DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 / Delhi
Upon arrival we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting for us in the arrival hall, located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening, so there is nothing arranged for this day. If you have arrived early, you will be briefed with sightseeing options.
Day 2 / Agra
(Driving time: approx 5 hours)
After breakfast there is a briefing to outline the holiday itinerary and also cover many aspects of travelling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting. Around mid morning we leave for Agra, home to India’s most famous site - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife, who died giving birth. Started in 1631 the project was completed in 1648 and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by over 1000 elephants. We also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Days 3-4 / Jaipur
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)
From Agra we make our first stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbhar it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. We continue by road to Jaipur, the colourful capital of the state of Rajasthan as well as a vibrant and exciting town. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. On our second day in Jaipur we travel 11 kilometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Wind. This five-storey façade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. In the evening we take an elephant ride on the outskirts of the city to a farmhouse, where we enjoy an excellent dinner. This is a real highlight that very few people experience.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Days 5-6 / Nimaj
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)
The journey continues through rural Rajasthan to the village of Nimaj, which is surrounded by millet fields, wheat fields and mud plastered houses linked by narrow pathways. Nimaj is a fascinating little village that sees very few tourists. Our visit here is sure to be one of the highlights of our trip, as we stay overnight in a historic heritage-listed property that is full of Old World charm. Nimaj Bagh consists of a series of country retreats set amidst orchards that belong to the nobles of the village of Nimaj, who have converted their farm houses into guest houses. Perched on the fringe of the Thar Desert, this mixed landscape is home to various tribes such as the Gurjars, who are primarily shepherds. We have a full day in Nimaj to explore the narrow lanes of the village and observe close-up how the local people live. There is also an option to explore the local countryside as well as visit a nearby lake. For those who not so adventurous can just relax in our heritage palace and enjoy the charms of a bygone era.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Days 7-8 / Jodhpur
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)
The drive to Jodhpur takes us through the beautiful Rajasthan landscape. This city lies at the edge of the Thar Desert and is dominated by the imposing Meherangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge in the middle of town. On the morning of our second day we explore the many palaces and courtyards contained within the fort, as well as the bustling Sadar Market located at the foot of the hill. This market is a great place to stroll around at leisure, with several alleyways leading off to various bazaars selling all sorts of fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles and handicrafts. In the afternoon we travel into the surrounding districts, visiting some of the different caste villages. This includes people such as the Bishnois, the protectors of trees and animals, and the Meghwas, who are skilled weavers and potters.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Days 9-10 / Udaipur
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)
From Jodhpur we head south towards Udaipur. En route we stop at the Jain temples at Ranakpur, which are located in the Aravalli Hills. The main Chaumukha Temple was built in 1439 and the workmanship of the carved pillars, of which there are 1444, is exquisite. From here it is only a further 60 kilometres to Udaipur. This beautiful city, built around the shores of Lake Pichola, is full of fascinating temples, ornate palaces and impressive havelis (merchant homes). The charming setting of the Lake Palace on Jagwinas Island is unforgettable. During our stay we visit the Jagdish Temple, an Indo-Aryan temple containing a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. We also visit the City Palace, surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas, where there are excellent views of the city and lakeside from the upper terraces.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Day 11 / Udaipur - overnight train
We have kept our final day in Udaipur as a free one. Our leader can assist with further sightseeing options or you may wish to relax around the hotel or explore the many shopping opportunities on offer. Rajasthan is famous for miniature paintings, textiles, clothing and handicrafts. In the evening we travel to the railway station and board an overnight sleeper train bound for Delhi.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 12 / Delhi
On arrival in Delhi we are transferred to our hotel and reach there sometime in the late morning. Later in the day we enjoy an orientation drive around the city that takes us to India Gate and past the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan) before heading off to do some last-minute shopping at colourful Janpath Bazaar. We then have the chance to enjoy pre dinner drinks before heading out to one of Delhi's great restaurants for a final group dinner (optional) to commemorate the end of our tour.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 13 / Delhi
Your trip ends in Delhi this morning after breakfast. Check out time is 12 noon. If your flight leaves in the evening you may wish to book additional accommodation so you have a room until departure. Most flights leave Delhi in the evening and your leader will be on hand to assist with transfers to the airport. These are not included, but can be booked through us or your travel agent.
If you are spending extra time in Delhi, there is still plenty to see. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
About Peregrine
Peregrine has been operating adventure holidays since 1977. Today we can help you discover all four corners of the globe, from the Polar regions, to Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. We offer high-quality, excellent-value, small-group adventures to interesting areas of the world, in harmony with the local people and the environment.
Trip grade
CULTURE & DISCOVERY
Historical sites, regional culture and meeting the local characters are the highlights of these trips. They are not physically demanding and there’s a comfortable hotel each night at which to relax.
Family adventure
Designed especially for families with children, these tours include daily activities that are varied and interesting, and tiring travel is kept to a minimum.
Included
Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Accommodation:
11 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night air-con sleeper train
Meals:
12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport:
deluxe bus, elephant, sleeper train
Not included
International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, other meals including all lunches and dinners, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, tips and items of a personal nature.
Additional accommodation
Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask us or your travel agent.
Other information
Train and Road Travel in India - Travel in India is not always easy and we find that a good dose of patience certainly comes in handy! Trains can be often late and unexpected delays do occur. Generally overnight train travel is in air-conditioned sleeper class with sheets, a pillow and a blanket provided, but we recommend you bring along a sleeping bag liner for extra comfort and hygiene. Toilet facilities on Indian trains are also quite basic. Travelling on the roads in India is also quite an experience. Road rules are not always followed and some of the traffic in the larger cities has to be experienced to be believed. Particular care should be taken when crossing roads.
Many flights leave Delhi in the late evening or early morning. You may find it convenient to depart this tour on the evening of Day 12. Your accommodation is covered for this night, so you have use of your hotel room until your time for departure.
Local Tour LeadersBy employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
Tipping and Tipping KittyAlthough the culture of tipping may not be part of your own culture, it is nonetheless part of the culture in this area of the world and it is often the way some people supplement their earnings. Tipping has also become an accepted part of the tourism culture in the region. On our trips your tour leader can advise you on this matter; however, as a guideline we would recommend a tip of 5-10% in restaurants and US$1 to US$2 per person, per day for a local guide. The bellboys at hotels will appreciate a small tip for carrying your bags. Taxi and rickshaw drivers do not expect a tip. If you are unhappy with a service, of course, you are under no obligation to leave a tip. However, if the service has been satisfactory, a tip is always appreciated....with a smile! To protect you from the sometimes seemingly endless soliciting of tips, we suggest you discuss with your tour leader about setting up a tipping kitty whereby everybody contributes an equal amount (this amount can vary from trip to trip, but a good approximate is US$3 per person per day). Your tour leader can then distributes tips along the way (except restaurant tips) to local guides and hotel porters, etc. and keeps a record of all moneys spent. Please note that this kitty is not designed to provide a tip for your tour leader.
Tipping Your Tour LeaderIt is also customary to tip your tour leader at the end of the trip, if you are happy with his/her service. A minimum tip of US$3 per day from each member of the group is the standard amount expected.
Travelling responsibly
We care about the places and people that we meet on our journeys, and we try to ensure that we give something back, as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, visit www.peregrineadventures.com/rt
Peregrine Community Trust
The Peregrine Community Trust, a division of Peregrine Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by us, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Peregrine Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future. For online donations go to: www.peregrineadventures.com/trust
Subscribe to e-news
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Passport
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.
Insurance
On all our holidays you must have comprehensive travel insurance which we recommend you take at the time of paying your deposit. We can help recommend a suitable policy for your tour or you may choose to take other cover. Participants without adequate insurance cover will be asked to arrange cover immediately before commencing their holiday - this can be very difficult and expensive to arrange locally.
In particular, your policy must cover you for medical expenses, lost luggage and cancellations fees. For trekking trips you must also be covered for evacuation by helicopter and repatriation. In the event of emergency evacuation, you are liable to the helicopter operating company and to us for both the helicopter operating company’s direct costs - which can amount to thousands of U.S. dollars - and also to us for an additional amount of 10 per cent, to cover our costs for organising the evacuation. Passengers requiring emergency evacuation will be billed for the cost and required to pay prior to departing India or the relevant point of exit. We will supply all necessary supporting documentation to enable you to make an insurance claim but the primary obligation for payment rests with the passenger.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Those on some “Challenging or “Mountaineering” expeditions should be aware that standard travel insurance policies do not cover general mountaineering requiring the use of ropes, etc. You will need to take out additional higher risk cover for this. Please consult us or your travel agent for further details.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Visas
Australians, Americans, British, Canadians currently require a visa for India. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
You must obtain an Indian visa prior to leaving home: it cannot be obtained on arrival. An Indian tourist visa is available for six months from the date of issue and you should apply for a multiple entry, as the cost is the same as for single/double entry. We or your travel agent will assist you in the preparation of your visa application if required.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Please consult your doctor or a travel health specialist. The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health and of course what vaccines you have had before.
Compulsory vaccines: These days the only compulsory vaccine is for yellow fever, which is required for many countries in Africa and South America. It should be done at least 10 days before travel and must be recorded in an official certificate book. Please note that very often you may not need to show this certificate book when entering these countries, but you will need to produce it to immigration/customs on returning to your home country.
Routine Background Vaccines: We strongly endorse current public health recommendations that all travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella, polio and influenza, and paediatric vaccinations for children.
Travel Vaccinations: While the food and water-borne diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid will apply to most of our travellers, other travel vaccines such as hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis and cholera may apply to select travellers, especially long-term travel. Travel health experts can advise on what is required and also what is not required!
Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas, particularly in Central, East and West Africa, Melanesia (especially Papua New Guinea) and the Amazon region. In Asia (particularly India) and Central America it may be a problem in rural areas. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. We prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.
For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we strongly recommend Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics to obtain the most up-to-date advice on health risks and vaccinations (see www.traveldoctor.com.au for locations and detailed vaccine information or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel. Travellers living outside Australia and New Zealand will need to consult a similar organisation in their own country (please ask your travel agent for recommendations), but can still access the following link for information:
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport.asp?UnqID=0.4630191&PageID=10&nav=personal-traveller
About this information
It is important that you should read these notes in conjunction with the detailed trip specific Pre Departure Information. This information is supplied to you at the time of booking and contains extensive information about subjects such as climate, clothing and gear, medical and visa matters, currencies, and other information about the countries visited.
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
27 August 2008