North India in Style Tour

This India tour travels through the heart of India and combines the well-known cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with lesser-known but equally attractive places off the beaten track. We stay in heritage properties which are widely diverse in their architecture, location and atmosphere, but they all offer a unique experience. The variety of accommodation ranges from beautiful royal palaces to more modern classics like the Glass House on the Ganges. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, this is a remarkable tour through India that will provide you with a lifetime of memories.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 12
Transfers: Airport transfer to hotel on day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 15
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides
Transport: Private air-conditioned coach, express train,elephant, raft, jeep
Activities: Game rides at Corbett, white-water rafting on the Ganges
Accommodation: 8 nights unique hotels, 3 nights jungle resort, 3 nights superior hotels
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary
Local Payment: Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tour
Single Supplement: Single travellers and those occupying a single room must pay this supplement.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement for single travellers is compulsory.

COMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Single supplements on this tour are compulsory for individual travellers or odd-numbered groups. Groups with an odd number of travellers will incur one single supplement charge for the whole group.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Sumptuous heritage hotels
• Search for tigers in Corbett National Park
• Visit the Taj Mahal and the `pink city' of Jaipur
• White water rafting on the Ganges

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, DELHI: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon orientation tour of Delhi.

Day 2, HARIDWAR: We take the early morning express train from Delhi to Haridwar where we stay in the Haveli Hari Ganga, a beautiful heritage haveli, situated on the banks of the Holy Ganges. (BD)

Day 3, RISHIKESH: A short drive takes us to Rishikesh, famous for its ashrams and sadhus. We explore the town and end the day at the Glass House on the Ganges. This small, secluded hotel is set in a lychee and mango orchard with a garden of tropical plants, rare birds and butterflies. (BD)

Day 4, RISHIKESH: Start the day with an exciting white-water rafting trip down the Ganges. (This is optional; those who prefer can relax at the camp or take a jungle walk instead). After lunch, day at leisure. (BD)

Day 5, CORBETT: Drive to Corbett National Park, India's first National Park and one of its finest. We stay for three nights in the lovely Corbett Hideaway resort. (BD)

Days 6-7, CORBETT: We have two full days to explore Corbett by elephant and jeep. We also take an excursion into Dhikala, the heart of Corbett National Park. Extending over a tract of 520km2, the sanctuary is endowed with breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife including tigers and elephants. The birdlife is especially impressive with over 500 species. (BLD)

Day 8, GARHMUKTESHWAR: Drive to the early 19th century Fort Unchagaon near Garhmukteshwar. The heritage property has comfortable rooms and offers a host of recreational activities such as horse riding, billiards, squash and badminton. The surrounding areas are very rural and there is a colourful bazaar and an ancient temple nearby. (BD)

Day 9, AGRA: Our next stop is Agra, home to possibly the most famous and beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal. (B)

Day 10, BHARATPUR: A short drive takes us via the abandoned Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri to the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur, one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. We stay overnight in Laxmi Vilas Palace, a heritage hotel. (BD)

Day 11, JAIPUR: Continue to the Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. In the afternoon we take an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort. (B)

Day 12, JAIPUR: Morning city tour, including the City Palace and the ancient stone observatory. (B)

Day 13, NEEMRANA: Drive to Neemrana where we stay in the impeccably restored 15th century Neemrana Fort. Located at a lofty height, the fort has dramatic views over the surrounding countryside. (BD)

Day 14, DELHI: We return to Delhi where we stay the night in a comfortable hotel close to the airport. The remainder of the day is free for some final shopping. (B)

Day 15, DELHI: Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You're drawn to exotic destinations but want to appreciate them in style. These trips stay in the finest accommodation with a high level of comfort.

Maximum Group Size - 12: You've travelled a fair bit but you are still looking for rewarding experiences. Price is not quite as important as it used to be and comfort is a little bit more important. You don't like throwing your money away but you do appreciate quality. Maybe you'd like the opportunity to revisit some favourite places or maybe you'd like to see somewhere new. Welcome to the next level.
Single Supplement: Compulsory for all single travellers.
Please Note: Single supplements do not apply on any overnight boats and trains. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]