|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On your arrival at Delhi, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to a hotel. TRADITIONAL WELCOME - The warmth of Indian hospitality & the custom of welcoming guests is as old as the time itself. On arrival, as you step into the hotel, ladies in traditional local costumes greet you with flowers & perform the "aarti" ceremony. After having your fore head anointed with traditional red "tikka" relax with non-alcoholic welcome drink. at the lobby and welcome drink while room keys are handed over to group leader. Group checks into rooms after wake up calls and breakfast time is intimated. Surprise gifts at bedsides in each room.
A capital way to begin your discovery of India
The world is the body, Delhi is its soul�is how a 19th century poet described this city that has ever been so many things to so many different people. To the weary travelers on the ancient silk route it was the first plain after having crossed the Himalayan Mountains with the promise of shelter, food and business opportunities. To the Afghan, Turk, Greek, Arab and Roman kings it was a vast and inexhaustible source of treasures of all kinds, to the Chinese travelers it was the land of knowledge and wisdom. Its ageless face saw the advent of Islam. It saw empires being built and destroyed or even merely dismantled to make way for the new and Delhi lived on�.
The British created their own Delhi with large well planned avenues and planted 10000 trees with 112 kms of hedges that it would be green round the year abundant with flowers a botanical paradise. The seat of the British Empire Delhi of 1911 was planned to resemble �an Englishman dressed for the climate�. Its planners and main architects decided that it would be neither hindu, nor Muslim, nor Buddhist, nor English nor Roman but IMPERIAL a house for the Viceroy that resembled �a giant Indian bungalow, embattled Rajput fortress and Mughal tomb with shades of Buckingham Palace with English country house comforts. Delhi is perhaps the only city in the world that fuses its past present and evokes its future without losing an iota of its identity. 1300 monuments speak of her antiquity of the ambitions of men who thought they could hold on to her but history proved otherwise. A popular superstition is that it is also known as the �graveyard of dynasties� with every one of its cities built there heralding the death the dynasty that built it.
Thus, Delhi is a Melting Pot of cultures, politics and religions of India�s colourful past in its monuments, its palaces, and in the faces of its people that they narrate the story of their glorious past.
New Delhi is a capital of modern India.
Overnight : In Delhi
|
|
|
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning :
New Delhi A Touch of Faith, Philosophy and British India
The discovery of New Delhi starts with visit to Humayun�s tomb ~ the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble � one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Later visit Qutab Minar which is Delhi's Eiffel Tower, its Statue of Liberty and Nelson's Column. Visit the mosques, mausoleums and ruins of forts that lie around it.
We drive to one of the most colonial part of New Delhi called Raisina Hill. Drive past the Viceroy's House (now the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India) and Lutyen's magnum opus; the India Gate, a war memorial arch.
We then drive past a Sikh place of worship called a Gurdwara or Temple. This shrine is the scene of constant devotional music, whose ethereal tones are relayed throughout the entire complex. A Sikh temple without a Community Kitchen or �Langar� is inconceivable. Food is serviced in the kitchen of the Gurudwara 24 hours to all visitors without any distinction of caste, creed, color or religion. All high or low, rich or poor sit in the same queue. Approximately 40,000 visitors share the meals everyday presently.
Gala lunch at a farmhouse restaurant.
Afternoon :
Old Delhi � Happily Chaotic!
We proceed for our unique yet fascinating experience of Old Delhi. Visit the mighty Red Fort followed by �cycle rickshaws� through the lanes of �Chandni Chowk� or silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy Avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk literally means �moonlit crossroads� and an area which best represents the �super-Oriental�- the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange aromas, the pungent odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and �rickshaw- walas� and the clatter and whirr of furious industry. The thrill of being driven through the narrow, winding lanes is a memorable experience. This is perhaps one of Delhi's most populated areas and the largest marketplace. Conclude the tour with Raj Ghat � Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi�s memorial.
In evening enjoy dinner with HYDERABADI CHOWKI THEME - Set in a "chowk" (street market) with all its colourful attractions. Street-side dishes are cooked in front of you. Discover "kadai" and "tawa khana" - hot tasty delicacies, snacks and Indian breads cooked on a griddle. For dessert, visit the "mithai-wala" (the Indian sweet-maker) and the "thelawala" who tempts you with fresh fruits. There is a "paan" shop which also sells "bidis" (freshly rolled Indian cigarettes). A "mehendiwalli" traces intricate designs in red colour on the hands of the ladies. This is done traditionally at all Indian weddings. A bangle-seller offers a glittering array of glass-bangles in vibrant hues.
Overnight : In Delhi
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
After breakfast group departs for Agra. A royal welcome awaits the group with decorated Floral Door with Aarti Tikka and Garlanding. Baggage check into rooms and keys handed over while group has lunch. After a leisurely lunch feasting leave for the Sightseeing of:
The Great Red Fort of Agra
Visit to the Agra Fort has been arranged. The Agra Fort�s construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565 when he was just 23 years of age. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings � the Pearl Mosque built of marble, the Hall of Public Audiences, the Hall of Private Audiences where the famous "peacock throne" was kept, the Octagonal Tower, the Jehangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir and the Khas Mahal, a beautiful white marble structure used as a private palace.
It is said that the world is divided into two parts; those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not.
Get on to the decorated �Tonga� for ride to visit the world famous �Taj Mahal�.
A flawless architectural creation.
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and son. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna river. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir's third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps. A labour of love ~ Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across India and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdad, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi. Intricacy in design ~ what is most amazing about the Taj Mahal is the fine detailing. The coloured inlay is never allowed to overwhelm the design, as carvings done in relief sensitively balance it. The ornate pietra dura and relief carvings are of floral, calligraphic and geometric designs. However, flowers remain the main decorative element as the tomb depicts a paradise garden. The skill of the inlay worker is so fine that it is impossible to find the joints, even when as many as 40 tiny pieces of semi-precious stones have been used in the petals of a single flower. Some of the best calligraphy of Koranic verses can be seen around the entrance arches and on the two headstones. The colours of the Taj ~ Taj Mahal changes its moods with the seasons and the different times of the day. At dawn, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, by noon it glitters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk. On full-moon away against the star-spangled sky. Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage in the drifting mists of winter. It can be solid and earthbound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces of Taj Mahal display the seductive power of architecture at its best.
In evening enjoy exclusive dinner with THE MOGHUL THEME - Go back to the historically fabled world of the great Moghuls. "Chobedar" (gatekeepers) usher guests to the "Daawat - khana" (dining room). Hostesses clad in silken, flowing shararas (skirts) & "chunnis" (veils) welcome the guests with flowers & "attars" (perfumes) in a traditional style. Flamboyant folk dances herald a sumptuous spread of Mughlai delicacies, served in a manner befitting royalty. O/N stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur
Morning :
After leisurely breakfast, depart by surface to Jaipur visiting deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route.
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, a visual experience of an ancient city abandoned by its ruler and yet well preserved to this day. One can visualise the splendour and glory of a bygone era. Fatehpur Sikri radiates a true sense of faith and belief in oneself and in God. Even today, people visit a shrine within the complex and pray for a better life.
A royal welcome awaits the group with decorated elephants and trumpeters, Baggage check into rooms and keys handed over while group has lunch.
Jaipur : The City of Royalty
Jaipur today, is the capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 � million people. Jaipur is called the �Pink City�, for by law all the buildings in the old city must be painted a deep saffron-pink. It is especially known for its arts and crafts: jewellery, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colourful place. On its streets you see women in their brilliant read and orange head coverings and sweeping skirts, and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned moustaches. Jaipur is also a city of polo which is played on horseback, elephants and at times on bicycles!
In evening enjoy Rajput Wedding : A traditional Rajput wedding ceremony where the group members participate as the "Baraat" (the bridegroom's family and friends who form the wedding party) and the bride's party. The baraat party arrives with a local band, complete with "mashaals" (torches). The hosts (bride's party) receive the baraat party and the wedding ceremony is performed under a decorated "mandap" (pavilion). The "meena bazaar" ( a colorful bazaar for the ladies) also forms an integral part of the setting. A festive buffet meal, laid out for both the parties in the illuminated palace- hotel, is accompanied by Shahnai music and folk dances. Also accompanying the ceremony is the traditional "mehendi" (henna) application for the ladies, which is considered auspicious at the time of an Indian wedding. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Enjoy an elephant ride up to the famous 17th century Amber Fort. After sumptuous Lunch, visit the enchantingly beautiful City Palace, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, now housing a museum containing rare armories, manuscripts, and paintings. Later, visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the landmark architecture of Jaipur built of pink sandstone. You will also visit the Jantar Mantar, an Astronomical observatory built by maharaja Jai Singh in 1728.
In evening visit to CHOKHI DHANI � AN ETHNIC VILLAGE RESORT where the guests would be given a Royal Welcome with fireworks and all traditional gestures � enjoy the exclusive dinner with village theme - Spread over 10 acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look, it is dotted with machaans & platforms where different folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich & vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The display of traditional huts and workmanship will take you back to the times when splendor was unpretentious. Experience the rich warmth and rustic charm of a typical Rajasthani Village at Chokhi Dhani- the festivities never end here !!! over the years it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country. Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture throughout the country.
Later come back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Samode
Morning free to relax in the hotel or group can go into the local Market for some shopping tour would take you to choose from colorful fabric, papier mache, gems and stones, blue pottery, carpets etc. Lunch at the fascinating local restaurant. Post lunch group departs for Samode (40 Kms away). Group arrives at the village entrance where decorated camel carts await your arrival. The group will distribute itself and mount camel carts and the coach with baggage will drive up to the palace. The camel caravan escorted with 2 torchbearers to each cart and led by local musicians would commence its journey through the cobbled streets through the village. The group would get a first hand insight into the quaint village life-style, the local village shops and houses, curious children waving greetings from the roof top and the friendly shy smiles from the conservative village belles. The group is times to reach the palace gate at sunset (40 minutes ride). On arrival the entire palace is lit up. They disembark and by now the excitement is loud and clear. The group then walks upto the palace entrance gate wherein village elders garlanding them receive them and the village belles in full local attire showering rose petals at the group. The group enters the lobby where a huge floral logo of your company is carved out on the floor welcoming the group, room keys are distributed and the ladies are presented with colorful Rajasthani scarves while the male member would be presented Turbans (Traditional Rajput headgear). They would be welcome to wear the same for the evening and the baggage transferred to the rooms. Cocktails with prince Yadavendra Singh is arranges at the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) and later the group is seated in the Durbar Hall for a cultural evening extravaganza, The ambience created goes back to 600 years when the king and his lieutenants would sit on the cushioned floor and the dancers performed for entertainment. The group would be served drinks and dinner while the local dancer and musicians entertain. Members from the group would be invited to join the dancers. After dinner, coffee is served on the terrace. The group would be thrilled to see a fire work show against the stark naked mountain landscape and the grand finale lighting up your company's logo against the skyline. Overnight.
Day 07 : Samode - Delhi
Morning free at the palace or trek upto the fort. Group would then ride camels to the royal orchards for lunch and thus be able to observe rural life-style of study rare and shy wildlife. Later drive back to Delhi (6 hours approx.). Arrive Delhi by evening check-in hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08 : Delhi � Departure
Transfer to international airport to board your flight.
|
