Living the high life in India
High Life
- India
- 16 Days
- Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Udaipur | Jodhpur | Hyderabad | Mumbai
- Old Delhi’s charming streets
- The most famous Mughal mausoleum, Taj Mahal
- Mughal imprint on Jaipur
- The lake city of Udaipur
- The impressive Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
- In the footsteps of Hyderabad’s Nizams
- The commercial capital of India, Mumbai
Overview
There is no such thing as ‘essential India’. The length and breadth of the country holds such a vast expanse of experiences that it is difficult to fathom in one trip. But we’ve chosen the best cities to give you an insight into the old and new – the urban and rural – the historical and contemprary. On this trip, you will be able to see how the country has shaped over the centuries. India wears the remnants of the past centuries and its new 21st century avtaar with applomb. You can see this in well-maintained monuments, bustling markets, food joints, the speeding metro and hip bars across the cities. We give you a flavour of all of this and more.
We call this itinerary the ‘High Life’as you experience India from the gaze of luxury where your stay is concerned. You wend through Delhi, the famous marble Taj Mahal and the streets of Jaipur. Then you go further into Rajasthan, visiting the lake city of Udaipur and the Jodhpur in the shadow of the grand Mehrangarh Fort. A taste of the Nizami hospitality is awarded in Hyderabad and then you make your way to the commercial and movie capital of India, Mumbai.
Itinerary
1
Delhi : You will be met on arrival at the Delhi airport and then transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
2
Delhi : Start the day at the oldest quarters of Delhi, Chandni Chowk. Its bustling lanes, crammed with shops, ancient mosques and temple, and shanties with local snacks make this an atmospheric cache of sights. Visit one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid in a rickshaw. Later in the day, head to Akshardham, a stunning Hindu temple complex that showcases vestiges of the faith in its sculptures and peaceful sanctum. Overnight at the hotel.
3
Delhi – Agra : Drive to Agra, a city rooted in Mughal history. Since you will reach only by afternoon, there will be time enough to see the Agra Fort and a Mughal mausoleum, I’timād-ud-Daulah. This has also been given the moniker of ‘Baby Taj’.
4
Agra – Jaipur : See a stunning spectacle at sunrise – the ethereal marble tombstone, Taj Mahal, being lit up by the first rays of the sun. The 17th century structure was an ode of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, for his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Later in the day, visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, when Akbar ruled. The architectural style of the city is delightful. By evening, drive to the next city, Jaipur.
5
Jaipur : Awash in pink, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant cities of India and a great start to your Rajasthan trail. Reserve the day for seeing museums, monuments and the busy bazaars which still bear testimony to a glorious history. Jantar Mantar, an ancient observatory, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Museum, and the Badi and Chhoti Chaupar markets are on the cards on this day.
6
Jaipur : This day has been kept aside for you to explore on your own. Hitting the markets will be a good idea as Jaipur is famous for silver, block print textiles and handicrafts. There will be ample that you can see and do. Time dependant, also see the Amber Fort on the outskirts of the city.
7
Jaipur – Udaipur : Early morning transfer to the airport to a board flight for Udaipur. After check in at the Udaipur hotel, keep the evening for a soothing boat ride in the central Lake Pichola. From here, you can look at the standout sight, City Palace on the edge of the water.
8
Udaipur : The city of lakes is great to explore on foot. Nothing is too far away and everything leaves you jaw-dropped, so might as well pace your day. Keep the grand City Palace on your schedule and the Jagdish Temple, along with the markets. These are the streets where the Bond movie, Octopussy was shot.
9
Udaipur – Jodhpur : The day makes you wend on the Rajasthan highways to reach Jodhpur city. Enroute, the Ranakpur Jain Temples made in marble are sure to enthral. Reach Jodhpur by evening and rest it out.
10
Jodhpur : The impressive Mehrangarh fort rises above everything in the city, shadowing the old ‘blue-tinged’ sprawl. You can spend hours walking through the stone paths, listening to legends and anecdotes that make this a signficant stop in Rajasthan. This is the place that the Dark Knight Rises was shot, though one can only see that when zip lining from wall to wall. Later, go to the royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada. The afternoon is kept to discover the Clock Tower area and the market around.
11
Jodhpur – Mumbai – Hyderabad : Fly to Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, with a hop over at Mumbai.
12
Hyderabad : The Nizams held sway in the city since 16th century, and only lost the hold as recent as late 1900s. The city thrived in their rule, housing stunning structures in forts, museums and cenotaphs. Today, you have a tryst with some part of their heritage. Visit Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum, Qutub Shahi Tomb, Char Minar and the surrounding markets.
13
Hyderabad : On your own time in Hyderabad, hit the most atmospheric part of town, the slim markets lanes of the Old City radiating from the Char Minar. Colours in textiles, bangles, pearls and bric-a-bracs make for great photo opportunities and the market, a souvenir shopping hot-spot.
14
Hyderabad – Mumbai : Fly to Mumbai for the last leg of the journey.
15
Mumbai : The buzz of India’s commercial capital and home to Bollywood, Mumbai, can hardly be explained. It only has to be experienced. Maybe a visit to Mani Bhawan, Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Dhobi Ghat, the Victoria Terminus, Marine Drive and Elephanta caves will be able to throw some light on it.
16
Mumbai : Get transferred to the airport in time for your international departure flight.
| October – March : | Winter months, recommended to travel. |
| Mid April – June : | Summer months, when it is moderately hot in April, but May and June are avoidable. |
| July – September : | Monsoon months where trips are doable. |
