Colours of North India

April

Sat 18 : Auckland > Singapore

Depart Auckland and travel overnight via Singapore to Delhi.

Sun 19 : Singapore > Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi this morning you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Mon 20 : Delhi

Enjoy an early morning yoga session at Lodhi Gardens before joining your guide for a tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid Mosque before climbing aboard a rickshaw to Chandni Chowk Bazaar and the spice trading markets of Khari Baoli. See the Mahatma Ghandi memorial at Raj Ghat and stop for photos at the Red Fort. In New Delhi see Raj Path and the Houses of Parliament before taking the metro to Connaught Place. See the massive langar ceremony in the kitchens of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib where 10,000 people are fed each day, regardless of caste, race or religion.

Tue 21 : Delhi > Kolkata

Depart Delhi and fly to Kolkata. This afternoon see the Howrah Bridge and Dalhousie Square with St John’s Church, the Old Court House and the Colonial Secretariat Buildings. Explore the colourful flower bazaar and visit Mother Teresa’s House, where she lived, prayed, worked, and was eventually buried.

Wed 22 : Kolkata

This morning visit a women-owned weaving studio for a special workshop in block printing, fabric dyeing and screen printing in traditional style. Join the women for a flavourful Bengali lunch.

Thu 23 : Kolkata > Delhi > Agra

Fly to Delhi where, on arrival, you will be driven directly to Agra. This evening watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal, an iconic monument built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Fri 24 : Agra

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal before visiting the stunning Mughal architecture of Agra Fort. Lunch today is at “Sheroes Café”, run by acid attack survivors from various backgrounds. Meet these courageous women who are challenging societal norms around appearance and raising awareness about acid attacks.

Sat 25 : Agra > Jaipur

Drive to the spectacular geometric stepwell of Chand Baori, once the picnic spot of royals, before continuing to the fascinating Pink City of Jaipur.

Sun 26 : Jaipur

Visit the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site of Amber Fort including the glittering Jai Mandir, the Chamber of Mirrors. Return to the city centre and the sprawling courtyards, gardens and buildings of the City Palace before heading into the chaos of Jaipur Bazaar by tuk tuk. Stop at the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal, with its unique pink beehive design and return to the hotel via the lush Ram Niwas Gardens. Dinner this evening includes a visit to a family home for an authentic North Indian cooking class.

Mon 27 : Jaipur

A special day is planned today with workshops in hand block printing and dyeing fabric. Master artisans will share secrets from across the centuries and you can try your hand at this extraordinary artform.

Tue 28 : Jaipur > Udaipur

Check out this morning and fly to Udaipur. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure.

Wed 29 : Udaipur

The gorgeous lake city of Udaipur will captivate you today. Walk timeless markets and explore ancient temples and palaces. Visit Udaipur City Palace and the Crystal Gallery before watching a prayer ceremony at Jagdish Temple. Wander through the tranquil Garden of Maidens and hunt for treasure in the Bada Bazaar before trying your hand at pottery making. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola.

Thu 30 : Udaipur > Delhi

Check out this morning and fly to Delhi. This afternoon visit Dilli Market bursting with sophisticated fabrics, gems, beads, silk and leather goods. Return to the hotel to freshen up before a farewell dinner in your hotel.

May

Fri 1 : Delhi > Singapore > Auckland

Transfer to the airport and fly to Auckland via Singapore.

Sat 2 : Arrive Auckland