and Kinari bazaar famous for wedding outfits. Spend the day discovering the myriad of sights in Old and New Delhi including the 17th- century Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb which is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Other highlights include India Gate, Connaught Place and the Lotus Temple. Evening to relax or dine at Bukhara, one of Delhi's finest restaurants for tandoori specialities and North Indian cuisine.
Today you will be driven from delhi to Jaipur. Alternatively, you can consider flying. A member of our team will be waiting to greet you at the Oberoi Rajvilas, one of India’s most spectacular luxury hotels with breath-taking landscaped gardens. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The Rajvilas is tucked away close to the Aravalis and features rooms as well as tents with pastel block printed canvas roofs dotted around intimate courtyards. Raj Vilas can be a destination in itself as it is beautiful and luxurious. Entice your tastebuds in mouthwatering cuisine and absolute relaxation in the claw foot bath tubs to recover from the long drive.
Day 9
Discover the best of Jaipur today. Led by a local expert, you’ll begin by exploring the City Palace and its private rooms then continue for a photo-stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and a visit to the Jantar Mantar observatory. In the afternoon, make your way on elephant back to the splendid 17th-century Amber Fort, before spending the evening with elephants at Dera Amer.
Continue to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, where you’ll check into RAAS, the city’s most sought after boutique hotel. RAAS has an eviable location at the foothill of Mehrangarh fort therefore providing unparalleled views of the forrt and the blue city. One really feels immersed in the true sense being int he heart of the most photogenic city in rajasthan, the Blue City. The 39 rooms and suites balance historic charm with contemporary design, each sporting the most magnificent views of Mehrangarh Fort. All-day Bandari serves an international menu with a poolside terrace while rooftop Dari Khana offers authentic Rajasthani dishes and has a superb drinks menu.
Today you will be exploring the best of Jodhpur. Weave your way with a private guide through the tangle of winding, colorful, medieval streets before visiting the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, an architectural masterpiece that towers 125 metres over the city. Mehrangarh exhibits, the coronation seat, and a variety of unusual Rajput miniature paintings, howdahs (elephant seats and palanquins. Along the way, pick up some souvenirs from the shops and bazaars which sell everything from spices and saris to trumpets and temple decorations. After lunch visis the Umaid Bhawan picture gallery or one of the local weavers villages to watch carpets being made.
Leave in good time this morning to be chauffeured to Delwara, a village known for its ancient Jain temples. Here, you’ll check into RAAS Devigarh for the night. A former 18th-century fortress-turned boutique, set among wheat fields in the Aravalli Hills, this labyrinthe property is a crenelated vision of suites, gardens, idyllic spa and pool. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before dining by candlelight in the historic mirrored Sheesh Mahal.
Leave Delwara for the fairytale city of Udaipur, a short drive away. Upon arrival, take a short boat ride to the unashamedly opulent Oberoi Udaivilas, one of the ‘best hotels in the world’. Located on the banks of sparkling Lake Pichola, this luxury hotel is set among 50 acres of former royal hunting grounds. On arrival in Udaipur, you’ll take a short boat ride to the Oberoi Udaivilas. Located on the banks of sparkling Lake Pichola, this luxury hotel is set among 50 acres of former royal hunting grounds with beautiful bedrooms and suites. Stay in rooms with exquisite vistas or suites with private plunge pools and dine like the Maharajas in the multi-cuisine restaurants. The spa of this hotel is our favourite and overlooks the Lake Palace. In the afternoon, travel by boat across the lake to Jagmandir Island, featuring a beautiful palace, once used by the royal family as a summer retreat and also the setting for James Bond's Octopussy and once used as a summer retreat by the royal family.
Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic cities. Spend the morning with a local guide, exploring the magnificent City Palace, an impressive complex on the banks of Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, continue your private luxury tour through the narrow streets of the old city to the ancient bazaar, which buzzes with shops selling colorful clothing, silver jewelry, vibrant art, and leather-bound journals. Visit the Crystal Gallery and Saheliyon ki Badi gardens. Finish your afternoon with a boat ride to Jag Mandir Gardens a small summer palace across the Lake.
Today, your luxury private journey ends. Transfer to Udaipur airport in time for your onward flight to Delhi or Mumbai to connect to your onward flight. Should your international connection be departing the following morning, it might be worth considering an additional night in Delhi – this can be decided once we get stuck into planning your luxury tailor-made itinerary.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary for what your trip to India could include. Treat our Rajasthan, Kolkata and Darjeeling tour as inspiration. Each trip designed by Rajasthan Tours is created uniquely for you, working to your budget and interests with an absolute commitment to quality.
The price shown includes hotels on double or twin sharing basis, breakfast, sightseeing, transfers, internal flights or trains, private guides, monument entrances, activities and excursions and chauffeur-driven car. On request, we can include international flights, too. In other words, we take the work off you to allow you to enjoy the most memorable holiday experience. The price is a guide and subject to change based on hotels, dates of travel and number of people travelling. During the low season (April to September), the costs are significantly less yet this season remains a great time to travel with smaller crowds and more affordable rates. During the high season, particularly over Christmas and New Year, prices are higher however there are lots of great festivals and the weather is excellent.