Gardens and Palaces of India

Enjoy access to the airport Executive lounge before we fly from London on an overnight flight to Delhi.

Early morning arrival and transfer to our hotel with early check-in for time to relax and freshen-up.
Later today we visit Lodhi Gardens. This majestic park features ancient tombs, including the Shish Gumbad, Mohammed Shah's Tomb and the tomb of Sikandar Lodi. Islamic and Hindu styles influence the grandiose architecture of the on-site tombs. The gardens also feature a large dome called Bara Gumbad, a central courtyard and a watercourse.  We return to our hotel for a welcome drink followed by dinner.

After breakfast, we begin our full day sightseeing tour of Delhi where we have the opportunity to explore the contrasts of the old and new. 
We begin with a visit to Jama Masjid Mosque before exploring the bazaars. Enjoy a rickshaw ride (or tuk-tuk if you prefer) through the bustling alleys of the 500-year-old city – Chandni Chowk, where silver merchants ply their trade. Also visit Gandhi Smriti Bhawan, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi which showcases his life over the years. We then visit the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, the main temple of the Sikhs in Delhi, immediately recognisable by its golden dome.
Afterwards, visit Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site) before a drive past the President’s Palace, Houses of Parliament, and the impressive India Gate with its eternal flame. Our February departure also includes a visit to the impressive rarely opened Mughal Gardens.

Today we enjoy an early morning visit to the Sunder Nagar Nursery that was established over 100 years ago to breed specimens for the new Capital’s avenues. Apart from the many plants, the Nursery is home to several heritage structures from the 16th century.
Later we visit the Garden of Five Senses, designed to stimulate one's sensory responses to the environment. An amalgamation of colour, fragrance, touch, sound and taste. Most of the works of art are dynamic, making it more interactive to the visitors. 25 different sculptures and murals have been set up in the Garden making it one of the largest collections of public art in the country.
This garden is located near the first city of Delhi, the Qila Rai Pithora, and while following the approach road to the garden we can see the massive walls of this fort. The Garden of Five senses depicts the architecture of the first city including the stones used in the construction of boundary walls and a dome-shaped office complex. This evening before dinner we have organised a talk from a botanist over a glass of wine where we learn of the various gardens in India and flowering seasonality.

After an early breakfast we take the morning Gatimaan Express travelling by rail in Executive Class Chair Car to Agra. On arrival we head for Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as Red Fort of Agra. This former imperial residence of the Mughal Dynasty is described as a walled palatial city. There are several exquisite buildings such as Moti Masjid, Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj, Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal to be visited.
Later we explore the historic Mehtab Bagh which is a stunning complex located in the city of Agra. The grounds of the park are surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens and offer stunning sunset views of the Taj Mahal and the Yamuna River. The complex features a riverfront terrace, fountains, pools, walkways and pavilions. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. We continue to our hotel.

Early this morning we return to the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise and incredible views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is regarded as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj is amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is astounding. Prepare to be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.
Later we visit Abhaneri Stepwell, merited for its amazing stepwell or 'baoris' and Hindu Temple. According to legend, the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat Mata, who is portrayed in a joyous mood and is believed to spread brightness or "abha" all around. The ruins of the temple also speak of the 10th century architectural and sculptural styles. There is a huge tank named "Chand Baori", opposite to the temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defence.  Lunch will be organised at Umaid Palace, a family run resort spread across 20 acres of green cover with beautiful gardens. Enjoy the local lunch made from inhouse organic kitchen garden.

A relaxing morning with free time to explore and enjoy the ambience of Samode Bagh. Our heritage hotel with Royal Tents set in 20 acres of gardens allows for exploration of the variety of flowers and plants and bird watching.
We depart for Jaipur and lunch at the heritage Samode Palace, host to royalty, celebrities and artists. This stunning 475-year-old palace is a splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Later we continue to our hotel.

Today we enjoy a guided excursion to Amber Fort. Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, this impressive structure was the old capital before the city of Jaipur was built. You will go via the hill to the Palace, which is laid out on different levels of the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. The exterior of the fort is very imposing and rugged, whereas the inside, by contrast, is comforting and warm, influenced by both Hindu and Muslim ornamentation. On the walls are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, intricate carvings, mosaics, and minute mirror work that lend the halls a majestic and imperial air.
We make a photo stop at `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. The stone-carved screens, small casements and arched roofs are some of the features of this popular attraction.
Later visit the Gardens of Rambagh Palace - renowned for their elegance and exotic foliage that attract a variety of exotic birds. Even today, peacocks preen on the lawns, and flocks of migratory birds continue to visit the gardens. The front lawns of Rambagh Palace are abloom with Ashok, Bougainvillea and Lantana Trees. The Oriental Garden is inspired by Chinese motifs and designs. The Mughal Garden has an expansive range of flowers which can be enjoyed before our included lunch.
In Jaipur city, we visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Royal residence of which a part is converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one seventh of the city area. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers.

This morning we visit the Sisodia Gardens and Palace. Sisodia Rani ka Bagh was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 as a gift of love for his beloved queen. The Queen’s palace was painstakingly built in a location where it overlooks the entire bagh. This beautiful heritage garden is built in the Charbagh style, which is the Persian style wherein gardens are divided into four parts by walking paths, or sometimes water features, which intersect in the centre. This principle of a quadrilateral design is inspired by references in the Qur’an which suggest that the gardens of Paradise have such a design. The garden is famous for its lush green trees and floral beds, for its multi-layered palace, shrines, murals, pavilions, frescoes, paintings, fountains and roaming peacocks. The spires and pavilions in the garden are decorated with frescoes of Hindu motifs and paintings, especially from the life of Lord Krishna and his beloved, Radha. The centre of the Bagh hosts shrines dedicated to the Hindu Gods Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman, with a natural spring located next to the central shrine.
Later we drive to Jodhpur and our hotel.

This morning we explore Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan and visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Mehrangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits (bandits), initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close by his memorial; those who preceded him are remembered by chattris at Mandore. 
We take a guided walk around the bazaars located around the clock tower and explore the wholesale grain market, bamboo market, the array of spice sellers, fruits and vegetables. One of the oldest markets in the city, Sardar Market is said to have over 6,000 tiny shops hawking all manner of goods.
Today also includes a private meeting with the curator of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences, who will introduce us to the palace’s beautiful gardens and lawns.
Later visit the stunning Mandore Gardens, located in the ancient city of Mandore. The gardens boast charming features including rock terraces, sculptures, cenotaphs, monuments, temples and a museum. The garden is home to a variety of flora and a few monkeys.

After breakfast we head for Udaipur and en-route visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a massive white edifice carved with bold geometry of white marble. Among the trees here we have time to take in the statues, pillars and temple. There are 144 pillars, each uniquely carved and difficult to count, similar to the statues, each facing its neighbours, depicting animals and gods. We arrive at our hotel. Perhaps enjoy a walk in the sprawling hotel gardens at 'Bada Mahal' - a 150-year-old wildlife conservatory within the hotel premises.

This morning we visit Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple which has been in continuous worship since 1651.  We also discover the nearby City Palace, of which the main part is now a museum with rich collections of mosaics, glass and porcelain figures. Sahelion-Ki-Bari, also known as Garden of Maidens, is beautifully designed and offer views of handsomely carved marble pavilions, kiosks in the pool and lotus ponds.
In the afternoon we wander through the old market at Udaipur and areas where the Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed. Then we take a boat-ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola, visiting the bathing Ghats where we will have the opportunity to witness evening ritual ceremonies and the City Palace, a complex built over a period of 400 years with its fusion of architecture and the outstanding treasures of the crystal Gallery. Jagmandir Island Palace is a stunning marble structure that seems to float effortlessly atop Lake Pichola and includes a beautiful flower garden adorned with roses, palm trees, jasmine and bougainvillea.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner with views overlooking the City Palace.

A relaxing morning before we transfer to Udaipur airport for our flight to Delhi. On arrival we transfer to our hotel conveniently close to the airport in New Delhi.

After breakfast we transfer to Delhi airport for our flight to London. Alternatively, take our 5-day post tour extension to Amritsar from £675pp or alternatively join our 5 day extension to Shimla from £875pp – ask for details.