CLASSICAL INDIA ITINERARY:
PLEASE NOTE: The Days of the week vary with the specific departure date.
Jan.
19
& Feb. 27 departures begin on a Wednesday; Dec. 05 departure begins on a
Friday.
DAYS 1 & 2, Thursday & Friday - Depart for New Delhi, INDIA
Depart your home city on Thursday for New Delhi. You will arrive in New Delhi
late
Friday night / early Saturday morning.
New Delhi is the capital of India and its history goes back over 3,000 years. Its
conquerors came, saw and built new cities through the centuries. Seven principal
cities were created by different rulers in and around present day New Delhi. In
1911 the British shifted the capital of India to Delhi and the modern city of New
Delhi took shape in the imperial style ofarchitecture. Now, as then, New Delhi
throbs with vitality and passion. Taj Mahal Hotel
DAY 3, Saturday - New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi and you are taken to your luxury hotel. You’ll have the morning
to rest in your deluxe room after your long flight. In the afternoon begin
your
exploration of the city.
Capital to seven different cultures over the course of its history, New Delhi is a
fascinating fusion of them all. The art and architecture
of the city reflects its ancient
and multifaceted heritage. A Hindu fortress, a Mughal tomb, an Islamic minaret and
mosque – all within minutes of each other –give an idea of the cultural
richness of
this city.
Designed by the British, modern day New Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in
the world. Take in the splendor as we drive past the government buildings and
diplomatic
enclave along the broad and majestic Rajpath. The Rashtrapati
Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the
official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340
rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hill.
View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who
lost their lives in World War I. Below it burns a perpetual flame in tribute to all
martyred soldiers.
See Purana Qila, or Old Fort, the sight of the mythical Indraprastha, the original
city of Delhi. The Afghan ruler, Sher Shah, completed the fort during his reign
from 1538-45.
The fort, located near India Gate and Humayun's Tomb,
has
massive walls and three large gateways.
Visit Humayun’s tomb built in the 16th-century. It is the first Mughal garden
tomb and the tomb of the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty. Notable as
an excellent example of early Mughal architecture, this style reached maturity
in the Taj Mahal at Agra. The terraces of the tomb provide an excellent view of
the surrounding city.
Our last destination today is the impressive Qutab Minar, a 234-foot high red
sandstone minaret. The buildings in this complex date from the onset of Muslim
rule in India. The Qutab Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory, whose
construction was commenced in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last
Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The tower has five distinct stories, each marked
by a
projecting balcony.
Tonight there will be a private cocktail and dinner party with your
Travcoa Travel
Director and fellow travelers to learn aboutthe incredible sights ahead.
Taj Mahal
Hotel
DAY 4, Sunday - New Delhi
Old Delhi will be explored this morning. Begin with a drive by the Red Fort, seat of
the Mughal Empire. It is a huge fort, housing within its precincts, imposing palaces
and impressive public buildings. Construction of the massive fort started in 1638
and was completed in 1648. Shah Jahan, the Emperor behind this creation, was
deposed and imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangazeb.
Experience a rickshaw (pedi-cab) ride around Chandni Chowk (an old shopping
street). See Jama Masjid, which means Friday mosque. It was built in 1656
and is the largest and the most splendid mosque in India. The mosque is made of
glowing red sandstone inlaid with marble and brass, and has three majestic black
and white marble domes. On to visit the gardens of the Bahai Temple, completed
in 1986.
It is set among pools and gardens and adherents of any faith are
welcome to visit and pray or meditate according to their reliion. The structure is in
lotus shape so it often called the Lotus Temple. The view of the temple is very
spectacular after
dusk when the temple is flood lit.
Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to the great Mahatma Gandhi. Also visit the Crafts
Museum, a collection of traditional Indian crafts in textiles, metal, wood and
ceramics. Then see the Temple of the Sikh, Gurudwara. Taj Mahal Hotel
DAY 5, Monday - Delhi & Agra
Today we travel to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic Mahabharat. Ptolemy, geographer
to
Alexander the Great, also called it Agra. However, it was in the medieval
period that
Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. The many
monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, have given it a unique
status. Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel
DAY 6, Tuesday - Agra
In the morning visit the Taj Mahal. The stunning mausoleum is pure beauty – not
just in
design and technique, but also in desire and intent. It was built as a
monument to love, a manifestation of life’s most powerful emotion.
It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife,
Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken
that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight. He vowed to honor her with
a memorial of unmatched beauty and commissioned the world’s best craftsmen
and 20,000 workers to buld this beautiful structure. The result stands before
you – a
delicately carved, white marble jewel, which seems to float on a sea of
red limestone.
Later, travel to the Agra Fort, the massive red sandstone Mughal Fort built on
the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Additions were made
until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan, under whose reign it was partially
converted into a palace. Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel
DAY 7, Wednesday - Agra & Ranthambhore
In the morning drive to Fatehpur Sikri, which lying quietly and taking on a sleeping
beauty quality, is wonderfully preserved. This
magnificent fortified city was the
capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Once
fabled, it is a perfectly
preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire's splendor.
You’ll see the Halls of Public and Private Audiences, the Tower of Victory, and
the
Tomb of Salim Christi, which is laced with mother-of-pearl.
Continue driving to Bharatpur and the rail station for your train to Sawai Madhopur,
which is near to Ranthambhore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife destinations.
Ranthambhore National Park derives its name from an 11th
century fort, of which
the remnants of summer palaces and temples still stand. It is famous for
its elusive
tigers and is a favorite with photographers. Tigers may be spotted
during the day
while stalking, hunting or taking care of their young. With the strict measures taken
for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to and not disturbed by human
presence. Oberoi Vanyavilās Luxury Tents
DAY 8, Thursday - Ranthambhore
Today you will have morning and afternoon game drives into the park by Jeep. The
park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The species’ lists include 300 trees, 50
aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles and amphibians, and 30 mammals.
In addition to the tiger, other predators found in the park include leopards, striped
hyenas, jackals, caracals and jungle cats. Also seen
are sloth bear, sambar deer,
spotted deer, blue bull antelope, wild boar, Indian gazelles, mongoose, and monitor
lizards. Oberoi Vanyavilās Luxury Tents
DAY 9, Friday - Ranthambhore & Jaipur
In the morning, we drive to Jaipur. The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan is
surrounded
on all sides by rugged hills. Most of the palaces and buildings in the city were
made
from pink sandstone and hence Jaipur came to be called the “Pink City.”
The city
was
founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh II and built according
to
the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is
a walled city with seven rectangular blocks. The Maharajah’s palace stands in the
center of the city amidst lovely gardens.
You’ll have the rest of the day to relax in your luxury rooms and enjoy the city and
your magnificent hotel. Rambagh Palace Hotel
DAY 10, Saturday - Jaipur
We travel north of Jaipur in the morning to visit Amber Fort and its famous
palace,
beautifully reflected in the lake below.
Within the fort, find lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the famous
Jai
Mandir Temple with its world-renowned hall of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal. The walls
and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which
reflects
any streak of light and illuminate the entire room.
Visit Jantar Mantar, a medieval Indian observatory equipped with instruments of
astonishing size and precision, including a 90-foot
high sundial.
See the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, a major Rajput landmark built in 1799.
This five story building in the old city is a pink sandstone masterpiece with semi
octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows. The monument was originally
conceived to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the city’s everyday
life and royal processions in absolute privacy.
The City Palace is the royal residence of the erstwhile King of Jaipur. It houses a
museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armory of Mughal and
Rajput weaponry, and swords of different shapes and sizes with ornamental
handles – some of them inlaid with enamel, embellished with jewels and encased
in magnificent scabbards.
Drive past Moti-Doongri Palace – a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish
castle – to Ram Niwas Gardens and architecturally impressive Albert Hall. The
Central Museum, housed in the Albert Hall, include portraits of the Maharajas of
Jaipur, tribal costumes, miniature paintings, musical instruments and decorative
artifacts. Then take a brief rickshaw ride through the old walled city bazaars, with
a stop at Tripolia
Gate. Rambagh Palace Hotel
DAY 11, Sunday - Jaipur & Jodhpur
Our journey continues to the 15th century city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of
Thar Desert. It is a resplendent city, with a blend of modern and traditional
buildings. It is popularly known as the “Blue City” because of the beautiful houses
painted with an indigo color, mostly belonging to the Brahmin caste. Jodhpur is
encircled by a high six mile-long wall and is blessed with a number of forts,
temples, gardens and lakes. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk
dances, music and the brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city.
Visit impregnable Maherangarh Fort, founded in 1459. It totally dominates the
city and within its walls are the royal palaces, priceless jewels and a
striking
collection of arms. Umaid Bhawan / Taj Hari Mahal Hotel
DAY 12, Monday - Jodhpur & Rohet
This morning we take a short drive through scenic countryside to Rohet Gahr.
Located next to a village at the edge of a lake, it is a fortified desert home
that has belonged to Raja Manvedra Singh and his ancestors since the 16th
century. Today it is a Heritage Hotel where the family still resides.
You’ll participate in a “Village Safari” and have an opportunity to experience first
hand the authentic rural life of India and its local cultures and traditions. Because
of the host family's special bond with different local communities that goes
back for generations, you are
taken
into homes and received with warmth and affection, an experience that
often
eludes the ordinary traveler.
Become acquainted with many cultures – the Bhishnois, protectors of nature
for five centuries and arguably the world's first ecologists, responsible for the
survival of species such as the black-buck antelope; the semi nomadic Raika
shepherds of Marwar whose brilliant crimson and marigold costumes would
put modern designers to shame; and the Paliwals and the Meghwals, the
farmers and weavers.
Witness traditional folk ceremonies and see village artisans at work creating
leather articles, pottery and woven handicrafts. In addition to being home to
three species of antelope – the chinkara, the blue bull and the black buck –
Rohet is also a haven for bird watchers, with up to 200 domestic and
migratory species. Driving across the landscape you may encounter wild
camels.
Visit Sardar Bazaar and Clock Tower markets where you can see the vegetable,
spice, Indian sweets, textile and silver markets. These colorful markets with
tiny shops dot the narrow lanes replete with woodcarvings, wrought iron, lacquer
work, silver and ivory ornamentation and leather handicrafts.
Jodhpur is famous for exquisitely designed saris. Some of India's most innovative
designers have their exclusive boutiques in Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan / Taj Hari
Mahal Hotel
DAY 13, Tuesday - Jodhpur & Udaipur
In Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with picturesque associations of a great
and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amid green hills on the banks of Lake Pichola.
On little islands in the lake, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy
castles. Crowning the ridge of the city, along the shores of the lake, is the palace of
Maharana. Within the palace is all the magnificence of the East – peacocks in
mosaic on the walls, floors inlaid with tiles of rare beauty, and roof gardens with
thrilling views of the panorama below. Upon arrival in Udaipur, transfer to
your luxury hotel. Lake Palace Hotel
DAY 14, Wednesday - Udaipur & Mumbai (Bombay)
Your morning sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast and exquisite
City Palace, a well-fortified, majestic white monument. The main entrance,
a triple-arched gate named the Tripolia, was built in 1725 and is a marvel.
The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas
of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore
their confidence, is also a fascinating sight.
Visit Jagdish Temple, a 16th century temple dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, it is the largest
and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Drive past Fateh Sagar Lake and visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids
of
Honor, which has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately
chiseled kiosks and elephants. The garden brings to the fore the unique lifestyle
of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens.
Take a cruise on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir Palace, which
covers almost four
acres and is noted for its marble pavilion and an imposing dome. You’ll see people
doing their laundry on the shores of the lake against the backdrop of the massive
City Palace and the old ciy.
Late in the evening you fly to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) and upon
arrival, are taken directly to your luxury hotel. The Oberoi / Taj Mahal Hotel
DAY 15, Thursday - Mumbai
Mumbai’s beautiful harbor and waterfront is studded with hilly islands and a palm-fringed
shore that rises gradually to the peaks of mountain ranges. Known as “the
Gateway of India,” it is the second largest city in the world and the commercial
capital of India. Its original name Bombay emerged from the Portugal term Bom Bahai
meaning good bay or harbor. The city was formed by the reclamation of seven islands
on the coast along the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai boomed into a textile city in the 19th
century. With the opening up of the
Suez Canal in 1869 the city's future as India's primary port was assured. The prolific
film industry, cricket on weekends, bhel puri (an Indian snack)
on the Chowpatty
beach and red double-decker buses enhance the charm of the city.
In the morning cruise to Elephanta Island. Rock-cut temples on this peaceful island
are some of Mumbai's major tourist attractions. They are believed to have been
carved between 450 and 750 A.D. The main cave contains large sculpted panels
relating to Siva, including the astonishing 20-foot-high, triple-headed Trimurti, in
which
Siva embodies the roles of creator, preserver and destroyer.
Enroute back to the hotel, drive through the city, passing the Hanging
Gardens,
dhobighats (public laundries), Victoria Railway Station and Crawford Market to the
beautifully sculpted Flora Fountain at the busy five-point intersection
in the heart
of the commercial Fort area.
Tonight you will enjoy a cocktail party and farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
For USA-bound flights, you will be taken to the airport late tonight. The Oberoi /
Taj Mahal Hotel
DAY 16, Friday - Depart for Home
Early this morning, dependent on your flight time, you will you will be taken from
your hotel to the airport for your return flight home or on to your next destination.
NOTE: The Daily Itinerary above is subject to change dependent upon local
conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific times and
order of inclusions within each destination may also be altered to best
accommodate unscheduled closure, special events, weather, traffic, etc. Please
contact your Vacation Planner before scheduling any coinciding appointments.
You will receive an updated, itinerary approximately 30
days prior to your journey’s
scheduled departure date.
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