The Sweet Taste Of India
Jama Masjid Temple, Delhi
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Varanasi at Day
Varanasi at Night
The Taj Mahal, Agra
The Women of India
Happy Diwali - The Devi Ratn Resort, Jaipur
Diwali Celebration
Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The Sweet Taste of India
November 6 - 16, 2012
- $5,700
-
- Per Person, Double Occupancy
- $3,500 Single Occupancy Charge
- Flights to India and within India carry an additional cost
India a Journey Beyond
Cosmopolitan Delhi to the romantic city of Udaipur, you will be introduced to the customs, traditions, lifestyles and superb cuisine that make India the destination of a lifetime. In the company of experienced Guides, you will experience the spectacle of colors, sights, smells, sounds and vitality that comprises everyday life in India.
India is a land of variety and contrasts. To the north, it is bordered by the world’s highest mountain chain. In Rajasthan, one encounters a vast, sandy desert. In the south, plateaus and tropical rain forests are bordered by palm-fringed beaches.
The country’s topographical diversity is matched by its cultural diversity, a result of its long history, the co-existence of a number of religions, and local language and tradition. India’s history goes back to 3200 B.C., when Hinduism was first founded. Today, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam all exist within the country. India’s great natural wealth has lured a succession of traders and foreign influences, and each has left their imprint in the country. The towering temples of south India are easily identifiable by their ornately sculptured surfaces. In the desert, Spartan lifestyles are made vibrant by a profusion of jewelry, ornamental embroidery and colourful textiles. India today is equally home to simple tribal lifestyles and sophisticated urban jetsetters. It is a land where temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip, and where ancient monuments form the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy. Welcome to India, where culture speaks, tradition echoes, beauty enthralls and diversity delights.
Itinerary in Detail
- Date:
- Details:
- Tuesday
November 6
Arrive Delhi -
- This evening arrive at New Delhi Airport. On arrival tonight, clear immigration (Visa required) and customs and proceed to the exit where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight: The Leela Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Wednesday
November 7
Delhi -
- This morning, sleep in for a bit and relax. Around 10:30am, you will be met at your hotel and escorted on a half day tour of Old Delhi.
- Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India; the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
- Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.
- Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
- Overnight: The Leela Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Thursday
November 8
Delhi -
- This Moring you will be escorted for a half day tour of New Delhi.
- New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's. It's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings as well as green parks and gardens. New Delhi, an "Imperial City", boasts palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools.
- You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. You will also visit a local temple.
- Evening dinner will be provided at Local Restaurant
- Overnight: The Leela Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Friday
November 9
Fly Delhi / Varanasi -
- Early breakfast and for transfer to the airport . Transfer to the hotel to check in and enjoy lunch on your own. Travel to the city of Sarnath, where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Return to the hotel late this afternoon. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Also seen here are the original lions’ heads from the Ashoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic.
- This evening join your guide for a walk through the oldest and most famous narrow and winding lanes of the city, past the endless human panorama - pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, children selling flowers and floating lights to place in the river - to arrive at the ghats at the Ganges to witness the Aarti Ceremony which is part of the evening puja or prayers. During the ceremony deepas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganga with thanks and devotion for the light of the sun and for her divine light. As the Aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells are rung and chanting and singing provide a fascinating, magical and spiritual conclusion to the day’s end.
- This evening meet with your Astrologer at the Hotel.
- Overnight: Taj Gateway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Saturday
November 10
Fly Varanasi
/ Delhi and drive
to Agra -
- Early this morning, you will be met and escorted on a sunrise boat ride on the holy river, Ganges. You will see the ritual bathing that takes place after sunrise. Hindu pilgrims come to bath in the sacred Ganga, facing the rising sun when leaf-boat offerings are floated down the river. Next, walk through the narrow lanes of the streets next to the river. Here you will see life as it has been for centuries. Also during this tour, we can’t miss some of the temples located here in this spiritual center. Witness the locals living and praying in one of the holiest cities in India. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
- Afternoon Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred by coach to the city of Agra. (Restroom stop half way) On arrival, check in to your hotel
- Overnight: Amar Vilas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Sunday
November 11
Agra -
- This Morning you will be escorted to that great memorial to love, the Taj Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day.
- Later you will be transferred to the nearby Agra Fort for a short tour.
- This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the Yamuna River was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571. The fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creative builders during the time of Akbar and later Jehangir and Shah Jehan.
- Overnight: Amar Vilas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Monday
November 12
Agra – Jaipur
Happy Diwali! -
- This morning rise early and have breakfast. Later check out from the Hotel and drive to Jaipur. We will stop at of Fatehpur Sikri. Here you’ll visit the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Later continue to Jaipur. and the third corner of India’s Golden Triangle. It is also located in the state of Rajasthan, created from 22 feudal kingdoms, following the 1947 Partition and is the state’s capital city.
- On your drive, evidence of lucrative trade routes over the Thar Desert are seen in the remains of luxurious palaces, temples and forts built by successive rulers, including Hindu Rajputs and Muslim Mughals. A great destination to do shopping with outstanding values in textiles, jewelry, metals and precious stones
- Evening witness and participate Diwali Special pooja ceremony… Later enjoy your dinner watching the traditional cultural dance program at the Hotel.
- Overnight Devi Ratn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Tuesday
November 13
Jaipur. -
- This morning after breakfast you will drive to Just outside the city is Amber Fort, a spectacular fortress-palace protecting a complex of palaces and temples. The original fort is said to have been constructed in the 10th C.
- Late this afternoon you’ll explore Jaipur itself, including Hawa Mahal, the five-story Palace of Winds in the Old City; the Peacock Gate at the City Palace, with its excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and Rajput armory; the stunning Chandra Mahal, the City Palace Museum and much more, but never enough. Spend a congenial evening savoring the unique pleasures of this amazing city.
- Evening Dinner with Cultural program
- Overnight: Devi Ratn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Wednesday
November 14
Jaipur – Udaipur
( 6 hrs drive) -
- This morning after breakfast you will drive to Udaipur. Arrive in Udaipur and you’ll be transferred to Hotel Udai Vilas. This evening relax at the Hotel
- Overnight Udai Vilas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Tuesday
November 15
Udaipur -
- Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. Today, you may opt to simply enjoy the stunning Udai Vilas property. You may also choose to secure a spa service or relax by the pool. There is also an optional tour available as well: 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 fine views of the lake and the city from upper terraces. Proceed on to the Jagdish temple which 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. The temple is still in use and is visited by colorfully dressed pilgrims. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari – the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
- After your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at leisure.
- Overnight Udai Vilas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Friday
November 16
Fly Udaipur - Delhi
evening departure -
- This morning after breakfast, join for a Yoga session at the Hotel. Later this afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival connect your flight International flight back home
- Meals : Breakfast
Not Included: International airfare between home and Delhi, flights within India, departure taxes, meals aside from the itinerary, tips to tour guide and driver and personal items, optional meals and tours, late check out, and airport transfers aside from the group flight.
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