INCREDIBLE INDIA
Visiting: Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur
From the vibrant streets of Delhi and the sacred banks of the River Ganges to the magnificent Taj Mahal and the colourful Pink City of Jaipur, India is a journey of extraordinary contrasts. Discover the historic treasures of Old Delhi, experience the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi and witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Taj Mahal in Agra. Along the way, explore impressive Mughal monuments, ancient forts and palaces that reveal the fascinating history of one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Rich in culture, spirituality and tradition, India offers experiences unlike anywhere else. Witness the mesmerising Evening Aarti Ceremony on the River Ganges, take a sunrise boat ride past the ghats of Varanasi and visit sacred Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Continue through the architectural splendour of Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri before discovering the bustling markets, colourful textiles and remarkable heritage of Jaipur, including Amber Fort, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal.
From watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Taj Mahal to searching for majestic tigers on thrilling safaris through Ranthambore National Park, every stage of the journey brings another unforgettable experience. Wander through Jaipur’s historic walled city, discover traditional craftsmanship and explore grand palaces, observatories and ancient monuments; a remarkable adventure combining India’s wildlife, spirituality, history and vibrant culture in one extraordinary journey.
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO GO GUIDED!
DAY 1/2: MALTA - DELHI
Meet the tour manager at Malta International Airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive in the historical city of Delhi and transfer to The 5* Le Meridien Hotel.
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern.
Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time, in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.
Delhi is a food-lovers haven and has something to please every palate. There is an unlimited variety available across cuisines, price-brackets and experiences – from street food of North India to International cuisine and from road-side dhabas to fine-dining – Delhi has it all.
After some rest, we will take you to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam. Spend some time at Dilli Haat, an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar. Evening enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3: DELHI
Breakfast and sightseeing tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire.
From here proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan.
Later visit Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence).
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 4: DELHI - VARANASI
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your 5* Hotel Taj Ganges for check-in.
Varanasi, or Benaras (also known as Kashi), is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unparalleled. Mark Twain, the American author and writer, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
Later in the evening, you will be taken to the Ghat, from where you will board a boat to witness an Evening Aarti Ceremony. India’s holy River Ganges, locally known as the Ganga, plays a central role in the life of Hindus. An aarti is a fire ritual performed to show gratitude to the river and ask for its blessings. It involves saffron-coloured clothes: a kurta and a dhoti, which is tightly bound with a long towel. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell and ringing bells. The priests each wave an incense stick and hold up large flaming lamps while chanting mantras to the goddess Ganga. Their movements are synchronised, and the crowd listens in silence while they perform the ceremonial acts.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 5: VARANASI
Early morning transfer to the Ghats for a sunrise boat ride on the holy River Ganges. At dawn, when it is full of pilgrims, it is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions.
See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river. See people bathing in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun.
Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank’s holy cremation grounds. It is believed that if you die in Varanasi, you go straight to heaven.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, a sacred pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Echoes of enlightenment permeate the ancient stupas, serene gardens and the Dhamek Stupa.
Amid natural surroundings lies the Archaeological Museum, which exhibits the Buddhist cultural wealth recovered from the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon at Deer Park, Mrigadava, in Sarnath.
As the findings are mostly from Buddhist monasteries, or viharas, the plan of the building was designed by James Ransome following the pattern of a Sangharam or vihara. The idea was conceived by Sir John Marshall, the then Director-General of Archaeology, in view of the Buddhist character of the antiquities.
Construction of the museum building began in 1904 and was completed in 1910. The central hall serves as the main chapel, with galleries resembling monastic cells and a verandah running in front of them, as found in a monastery. The entire building is made of sandstone with a flat roof.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 6: VARANASI - AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is free at the hotel or you can go shopping or walk through the streets of Varanasi.
Transfer to the railway station to board train to Agra. Today dinner would be served on board. Arrive and transfer to your 5* Taj Hotel & Convention Centre. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to relax at the hotel, go shopping or walk through the streets of Varanasi.
Later, transfer to the railway station to board your train to Agra.
Dinner will be served on board the train. On arrival in Agra, transfer to your 5* Taj Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 7: AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning tour of Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, Agra Fort gradually acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort was built under the direction of Akbar by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul, and was later extended by his son Jahangir and grandson Shah Jahan.
About 4 km north of the Taj Mahal, on the left bank of the Yamuna River, lies the perfectly proportioned marble mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah. It was built by Empress Noor Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, between 1622 and 1628 AD. The first building to be constructed entirely of marble in Mughal India, this two-storey mausoleum is small but beautifully executed, embellished with coloured stone inlay and intricate marble screens.
In the late afternoon, visit Mehtab Bagh for a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 8: AGRA - RANTHAMBORE
Early this morning, proceed on a spectacular sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete. Witness the dramatic interplay of light as the sun rises and casts its golden rays over the pearl-white tomb, recreating the magic of the Taj Mahal.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Ranthambore, en route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. It served as the Mughal capital for 14 years before being abandoned due to a shortage of water. Built of red sandstone, it combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Even today, the entrance to the fort is via the road built by Akbar, which leads to the Buland Darwaza, an impressive 54-metre-high gateway. Other notable monuments within Fatehpur Sikri include the Hiran Minar, built by Akbar in memory of his favourite elephant, the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas.
Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in at the 4* Hotel Tigress.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 9: RANTHAMBORE
Wake up early today for an unforgettable experience: a thrilling jungle safari in open-top canters through Ranthambore National Park. Drive into the dense jungle for tiger tracking and birdwatching, accompanied by a naturalist. The scrub woodlands of Ranthambore were once the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Today, the park is a sanctuary for India’s exotic wildlife and is particularly famous for sightings of its majestic predator, the tiger.
The park is also home to a wide variety of other animals, including sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats, civets, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 250 species of birds found within the park.
Following the safari, return to your hotel for breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing and enjoying the hotel’s facilities.
In the afternoon, embark on another safari ride through the jungles of Ranthambore National Park.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 10: RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur. En route, visit the Galta Monkey Temple. Upon arrival in Jaipur, proceed for check-in at your 5* Hilton Hotel.
Jaipur, one of the most enticing places in India, is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. It is known as the ‘Pink City’, as many of its prominent buildings are washed in this distinctive colour. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is steeped in Rajput history and is characterised by remarkable landmarks such as the City Palace, its astronomical observatory, Hawa Mahal and the magnificent Amber Fort.
Jaipur is a bustling capital city and business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis, yet it retains an age-old charm that never fails to surprise travellers.
In the late afternoon, drive to the starting point of your walking tour and explore the walled city of Jaipur on foot. Walk through the historic streets of the Old City and experience the splendour of years gone by.
Every winding street has something unique to offer, from places of worship and traditional arts to handicrafts, local food and colourful markets.
Enjoy the vibrant colours of the textile shops and flower market while admiring the magnificent city gates and the architectural splendour of the famous Hawa Mahal. Let the narrow alleys and bustling streets of Jaipur’s Old City take you on a unique journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 11: JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an exciting day of sightseeing. Begin with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storey architectural wonder with a spectacular pyramidal façade, overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
Continue to the ancient capital of Amer to visit the magnificent Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur and surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Man Singh, one of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful generals, began the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century.
Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort overlooks Maota Lake, while ruins, remains and sprawling crenellated walls extend across the surrounding Aravalli Hills. Also visit the unique Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing and learn about traditional textile and hand-block printing techniques.
In the afternoon, drive to the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. Highlights include a visit to the City Palace Museum, home to a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and Mughal and Rajput armoury, including swords of various shapes and sizes with intricately chiselled handles.
The museum also houses many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family, along with an impressive collection of weaponry. Its art gallery features miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit.
Continue to the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, an astronomical and astrological observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to a local market.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 12: JAIPUR - DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival, check in at the 5* Roseate House. The afternoon is free for some last-minute shopping or to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before transferring to the airport to board your flight for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 13: DELHI - DUBAI - MALTA
Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Malta via Dubai.
ROCS package include:
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Return international flights Malta – Delhi – Malta on the award-winning Emirates Airline
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Domestic flight Delhi – Varanasi
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Airline taxes and fuel charges
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11 nights in 4* / 5* accommodation
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All transfers
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All excursions and sightseeing as per itinerary
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10 breakfasts
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11 dinners
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Services of a local English-speaking accompanying guide
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Comprehensive guided sightseeing
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Active itinerary with unique cultural features
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Services of an experienced ROCS Travel Tour Manager
All quoted prices are per person unless otherwise specifically indicated. Please note that all prices and packages quoted are subject to the ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions listed at ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions. All prices are in EUR and are subject to change without any prior notice. ROCS Travel reserves the right to discontinue any offer at any time without prior notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
OBLIGATORY EXCURSIONS
Please be advised that excursions and/or extras, listed in our itineraries are obligatory for all participants. These excursions/extras have been carefully selected to enhance the travel experience on our guided holidays and ensure a comprehensive exploration of the destination.
The details and costs for these obligatory extras are clearly displayed in our brochure. Therefore, such costs need to be added to the main package price. We thank you in advance and look forward to welcoming you on a journey filled with discovery, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.