Over a year ago, we were trying to find something memorable to do to add to our Golden Anniversary celebrations. After much discussion, Pete decided to get in touch with Audley to see what they could suggest and we made contact with Jen Hopps, who said she could put together a three-week itinerary for us, that was suitably paced at a leisurely rate to suit us.
Alison was just a little apprehensive when the destination was floated … the most appropriately named “Golden Triangle” in India. Her misgivings were somewhat allayed when it was proposed that we would have a driver assigned to us for our entire stay and that at each point of call there would be an Audley representative or an accredited English-speaking guide to show us around.
We were advised that the best time to visit Rajasthan would be in October, when the predicted rainfall was low and the temperature not too high. Never mind that this clashes with the start of the Indoor Bowls season … the Super League will have to do without Pete for three weeks!
So Jen went ahead with her planning, trying where possible to give us at least two days in each location and, after the first draft was produced, she amended one rather long drive to include a “memorable” trip on an Indian train. We can’t wait for that!
Outline Itinerary
Fly from Heathrow to New Delhi, stay 2 nights at the Imperial Hotel and experience a half day tour of Old Delhi.
Drive to Agra to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Drive to visit a bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur and then catch the train towards Ranthambore National Park (around 3.5 hours) , while our driver takes our luggage on the 7 hour journey by car.
Experience a few game drives at Ranthambore during our 2 night stay with plenty of free time to relax or explore in between. Maybe Alison will see a Tiger on her birthday!
Drive to Jaipur, where we stay for 3 nights, with guided visits to the Amber Fort and various sights in the city.
Head off into the tranquil area of Fort Barli and some optional activities including doing absolutely nothing by the pool.
Next stop the “blue city” of Jodphur, where we stay at RAAS for 2 nights and visit the Mehrangarh Fort.
Head off for some more peace and quiet at Rawla Narli , where there will be plenty of things to do in this 15th century village.
Our last stop for 3 nights will be at the famous romantic city of Udaipur, staying at a lakeside hotel, with the opportunity to soak up the celebrations of Diwali before we prepare for our homeward journey.
Fly off to Delhi airport, an overnight stop and then back to Heathrow.
Each day, or at least at each location, we will try to add to this blog so that our followers can track our progress and at least share a taste of our experiences!