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Day 01
:
Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival, meeting and traditional Welcome with
garlands. Our representative would guide you to your
luxury car, and, during the ride to your hotel, would
introduce India and your tour to you. Whilst you are
being checked in, a refreshing Welcome drink is served
to you; Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo
bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you
for giving us the opportunity to serve you !
Upon arrival at the hotel, our representatives organize
your check in, - 'namaste' and welcome to India!
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 02 :
Delhi
Following rest & relax, we proceed on a guided tour of
New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple ,
Humayun's Tomb (1586) , the Qutab Minar 72 meters high
and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world.
The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of
weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive
through Embassy area, the Government buildings
(1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old
Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and
19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic
as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested
roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and
forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour
includes visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive
through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly
translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of
shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi,
on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the
builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and
carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats
where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and
thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle
rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat
at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on
a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the
sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore
and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour
of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and
pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be
accompanied by peals of laughter both from the
passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day
03 :
Delhi / Ahemedabad - {Rajdhani Express 1935 / 1000*}
Following leisurely breakfast, we visit Dilli Haat, a
project conceived with the basic idea of providing
encouragement and exposure to needy artisans and
craftsmen all over the country who often spend their
lives within the confines of their own village and town.
The success of the project lied in freeing the craftsman
and the artisan from the stranglehold of the middlemen
and bringing them into direct contact with buyers both
within the country and outside. Dilli Haat offers the
visitor not only the arts and handicrafts of the country
at one place, but also the cuisine and performing arts
from different parts of the country.
While developing the concept, it was kept in mind that
when a 'Haat' comes to the city, it has to adjust to
urban contemporary needs while retaining the cultural
ambience familiar to rural crafts people.
Later in the evening, transfer to the train station to
board RAJDHANI EXPRESS for an overnight journey to
Ahmedabad. Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins
accompanied by blankets, sheets and pillows.
Overnight: - 2 Tier Airconditioned Sleeper Accomodation.
Day 04:
Arrival / Ahemedabad
Ahemedabad / Dungarpur (125 Kms)
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and drive to Dungarpur
.
Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace. The
history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates
from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II,
a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of
bluish grey local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake
and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate
sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies,
balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of
marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput
architecture. The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged in 1940
by Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings
around the " Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally one- pillared
Palace) and thus created the famous " courtyard of the
palace.
The result is an architectural expression exquisitely
detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers
accommodation in the houseguest tradition with seventeen
spacious and lavishly appointed bedrooms. No two rooms
are alike; each room enchants with its own personality,
spaciousness and modern comforts and offers a unique
experience. The Furnishings are mostly from the 20th
century art-deco style, marble bathrooms with English
fixtures and running hot and cold water. Meals are
served either in the banquet hall, which displays
crystal chandeliers, or in the more intimate family
dining room. Continental or Chinese dishes are also
served.
Overnight will be in Ahmedabad.
Day 05 :
Dungarpur
The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose
history of occupancy in the Aravalli Range is said to
date back to 4000 B.C. They are one of the oldest and
most primitive tribes of the world. This morning we will
visit some of these unspoiled Bheel hamlets in and
around the town. We will witness and photograph age-old
tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the
centuries. You would have an opportunity to meet
villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello
to people, allow them to get used to you and then, you
may go ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up
as the pied piper followed by scores of noisy and happy
children!!!
We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the
destination at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a
round-the-year paradise for bird watchers. The cooler
months from mid October to February are the best to see
winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in
attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself
at remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons,
white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or
resident ducks among others, depending on the season of
your visit. Birds are also plentiful in the surrounding
wood lands where one can hope to see the Grey Hornbill,
Gray Partridge, Green Pigeon, Peafowl, Peacocks,
Paradise fly-catcher and the Golden backed woodpecker,
to name a few representative species. You may proceed on
a leisurely walk around the lake or heir boat for a
special boat trip on the lake as well as a gentle trek
through the forests so that the nature lover in you is
able to enjoy the beauty of the place and are able to
get a close look at the bird life.
Late afternoon we visit the ancient fortified ruins of
the Old Fort. Besides fine panoramic view of the ancient
town of Dungarpur the fort has well preserved examples
of natural colour paintings and incredible art and
architecture.
Overnight will be in Dungarpur.
Day
06 :
Dungarpur / Udaipur (100 Kms)
Following breakfast, we drive to Udaipur. Royal capital
of a divine dynasty. Languid Lake City, strewn with
marble palaces, hibiscus - massed gardens, fountain
pavilions, and cobbled medieval gardens.
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise ".
Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage
of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of
the sun God. A city where the sun truly never set, where
tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily
united with a love of fine living. A city that has come
to be an oasis of romance in the warrior state of
Rajasthan.
Upon arrival check into your hotel Shikarbadi,
Originally a hunting lodge frequented by the royalty of
Mewar, this Royal Retreat, is set amidst the serene,
wooded Aravalis. For wildlife and adventure buffs, there
is a licensed Deer Park and also a provision for
horseback excursions into the sanctuary and the Aravali
hills where one can spot deer, antelope, wild boar,
monkey and the nilgai.
Afternoon, we proceed on a tour f this "Lake City".
Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan.
It is probably the most romantic city in a state where
every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The
huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a
conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers,
it manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design
and affords very fine view of the lake and the city from
the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city
palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and
his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a brass
image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan
Art.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and
beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake
called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace
provided inspirations and ideas to the builder of the
Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake provide interesting
glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes
place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and
its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is
a scene of rare beauty.
Overnight will be in Udaipur.
Day 07:
Udaipur / Rohet (215 kms)
After breakfast, we ride out to Rohet. Upon arrival
check into the Rohetgarh fort.
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past,
a world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of
pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular
magnificence. Past centuries come to life at the
historic boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century
fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan. Within the
precincts of these time weathered walls is our hotel,
the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput
traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable
Rajasthani culture where one can, even today experience
the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality.
Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the
traditional style, using traditional motifs and colour
schemes herald your entry to this charmed world the
bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where a
profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome.
The portico is a warm and informal place decorated with
the artifacts and trophies of many years. Exquisitely
carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original
paintings and photographs decorate your rooms, which
though redolent with the romance of a bygone era,
provide all the modern amenities. Antique hunting
riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original
paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The
swimming pool here is in beautiful settings and is an
oasis in a dessert. The food at Rohetgarh is special;
each recipe is both traditional and typical, handed down
the generations and jealously guarded to retain its
pristine flavours. You savour only the very best of
Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty. The
16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family
still live here and host the guests. The members of the
Royal family interact with the guests and interesting
stories and anecdotes are narrated.
Late afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a
fascinating small feudal town, which seems to be
straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper
road here - only one main dust trail. On either side are
typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds -
colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit
vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the
night is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around
which the rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes
shape in brilliant colours; truly an electrifying
experience
Overnight will be in Rohet.
Day 08 :
Rohet / Jodhpur (40 Kms)
This morning we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still
permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium
ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily
attired men and women carry on their chores and one can
catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The
smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of
the simple and traditional living here
Following Safari, we drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival,
check into the legendary Ajit Bhawan Hotel, Set in the
serene desert of Rajasthan, this hotel stands as an
oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Built
exclusively for Maharaja Sir Ajit Singh, it is vibrantly
alive with the personalized hospitality provided by the
late Maharaja's family who still live there. The doors
of this truly traditional yet subtlety contemporary
estate is open to you and offers you Old World elegance,
with the modern comforts of a classic heritage hotel and
the essence of being a guest of the Maharaj's family.
After lunch, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our
tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must
have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped
straight down making it nearly impossible to ascend.
Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating
history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and
Jaswant Tara - the Royal Crematorium.
Later, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower
Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most
colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.
Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Day 09 :
Jodhpur / Jaipur (350 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Jaipur. In a land
steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite
architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories
and romance, lies the dream city of Jaipur. The people
are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful.
Here every walk through the by lanes is a walk through
history. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast
open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis'
(ladies scarves). Camel's buggies and elephants are as
commonly found as motorcars and buses
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel. Evening is designed for
escorted walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated
streets - or for independent discovery. The city is best
explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor
willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis
(lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's
colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue
pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass
work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly
patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts
and miniature painting.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 10 :
Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of
the royal Jaipur. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic
Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km
north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills,
and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace
straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota
Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the
surrounding hills.
Afternoon, a tour Of City Palace & Observatory. The City
Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the
palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra
Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city.
The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies
the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven
gates and was built for protection from invading armies
and animals that lived in jungles which surrounded the
wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory -
an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that
give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 11 :
Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Following breakfast, we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a
guided tour. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a
perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's
splendour. The city divided into religious and secular
parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.
From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival check
into hotel Holiday Inn, lies in the heart of this
fascinating city, allowing you to explore and witness
the ambience of this historically beautiful city as well
as the romance of the Taj Mahal and the elegance of
emperor Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri.
Overnight will be in Agra.
Day 12 :
Agra / Varanasi (Poorva Express - 0800PM/0500*AM)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most
photographed monument in the world. However, there is a
degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a
building so much and once you see so many pictures of a
building your expectations are real high; and this is
the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many
pictures you have seen or no matter how high your
expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the
unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses
beyond all human imaginations. At sun rise we visit the
Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for
love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its
construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones
into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely
remarkable.
Following leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive
Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an
interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian
architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze
of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the
fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti
Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill
of the ancient Indian architects.
Later in the evening we are transferred to the train
station for an overnight train ride to Varanasi.
Overnight : Airconditioned sleeper accommodation
(accompanied by blankets, sheets and pillows)
Day 13 :
Arrival Varanasi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to
Hotel Pallavi International, which has witnessed a
transformation from being a home for salvation of the
rulers of Hathwa Raj of Bihar in the 19th century, to a
classified Hotel where one can enjoy all the trappings
of the former royalties. The Hotel promises to its
visitors the twin advantage of a princely grandeur
topped with the princely laidback lifestyle. The Palace
retains all the paraphernalia of a royal abode like the
Durbar hall, sepoy lines, mahavathkhana and so forth.
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living
city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century
BC Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic
affiliation goes back to the beginning of time. It is
also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi
(derived from the names of two nearby rivers) is
mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient name is Kashi,
the City of Light. To the devout it is also called
Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of
Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares.
Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is
considered the holiest city in all of India. It is
presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as
Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a
sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians
will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their lifetime
than any other place.
On your agenda this afternoon are several temples and
the Hindu University at Benares. First stop would be the
Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by
Mahatma Gandhi, it features a huge marble map of India
on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga Temple. Known
for its bright red color and the playful, if sometimes
aggressive, monkeys that run amok there, the Durga
Temple is one of the most imposing architectural
monuments in Varanasi.
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at
the southern end of town, is also home to the New
Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in design
and open to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by
palm trees, it is a splendid white marble structure that
shines in the afternoon sun against a pale blue sky.
Inside, the temple is spacious and airy. The interior
walls are covered with Vedic art above inscriptions from
the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the center of the
first floor is the Shiva linga.
This evening we take a short trip to the Buddhist city
of Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preached his
first sermons after attaining enlightenment. The
highlight of this tour would be a participation in the
evening prayer service (aarti) of the main Buddhist
temple here - the synchronized chanting of hymns to the
accompaniment of traditional temple music is a sole
stirring experience.
Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 14:
Varanasi
/ Delhi (9W334 1440/1600)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride.
Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be
seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks
are lined with an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that
stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats
form an impressive part of the religious landscape of
the city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you
would be pointed out the significant temples and
buildings as well as the changing architectural style.
Life and death go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young
people seek prosperity and protection from harmful
influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to
cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in
preparation for their ultimate dissolution.
Believing that anyone who dies in the river of life in
Varanasi gains freedom from the cycle of birth and
death, the City of Light has become a haven for the sick
and aged waiting out their final days. The smoke that
billows from the crematoriums on the edge of the river
gives testimony to their final release from life's
earthly confines. We would docked our boat at
Manikarnika (Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere
from a few dozen to a few hundred corpses are cremated
here; the ghat is assiduous with activity as the
cremated bodies threw up smoke and fire.
Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore
the inner city. Through a twisted maze of narrow alleys,
home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back
a few centuries. Life here has stood still for years.
The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not
changed over the centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic
experience of timelessness!
Afternoon, transfer to air port to connect the Delhi
flight. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer
to Hotel.
A Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: This evening we visit
an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The
evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight
into Indian family life as well as experience typical
Indian hospitality and home made Indian food
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 15 :
Delhi/Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward
flight back home. |
