Day 1- 2: DelhiArrive in Delhi at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the early afternoon after lunch (approx 13.30) you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and the leader will collect your local payment. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting.
If you arrive early wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colorful spice market a great photo opportunity.
From Old Delhi it's easy to get to Connaught Place, more commonly known as CP, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule, by the metro (station at CP is called Rajiv Chowk). In CP wander the markets and shops or visit the Gandhi museum, built on the site of his assassination. If people watching is your thing head down to India Gate and relax on the lawns, or enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Lodi Gardens in nearby upmarket South Delhi.
Other options include the ruins of Qutab Minar, the fabulous architecture of Humayun's Tomb, the beautifully lotus shaped Bahai Temple (closed Monday), or the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple carved out of pink sandstone and white marble. The amazing Craft Museum or the huge and rambling National Museum are also worth a visit. (Note many museums are closed on Monday).
There are so many options for dining, from age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Old Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a movable feast. Restaurants and bars cater to all tastes and budgets.
A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls at Dilli Haat. Here, the cuisine of different states is made available. Set in the midst of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.
Breakfast at hotel. Your personal guide takes you on a city tour to witness the contrasts between the two cities in one, the old and new Delhi. In the evening we host you a welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town. Includes: (B), (D).
New Delhi begins with the drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar (1193 AD) this striking medieval tower of victory of Persian World is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years. Then drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate, Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area. Visit Humayun’s Tomb - considered to be the fore runner of Taj Mahal. In the evening we host you a welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Udaipur
Continuing southwards to the Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces, it certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Most famous of these palaces, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace where the white marble buildings (now a hotel) entirely cover a small island in Pichola Lake. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.
The city’s lakes—Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar—are considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan. An island in Fateh Sagar is even home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of six stations participating in the international Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), which studies the physical properties of the solar interior.
If you can pull yourself away from the shopping, there many points of interest, such as the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens) and City Palace with its museums, crystal gallery and wealth of royal treasures to explore.
Alternatively Udaipur's famous Lake Pichola is a serene place to enjoy a boat ride and if you are gastronomically inclined, there is plenty of time to learn the art of Indian cooking at Spice Box. Maybe visit a craft village and a folk museum or take in a fantastic cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli - you might even get up and join in the dancing! Journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace for sunset or you can spend lazy afternoons just taking in the views from the rooftop cafes over hot, sweet chai.
For the really adventurous head out to the nearby temple town of Nathdwara (approx 50kms) which enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura. The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. Or hire a car and head to Kumbhal Garh Fort built in the 15th century and the nearby Jain Temples at Ranakpur.
Day 4: Udaipur sight seeing and Boat Cruise
After breakfast, morning tour of Udaipur city includes palace Museum, Sahelion Ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Folk Art Museum, Jadish Temple. Later in the evening we take a boat ride in Lake Picchola and Drive back to the hotel. In the evening your dinner venue is the famous Bagor Ki Haveli, on the banks of lake Lake Picchola, a heritage property. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur 250 Kms, 5 hours. Lunch at Ranakpur hill resort and visit the famous Ranakpur temples. Built in white marble. Its 29 halls spread over 40,000 sq. ft. and has 1,444 pillars, not one of which is alike in its carving. After visit continue driving to Jodhpur. Check in at the hotel Taj Hari Mahal and similar category. Rest of the day free for individual activities. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 6: Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a vibrant, strategically important city on caravan trade routes. Jodhpur came up in the 15th century on profits from opium, sandalwood, dates and copper combined with the might of Rao Jodha and Mehrangarh became the most majestic fort of Rajasthan.
After the breakfast your tour begins by visiting the wonderful Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada (the royal cenotaphs of Maharaja Jaswant Singh). In the afternoon jeep safari to Bishnoi village to witness the opium ceremony, life of locals, potters house and wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Jodhpur-Jaipur
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Jaipur 310 Kms 6 hours. There are convenient stops available at regular intervals. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the Jai Mahal palace. Later in the evening we take you on a tour of Laxmi Narayan temple built in white marble, a heritage walk or a rickshaw ride through the illuminated bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 8: Jaipur
Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Here follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, or ride an elephant to Amber Fort Palace, one of the most spectacular forts in India.
Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or “The Pink City” as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city, in that the entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. That the results of this urban planning have so endured to this day is nothing short of miraculous.
Enter the heart of the mandala (on foot or by cycle rickshaw) and you are in the central palace quarter, with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the "Palace of Winds" was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.
Just 15 km from central Jaipur is the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill (today known as Jaigarh fort). The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.
Day 9: Excursion to Samode
Late breakfast and than a visit to nearby Samode Palace about 45 km.
The Samode Palace was the residence of the late rulers of this small principality under the Kingdom of Jaipur dynasty. This well preserved palace was converted to hotel a decade back. Nestled in the aravalli hills it is a great treat to nature lovers. We host you a lunch there followed by a visit to the durbar hall truly charming, with it’s windows and mirror embedded walls and ceiling. Return to the hotel, remainder of the day at leisure. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 10: Jaipur -Agra
Travel by early morning train to the Muslim city of Agra. Indian Railways, the world’s largest employer with 1.6 million employees, can certainly be counted as one of the marvels of modern India, and no visit is complete without at least one train trip.
Agra is best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Visit this icon of Mughal architecture either in the morning or late afternoon for the best light, and be sure to bring lots of film! Ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Lal Qila or Red Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument.
Constructed between 1631 and 1654 by a workforce of 22 000, the Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz had already borne the emperor fourteen children when she died in childbirth, and it is the romantic origin of the Taj as much as its architectural splendour that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures, the Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements.
The walled palatial city of Lal Qila, or the Red Fort, was first taken over by the Moghuls, at that time led by Akbar the Great, in the late 16th century. Akbar liked to build from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble and intricate decorations, and it was during his reign that the fort began changing into more of a royal estate.
However, it was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (who would eventually build the Taj Mahal) that the site finally took on its current state. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan preferred buildings made from white marble, often inlaid with gold or semi-precious gems, and he destroyed some earlier buildings inside the fort in order to build others in his own style. At the end of his life Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the fort by his son, Aurangzeb. It is said that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.
The fort was also a site of one of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, leading to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
Day 11: Agra
Taj mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the world built by Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory oh his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000. Craftsmen and master builders came from all over Asia to join in the great work – from Baghdad, Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India’s finest; was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant lands: Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrosolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.
The day starts early as we offer you to visit the great monument by sun rise. After the visit you return to the hotel for breakfast . In the afternoon the guide takes you to the other breath taking sites from the mughal era , including the Agra fort and itmad-ud-daulah , commonly known as baby taj. After the sightseeing return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 12: Agra - Khajuraho
After breakfast board the early morning luxury train Shatabdi Express for Khajuraho. Get down at Jhansi and 40 minute drive to Orcha for Lunch. After lunch another 4 hours drive to Khajurah. Upon arrival check in at the hotel Taj Chandela. This evening we offer you a dance performance at the kandharia auditorium where you view the regional dances from across the country.
Overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 13: Khajuraho
The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandela dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.
After Breakfast visit the enchanting temples of Khajuraho with erotic sculptures. Your guide unwinds the stream of tantra in hinduism.
In the afternoon drive to airport for flight to Varanasi .Upon arrival check in at the Taj ganges / Radisson. In the evening we take you for a rickshaw ride in the downtown area and then head to the ghats of river Ganges for a boat ride and witness the Ganga Aarti (the Brahmin priest offer prayers to the holy Ganges for bestowing them life and wisdom). Overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Varanasi (the city of light, learning and cremation, burning)
The venerable and ancient city Varanasi is the religious center of the world for Hindus. It is a magnificent city, with myriad attractions, both as an exalted place of pilgrimage and a microcosmic center of faith. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city from all parts of India and from across the world. Varanasi is a unique city where the past and present, eternity and continuity lives side by side. It is considered to be the immortal abode of shiva.
The life and activities in the city revolve around the holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims -men, women and children, come down to the river to wait for the rising sun. Your day starts by a sunrise visit at river Ganges followed by a walk through the narrow lanes of the city to feel the life & culture of the holiest city of the country.
Return back to the hotel for breakfast. After lunch in the afternoon visit to Sarnath 10 km This fabled place bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. There are remains dating as far back as the 3rd century B.C. when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar edicts. The ruins at Sarnath and the art collection in the Archaeological Museum are representations/ examples of the glorious past of Sarnath. Return back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi
Morning at leisure. We take an afternoon flight to Delhi, where we have arrangements of the day rooms near the airport till your onward flight connections.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Hotels of 4-5 star and heritage category with all specified meals and the special theme lunches and dinners.
- Air conditioned transport of superior category with mineral water served during drives.
- Services of personal guides at all destinations with entrances paid for all the monuments.
Price Excludes:
- International flights, taxes etc.
- Any tips paid to anybody for any personal service.
- Consumption of any drinks even during paid meals.
- Any air port taxes.
Notes:
- Single Supplement Available for 35% Extra .
- Kindly put in a Rate request for The Tour cost of Four Star hotels.
