A spectacular, 10-Day
sampling of the color and contrasts of this exotic Asian sub-continent
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive New Delhi, India & experience the traditional warm welcome.
Oberoi Maidens Hotel
Day 02 : New Delhi
the
capital of India and third largest city, consists of two parts: Old Delhi
and New Delhi. After breakfast, take a guided tour of New Delhi, and such
sights as Humayun's Tomb (1586); Qutab Minar, 72-meters high and one of the
most perfect towers in the Persian world; 1,500-year-old Iron Pillar. Tour
the Embassy area, Government buildings, and Connaught Place, heart and main
shopping district. Cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi. Old
Delhi draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques,
monuments and old forts. Tour includes the Jamma Mosque (1650), and fabled
Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), where the throngs of shoppers and vendors
meet in the oldest area of Delhi. On to Red Fort, built between 1639 and
1648 by Shah Jehan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Visit Raj Ghat and nearby
ghats where Mahatma Gandhi and his descendants were cremated. One of the
highlights today is riding on a three-wheel cycle rickshaw that has a sofa
seat in the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in front. This is a remarkable way to explore colorful, crowded narrow
winding streets and pavement shops selling wares of all description. This
evening, enjoy a welcome Dinner in a Big Five family home for a taste of
traditional Indian hospitality and traditional Indian food, and learn more
about Indians and their country.
Oberoi Maidens Hotel (B,D)
Day 03 : Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra. In the afternoon, tour the massive Agra
Fort. Its elegant buildings reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and
Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, it has a maze of
courtyards and mosques, and its private chambers echo the Mughal Empire.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in
the world. Yet, no picture can substitute for actually seeing the Taj Mahal.
The unparalleled beauty of it surpasses all expectations, especially when
viewed at sunset! Inspect the perfect symmetry of its construction. The
inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is
remarkable.
Trident Hotel (B)
Day 04 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After
breakfast, drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour of this perfectly
preserved, abandoned capital of the Mughals. Following the tour, continue on
to the Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, and colorful. Here
history lives in the by-ways and narrow streets. Indeed, Jaipur could be
compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron
'odhinis ' (women's scarves). Camels and elephants are as common as cars and
buses.
Trident Hotel (B)
Day 05 : Jaipur
This morning, tour Amber Fort set on dry wrinkled Aravali Hills. It is a
superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) architecture. Enjoy a slow
elephant taxi to the top of the Fort, which houses graceful buildings. Its
forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where Mughal and Hindu styles
fuse in ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the
walls, accented with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. Maota
Lake nearby offers breathtaking reflections of the Amber Fort-Palace. In the
afternoon, tour the City Palace in the heart of the old city. The fortified
wall was built with seven gates to protect from invading armies and jungle
animals. The center of the palace is a seven-story building called Chandra
Palace. Next, visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house.
And, see Palace on Winds (Hawa Mahal), a city landmark with its ornamental
facade. The five-story pink-sandstone structure, built in 1799 as a women's
palace, has 953 niches and windows.
Trident Hotel (B)
Day 06 : Udaipur
After
breakfast, fly to Udaipur, the Royal Capital of a divine dynasty that is
strewn with marble palaces, fountains, and cobbled Medieval gardens. The
famed "City of Sunrise" was founded in 1567. Upon arrival, board a
boat on the banks of Lake Pichola to our hotel, and view glimpses of daily
bathing and laundry chores that take place here. Afternoon tour of Udaipur,
a city of lakes and a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. City Palace
towers over the Lake Pichola, and is the largest palace complex in
Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive
rulers, it retains a surprisingly uniform design. Jagadish temple nearby
enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle -- a mighty
bird called garuda -- in a brass image. The temple is a fine example of
Indo-Aryan Art.
Trident Hotel (B)
Day 07 : Udaipur / New Delhi
Morning is at leisure for independent walks through the bustling bazaars of
the old city. Udaipur also offers some lovely scenic walks around its lakes.
Consider walking alongside the tranquil lakes to Shilpgram, the crafts
village of Western India where local handicrafts are displayed and sold.
Late morning, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Meeting and
assistance upon arrival, and transfer to hotel.
Oberoi Maidens Hotel (B)
