From flavoursome foods to ancient arts, India has always inspired curiosity though its rich culture and remarkable history. Everything about India is bright, colourful and magical. It’s a land of extremes, of vibrant beauty, brilliantly coloured saris, and exotic smells of incense and spice. India has a habit of capturing your heart, leaving you desperate for more.
Wendy Wu Tours
Leading Asia specialist Wendy Wu Tours offers a carefully crafted all-inclusive tour – The Highlights of India. The Highlights of India offers a unique insight and first-hand experience of India’s iconic sites and hidden treasures. Spanning across 18 days, the tour will inspire, challenge and excite.
Beginning the adventure in Delhi, India’s capital and third largest city, tour members will be met at the International airport and escorted by either local guide or the National Escort to the accommodations. From there, the adventure begins. With visits to bazaars, the Ghandhi Smriti museum, the Red Fort and more. As the monuments, museums and historical sites are scattered throughout the city, be sure to don your best walking shoes.
The ancient city of Varanasi
After two days immersed in the buzz and excitement of Delhi, it’s time to venture on a more spiritual path to the ancient city of Varanasi. As the religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is a place to open your eyes to the practices and beauty of other cultures and their spirituality. Bear witness to an evening Puja ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges. The ceremony, known as Ganga Aarti is one of song, prayer and ritual. Puja ceremony, a sunrise river cruise of the river Ganges to view the ghats and leisurely strolls through the city and temples will have you feeling Zen in no time.
From spiritual Varanasi to Jeep safari adventures, Bandhavgarh is a stunning National Park, holding the highest population of tiger in India. The thrilling two to three-hour Jeep safari offers a unique opportunity to explore the local wildlife, flora and fauna followed by an afternoon adventure to the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Taj Mahal: Watch the sunrise over the white marble surface
The highlight of highlights in India, is none other than the Taj Mahal. Found in Agra, this glorious structure is not only a symbol of India but one of love. Hear the story of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jhan’s devotion to his wife Mumtaz Mahal as you wander the gardens, admire the fine architectural detailing and stand in the presence of a great love from many years ago. To watch the sunrise over the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal is one of the most magical, breathtaking sights in the world.
Jaipur: The ‘pink city’
To follow the brilliance that is the Taj Mahal is tough, however, Jaipur is certainly up to the task. Known fondly as the ‘pink city’, Jaipur is the capital of the Rajasthan state. The name ‘pink city’ comes from an attempt to imitate the red sandstone style of the Mughals by painting the buildings in the old city pink, all to impress the Prince of Wales during his 1876 visit. Along with the glorious pink, Jaipur hosts some remarkable architecture including the Amber Fort and the Palace of Winds, which is a five-story narrow palace built for the veiled ladies of Sawai Pratap Singh’s harem to observe the streets below unseen. Jaipur will see you unleash your inner craftsperson with traditional block printing and carpet weaving.
The tantalising smells of the spice markets, a two-hour walk up the steps of Mehrangarh Fort, a visit to the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace (now a luxury hotel) and a thrilling “hold on to your hats” ricksaw ride will set the pace whilst in Jodhpur.
Udaipur was founded on legend
The final tour destination is the romantic, picturesque city of Udaipur. Known as the ‘city of lakes’, Udaipur was founded on legend. Supposedly, Maharaja Udai Singh met a holy sage who advised he build his kingdom in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. Following this advice Maharaja Udai Singh built his kingdom. Descendants of the Maharaja still reside in the palace and to this day, remain rulers of this independent state.
With the adventure coming to an end, the tour returns to Delhi for one more night before embarking on the final leg of the journey back to Australia.
Wendy Wu Tours offers you the ease and comfort of luxury travel. Their expert team will ensure you are ready to go, booking all flights, accommodation, meals, visas, transfers and more. The tour starts at AU $7,280. With everything taken care of by Wendy Wu Tours, there is no better way to see the jewels of India.
More Indian tours with Wendy Wu:
Essence of India from $9,780pp
Grand Tour of India from $9,880pp
Kerala & The Southern Highlights from $4,580pp
