India

Extremes abound around every corner of this country with amazing architecture, culture, cuisine with such difference and a colonial feel to the game of golf. Lets explore India.

Below is an amazing itinerary to whet your appetite and gurner your interest.

You will be treated to the highest service from the moment you land till you leave this wondrous country.

Special, very special.

DAY 1: GURGAON

Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs.

Upon arrival, VIP Assistance right from the aerobridge to the arrival hall at the airport along with baggage assistance.

You will be met by our welcome ambassador and escorted to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in formalities

Overnight at hotel Oberoi Gurgaon

DAY 2: GURGAON

Breakfast at hotel.

Later leave for ITC Grand Bharat Golf course

The retreat is nestled in a sprawling 300-acre verdant estate, showcasing South Asia’s only 27-hole signature golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, with a unique ‘Golf Academy’ for aspirational young golfers. It has an 18-hole Signature Championship Course and a 9-hole Signature Canyon Course built at the foothills of the picturesque Aravallis. Located at the foot hills of Aravalli's, the hillocks and knolls lend themselves ideally to create enticing fairways, cunning greens and engaging waterways, which are enough to quicken any serious golfer's heart.

• The design vision for the course was to enhance the natural eco-system where we are located.

• A course was then made that could cater to the entire spectrum of golfers in such a way that it feels easy and fun for the novices at first sight. However, the more discerning golfers do find it a technical challenge at every shot.

• The course offers 27 Holes, each with its own design characteristics. And each set of nine holes derive their nomenclature from the same.

Ridge & Valley Nine ( Hole No 1-18 )Rewards accuracy more than distance. It is the first nine of the Championship 18 Holes. The fairways are narrow down at much shorter distances off the tees. Two holes have water bodies running along the fairways. The Par 3's are comparatively shorter, and more undulating. As the name suggests - if you are walking along a ridge, you got to be careful where you plan to put your next step.The back nine of the Championship 18 course - does provide the edge to the longer hitters. Fairways do relatively narrow much lesser than the Ridge. The par 3 – hole no 11, consistently plays over par in the best of the events. It measures close to 225 yards.

Enjoy evening at The Piano Bar and Cigar Lounge Live music, hand crafted beverages and Cuban cigars until late. From its elevated position within our signature silver and glass jewel box, The Piano Bar and Cigar Lounge enjoys magnificent views across the hotel’s vast reflection pool. The perfect setting to enjoy Oberoi signature cocktails, single malts or sample some from our two hundred specially curated international fine wines, while listening to live piano music. The cigar lounge offers a range of hand rolled cigars and private humidor lockers are available for you to store your Cubans.

Enjoy dining at Amaranta Timeless Indian classics deconstructed and reinvented. Contemporary Indian cuisine is made even more special with Oberoi’s personalized service in this intimate fine dining space. amaranta presents timeless Indian classics and authentic flavors reconceived with a modern perspective. Pop in during the day and try the luxury lunch menu.

Evening return to the hotel. Relax overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: GURGAON

Morning post breakfast, drive to DLF Golf & Country Club. Enjoy golfing followed by lunch at DLF Golf Club.

The course has two large lakes, big land forms, large undulating greens and unique style bunkering amongst its various features. The front nine offers a par-3 with an island green while the closing holes are built around a quarry and a large lake with massive rock formations. Strategy is the key to successfully negotiating the course, which can play very different depending on the tees you play from. Golfers can choose to play from six different tees – Gold, Black, Blue, White, Red and Yellow. The Gary Player course has successfully hosted the Hero Women’s Indian Open in 2015, a Ladies European Tour event, amongst various other corporate golf events

Later visit Qutub Minar the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7 m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the top.  Built from red sandstone and marble, the minaret is  known for its history and architectural significance. The minaret and other monuments within the complex have been declared a UNESCO  world heritage site. A classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the foundation of the minaret was laid by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1192.

Wind up your day followed by dinner at Olive bar & kitchen. 

Olive Bar & Kitchen is set in a beautiful haveli, in the heart of the city of Mumbai in India. The restaurant is a rustic hideaway where good food, laughter, culture and conversation come together in a delightful Mediterranean melting pot. Their extensive menu consists of excellent Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Guest can either sit indoors or in the courtyard outdoors. The in-house bar offers a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 4: UDAIPUR

Post breakfast proceed for the half day city tour of Old and New Delhi

Delhi food tour with Chef

Walk through the charming quarter of Old Delhi, you will take a walk through a local bazaar. Old Delhi Bazaars has colorful and interesting street food and is crowned with the oldest shops with many world originated delicacies. You will be encouraged to try few of the local delicacies from careful selected shops. The area is also home to several small temples, shrines, old mosque and protected monument sight. Cows wander the streets, small Dharamshalas (rest-houses) and pyaus (water-stations) attest to the pious contributions of local merchants. The Chef will help you to get an insider’s view of the city’s food culture, food joints, kitchens and related businesses. The presence of a chef with an intimate knowledge of city and it’s cuisine makes it a special food tour unlike any other. This tour will provide an opportunity to enjoy rickshaw ride & enthrall yourself in this amazing  ride which will provide you  an experience that in unlike you have had before and walk through the bylanes of Chandni Chowk with our expert.

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble. It is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer at one time. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.

Drive past Red Fort (Remains closed on Monday), the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.

Raj Ghat: Visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

This tour will provide an opportunity to enjoy rickshaw ride & enthrall yourself in this amazing ride which will provide you an experience that in unlike you have had before!

Optional visit (dependent on the onward flight timings):-

India Gate: Also known as the Delhi Memorial or the All India War Memorial, the India Gate was built in commemoration of the roughly 80 000 Indian soliders who died representing their country in World War One and on various other battlefields, and whose names are inscribed on the structure. Unveiled in 1931, its distinctive arch is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Gateway of India in Bombay, and is one of the trademark sights of New Delhi.

Rashtrapati Bhavan: Located in New Delhi, India, Rashtrapati Bhavan is home to the president of the world’s largest democracy and epitomises India’s strength, its democratic traditions and secular character. It was Sir Lutyens who conceptualised the H-shaped building, covering an area of about 5 acres on a 330-acre estate.

Drive past through Parliament House and Government buildings.

Post sightseeing drive to the airport to board an onward flight to visit to the spectacular city of lakes - Udaipur

Later head to the airport to fly to Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’. Udaipur, also called the Venice of the East, boasts multiple sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the rocky Aravalli hills. This city offers a historical spectacle which is sure to mesmerize every tourist with its unequivocal architectural beauty and enthralling cultural vibrancy.

On arrival at Udaipur Airport, assisted transfer to Palace hotel for check-in. Palace Hotel is a historic royal residence built in 1746, located in the midst of Lake Pichola. This beautiful capital of Mewar is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake – and surrounded by the Aravali hills. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities.

Rest of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel.

DAY 5: UDAIPUR

Explore the colorful old town of Udaipur

Whether you are dreaming of a holiday in the lap of nature and scenic beauty or in midst of the grandeur of ancient temples and palaces, take a break from the monotony and indulge yourself in rich culture and heritage and sumptuous cuisines in Udaipur. Home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale palaces (many of which have been converted into luxury heritage hotels), Udaipur is known as one of Rajasthan’s most scenic and romantic cities.

Start your day by a visit to City Palace, situated above Lake Pichola. Constructed entirely out of marble and granite, Udaipur’s City Palace is highly luxurious with inlays of coloured glass, engravings, balconies, and towers.

Then, head to Jagdish Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Drive past Fateh Sagar Lake and Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids-of-Honor with numerous fountains in four pools, and embellishments of delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants. Enjoy a Sunset cruise at Lake Pichola.

The afternoon is at leisure for independent activities and relax at the hotel in the night.

Optional activity :-

Experience the Royal Gangaur – A Unique Experience which never fails to Wow ! Taj Lake Palace is privileged to offer to you an experience on the historic Gangaur - the 150 year old boat used by Maharanas for the floating processions, celebrating festivals & royal ceremonies. A group of maximum 14guests can enjoy dinner on the boat, while up to 30 guests can be  served cocktails on board. The heritage ceremonial imperial barge of the house of Mewar glides across the mystical lake Pichola illuminated with candlelight and steered by oarsmen dressed in resplendent costumes. The experience involves serving cocktails & dinner on the barge.  You also get to enjoy a delectable selection of hot and cold snacks along with an array of desserts, while you witness magical rays of sun, recreating romance and charisma on board.

DAY 6: JAIPUR

After breakfast, head to the airport to fly to Jaipur,

Breakfast is at the hotel. In time you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Jaipur.

On arrival at Jaipur International airport transfer to hotel for Check in.

Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur is the capital and largest city in India’s northern state of Rajasthan. This city is famed for being India’s first planned city featuring a multitude of pink terracotta buildings within the walled historic centre, earning it the nickname,’The Pink City’.  Enthralling, historical Jaipur, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state. The city’s colorful, chaotic streets ebb and flow with a heady brew of old and new. At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family, the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort.

Post checkin visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. 

Hi Tea at City Palace in the private section of Royal family, the former Maharaja of Jaipur that is situated within the City Palace complex. The seven storied palace was the first of its kind in 18th century India. Each of the seven stories is furnished in a different style and is a treasure trove of royal memorabilia. The descendants of the royal family of Jaipur continue to use the palace as their residence. Enjoy a high tea at the rooftop pavilion of the palace before ending your tour.

Enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Rest of time free to explore local bazaar for shopping.

Optionally enjoy Royal Dinning experience at Suvarna Mahal on your own, lavishly appointed hotel dining room offering the royal cuisines of India's northern regions. The original palace dining room has a Renaissance style with a royal Indian menu with its high ceilings, gilded mirrors and Florentine frescoes, Suvarna Mahal embodies the rich heritage of erstwhile rulers. Chefs have mastered royal cuisines from the princely states of Rajasthan, Awadh, Punjab and Hyderabad to give you the best of India in Jaipur.

Overnight at hotel

JAIPUR

After breakfast, enjoy half day golfing at Rambagh Golf club.

Rambagh Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious of Golf Clubs in India which is affiliated to the Indian Golf Union. Rambagh Golf Club is an 18 Hole challenging championship course with Par 70 Yardage-6303 (SSS 70). The Golf Course is playable all round the year and due to its central location is reachable within 15 minutes even from the Jaipur International Airport. The Course is strategically designed on a sandy loam soil and picturesquely located with a nice scenic beauty. Moving around the Course, one is afforded with a view of the Rambagh Palace Hotel, Moti Doongri Fort, Nahargarh Fort and the Birla Planetarium.

Later go for remaining city tour.

Visit Amer Fort . Surrounded by fortified battlements, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. At the foot of the hill you will be taken on the jeep up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration.

Optional Activity: 

Enjoy Hi tea session STEAM at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur’s best lounge bar offers Mediterranean cuisines and features a restored steam engine and a recreated Victorian station. It's a lounge bar in Jaipur offers the Global Comfort Cuisine in a recreated Victorian ambience. Along with select fine liquors, the bar offers a delicious variety of pizzas.

Cooking experience followed by Dinner: Your journey to India can never be complete without a culinary experience with a Rajput nobel family. Learn about the secret home recipes and culture over an exclusive time booked with your host for dinner.  You can also participate in the preparation of the meal and know about the ingredients and techniques that are age old, time tested and good for your health.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 8: SAWAI MADHOPUR

After breakfast check out  from the hotel for onward journey to Ranthambore.

On arrival at Ranthambhore. Check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies. 

Enjoy afternoon game drive into Ranthambhore National Park with naturalist.

Evening enjoy the Tiger talk show with documentary on tiger conservation in the country.

Overnight stay in Ranthambhore.

All meals at the hotel.

DAY 9: SAWAI MADHOPUR

Today early morning enjoy game drive into Ranthambhore National Park with naturalist.

It is a dry deciduous forest replete with several lakes, rivulets and a magnificent ancient fort overlooking the park. The wildlife that one can see here are a large variety of birds, including an impressive number of waterfowl and birds of prey. The water bodies are home to marsh muggers, turtles and pythons. The park also has an abundant population of Sambhar and cheetal as well as nilgai. The more rare sightings are the leopard, sloth bear and the majestic tiger. The core of the park is one of the finest places in India to witness wild tigers in their natural habitat. Once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, the park became a designated sanctuary in 1955 and a Project Tiger conservation area in 1973 and now boasts a stable population of tigers. 

Ranthambhore Fort, this fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, the park being the former hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur until the time of India's Independence. It is a formidable fort having been a focal point of the historical developments of Rajasthan.

Dine under the Mango Orchard at Oberoi Vanyavilas, An intimate private dining experience framed by lush mango trees hung with glowing lanterns. Savour specially curated delicacies or a la carte cuisine. Coupled with attentive, unobtrusive service for an experience that is distinctly Oberoi.

Overnight at Ranthambore.

DAY 10: AGRA

After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive towards Agra.

Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. .

On arrival check in at hotel,

Fatehpur Sikri -This magnificent fortified ancient city, 40 km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri with its grand monuments still narrates the tales of its glory days. Being at the centre of many powershifts, Fatehpur Sikri alongside its neighbouring regions have seen the influence of multiple cultures which is still evident in the structures that were erected during those times. it is collection of some stunning architectural marvel of Mughal architecture, monuments like Buland Darwaza,  Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam.

Optional Activity: 

Taj Mahal during Full Moon nights - An Experience like no other in the World. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most romantic monuments in the world. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is considered a monument to eternal love. Night viewing of Taj Mahal is available on five days in a month i.e. on full moon night and two nights before and two nights after the full moon.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: AGRA

Early this morning visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise (Remains closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dawn glow.

Visit Marble art workshop for which Agra city is famous. The city is influenced by Mughal architecture and which is showcased in their art work on marble. Witness the art and get hands on experience on Marble art at a workshop.

Later enjoy second half of the day golfing at Agra Club Golf Course.

A nine hole Golf Course is part of the Club and is located at a distance of around two kilometres from the Club. The extensive greens are well maintained and the Golf Hut serves as a popular venue for organizing parties by members.

Dine under the stars at Amar Vilas A specially crafted meal, served by a personal butler, under the stars and beside cascading water bodies. Choose between a specially curated four course dinner and the recommended Royal Indian ‘thali’. Delicious cuisines and a unique setting to inspire a special occasion. It's a dinner in sight of one of the world’s great love stories.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12: END OF ITINERARY

After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive towards Delhi.

On arrival you will be transferred to Delhi International airport to board flight for your onward journey.