India

“India, incredible India” proclaims the international add for Indian tourism. For once the destination equals the hyperbole.  Incredible, captivating, seductive, extraordinary, mystical, enchanting – the experience of India outstrips any attempt of description. It is a dazzling tapestry of sounds, sights, colors, smells, mysticism, beauty, culture, and history. Embark with Imprint on a journey through the heart of Northern India. As you travel through the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, each city unveils a tapestry of vibrant colors, rich history, and regal splendor. Jaipur, the Pink City; Jodhpur, the Blue City; and Udaipur, the City of Lakes. We will visit majestic palaces, daunting fortresses, and awe-inspiring temples. Experience traditional dances, savor the flavors of Rajasthani cuisine, and discover the enduring legacy of Rajput heritage. We conclude our adventure in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the timeless testament to love. For those extending, we’ll discover India’s most sacred city – Varanasi.

Day 1 Delhi
Welcome meeting; dinner
We will gather for our traditional get-acquainted meeting late in the afternoon. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy our first Indian meal together.
Note: Imprint has deliberately chosen to forego visiting the more famous sights of Delhi in favor of more time exploring non-urban destinations where the “hassle factor” is less intense.
The Park Hotel (1 night)  https://www.theparkhotels.com/new-delhi/

Day 2 Udaipur
Humayuns Tomb; Jagdish Temple
This morning we’ll visit Humayun’s Tomb. On the way we’ll make a photo stop at Rajpath, Delhi’s grand boulevard with the iconic India Gate and Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Built in 1570, Humayan’s Tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, and heavily influenced the Taj Mahal. Afterwards, an afternoon flight whisks us to Udaipur. Upon arrival we'll visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with noteworthy statuary.
Aranya Vilas (2 nights) https://mertiahospitality.com/

Day 3 Udaipur
City Palace; Lake Pichola cruise
This morning is free for your personal explorations. In the afternoon we will visit Udaipur's City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake and surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, sumptuous rooms, and hanging gardens. Next we proceed directly to our classic evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. This lake is picturesquely surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. We’ll cruise by the famous floating Lake Palace Hotel and visit the island palace of Jag Mandir.

Day 4 Jodhpur
Ranakpur Temple
After breakfast we depart Udaipur by private bus to Jodhpur. On the way we will visit magnificent Ranakpur Temple. This Jain temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is our favorite temple in India. It features impressive pillared halls and majestic domes supported by over four hundred intricately carved marble columns. Upon our arrival in Jodhpur we’ll participate in Holika Dahan (Holi eve celebrations).
Ranbanka Hotel (3 nights) https://ranbankahotels.com/

Day 5 Jodhpur
Holi Festivities
Today is an exceptional day on this or any tour. We will spend the morning participating in the vibrant celebration of Holi. The exuberant color throwing ritual is a joyous celebration where people playfully drench each other in a kaleidoscope of tinted powders. This spirited tradition symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, signals the coming of spring, and fosters unity and a spirit of camaraderie. On this one day only the usual rankings of caste, gender, status, and age are ignored. The festivities include a special Holi meal, which we will also share.

Day 6 Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
This morning our destination is Mehrangarh, India’s most majestic fort. Situated on a steep hill, its interior boasts sumptuous palaces and impressive courtyards. The audioguides we’ll use are narrated by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, whose family still owns the fortress. Your afternoon is free to explore the exquisite “Blue City” of Jodhpur.

Day 7 Jaipur
Amber Fort
A morning train whisks us to storied Jaipur. After settling at our Heritage hotel we will visit splendid Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh built the fortress and walls in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks a photogenic lake and crenelated walls. Dinner will be at 1135 AD Restaurant inside the fort. All the recipes used at 1135 AD have been passed down for generations through various royal families. One expects the food to be rich and decadent, and it does not disappoint.
Narain Niwas Palace Hotel (3 nights) http://www.hotelnarainniwas.com/

Day 8 Jaipur
Free Day; Cooking Demo; Sari/Turban evening
Your day is free to explore the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, picturesque Hawa Mahal, go shopping in the old city, or just relax by the pool at our Heritage Hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll be visiting a local family where we will enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. To add to the festive atmosphere, ladies will be shown how to properly drape a sari and men will learn to tie a turban. And of course we’ll enjoy the results of the cooking demo for dinner, resplendent in our traditional attire.

Day 9 Jaipur
Jantar Mantar; Rickshaw food tour; Bollywood night
This morning we visit Jantar Mantar, a fascinating 18th century observatory. Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, ir features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll experience a rickshaw food tour. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a unique and innovative endeavor that provides employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households.   Tonight is Bollywood Night! Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Bollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 9 Agra
Chand Beori; Fatapur Sikri
During our drive to Agra we will visit two of India's lesser known but premier sights. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago. It is one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in India. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. But the city was abandoned during his lifetime, leaving the evocative ghost town of today. Dinner is at Pind Balluchi restaurant, an interesting amalgamation of rustic ambiance and delicious food. It boasts a Punjabi village theme with Mud walls, artifacts, and traditional attire.
Jaypee Palace (2 nights)  https://www.jaypeehotels.com/hotel/jaypee-palace-hotel-convention-centre-agra?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=organic

Day 10 Agra
Taj Mahal; Agra Fort
We’ll begin our day visiting the ultimate monument of love and flawless architecture. Shah Jehan's Taj Mahal has inspired poets and writers for centuries. It was once described as "A teardrop glistening on the cheek of eternity". Afterward we move on to Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and filled with palaces and gardens by his heir Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the center of the city. Shah Jehan was imprisoned here, within sight of his beloved Taj Mahal.

Day 12 Delhi
Qutab Minar; B’Hai Lotus Temple; Tour over
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Delhi where the tour ends at the airport. Enroute we’ll visit the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. If time allows we’ll make a photo stop at the B’hai Lotus temple and visit Safdarjung’s Tomb. Most international flights depart Delhi late in the evening or the wee hours of the morning. We'll provide day-use rooms at an airport hotel where you can relax and refresh before your flight departure. Those continuing on to Varanasi will be accommodated overnight at the airport hotel.

Post-tour Varansi/Sarnath Extension

Day 1 Varanasi
Sarnath
An AM flight will transport us to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city. Before heading into the bustling city we will visit Sarnath, one of the world’s most significant Buddhist sights. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first public sermon, preaching the middle path for attaining Nirvana. It is also considered one of the best places to see the rich antiquities of the Ashoka period of the 12th century. Afterward we’ll be taken to our riverside hotel - via boat.
Guleria Kothi Hotel (2 nights) https://guleriakothi.com/

Day 2 Varanasi
Ganges Sunrise boat; Old city tour; Aarti
We will greet the sunrise on a classic boat ride on the river Ganges, a must do activity in Varanasi. Watch Hindus from all over India come to take this holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. Our vantage point is from a rowed boat that moves silently and slowly from one Ghat to another, including the burning Ghat where devout Hindus are cremated. Later, we’ll take a walking tour of the old city. We’ll explore the lanes and alleys behind the Ghats, viewing the architecture of the temples, the colorful chaos of the city, and gain insight into the spirituality of this ancient city. In the evening we will observe the Aarti ceremony (bidding goodnight to Mother Ganga) from a boat on the river before gathering for a final dinner together.

Day 3 Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

[Hotels and itinerary specifics are subject to change.]

What’s Included:
11 nights accommodation (+ 3 extension); all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners (+ 1 extension); All tour transport (coach, van, boat, domestic flights, train); All tips (tour director, Imprint escort, local guides, drivers, boats, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Indian tour director, Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Humayun’s Tomb, Qtab Minar, Jagdish Temple, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Chand Baori, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Udaipur City Palace, Ranakpur Temple, Mehrangarh Fort; All Activities: Rajpath, Lake Pichola cruise, Holi Festivities, Bollywood movie evening, cooking demo, Sari/Turban evening, rickshaw food tour, and more. Extension: Ganges boat cruises, Aarti ceremony, walking tour, Sarnath temples

Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.