Independent Spirit of India
Independent Spirit of India
Independent Spirit of India
12 Days Starting in Mumbai, India and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAI2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India than this incredible Globus Independent tour . Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. Enjoy the I-time you crave with free time and optional excursions to experience this fascinating destination in your own way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Mumbai,India
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point
Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MUMBAI• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos? at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. • Witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. • Visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. (B,L)
Day 3: Mumbai,Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
MUMBAI–VARANASI• Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)
Day 4: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
VARANASI• Near dawn, board a boat and watch a moving religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga, meditating, take a ritual dip and offer flowers to the river. Return to your hotel for breakfast and leisure time. • In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River.(B)
Day 5: Varanasi,Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
VARANASI–DELHI• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B)
Day 6: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. • Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B,L)
Day 7: Delhi,Agra
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DELHI–AGRA• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret constructed in the early 13th Century. • Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). • After lunch, drive to Agra, a city where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.(B,L)
Day 8: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
AGRA• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. • In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”
Day 9: Agra,Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AGRA–JAIPUR• Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” • After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. • Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)
Day 10: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. (B)Today's I-Time TipsJoin a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.
Day 11: Jaipur,Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Meals Included: Breakfast
JAIPUR–DELHI• Today, drive back to Delhi.(B)
Day 12: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Meals Included: Breakfast
DELHIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation in first-class hotels: Trident, Nariman Point in Mumbai; Taj Ganges in Varanasi; Le Meridien in New Delhi; Trident in Agra; Trident in Jaipur; Novotel New Delhi Aerocity in Delhi.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily and 4 lunches are included.
-
Guided Sightseeing
Private guided sightseeing tours in Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
-
Transportation
Flights from Mumbai to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi. Ground transportation between cities.
-
Special Visits
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Humayun's Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.
-
Cultural Experiences
Experiences such as witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visiting a traditional Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai, and exploring local bazaars in Delhi.
What's Not Included
-
Taj Mahal Closure
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur. -
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a visit to Itmad-ud-Daula in Agra and a walking tour through old Jaipur are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Meals
Breakfast daily; 4 lunches
Notes
The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Friday. In this instance, we will visit on the morning before transferring to Jaipur.
Accommodation
Mumbai: Trident, Nariman Point Varanasi: Taj Ganges, Varanasi Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi Agra: Trident, Agra Jaipur: Trident, Jaipur Delhi: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at first-class hotels in various cities: Trident, Nariman Point in Mumbai; Taj Ganges in Varanasi; Le Meridien in New Delhi; Trident in Agra; Trident in Jaipur; and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity in Delhi.
-
What unique experiences are included in the Mumbai itinerary?
In Mumbai, you will have a private guided sightseeing tour that includes visits to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. You will also witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system and visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
-
What activities are planned in Varanasi?
In Varanasi, you will board a boat near dawn to watch the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. In the evening, you will witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats leading to the sacred Ganges River.
-
What can I expect to see in Delhi?
In Delhi, your private guided sightseeing tour includes a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. You will also take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a local bazaar, and visit Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
-
What is special about the visit to Agra?
In Agra, you will have a special visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a private guided tour of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also have the option to explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s 'Baby Taj.'
-
What will I experience in Jaipur?
In Jaipur, you will visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.' You will also explore Jantar Mantar, the City Palace Museum, and visit Ladli, a training program for orphaned and destitute children.
-
Are there any special notes about the tour?
Yes, the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions