The Indian Mutiny

From Delhi to Lucknow

The Indian Mutiny of 1857 was the bloodiest insurrection in the history of the British Empire. It began with a rising by Indian sepoys and soon developed into general rebellion as thousands of discontented civilians joined in. For many months The Indian Mutiny threatened the very existence of British India. Our Indian Mutiny tour covers the key events including the epic siege and subsequent relief of Lucknow, the Cawnpore massacres and the storming of Delhi. Significantly we also visit Mirath (Meerut), where the Indian Mutiny began, and Jhansi, the home of the celebrated Rani (the 'Indian Joan of Arc') who died in battle and is still revered in India today.

This Indian Mutiny tour presents a great opportunity to get off the beaten track and see parts of India the tourist rarely does whilst staying in some of the best accommodation India has to offer. From the colonial Oberoi Maidens hotel in Delhi, the peaceful ITC Mughal set amongst its own 35 acres in Agra, the historic Orcha Resort which provides a glimpse of the rich and glorious Indian past, the Lanark in Kanpur and the Taj Residency in Lucknow. Comfort and style throughout.

"Hold on, and do not negotiate, but rather perish sword in hand".

Sir Henry Havelock

Day 1.

Late evening flight from London to Delhi.

Day 2.

Arrive Delhi late morning and transfer to our hotel for three nights. This afternoon we take a gentle sight-seeing tour around Delhi.

Day 3.

We begin our Indian Mutiny tour proper by visiting the mutiny sites in Old Delhi, including the Kashmir Gate (stormed by the British during the assault of 14 September 1857), the Red Fort and the Indian Mutiny monument. We explore the imposing Red Fort and, time permitting, visit Coronation Park, with its eerie collection of discarded Raj statues and monuments.

Day 4.

Drive to the battlefield of Badli-ki-Serai to walk in the footsteps of the British 1st Brigade as it attacked the left of the rebels' entrenched position, eventually taking it at the point of the bayonet. Continue to Mirath, where the Indian Mutiny proper began, and visit the site of the old cantonment, including St John's church, the cemeteries, the parade ground and former officers' bungalows.

Day 5.

Today we visit the magnificent fortress and palace of Deig (Deeg) before checking into our hotel in Agra for two nights.

Day 6.

Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This afternoon we return our attention to the Indian Mutiny and explore Agra's beautiful Red Fort with its marble halls and formal gardens and which, in 1857, was a refuge for more than 5,000 Europeans and their Indian servants.

Day 7.

Walk the battlefield of Sasia where the British suffered one of the most humiliating defeats of the whole Indian Mutiny campaign. Continue to Jhansi and visit its impressive fort and the Jokan Bagh (site of the infamous massacre). Check into our hotel for one night.

Day 8.

Continue our tour of Jhansi, including the Rani's palace before departing for Kanpur where we check into our hotel for one night.

Day 9.

The most poignant day of the Indian Mutiny tour. We start with a visit to the All Soul's Memorial Church, built on the site of Wheeler's mud entrenchment. Follow in the footsteps of the garrison's bedraggled survivors to Satichaura Ghat and visit the site of the Bibighar Well where the corpses of the butchered women and children were dumped. Drive to Lucknow and check into our hotel for two nights.

"I can never spare a sepoy again. All that fall in to my hands will be dead men".

General James Neill

Day 10.

A tour round the Mogul splendours of Lucknow, once the richest city in India, taking in the key Indian Mutiny sites such as Martiniere College, the Kaisarbagh (or King's Palace), the Secunderbagh Garden, where more than 2,000 rebels perished when the British stormed it in November 1857 and the famous Residency compound which has hardly changed since the British recaptured it in March 1858.

Day 11.

Fly to Delhi and then check in for our return flight to London.