East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK for Kolkata.

 DAYS 2 - 3 Kolkata Old and new India

On arrival at Kolkata airport, you will make the short journey by car to a renowned hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover after your flights.

Over the next few days you will get a real insight into Kolkata; the former capital of British India - a riot of colour and a hub of Bengali culture where slums and shopping malls are interspersed with beautiful colonial architecture and green spaces. Highlights include a walking tour around Bow Barracks and Burrabazar neighbourhoods, lunch with an art collector and a private riverboat journey on the River Hooghly complete with Indian snacks and Darjeeling tea! You’ll also spend a morning at the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata’s most famous monument and walk through the Gariahat Food market with its array of street food.

DAY 4 - 6 VaranAsi The holiest of Hinduism's seven cities

This morning, rise early for a private transfer to Kolkata airport for your short flight to the holy city of Varanasi.  On arrival you’ll be picked up by your driver and taken straight to a hotel right on the famous atmospheric Ghats.  Relax in the afternoon before watching the sunset by boat and witness the unique Aarti ceremony that Varanasi is so known for.

Early the next morning cruise down the sacred Ganges on a small private boat to witness the devotion of pilgrims who bathe in the holy water from sunrise.  In the afternoon you’ll dive headfirst into the frenzy of Varanasi’s markets and alleyways – a true assault on the senses!

The next day is for relaxation (people-watching whilst sipping a lemon soda on the Ghats is well worth it!) or with your new-found knowledge of this is incredible place, independent exploration.  A visit to the important Buddhist centre of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon is also well worth it for time out of the city.

DAY 7 KHAJURAHO MEDIEVAL EROTIC ART

Take a 3-hour midday flight to the city of Khajuraho today, home to the largest group of medieval Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples in the country, famous for their ornate and intricate sculptural detail. It is these incredible carvings and designs - many of which are highly erotic - that makes this UNESCO World Heritage site that you'll explore this afternoon so fascinating and unusual.

DAY 8 - 9 Orchha ATMOSPHERIC AND BEGUILING ORCHHA

Travel west (4-5 hours) today with your driver to reach the laidback town of Orchha, where tales of feudal chivalry and romance abound among its many beautiful temples and cenotaphs which are waiting to captivate you just as they are said to have beguiled Lord Ram.   This almost hidden part of Madhya Pradesh is a lovely place to relax, sip chai, or venture into the surrounding countryside for walking, cycling or even canoeing.  In the evening admire the gloriously setting sun from a riverside cenotaph, in the company of the resident kingfishers and parakeets or take in an Aarti ceremony in town.

DAY 10 GWALIOR Forts and palaces

Drive north to Gwalior today (about 3 hours).  After exploring the fort for which this town is famous and discovering its glorious history dating back more than a thousand years, enjoy an overnight stay in a former palace that is now a beautiful heritage hotel. 

DAY 11 - 13 CHAMBAL Hamlets and habitats of chambal & the yamuna

3 hours drive north of Gwalior is the remote Chambal Valley.  The Chambal river is one of the cleanest rivers in India and home to turtles, dolphins, crocodiles and exotic birds, with remote hamlets and ancient temple complexes located along its banks.  The best way to appreciate the wonders of this particular landscape is to take to the calm waters in the company of a skilled Chambal Safari boatman and an expert naturalist - you'll have a fascinating journey through a world that is strangely connected to and at the same time removed from modern India.

DAY 14 - 15 Back to Delhi and Fly home (or Stay!)

Today you will be driven back to Delhi, which will take around 5 hours, ready for your flight home tomorrow (you can even fit in a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal on route if you haven’t been before!). But if this is too much to all do in a day, you might like to add another night into Delhi, or perhaps go to the beach in Goa or Kerala to fully relax.

All of our tours are tailor-made, which means it’s easy to change them to suit your requirements.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK