The Best Exotic Marigold Adventure February 2024

- 18-26 February 2024
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Weather 15 - 33 C
- Fitness - Med - walk up to 5km a day
- Price Range - $$
“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 our host Nitin and Sarah 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 2024!
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 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.
Oh the places we go ......
Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colorful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.
Visit our chosen charity – Samadhan Dwarka, an NGO for children with an intellectual disability living in Delhi whose families are living in poverty.
Taste – Masala Dosas – Dosa is a crepe made using fermented rice and lentil batter. It’s a crisp, aromatic, flavourful crepe with a potato filling. These crispy crepes are quite addictive and delicious.
Ride – take a crazy rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk “Old Delhi”.
Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India – snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction.
Hear – The lively chanting at Jagdish temple if you can walk the 50 steps.
See – The ethnic folk dances of the tribes of the Rajasthan region at the Dharohar Cultural Show
Experience – A palm reading by local astrologer and see your future through the eyes of an Indian Mystique.
The city’s colorful streets ebb and flow with a heady brew of old and new. Buses dodge dawdling camels, cycle-rickshaws leisurely hold-up swarms of motorbikes, buzzing autorickshaws hawk for unhurried walkers. In the middle of this cacophony, the splendors of Jaipur’s majestic past are islands of relative calm evoking a different pace and another world.
See – The splendid Amber Fort, sitting majestically in its pride of place built of yellow and pink sandstone.
Enjoy – A local puppet performance.
Ride – The train from Udaipur to Jaipur and enjoy the scenery along the way.
The magical allure of the Taj Mahal draws tourists to Agra like moths to a wondrous flame. And despite the hype, it’s every bit as good as you’ve heard.
Experience – The crown in the Jewel of your tour, the one, the only “Taj Mahal”. Words cannot describe you will have to see for yourself.
View – The craftsman who create the beautiful marble inlay work famous in the Taj Mahal.
See – Agra Fort where the Moghul who built the Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son under house arrest with only a view of the Taj from across the river from his room until he died.
Trip Highlights

- Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh Temple that feeds over 10,000 people a day.
- Head off to The Lotus Temple - a beautiful Baha'i Faith Temple reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House
- Visit our local charity or children with Intellectual disabilities - Samadhan Dwarka
- Cruise around Lake Pichola
- Stay at "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"
- Enjoy Henna Tattoos and Sari Dress-Ups
- Visit the magnificent Amber Fort and the City Palace of Jaipur
- Have morning tea on the lawn of the Viceroy Club from the Marigold Movie
- See local artisans at work in carpet, gemstone, block print and marble workshops
- Sunrise Visit to the Taj Mahal
Book your Marigold Tour
This tour has a $500 deposit and the remainder is due 75 prior to departure.
If you combine trips a $200 your receive a $200 discount, which has already been applied to the price.
*Flights not included, approx. $1000AUD return
*This trip starts and finishes in Delhi. Start time is 9am on the 18th of February 2024. Please ensure you arrive in time to commence this tour. This may require an extra nights accommodation, please choose flights accordingly.
Requirements:
This sightseeing tour has several walking tours and many stairs, you require a moderate level of fitness to attend. We can walk around 5km a day so you really need to be prepared. Please note you must wear practical and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for your own safety, road and paths are very uneven.
Inclusions
- Airport transfers on the 18th and 26th of February
- All transport by private vehicles (pickup and drop off at Delhi, Udaipur airports).
- Domestic Flight Delhi to Udaipur
- 8 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts and some lunches and dinners as per the itinerary (note most meals we provide to you in your package lunches or dinner as vegetarian)
- Entrance fees to sights - e.g. Taj Mahal, Lake Palace, Amber Fort
- Services of an English speaking Indian guide throughout the tour, plus local guides at each site, (we like you to have the best local experience and knowledge) plus a Vibrant Women Host will also be present
What is not included
- International Airfare (Airfares to and from India).
- Indian Visas
- Travel Insurance (compulsory) is not included
- Extra nights accommodation on the 17th of February can be arranged for $250 per room
- Some lunches and dinners are not included. Allow $15 - $20 per meal (does not included drinks) India food is heavy often 2 meals a day is enough
- Tipping we suggest $20 a day = $160 AUD this covers porters, guides, drivers, etc but not restaurant tips at your discretion. We suggest you pay tips prior to arriving in India ask us and we can add to your invoice. Or they will be collected on day 1 in Rupiah approx. 8665Rp

Travel Itinerary
Pre-Arrival
Pre-Arrival 17th of February 2024
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 the trip cost $250AUD. If you are staying longer than 1 night before 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. At this stage we are staying at the Royal Plaza Hotel New Delhi but will confirm this closer to the time when we book. If you are arriving before 2pm or are leaving after 12pm on arrival or 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 sights that we already visit.
*Airport transfers are included on the 17th, 18th (if early in the morning) and 26th of February 2024 only.
Meals – no meals
Accommodation – Royal Plaza Hotel Delhi
Day 1 Delhi Day Tour
Meet for breakfast in the hotels cafe at 8.00am.
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 and then a spot of higher end shopping at Haus Khas. 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 enroute 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 – Royal Plaza Delhi
Day 2: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
After breakfast we make our way out of the old city and on the road to “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in a small town called Khempur, where the film was shot. 1 hour drive from the airport
Check in and then enjoy a visit to the local village of Kemphur, spend the afternoon swimming in the pool and sampling some of local life, including *optional henna tattoos and sari dress ups before dinner and then the opportunity to watch the movie, (again I know how many times have you seen it!).
Overnight Kemphur
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Day 3 : Drive 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 or get a Kurta custom made by a local tailor.
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.
Enjoy your orientation walk of this beautiful city so you can get your bearings.
Depart from the hotel approximately 5:30pm 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
Accommodation – Kankarwa Haveli Udaipur – 240 year old haveli overlooking Lake Pichola
Day 4: Explore the beautiful city of Udaipur
This morning head to the rooftop for to take in the beautiful view and enjoy some quiet time before indulging in a leisurely breakfast.
Then we explore this beautiful city firstly with a visit to a local Hindu Temple where you can hear devotional songs being sung (at volume) and then have some free time for shopping among the emporiums and lane-ways.
After lunch we head to the City Palace with its many splendorous rooms and glimpses into the era of this opulence. After this we take a leisurely stroll to board our boat for a cruise around Lake Pichola.
We conclude today with a drink to watch the sunset behind the lake palace, just stunning.
Accommodation – Kankarwa Haveli Udaipur – 240 year old haveli overlooking Lake Pichola
Meals – Breakfast
Day 5: Travel to Jaipur by Train
Early departure we catch the train to Jaipur approximately 9 hours. *Please pack light you need to be able to get your bag on and off the train and stowe it.
In the afternoon brave the crazy local Jaipur bazaar for some textiles, silver jewellery or copper pots, or sit in the courtyard of our Haveli, book a massage or just relax.
Meals – Breakfast
Accommodation – Alsisar Haveli
Day 6: Jaipur – Amber Fort
Today we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. 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. The views and splendor of the mirrored rooms will leave you speechless.
After visiting the fort, you’ll have an opportunity to visit a block printing and carpet factory, gemstone and jewellery store, as well as the Hawa Mahal and City Palace. Relax in the evening and enjoy some traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Meals – Breakfast
Accommodation – Alsisar Haveli
Day 7: Jaipur to Agra
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 Castle Kanota).
Meals – Breakfast and Morning Tea
Accommodation – Clarkes Shiraz Hotel
Day 8: Taj Mahal
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.
We have chosen to stay at Delhi Aerocity on the last night for the convenience of guests. Aerocity is a great, safe and convenient option for our guests. With close proximity to the airport and a variety of cafes and shopping its a fun way to end your trip. If you are staying past check out time 12pm you can store your bags and wander before going to the airport.
Meals – Breakfast
Accommodation – Aloft Delhi Aerocity
Day 9: Departure Day
Finish your last day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before being taken to the airport, check out is 12pm, or if you are joining our Colours of India Tour then please be ready in reception at 10am to start your day.
*Please note no guides will be available to assist you after 12pm however your airport transfer will be arranged in advance for you. If you are staying later than check out time, please consider what you will do with this time.
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
Sarah Forshaw - Your Host

I love to explore new and old places and take in the uniqueness of different cultures. Immersing myself in the wonders of artwork and culinary flavours. I find travelling intriguing and offers scope to learn and grow personally. “Your journey is not the same as mine, and my journey is not yours but if you meet me on a certain path, may we encourage each other”.
Nitin Jangra – Tour Manager

Nitin is in charge of the logistics of your tour. He has arranged everything so you can have a seamless journey. From accommodation, to transport to guides, he has everything under control. Cool, calm and collected he hails from Chandigarh in Northern India and was previously the manager of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
Trip Notes
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change.
Please find the most up to date Trip Notes for your tour HERE
FAQ's
A. Please arrive on the 17th of February 2024 so you are ready for the first day on the 18th of February unless you can arrive by 6am on the 18th into Delhi airport. We can arrange extra nights accommodation and airport transfers for $250AUD. If you are not continuing on the Colours of India Tour, please arrange to depart on the 26th of February at anytime, just know that checkout from the hotel is at 12pm.
A. Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi.
Check www.skyscanner.com for your options. We like Air India to Australia as it has direct flights from Delhi to Sydney and Melbourne.
A. Our groups are usually between 12 and 18 participants. These are ideal numbers as they are small enough to be manageable and intimate but large enough for diversity and fun!
A. We have both single and twinshare rooms available. The single room has the supplement included. If you choose twinshare and are not travelling with a friend we will do our best to find you a roommate however in the event no one else is seeking a twinshare roommate, then the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand.
*Please note that snorers, smokers or people who wear CPAP machines when sleeping must disclose this when booking as this could impact other peoples sleep and they need to be aware of this.
**Also please note we cannot guarantee compatibility of roommates, for example you may be of different ages or nationalities, have different habits, snore etc. however mostly when we do match people up they get on well and its only for a short period of time. Some people have even made lifelong friendships.
A. The food is Indian haha and I think most people know what this is like. Yes, its spicy but we can ask to tone it down. Keep in mind that when you ask, “Is this spicy?” and the waiter says, “No Maam” his taste buds are not like yours and it will be spicy. India is heaven for vegetarians, all that delicious dahl, spinach and paneer, mushrooms with tomatoes and cauliflower and fresh green peas, potatoes with cumin seeds, koftas and the list goes on, India is my favourite food destination.
A. Please wear culturally appropriate clothing ie cover shoulders and knees. You will also need a scarf for temples and religious ceremonies. In the Jain temples any leather products are prohibited but they do provide lockers for you to store your belongings. Please bring comfortable walking sandals or shoes. *Please do not bring any valuable items with you to India such as expensive jewellery.
A. Well, that depends on your shopping habits! You will need to allocate around $15/$20 per meal lunches and dinners and then add on extra for personal spending. Alcohol is always more expensive in countries where people don’t drink and is taxed highly. I tell people to bring around $500USD to change on arrival to India. Then bring a credit card for the other larger spending. You can also use ATM but they don’t always work.
A. Note above we do not suggest you come early or stay longer unless you have something specific in mind or another person with you. We would not recommend women travelling on their own venture out in large Indian cities unaccompanied. If you desire a longer stay in India we suggest contacting https://www.thedelhiway.com/.
A. The most convenient and cheapest way to get your visa is online e-Visa – To complete online choose E-Visa Application. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
The online application can only be completed between 4 and 120 days prior to travel. Make sure you don’t apply too early so that your visa is expired by the time you want to depart, 30 days in advance is enough, previously it has taken 1 week to receive the E-Visa. This cost is between $10 and $50USD, prices change all the time sorry but just to give you a guideline.
You will receive a document on how to complete your VISA application after we receive your booking and deposit. Its a step by step process with images
A $500 non-refundable non-transferable payment is required for this tour. Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% will be forfeited in addition to the non refundable deposit. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Please read our Terms and Conditions HERE. You will be asked to sign your agreeance to these terms and conditions upon booking.
Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior to arrival in India. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure.
Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance provider CoverMore
The most convenient and cheapest way to get your visa is online e-Visa – To complete online choose E-Visa Application. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html a 30 day visa can only be applied for 30 days prior to travel unless you want a 12 month visa. Make sure you don’t apply too early so that your visa is expired by the time you want to depart, 30 days in advance is enough, previously it has taken 3 days to receive the E-Visa. This cost is between $10 and $50USD, prices change all the time sorry but just to give you a guideline. We will also provide you with an info sheet on how to compete your visa application, separate to your trip notes.
Some further details – India Mission is where your application will be lodged ie Canberra, Sydney etc the office closest to you. You can use these contact details for hotel and reference in India sections. Royal Plaza Hotel Delhi, Address: 19, Ashoka Rd, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India Phone: +91 11 4355 5555. Your reference in Australia is your emergency contact. It seems there is no other option but to request a 6-month visa and for 60 days even though you may only be travelling for 9 days. “Double Entry” means you can depart and re-enter India twice on this visa, you will not to use this option. When you receive your visa application confirmation email you will see this comment under the dot points section – Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as GRANTED on our official website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html ) prior to commencement of your journey. If you go to this link you can print off your visa with a barcode and your photo attached, otherwise the email visa works fine too. Good Luck and welcome to Indian Bureaucracy!
You can view an example of a completed form on the link here, keep in mind this is a 2020 visa application so you will need to adjust dates and this is Tammie’s application so please complete your own person details.
All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 15kg 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 15kg. 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.
Tourists should consult your Family GP or Travel Health Clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
Most people have their own individual preferences for what they like to travel with, so our list won’t be comprehensive for everyone. It’s intended to be a handy reference point from which you can build. (Passport, Visa, Prescriptions, Doctor Letters, Emergency Information, $USD, Credit/Debit Cards, photocopies of important documents, business cards).
The official Indian currency is the Indian Rupee. The Indian currency is called the Indian Rupee (INR) and the coins are called paise. One Rupee consists of 100 paise. The symbol of the Indian Rupee is ₹ . The design resembles both the Devanagari letter “₹” (ra) and the Latin capital letter “R”, with a double horizontal line at the top.
ATM’s are widely available in India, you can also bring USD$ to change and use your credit card.
End of Feb beginning of March marks the ending of winter season and starting of summer one. Rajasthan climate is warm but not humid at day time and cool at night in Feb/March. Its day temperature can reach up to 28ºC maximum and 10ºC minimum at night. Tourists are recommend to wear suitable clothes according to weather and stay hydrated during travelling. you will need some warm and some cool weather clothing. Also note that this part of India can have air pollution which means we may experience smog for parts of this trip, especially in Delhi, also perhaps in Jaipur and Agra.
Please remember to take enough prescribed medication for duration of the tour. Chemists are very easy to access and things such as anti-biotics are generally available over the counter.
ADD OUR COLOURS OF INDIA TOUR 26 FEB – 5 MARCH 2024
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our “Colors of India” tour after this trip.
If you book both India tours combined, you receive a $200 discount which will cover your flight. This discount has already been applied to the final price.


Vibrant Women with a heart ♥
Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our charity Samadhan Dwarka and the amazing work they do in supporting children with an intellectual disability in India, so THANK YOU!