Independent Itinerary vs Customized Package

Allison Sodha

For those travelers who prefer a flexible schedule, I recommend an Independent Itinerary, or II. An II allows you to confirm certain elements of your trip, including hotel or flight reservations, but keep the daily activities optional. If you prefer to add a tour, cooking class, home visit, cultural event, or other feature, you are given a list of contacts in each city who can assist in coordinating the details as requested.

A customized package is an ideal selection for those who prefer to have the tours, accommodations, and transportation reserved prior to departure.

Here is a sample of both a Customized Package and Independent Itinerary:

Customized Package

Arrival: March 5 Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel. Hotel: Claridges

March 6: Delhi - Agra In the morning, visit the sites of Old Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Later, drive to Agra (3 hours). In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort and then enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Return to your hotel and overnight in Agra. Hotel: Oborei Amarvilas

March 7: Agra – Jaipur After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (5 hours). En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted but perfectly preserved sandstone city. Later, arrive in Jaipur and check-into your hotel.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Evening at leisure and overnight in Jaipur. Hotel: Golden Tulip

March 8: Jaipur After breakfast, proceed on a full day tour of Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amber Fort. The final descent to this ancient city is made by elephant back—a truly memorable experience! In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. En-route to Amber, view the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. The honeycomb structure of red and pink sandstone was an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily life in the street below.

In the afternoon, visit the city of Jaipur: City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that is still occupied by the Royal family; and Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. You will also have an opportunity to wander about the local markets. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in Jaipur.

March 9: Jaipur – Delhi Morning at leisure to explore Jaipur. Later, drive to Delhi (5.5 hours) and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

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Independent Itinerary

Arrival: March 5 Independent Airport Transfer and Hotel Accommodations

March 6: Delhi - Agra In the morning, visit the sites of Old Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Later, drive to Agra (3 hours). Independent Afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Return to your hotel and overnight in Agra. Independent Hotel Accommodations

March 7: Agra – Jaipur Confirmed Car/Driver: Agra - Jaipur 10:00am Departure

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the “Pink City” due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Evening at leisure and overnight in Jaipur. Hotel: Alsisar Haveli

March 8: Jaipur Independent Day.

March 9: Jaipur – Delhi Independent Day.
Confirmed Train Ticketing: Jaipur - Delhi Departs 17:10/ Arrives 22:50 Chair Class
Independent Airport Transfer

Destination Contacts
Delhi: Ms. Aakriti Sharma Phone: xxxxxxxxx
Agra: Mr. Prakash Kumar Phone: xxxxxxxx
Jaipur: Mr Raj Singh Phone: xxxxxxxxx

A Sample of Optional Touring and Activities
Delhi: Mughal Cooking Class, Bazaar Tour
Agra: Agra Fort Tour, Sikandara Tour, Artisan Demo, Fatehpur Sikri Tour
Jaipur: Rajasthani Cooking Class, Home Visit, Amber Fort Tour

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Based on your preferences, a Sodha Travel representative is happy to coordinate the best Customized Package or Independent Itinerary. Enjoy your Indian experience!

Allison Sodha

Written by Allison Sodha

As the President of Sodha Travel and author of Go! Girl Guides India, Allison has spent almost two decades exploring South Asia. She has a passion for creating experiences fueled by a deeper understanding of local communities.