MYSTERIES OF INDIA 15 DAYS FROM $3,249 US
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The Taj Mahal, temples and tigers — experience all the spice of India on this 15-day tour. See the Taj Mahal bathed in the light of sunrise and sunset. Embark on an evening cruise across Lake Pichola. Enjoy magnificent views of the Jag Mandir Palace. Participate in a yoga class with a local expert. See the City Palace in Jaipur. Experience two game drives in Ranthambore National Park. Tour Mother Teresa's Charity Home. Visit the site of Buddha’s first sermon. Take an early morning ride on the holy River Ganges.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Delhi, India - Tour Begins Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city that sports a rich history spanning over 2,000 years.
Day 3: New Delhi
Today discover the origin and history of the Hindi language, learning key words and phrases so you can better communicate with locals • Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi • Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque • Explore Old Delhi’s narrow streets by rickshaw, the traditional mode of transportation • Tour New Delhi, visiting Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world • Visit Humayun's tomb – considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal for its Indo-Persian design; it was built by the widow of a great Mughal Emperor • Behold the India Gate war memorial, the Parliament and the palatial Rastrapathi Bhawan – the President's residence.
Day 4: Delhi - Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur this morning, your gateway to Rajasthan • Check into your hotel, a restored palace overlooking the lake • This evening, cruise by boat along Lake Pichola taking in views of the Jag Mandir Palace and the City Palace.
Day 5: Udaipur
Visit the exquisite City Palace • Its main entrance, Tripolia, was built in 1725 • Set off to see the largest temple in Udaipur – Jagdish Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu after its construction in the 16th century • Stop at Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids of Honor • Learn about the lifestyle of the royal ladies who once strolled through these gardens.
Day 6: Udaipur - Jaipur
Fly to the “Pink City,” Jaipur • Stop briefly at Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja, beholding its façade of 953 windows • Visit the City Palace, finding gardens, courtyards, intricate decorative art and carved doorways • Marvel at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh.
Day 7: Jaipur
Participate in a relaxing yoga class, learning basic exercises and breathing techniques from a local expert • Ride an elephant* to the top of Amber Fort, India’s former seat of power • Tap into local customs during lunch as you learn about turban and sari tying • Stroll through a flower market for a glimpse into the art of making garlands used in traditional Indian welcome ceremonies • Sit down tonight for a home-hosted dinner, observing daily life inside the old city.
Day 8: Jaipur - Ranthambor
Travel to Ranthambore National Park, learning of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country • A naturalist discusses the wildlife of the country with a slideshow and discussion • Embark on a game viewing drive by canter, an open air vehicle. • Watch for marsh crocodiles, hyenas, sloth bears and even tigers.
Day 9: Ranthambore
Rise and shine early for a game viewing drive • Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at your hotel • Visit the Ranthambore School of Art which recruits students from neighboring villages and trains them to be self-sufficient artists • Next, visit Dastkar Ranthambore Project, founded in 1981 by six women united to protect India’s traditional artisans.
Day 10: Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra
An early morning train brings you to Bharatpur • Enjoy brunch • Set off for Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbarin in the 16th century; boasting palaces and mosques, this city was larger than London when it was constructed • Your day ends in Agra.
Day 11: Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise aboard a tonga – or horse carriage – that takes you to its gates • The Taj Mahal took 22 years and 20,000 men to build • Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world • Visit Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal Empire • Continue to Mother Teresa's Charity Home, a residence for orphans that is supported by the efforts of the tour operator Foundation • Here, the sisters provide children with clothing, food, affection and quality education.
Day 12: Agra - Jhansi - Occhra - Khajurah
Board your train for Jhansi • Continue to Occhra and visit Jahangir Mahal • Notice the palace's aura of grandeur and opulence representative of Bundela School of Architecture • Continue to Khajuraho, your home for the evening.
Day 13: Khajuraho - Varanas
Visit the Chandel Temple complex and behold some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India • Fly to Varanasi, a simplistic and charming city with a universal mystique • Tonight, visit the Ghats – the banks of the river – witnessing the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony • A Hindu scholar discusses the philosophy of Hinduism with you.
Day 14: Varanasi
Cruise along the River Ganges past various Ghats where you’ll see people ritually cleansing themselves of their sins, hoping for salvation • A city tour of Varanasi includes Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva; Benaras Hindu University; and Bharat Mata Temple • Continue to Sarnath where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha, gave his first sermon on a quiet grove in the 6th century BC • Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi - Tour Ends
Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi • Later, depart for the international airport for your flight home.
INCLUSIONS & EXPERIENCES
15 days 24 meals
Experience two game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
Visit Mother Teresa's Charity Home and witness how her work continues.
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Spend two nights in Varanasi, India’s holiest city
Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While we are known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Sunset at the Taj Mahal & Cultural Show $45.00
City: Agra
Climb aboard your tuk-tuk to Agra to behold the mysteriously beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Your auto rickshaw takes you right to Mahtab Bagh – the “Moonlight Garden” on the banks of Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – for a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After the sun sets behind this architectural marvel, travel to Kalakriti Cultural Center to see Mohabbat-the-Taj – a series of plays depicting the saga of love surrounding its creation. The love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and the lifestyle of Mughal era artisans who worked for 22 years to create this marvel are depicted in this timeless masterpiece.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Sound and Light Show Amber Fort $35.00
City: Jaipur
Amber Fort and Palace Complex in Jaipur holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendary past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore and a connoisseur of folk music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show has been set in a very exotic location, with the giant panoramic view of the Amber Fort and Palace Complex in the front, raising Jaigarh on the left, the hills at the back and the gallery itself in the Kesar Kiyari Complex of Maota Lake.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hour(s).
Dances of India $35.00
City: Khajuraho
Catch the Spirit of Indian folk dances at the Kandariya Art & Cultural Center. Enjoy a performance of different classical Indian style dances from Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Punjabi and many more. The performance is very colorful and provides insight into the Hindu culture and tradition.
Your transportation is included.
Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hour(s).
Dates January - May
October - November
PRICES: From approx
$3,249 US per person based on Double Occupancy More Tours and Cruises Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
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