FROM historic sites and architectural treasures to gastronomical delights and natural wonders, India has it all.
Curious travellers hungry for the smells, tastes, sights and sounds of this amazing country can take in India's Golden Triangle - with stays in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra - on this nine-day Treasures of India tour with The Senior and Collette.
Departing April 16 next year, join The Senior's Jade Lees on this escorted tour, with highlights including taking a rickshaw food tour through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, spending three nights in the vibrant 'Pink City' of Jaipur where guest also will enjoying a home-hosted dinner with a local family, and a bucket-list sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.
The tour starts with three nights in Delhi, India's bustling capital. Made up of seven ancient cities, today it remains a cultural melting pot. This sprawling city has a deep history and is filled with cultural and architectural treasures.
On a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, discover the history of Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque and explore narrow streets by rickshaw tasting some of the most mouthwatering food India has to offer.
While in Delhi, there's also a visit to Humayun's Tomb, built by the widow of a great Mughal Emperor. On the drive, there's the chance to check out the India Gate war memorial, the Parliament and the palatial Rashtrapati Bhawan - the President's residence.
At the holy shrine of Sikhs, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, hear the holy hymns recited by the priests as you marvel at the beautiful gilded structure. At the community dining hall, get a behind the scenes look at the work that goes into feeding 10,000 people each day.
On day four, the tour leaves Delhi to head on a scenic drive to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur.
This royal city is known for its enchanting Rajasthan architecture and magnificent palaces and is nicknamed the 'Pink City' after the hue of the stones used in its buildings, giving it a character all its own.
Along the way the tour takes in a stop at Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja with its impressive faade of 953 windows. Then it's on to the City Palace, the residence of the Royal family of Jaipur for a stroll through the gardens and courtyards and a chance to marvel at the decorative art and carved doorways.
The next two days in Jaipur will be spent visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amber Fort (on a vintage jeep) that surrounds the city and features elaborate courtyards, frescos, marble carvings and mosaics and also and travelling to the village of Samode. Nestled among hills Samode is dominated by its famous palace of the same name.
If immersing yourself in the local culture appeals, there will be ample opportunity to tap into local customs - learning everything from yoga techniques and turban and sari tying to seeing kids in a local school. There's also plenty of free time to wander through the village at leisure.
While in Jaipur, guests will stay for three nights at the Lalit Jaipur.
Foodies will also relish the opportunity to sample homemade dishes and Indian specialities when a local family invites guests in for dinner and the following day the tour will gather for lunch at Samode Bagh - a private garden retreat of the Royal family.
On day seven, the journey continues on to Agra, a city rich with the splendours of the past. En route, there's a stop in Abhaneri village to visit Chand Baori, one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in the world.
Built during the 8th and 9th centuries, this amazing feat of engineering has 3500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry that descend to the bottom of the well.
The following day it's an early start, to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build in the 17th century, this wonder of the world was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
After breakfast it's on to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century then on to a farewell dinner before the tour winds up the next day in Delhi.
There are also options for post tour accommodation add-ons in Delhi.
India's Treasures escorted tour with The Senior and Collette, April 16-24, 2020. Prices Prices from $1859, per person twin share (land only) or $3,259 per person twin share, including flights.
To book phone 1300 027 204 or email AUsales@collette.com
