“Initially you’re overwhelmed. But gradually you realize it’s like a wave. Resist, and you’ll be knocked over. Dive into it and you’ll swim out the other side.” – Evelyn Greenslade

As Evelyn Greenslade says, ‘…dive in…!’

If you wake up everyday feeling kind of ‘beige’, then maybe it’s time to let fate whisk you away.

Immerse yourself in the glorious colour and excitement of Mother India, as  you paint your next life chapter…

On this exotic odyssey, we follow in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench and Bill Nighy—the irresistible stars of the movie—through some of the most romantic locations in India.

This is an opportunity to plunge in—to rediscover the vibrancy of life that India offers and to reinvigorate your senses. And with Ms Tammie leading this inspirational journey in style and comfort, you’ll gently recover your sense of adventure among India’s timeless rhythms…

Start packing—see you at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2019!

For the Elderly and Beautiful

Rajasthan

The enchanting northern province of Rajasthan is awash with all the colours of India. Consisting of the vast Thar Desert and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravallis. The Rajput heritage is apparent in the forts, temples and palaces established by the Rajput Kings. On our adventure we discover the history of these massive forts and the opulence and splendour of Maharajahs’ palaces. Rajasthan has been described as an open air museum. We will travel through the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of Udaipur, from the architectural wonder of Jaipur to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, with time to reflect on the light, colour and smiles of India with a stay at the ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ itself. This is truly the essence of Rajasthan.

Tour Organiser & Local Leader

Tammie Day is the founder of Vibrant Women, a retreat and travel company. Tammie spends her days creating inspirational journeys so you can travel in the security of a small group, whilst enjoying another culture. We like to base our trips around the three F’s, yes! Fun, Food and Friendship 🙂 Tammie’s role is to ensure you feel well taken care of throughout your trip. 

Vikas Kumar is a local guide who comes from Naddi – a small, picturesque village above Dharamsala. He is passionate about the area and the Himalayas and has worked as a trekking guide since leaving school. In that time he has introduced many international visitors to the wonders of the India and the Himalayas. Vikas now leads women’s and mixed groups around the Rajasthan areas as well to other parts of India and beyond.

ITINERARY

Pre-Itinerary

Please arrive a day early so you are ready to depart for our Delhi day tour tomorrow at 10am. On arrival our driver will be waiting at the airport for you. Extra nights accommodation before or after the trip cost $180AUD. If you are staying longer than 1 night before or after the trip, or prefer to arrange your own accommodation please let us know your hotel details and we will collect you from your hotel the morning of the start day. If you are arriving before 2pm on arrival day or are leaving after 12pm on departure day please consider what you will do with this time. You might like to consider arranging an extra half day tour with Divya from www.thedelhiway.com please just check with us that you will not be visiting the same sites that we already visit. 

Day 1:

Meet for brekky in the hotels Kaffe Cafe at 8.30am. 10am Introductions in the Cafe at Hans Hotel then some sightseeing around Delhi, including India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Chandi Chowk, and the Greater Kailash II Markets.

7pm – Opening night dinner at a local South Indian Restaurant, Sarvan House in Connaught Place, for Masala Dosa. And a walk along the Janpath markets, get ready to hussle!

Overnight Delhi

Meals – Dinner 

Day 2:

Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the Old City, overlooking Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, explore the laneways of the Old City and perhaps have a palm reading. 

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of India’s most picturesque cities. Palaces surround the city, the most famous being The Lake Palace, which covers an entire island and was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. The city was founded in 1559 and was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this relaxing, seductive city.

Relax on your orientation walk of this beautiful city so you can get your bearings.

Depart from the hotel approximately 6pm for Bagore-ki-Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat in the heart of the old city to see a one hour local dance performance. After the dance performance enjoy dinner at a roof top restaurant overlooking the stunning Lake Pichola, the City Palace and enjoy the sweeping views and many treasures housed inside.

Overnight Udaipur

Meals – Breakfast

 “Evelyn Greenslade: Nothing here has worked out quite as I expected. Muriel Donnelly: Most things don’t. But sometimes what happens instead is the good stuff.”

Day 3:

Indulge in a sleep in and leisurely breakfast spend the morning further exploring this beautiful city firstly with a visit to the City Palace with its many splendourous rooms and glimpses into the era of this opulence. Leisurely stroll the streets around the old city. Late afternoon gather to board our boat for a cruise around Lake Pichola and sunset drinks on Jagmandir Island Palace.

Overnight Udaipur

Meals – Breakfast

Day 4:

After breakfast overlooking Lake Pichola, leave for your next destination – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in a small town called Khempur, where the film was shot. Check in and spend the late afternoon strolling through this small village, swimming in the pool and sampling some of local life before dinner in the restaurant and the opportunity to watch the movie, (again I know how many times have you seen it!).

Overnight Khempur

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5:

Early departure at 6am. Hopefully we will catch the train to Jaipur approximately 6.5 hours away. In the afternoon have a stretch in the garden at the Diggi Palace with a gentle yoga class or have a drink on the lawn. 

Enjoy an evening meal at the Verandah Cafe at the Rambagh Palace Jaipur.

Meals – Breakfast box provided for the train

“Douglas Ainslie: Would you like some of this? I believe it’s called aloo ka paratha. Muriel Donnelly: No, if I can’t pronounce it, I don’t want to eat it.”

 

Day 6:

Early morning take an (optional) elephant up to the magnificent Amber Fort as a group. Located high on a hill, Amber fort was built in 1592 and its’ name is said to derive from the many jewels that are used for decoration inside.

After visiting the fort, you’ll have an opportunity to visit a textile and block printing factory as well as the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, do some shopping at its famous Bazaar (only for the fearless!) Relax in the evening and enjoy some traditional Rajasthani cuisine. 

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7:

After breakfast leave for Agra. Though Agra is obviously best known for the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to an impressive, 94-acre fort that’s often overshadowed but definitely worth a visit.

On the way have morning tea at the Viceroy Club so well known in both movies now the “The First and Second Best Marigold Hotel” (locally known as the Narain Niwas Palace). 

Meals – Breakfast and Morning Tea

Day 8:

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is India’s most-photographed monument, and today you’ll see why. Built between 1632 and 1653 in memory of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s third wife, the Taj Mahal is world-renowned. After the Taj Mahal visit the famous red fort before driving back to Delhi. 

Last night out, market shopping along the Janpath and farewell dinner Delhi!

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9:

Finish your last day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before being taken to the airport or joining us on our “Colours of India Tour” if you join us on our next Indian Tour the night in-between the two tours and your flight from Delhi to Mumbai will be provided to you complimentary. Its a great idea to value add when you are travelling so far. Click on the link above or image below for more details. 

Meals – Breakfast

“Everything will be all right in the end and if it’s not all right, then it’s not yet the end!” – Sonny Kapoor

Price $AUD: Twin – $2750 Single $3350