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A Royal Indian Odyssey


Route:
  • UK
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Pushkar
  • Jodhpur
  • Deogarh
  • Udaipur
  • Ahmedabad
  • Mumbai
  • UK
Tour Pace:

15 DAYS from £1899pp

Tour Highlights
  • Delight in the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Enjoy city tours of Delhi, Agra, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai
  • Embark on four scenic train journeys through India's colourful landscapes
  • Marvel at the incredible Agra, Amber and Mehrangarh Forts
  • Admire the temples and sacred lake at Pushkar
  • Visit the pilgrimage site of Ranakpur Temple
  • Boat ride from the Gateway of India to explore the ancient caves of Elephanta Island
  • Travel on Deogarh's metre gauge train

or call us on 0330 818 8907

A Royal Indian Odyssey

From Delhi to Mumbai, this epic journey through royal Rajasthan delves into the history of India's Maharajas, discovers magnificent forts, opulent palaces and breathtaking scenery along colonial railways deep into the heart of this majestic country.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Delhi

Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Delhi.

2
Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel. After lunch and some time to settle in, a short tour of the beautifully planned city of New Delhi will follow. Offering a taste of its imperial glory, you'll drive past the India Gate, President's House, Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajasthani white marble.

  • Lunch & Dinner
3
Delhi

A full day tour of Delhi commences after breakfast, beginning with the historic Old Delhi in the morning. Lying side by side, Old Delhi dates back to the Mughal period, whilst New Delhi was built just over a hundred years ago. Travelling through the narrow and crowded streets on a rickshaw will transport you back in time, passing vibrant food markets of Old Delhi where breadmakers bake deliciously scented naan from the tandoor ovens and chai wallahs brew their sweet tea. A visit to the regal Red Fort gives you a sense of the lavish life once led by the former rulers before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Your tour will continue on to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and the 12th century Qutab Minar. Built on the foundations of Jain and Hindu temples, the complex was built in 1193 after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom and displays fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture as well as the tallest stone tower in India.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Delhi to Agra

Waking early, it's time to board the Taj Express* to Agra. This train journey swiftly leaves behind the hustle and bustle of Delhi and arrives into Agra with time for lunch before your afternoon excursions. Despite being a small city, Agra was once the capital of the mighty Mughal dynasty whose strength manifested itself in the huge forts and buildings built to maintain its power. During the afternoon, you will visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort. The colossal walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughals in 1573 and boasts gigantic pavilions, grand palaces and spectacular courtyards.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Agra to Jaipur

This magical day starts with an early morning tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Words do not do this remarkable palace justice; it really must be seen to appreciate its stupendous beauty. Taking 17 years and 20,000 men to build, the heartbroken Mughal Emperor Shahjahan dedicated this stunning white marble monument of love to his deceased wife to enshrine her mortal remains. After breakfast back at the hotel, visit Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1569, it is the ancient capital of Akbar and known as the 'abandoned city' as the area suffered from water shortages making it an unsuitable residence. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with some time to spare in the afternoon before proceeding to the railway station to catch your train to Jaipur which includes dinner onboard, arriving in Jaipur later that evening.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Jaipur

Begin your first day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the royal family until 1728, located just 11km from Jaipur. Spanning over four huge courtyards, you will travel to the centre of the fort by Jeep, passing snake charmers, harems of the Maharajah and the Palace of Mirrors along the way which all make for a truly unforgettable morning. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur takes in the major sights including the home of the royal family of Jaipur - The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Lastly, marvel at the hundreds of tiny windows on the facade of the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of Winds, where it is said that the women of the royal family could once watch the streets below without being seen. Return to the hotel for lunch Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and some time to walk through the colourful bazaars before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant returning to the hotel for dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Jaipur to Pushkar and Jodhpur

Depart your hotel after breakfast and travel onwards by train to Amer, then transfer to Pushkar, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The town has hundreds of temples, the most famous being Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. The town winds around a vast lake where Hindus come and use one of the 52 ghats to enter and bathe in the holy water during religious ceremonies and festivals. Continue by coach to Jodhpur in time for dinner at your hotel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Jodhpur

Situated on the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is the birthplace of the last Maharaja of India. You'll begin your day-long tour with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, a beautiful fort founded in the 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs that appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone within the hill itself making it hard to tell where the land ends and the building begins. Strolling through stately palace apartments you'll get a real feel for life as a royal in an Indian court. Later visit Jaswant Thada, the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur with grandiose white marble memorials amongst ornamental gardens.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Jodhpur to Deogarh

Leaving Jodhpur, en-route to Deogarh you will visit the world famous Ranakpur temple complex. Acclaimed for their intricate and superb architectural style, the temples are the largest of the Jain cult and form one of the five major pilgrimage sites. Wholly constructed in marble with more than 1,400 exquisitely carved supportive pillars, they contain numerous beautifully and delicately carved sculptures and are definitely a highlight of any trip to this area. There'll be a break for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing the journey to Deogarh, arriving in time for dinner at the hotel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Deogarh to Udaipur

Begin your day with a trip on Deogarh's metre-gauge train for a journey around the picturesque local area, passing waterfalls and thick jungle, soaking up the ambience of a bygone era. After lunch in a you'll continue on to Udaipur.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Udaipur

Affectionately known as 'The Venice of the East', magical Udaipur is a city of romance with beautiful lakes and fantastical palaces all bordered by lush, forested hills. This morning you will visit the huge City Palace, lining the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, with its balconies gazing out towards the stunning Lake Palace seemingly floating on the waters of the shimmering lake. Next make a stop at the celebrated Jagdish temple, the largest in the city and whose 79-foot sculpted spire dominates the skyline. Here you can appreciate the three-storied temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Udaipur to Ahmedabad

Leaving Rajasthan behind the tour travels onwards to Ahmedabad where you'll explore the city on a varied sightseeing tour, visiting Sabarmati Ashram, the former home and retreat of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the Science City, Swaminarayan Temple and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its intricately carved ten stone latticework windows.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Ahmedabad to Mumbai

This morning board the double-decker express train to Mumbai which arrives in the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the surrounding area before dinner with your group.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14
Mumbai

An early morning start to commence your full day tour of Mumbai awaits you. Your first stop is the iconic stone arch landmark known as the Gateway of India to board a motorboat to Elephanta Island, explore the ancient caves dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Mumbai, you will delight in admiring such sites as the grand Jain Temple before meandering through the picturesque Hanging Gardens which offer beautiful views of the city and sea before arriving at the beach at Chowpatty. Continue to the museum of Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai between 1917-1943 and finally explore the beautiful Kamala Nehru Park. Enjoy a final dinner together with your group on your last evening in India.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Mumbai to UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or transfer to your chosen extension.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain a tourist visa. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Flights are operated with Virgin Atlantic, departing London Heathrow. Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check - in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are restrictions on taking Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to take any amount of Indian currency into the country. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. Should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
21 Mar 202404 Apr 2024SOLD OUT
11 Apr 202425 Apr 2024SOLD OUT
09 May 202423 May 2024£1899.00
18 Jul 202401 Aug 2024£2399.00
29 Aug 202412 Sep 2024£2199.00
05 Sep 202419 Sep 2024£2299.00
26 Sep 202410 Oct 2024£2349.00
17 Oct 202431 Oct 2024£2349.00
24 Oct 202407 Nov 2024£2349.00
07 Nov 202421 Nov 2024£2349.00
14 Nov 202428 Nov 2024£2349.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Itinerary Changes

Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as described, however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.

Train Upgrades

Upgrades are available for your train journey from Jaipur to Jodhpur. Please call our Reservations Department for details. Upgrade your train journey to Executive Class from £17 per person.

Please Note:

Please note there are 120 steps with a steep climb to access the ancient caves on Elephanta Island

What to expect

Fact File
Min/Max temperature

20 °C / 41 °C

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

What to pack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunhat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm clothing and thermals in winter
  • Camera
  • Loo paper for public WCs
  • Binoculars
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel
  • Long sleeve shirt and long trousers
  • Swimwear
  • Personal toiletries
  • First aid kit
  • Electric plug converter
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Melvyn Nancarrow
5th Mar 2020

4 star standard level varied from very good to average

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Trevor Shurmer
3rd Mar 2020

Excellent choice of hotels, nothing to fault. Your tour manager made the check in a smooth as practicable.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Maria Gammidge
15th Feb 2020

Really enjoyed the choice of different hotels, especially the Heritage Hotel!

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Lynda Stares
1st Jan 2020

All very good, some excellent

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
S Churchward
6th Dec 2019

Mr Singh our guide made the holiday for us he was knowledgeable, helpful and had a good sense of humour which bought the whole group together. He went the extra mile to make the holiday a great experience, the best holiday we have ever had. Thank you and well done.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Glenys Slater
29th Nov 2019

Some excellent hotels with good facilities. Buffet style food appreciated. Drinks to purchase were reasonable. All hotels were clean, staff all very helpful and kind. Issues were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Only one issue, in one hotel, we had used the pool in the afternoon, and needed to shower to go out for an evening visit, but hot water was turned off. Just perhaps mention this to the hotel on the relevant t days of evening trips. All hotels provided excellent range of in room accessories such as shampoo etc. Nothing was too much trouble.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
David Wells
20th Oct 2019

All hotels were of a high standard with excellent service. Food was good with plenty of choices. Cleanliness was of a high standard.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Keith Calmiano
30th Sep 2019

Our guide, I think his name was Hemant, was absolutely terrific.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Keith Bloomfield
9th Jun 2019

Some hotels did not provide a mini-bar in the room. No complaints otherwise.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
William Boxall
22nd Mar 2019

Hotels could be more central to city

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
T Aldridge
8th Feb 2019

The tour guide (moon) was first class and his assistant deserves a mention as he was tirelessly hardworking.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Ruth Reilly
3rd Feb 2019

This was a well organised tour with a wonderful itinerary. We were fortunate to have a first rate local guide and driver. The holiday exceeded my expectations and was extremely good value for money

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jean Cassatt
13th Dec 2018

Fantastic the only one that let down the tour was the Park Hotel in Mumbai - no hot water in room

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Chris Pinder-packard
20th Oct 2018

Excellent value for money

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
David Marsden
18th Jun 2018

All the hotels were good except the Just Rajputana in Udaipur.We arrived to a powere outage..which is no ones fault...but the hotel was totally unprepared and the generator was not working.The standard of the hotel was very poor and not up to four star standard.The cleanliness left a lot to be desired,and the staff were very mediocre.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jane Sargeant
21st May 2018

All excellent . Pool at Fern Mumbai not suitable for female guests felt very uncomfortable.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Antonio Fileccia
23rd Mar 2018

Most of the Hotels were very good, but the last hotel -The Raddison - while good - was in a slum area of Mumbai and was not at all pleasent and unsafe to venture out of at night. Also it took over an hour to reach from central Mumbai.
On 2 occassions we had a very early start and had to have a packed breakfast provided by each Hotel. Almost all of the tour group agreed that both of the breakfasts were very poor and some serious thought as to alternatives need to be looked at.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
A Royal Indian Odyssey Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • India
    Mumbai

    3 nights from £299pp

    View
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Mumbai
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Pushkar
  • Jodhpur
  • Deogarh
  • Udaipur
  • Ahmedabad
  • Mumbai
  • UK

Home to India's financial hubs, tropical forests, religious epicentres, a booming fashion industry and culinary hotspots shaped by the country's wild flavours, discover Mumbai's intriguing sights with a three-night extension in the city.

3 nights
from £299pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension