North India and Goa

On this tour you will have the chance to combine the culture and sights of North India with time spent relaxing in five-star luxury on a beach in Goa.

THE TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal (The Crown of the Palace), one of the most famous buildings in the world, was Shah Jahans lavish tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace) who died giving birth to their 14th child. It took 22 years and a workforce of 20,000 to construct and the white marble to which it owes much of its breathtaking beauty was transported 300 kms from near Jodphur on a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Inside the mausoleum itself, where Mumtaz and her devoted husband now lie, this marble is carved into intricate screens inlaid with precious stones brought from all over Asia and the Middle East. The symmetrical gardens, restored by Lord Curzon early in the 20th century, were separated by four watercourses into quadrants, each divided into 16 flower beds, and the original trees were either cypress to signify death or fruit trees to signify life. At sunset, as at dawn, the Taj Mahal presents an unforgettable spectacle and one we are sure you will never forget.

JAIPUR

Jaipur, known as the Pink City of Rajasthan, is a popular tourist destination. The original buildings were painted in a variety of colours, including grey with white borders, but now many have a pink wash - first used in 1853 in honour of a visit by Prince Albert. The numerous places of interest include the City Palace and its museum, built in 1728-32 and dominating the centre of Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar (Observatory), also built in the 1700s, and the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds.

GOA

Goa, a Portuguese colony until 1961, is India's most famous beach destination. With the exception of the monsoon season (June to September), the temperature stays warm and the weather is dry. Silvery beaches are never more than a short walk away from Goa's charming villages, or a short auto rickshaw drive from the towns of Panaji and Margao. The towns are a pleasing blend of Portugese and Indian. Cotton, silk, precious stones, paintings and wood carvings are generally exquisitely made and inexpensive.

MUMBAI

A distinctly tropical city, with pockets of palm trees and warm salty breezes that keep you aware of the Arabian Sea. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and grand public buildings, many still beautifully lit at night, stand as a lingering reminder of the British Raj.

Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.

Who looks after us? How our tours work is that from the moment you arrive in India our agents will meet you and their responsibility is to ensure that you are transferred as per your itinerary and escorted onto trains and met etc. All train and domestic flight bookings are reserved in advance. Travel by train is in comfortable air-con carriage in 4/6 berth cabins with padded berths/seats. You will have an English speaking driver and our local English speaking guides will escort you on your sightseeing tours.

Prices are listed on our tour pages and are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together on your own preferred departure and return dates, sharing a car and double/twin room. Top range prices are based on your staying in 5 and 4 star accommodation and Mid range prices are based on en-suite 4 and 3 star accommodation. We can also help if you have a budget to stick to so please do get in touch with us to discuss your travel requirements.

For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk

Special note:
This tour can be adapted to suit your particular travel preferences. For tailor-made itineraries please contact Essential India Travel to discuss your individual requirements.

You can download and print our booking form and our detailed day by day tour itineraries with accommodation photographs and service details.

If you wish to pay for all or part of your holiday, please use our new ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM or phone us directly on 01225 868544

Travel Tariff Information

Duration: 16 Days
Peak Season : £480 Christmas supplement. New Year supplement on application.
High Season October to April. Top range accommodation (Deposit £300 per person): £2860 Airline: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Land only (excluding flights on BA or Virgin Atlantic): £2280 Mid range accommodation: £2460 Land only: £1880
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A

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