Rajasthan at a Glance

Prices From: $840 AUD
Local Payment: USD 250
Tour Code: GIRG
Tour Duration: 12 days
Countries Visited: India

Introduction

India is as dynamic as it is enduring. This widely ranging tour showcases the very best that India has to offer and its fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Possibly no other country has its religions so intertwined with every aspect of daily life. India's modern cities, such as Delhi, are in stark contrast to rural life and the extremes between rich and poor is astounding. We discover remnants dating from the times when the Mughals and then the British Empire ruled this vast land, as well as uncover influences from the Portuguese. From her bustling cities to her peaceful backwaters, amazing wildlife sanctuaries and beautiful monuments, we are sure to come away from India with a myriad of amazing memories.

Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Today is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. If you are arriving early, please check the noticeboard in the foyer of the hotel for suggestions of things to see and do in Delhi. A pre-departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Please also check the noticeboard for details of this meeting and for any other messages from your tour leader. Please also bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the meeting, where your tour leader will also collect your local payment. Afterwards we have the opportunity to go out for an optional group dinner.

Day 2: Agra

We catch the early morning express train to Agra, home to India’s most famous icon - the majestic Taj Mahal. Here we include a visit to this amazing 17th century marble mausoleum, which Emperor Shah Jahan built as a monument to the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died whilst giving birth. Our trip leader will also give us the option of visiting Agra Fort (please see refer to 'Optional Excursion' section below for approximate cost).

Day 3: Bharatpur

Continuing our journey by road we reach the city of Bharatpur where we take a horse-drawn tonga ride to a nearby village and explore the rural lifestyle of Rajasthan. Bharatpur is also famous for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bird Sanctuary and if water levels are at optimum levels, then the birdlife can be seen in abundance. For this optional excursion we can use hire bicycle rickshaws and be pedalled through this incredible park, accompanied by an expert local guide equipped with a telescope. Alternatively, we can also hire bicycles and ride ourselves.

Days 4-5: Jaipur

This morning we take the local bus for the five-hour journey to Jaipur - the vibrant and colourful capital of Rajasthan. 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 Maharaja Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification and we include the services of a local guide for our tour. Our tour leader also takes us to an area known as the Old Bazaar where the Hawa Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Winds, is situated. This five-storey façade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. We also have ample free time in Jaipur and there are many interesting things to see and do; our tour leader will be happy to assist us with getting to some of these places.

Day 6: Nimaj Bagh

Early this morning we take a five-hour local bus ride to the village of Nimaj, arriving there in the afternoon. We stay at the Nimaj Bagh, an orchard run by the erstwhile nobles of Nimaj. Our leader will take us around in the surrounding villages where we meet the local Gujjars (cattle breeders) and other communities. The village of Nimaj is where we will get closest to the locals and have ample opportunities to interact with them and learn about their way of life.

Day 7: Jodhpur

This morning we take the three-hour jeep ride to Jodhpur and arrive there around noon. 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. We visit the fort, which is run by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, as well as the bustling Sardar Market. It’s a great place to explore with several alleyways leading off to various bazaars selling fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles and handicrafts.

Days 8-10: Udaipur - overnight train

This morning we have the option of visiting some of the different caste villages around Jodhpur including people such as the Bishnois, protectors of trees and animals, and the Meghwas, who are weavers and potters. Around 3pm we take a six-hour hour local bus journey to Udaipur and arrive there at night time. Sometimes known as the 'Venice of the East', this beautiful city, built around the shores of Lake Pichola, is full of fascinating temples, ornate palaces and impressive 'havelis'. 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. There are many other options available for sightseeing and our tour leader will be happy to assist in arranging these. From Udaipur we board an overnight sleeper train bound for Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi

On arrival in Delhi we are transferred from the railway station to our hotel, where we spend our last night. Our tour leader takes us into the old city's market area known as Chandni Chowk as well as Connaught Place - the commercial heart of New Delhi. The rest of the day is free for relaxing or doing some further sightseeing on our own. Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) are two of the city's most notable landmarks, whilst Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the final evening we have the opportunity to head out for a final group dinner (optional) before saying our goodbyes.

Day 12: Delhi

Our trip ends today around breakfast time. If you wish to stay on in Delhi, please pre-book your post-tour accommodation before you commence your travels. Delhi has many interesting museums and monuments. If you are interested in historical and cultural matters, it is recommended that you to extend your stay and visit some of these places. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. 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.

Tour Grade: Moderate

A moderate level of fitness is required. These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic.

Valid from 29 September 2007

Tour Dates

Tour dates are available upon request. Call 1300 767 757 for more information!
Local Payment: USD 250

Tour Fact Finder

Included:

An experienced regional tour leader, all transportation, accommodation and meals as indicated in detailed Trip Notes. The following sightseeing trips are included: Agra - one visit to the Taj Mahal including transport, entrance and local guide fees; Jaipur - one visit to Amber Fort including transport, entrance and local guide fees; Jodhpur - one visit to Meharangarh Fort including transport, entrance and local guide fees; Udaipur - one visit to the City Palace and Jagdish Temple including entrance and local guide fees; Delhi - an orientation walk around Chandi Chowk and Janpath including transport.

Not Included:

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, local payments, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, all other meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights unless specified. Some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally.

Local Payment:

Your tour leader will collect US$250 from each person on Day 1. It is to be paid in cash, with new clean notes preferably in denominations of $50/$100.

The local payment is the final part of your overall tour cost. It MUST be paid in cash, in the currency indicated, to your tour leader at the start of your trip.
Having a local payment helps us to pass cost savings on to you. Please note that the Local Payment is non-refundable.

Meals:

No meals are included. Allow US$275 for meals.

Fitness:

No particular level of fitness is required for this holiday. You need only to be in good health.

Pre and post accommodation

You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Gecko's or your travel agent for details and prices when you book your trip.

Optional extras and sightseeing

Agra

Agra Fort entrance US$8
Half-day tour of Sikandara & Itmad ud Daulah US$40 per car/entrance US$10

Delhi

Half-day sightseeing tour of New Delhi including India Gate, Raj Ghat, President's Palace, Humayun's Tomb & Qutab Minar US$50 per car / US$20 entrance fee
National Museum and Museum of Modern Art US$45 per car / entrances US$8.50 each

Delhi

Red Fort Entrance US$5

Delhi

Sound and Light Show US$40 per car/entrance US$5

Jaipur

Half-day sightseeing tour of city palace, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall, gardens & temple US$50 per car/entrances US$15.
Tour of Nahargarh Fort US$40 per car/entrance US$3.

Jodhpur

Bishnoi safari - a visit to a traditional village. US$50 per jeep

Udaipur

Boat ride on Lake US$16 per person - duration 1 hour
Half-day sightseeing tour of Saheliyon ki Bari, Royal cenotaphs crystal gallery US$45 per car/entrance US$2

Important Information:

Tipping Kitty
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, tipping is a way of life. It is given for any service rendered and is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the country. Everyone gives a tip to everyone else and foreign tourists are expected to go along with this. For some, this can become very tiresome (especially if you don't have the right change) and it can often lead to irritation and frustration. To surmount this problem and to save you the obvious embarrassment if you don't have the correct change, your tour leader will collect money from you for a Tipping Kitty at the beginning of the trip. This is approximately US$3 per person per day and is IN ADDITION to your local payment. He/she will then distribute all the tips along the way on your behalf, to the local guides, drivers, porters and others who provide services for you. Please have this amount ready (in cash) at the beginning of your trip.

If you are out on your own at a restaurant, please remember to leave a small tip for your waiter.

Tipping Your Tour Leader
It is 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$2-US$3 per day from each member of the group is the standard expected amount. This is an addition to the Tipping Kitty listed above.

Single travellers

Most of our travellers are single and like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. As part of Gecko's core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing your accommodation with a travelling companion of the same gender, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra, unless the tour has a minimum of one person. Because many of our travellers come on their own, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some great new friends.

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