The Best Exotic Marigold India Tour February 2027

Arrive to Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive before the 2:00 pm check-in time, you may wish to relax at the hotel or begin exploring the city at your leisure.

Please note that airport transfers are included on 22 February 2027 and 4 March 2027.

No scheduled activities are planned for today, allowing you time to unwind after your journey.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Blooms Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Meet for breakfast in the hotels cafe at 8.00am.

8.30am Introduction Information Session.

9am Departure

Today we will visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh Temple that feeds over 10,000 people a day, followed by a visit to our local charity – Samadhan for differently abled children. We then head off to The Lotus Temple – a beautiful Baha’i Faith Temple reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.

Finishing the day with a crazy bicycle rickshaw ride though Chandni Chowk, the oldest part of Delhi, going past the amazing and iconic Red Fort. We will stop along the way for lunch en-route probably to the Lotus Temple. We like to stay flexible given the craziness of the traffic and eat when we are hungry, (and go somewhere where we know we can use the loos ;)) 

7pm – Opening night dinner at a local Punjab Restaurant.

Overnight Delhi

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation – Blooms boutique Hotel or similar

06:45 – Luggage outside room for collection please.
07:00 – Depart with a packed breakfast for our morning flight.

After breakfast, we leave Delhi behind and make our way towards a truly special experience — the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in the small town of Khempur, where the much-loved film was shot. After landing, it’s about a one-hour drive from the airport before we arrive at this charming heritage property.

13:00 – Arrive and check in at the Marigold Hotel. Lunch will be available at the hotel or nearby (self-pay).

The afternoon is left free for you to enjoy at your own pace — perhaps swimming in the pool, relaxing in the garden, or sampling some of the local village life. For those who’d like to join in, there are optional henna tattoos and sari dress-ups — a fun and colourful way to immerse yourself in Indian culture before dinner.

19:00 – In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel, followed by a very special treat — the chance to watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in the very place it was filmed. (Because really, no matter how many times you’ve seen it, this one will feel unforgettable!)

Please note: drinks at the Marigold Hotel are cash only.

Overnight: Khempur – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 18kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg as well as your handbag.

It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that Indian authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage maybe confiscated.

Domestic airlines within India have recently reviewed their checked luggage limits, as such all airlines have now implemented a maximum checked luggage limit of 18kg. Please keep this in mind when packing for your upcoming trip. Any excess luggage charges incurred will be at the expense of the passenger.

NB* Please make sure when you pass through security that all of your hand luggage has a tag and security stamp including your handbag, otherwise when boarding the plane, you will be asked to return to the scanning section to have your tag stamped.

08:00 – Breakfast at hotel
09:30 – Take a guided walk through the local village of Khempur, a wonderful chance to connect with daily life in rural India.

11:00 – Depart for Udaipur (approx. 90-minute drive).

On arrival, we’ll pause for lunch at Khama Ghani, a lakeside restaurant (self-pay), before checking in to our beautiful heritage accommodation overlooking Lake Pichola.

The afternoon is yours to explore the old city — wander the laneways, perhaps have a palm reading, or get a traditional Kurta custom-made by a local tailor. Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one of India’s most picturesque cities. Palaces surround the water, the most famous being the Lake Palace, which covers an entire island and was famously featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. Founded in 1559 as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, Udaipur is a city that is as relaxing as it is romantic.

17:30 – Depart the hotel for Bagore-ki-Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat in the heart of the old city, to enjoy a vibrant one-hour local dance performance.

20:00 – Dinner at Jagat Niwas (self-pay), a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views across Lake Pichola and the City Palace.

Overnight: Udaipur – Kankarwa Haveli or similar
Meals: Breakfast

08:00 – Begin the day with a rooftop breakfast at the hotel, taking in the sweeping views over Lake Pichola — a peaceful way to start your morning in the City of Lakes.

09:00 – Explore Udaipur with a guided visit to a local Hindu Temple (please remember no shoes and bring a scarf), followed by a tour of the magnificent City Palace, with its opulent rooms and fascinating glimpses into royal life.

Late morning, we’ll take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to Jagmandir Island, where we’ll pause for a relaxed lunch (self-pay).

The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure — explore the charming laneways, shop for treasures, or pick up items you may have had tailored the day before.

19:00 – In the evening, we’ll gather again for dinner at Ambrai or Upre (self-pay), both beloved lakeside restaurants with stunning views across the water and palace lights.

Overnight: Udaipur – Kankarwa Haveli or similar
Meals: Breakfast

05:15 – Depart for the station with a packed breakfast.
07:40 – Board the train for a scenic journey to Jaipur (approx. 8 hours). Please pack light, as you’ll need to manage your own bag on and off the train and stow it securely.

13:00 – Arrive and check in at our hotel. Enjoy a snack at the hotel (self-pay) relax on your first afternoon in the Pink City.

19:00 – Dinner at the hotel or at a local restaurant (self-pay).

Overnight: Jaipur – Umaid Haveli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

08:00 – Breakfast at hotel
09:00 – Depart for a day of sightseeing in Jaipur.

Our morning begins with a guided visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, perched high on a hill and built in 1592. Its mirrored rooms, intricate carvings, and sweeping views will leave you speechless.

Late morning, we’ll continue to explore Jaipur’s rich artistic heritage with visits to a block printing and carpet factory and a gemstone & jewellery workshop, where traditional skills have been passed down through generations.

Lunch – Enjoy a meal near the City Palace (self-pay).

In the evening, relax over a traditional Rajasthani dinner — the perfect way to end this spectacular day.

Overnight: Jaipur – Umaid Haveli or similar
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 8 – Jaipur –City Palace and Bazaars

After Breakfast:

Begin your day with a fascinating exploration of Jaipur’s iconic City Palace, a magnificent blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture that offers a glimpse into the city’s royal heritage. Wander through its elegant courtyards, museums, and beautifully decorated gateways while learning about the legacy of Jaipur’s rulers. After soaking in the grandeur of the palace, head to the city’s vibrant bazaars, where colorful streets are lined with traditional handicrafts, sparkling jewelry, textiles, and local souvenirs. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you browse the bustling markets, interact with local artisans, and experience the rich culture and craftsmanship that make Jaipur a shopper’s paradise.

Meals – Breakfast

Accommodation – Umaid Haveli or similar  

After breakfast, we depart Jaipur and travel by road to Agra, a longer journey of approximately 7 hours. The drive will be broken up with regular comfort stops along the way to stretch our legs and relax.

Upon your arrival at the magnificent Castle Kanota (about 1 hour from Jaipur), a 19th-century heritage hotel near Jaipur, immerse yourself in history with a look through the General Amar Singh Kanota Library & Museum. This exceptional museum, curated by the family and showcasing the life of the current Raj’s ancestor, offers a glimpse into royal life through rare books, paintings, and arms.

Then enjoy tea on the lawn before continuing on yrou journey to Agra. 

Following this, indulge in a delicious, authentic lunch—featuring traditional ‘thikana’ recipes—within the castle’s charming, fortified surroundings. Spend your afternoon leisurely wandering through the lush, 8-acre gardens or relaxing by the swimming pool, savoring the quiet serenity of this exquisite regal oasis.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clarks Shiraz Hotel, Agra (or similar)

We rise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, India’s most photographed and iconic monument — and once you see it glowing in the soft morning light, you’ll understand why. Built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces.

After our visit, we return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a stop at a marble workshop, where beautiful inlaid pieces are crafted by the descendants of the original artisans who worked on the Taj Mahal.

We then begin the approximately 5‑hour drive back to Delhi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight we stay near Delhi Airport, chosen for comfort and ease after a full day of sightseeing and travel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lalit Delhi (or similar)
(Approximately 10 km from the airport / 20‑minute drive)

Day 11 – Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast at the hotel before check‑out at 12:00 pm. Your airport transfer will be arranged in advance, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

Please note that Hosts/Organisers will not be available after 12:00 pm. If you are departing later in the day, we recommend planning how you would like to spend this time before your transfer.

Meals: Breakfast