Colorful Experiences in India

ITINERARY

• DAY 1

  Welcome to Delhi, India!

  Arrive at Delhi’s Airport. Welcome to India!
  
  Upon arrival at the airport meet our agent ambassador who will escort you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in 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 the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

  What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2

  Old Delhi - A Guided Tour

  After breakfast, proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi. Start with the visit of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. After this visit, hop on to your rickshaws and enter the colorful, narrow alleys and gullies of Old Delhi. Discover the gems of the main street of Chandni Chowk. Then proceed into busy streets which are forever bustling with the clamor and routine of daily trade, offering a glimpse of life back in the day and age when the city started as a commercial hub. Proceed to the Kinari Bazaaror wedding market where one can buy all the paraphernalia required for an Indian wedding. At night, the gold and silver decorated borders, laces, and colorful embellishments in this lane twinkle, glitter, and shine, casting flirtatious looks upon innocent passers-by. Visit Asia's largest spice market, where spices, which in times gone by were once so valuable that they caused invasions and fierce battles, is still traded! On the way, you have the option of sampling some of Delhi’s delicious street food from Jalebis to samosas!
  
  Old Delhi Food tour:
  A food walk curated and led by a renowned Chef through crowded markets of Old Delhi, a unique chance to understand and savor street food available in Delhi from some of the oldest food places in the city. During the walk, we will visit 6-9 different food joints, each one of which is in business for decades, some being as old as 120 years. We will walk through some landmark markets, lively markets, ride rickshaws, walk a bit, and stuff ourselves with the delicious street food of Old Delhi. What makes the Experience special is that it’s led by a local chef, which gives you an insider’s view of the city’s food culture, food joints, kitchens, and related businesses. On the course of the walk, we try out about 12-15 dishes from 6-9 different places.
  
  Evening visit the famous mausoleum of this city – Nizamuddin Dargah
  Hazrat Shaikh Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya R.A(1238 –3 April 1325) also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin, was a famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order in the Indian Subcontinent, an order that believed in drawing close to God through renunciation of the world and service to humanity. He is one of the great saints of the Chishti order in India. His predecessors were Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Bakhtiyar Kaki, and Moinuddin Chishti. In that sequence, they constitute the initial spiritual chain or silsila of the Chishti order, widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 3

  Lutyens New Delhi - Experience Community Kitchen Cooking and Serving at Bangla Sahib

  Lutyens’s 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, green parks, and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal-style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.
  
  Visit two monuments from Delhi's past -Qutub Minar (Historical construction of a landmark In 1199, Qutub-Ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 47 feet it tapers to 9 feet at a height of 238 feet) & Humayun's tomb(This tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra).
  
  Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate(At the center of New Delhi stands the 138 feet high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It’s almost like its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens), President House(The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen) and the Parliament House (This is a symbol of Indian democracy).
  
  Later visit Bangla Sahib (Sikh Temple). You will experience community Kitchen cooking and serving at Bangla Sahib.
  
  The Community Kitchen at also known as the institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. No meal will be served to the guest.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 4

  Taj Mahal - Walking Tour and a Special Look at the Wonders

  After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Agra. On arrival check-in at the hotel.
  
  Later proceed for Life in a local village walk: A 1-2-hour walk exploring the village and meeting the villagers who live in the shadow of the Taj Mahal
  
  This is a walk initiated by the NGO CURE together with USAID to benefit the local communities surrounding the Taj Mahal. It is a wonderful, unique, and interactive experience that gives a rare ‘behind the scenes' glimpse of the world’s most famous tourist attraction. Take a walk through Kachhpura Village which is in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the village boys. He will show you the lesser-known heritage monuments of Humayun’s Mosque and Gyaraha Sidi, and walk you through this historic settlement where you can meet its people, and discover their way of life as agriculturists next to the Taj. Enjoy tea and pakoras on the rooftop of a village house overlooking the monument and see how creating this experience has benefited the local community. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden which has exceptional views of the Taj Mahal. The money generated from this tour is used to put sanitation in the village, educate women, and provide initiatives for children.
  
  Later take a special look at the Taj from the other side of the River. A visit to Mehtab Bagh gives you a truly unique perspective as this is one of the very few spots where the Taj Mahal, the Mosque, and the Guest House can all be seen from one point. Emperor Shahjahan transformed a 25-acre patch into a magnificent four-quartered garden that blended perfectly with the sanctified complex of the Taj. This pleasure garden was called Mehtab Bagh or moonlit garden, profuse with white plaster pathways, breezy pavilions, pools, and fountains. An octagonal pool situated strategically showed the reflection of the Taj on a full moon night.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 5

  Agra Fort - Taj Mahal by Sunrise & Agra Fort and The Itmad Tomb

  Wake up early morning today to visit the Taj Mahal during the Sunrise.
  
  That magnificent monument of love -The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. 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. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.
  
  After the visit return to your hotel. Post breakfast proceed for a visit to Agra Fort
  
  Visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle-bustle of everyday India.
  
  Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 1.5 miles northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.
  
  It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
  
  The Itmad-Ud-Duala’s Tomb is situated on the left bank of river Jamuna next to Chini-ka-Rauza. Itmad-Ud-Daula was the title given to Mirza Ghiyas Beg, father of Nur Jahan. He held the post of Lord of the treasure of the empire and later rose to the dignity of wazir under Jahangir. Nur Jahan completed the construction of the building of the Tomb of her father in 1628 AD, nearly 7 years after his death.
  
  The tomb is located at the center of a quadrangle with gardens laid out on the Char Bagh pattern surrounding it. The structure stands over a raised sandstone terrace measuring 149 feet square and 3 feet and 4 inches high from the ground. The tomb building consists of a central hall, which houses the tomb of Wazir and his wife. Small chambers in which the tombs of other family members are located surround this hall. A sandstone staircase leads to the first floor, where an elegant oblong dome is found surmounting a pavilion over the central hall, topped with pinnacles. This pavilion also contains cenotaphs of plain marble but without any inscriptions. At the corners of the top of the building stand four round towers approximately measuring 40 feet in height, which are surmounted by marble kiosks.
  
  Today evening witness a Live show -Mohabbat The Taj
  
  Love without lust can be a spiritual experience, one that distinguishes man from beasts. It is a passion and the idea of being romantically engaged at a higher level that defines the intensity of pure love.
  
  It was this kind of intense and obsessive love that found expression through a work of art the Taj Mahal which today figures as a crown in the list of wonders. Minus love and the romantic saga associated with it, the Taj Mahal would be just a well-arranged heap of white stones. What makes the Taj Mahal stand out in the list of wonders is the passionate and romantic relationship that inspired its creation, the emotional halo that gets transformed into an architectural marvel. Indeed, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with pure Love.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 6

  Visit Abhaneri Stepwell en-route to Jaipur

  After breakfast at the hotel depart to Jaipur, en-route visit Abhaneri Stepwell.
  
  Abhaneri is a small-town village, situated at a distance of 60 miles from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneriwas named Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name. In the present day, this city of brightness is in ruins; still, it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for 'Baoris', which is the unique invention of the natives for harvesting rainwater. Amongst the other step wells, Chand Baori is the most popular one. This colossal step well is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes
  
  After the visit, continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel.
  
  Jaipur is known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid-out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 7

  Jaipur - Enjoy cooking demo & dinner with a family

  Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and are celebrated wildly.
  
  Enjoy cooking demo & dinner with a family
  
  The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or ‘The guest is truly your god' are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honored if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guests. And of importance is the Indian woman's pride that she will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 8

  Jaipur - Excursion to Inspiring Amber Fort and Tour of City Palace

  After breakfast, proceed for a half-day excursion to inspiring Amber Fort, 7 miles from Jaipur. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.
  
  Later proceed for a private tour of City Palace
  
  Visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes, and processions, also, visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) -a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires.
  
  Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art, and craft structure in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated to the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.
  
  On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madhu Singh built the palace in the nineteenth century. It was used as a reception center for the visiting personage. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some vary exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints, and folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madhu Singh I (ruled 1750-68).

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 9

  The Temples of Ranakpur and explore Tribal Village Ending with a Champagne Sunset over The Breath-taking Aravali Hills

  The Temples at Ranakpur are over 500 years old but well preserved. No other place in Rajasthan has the same ambiance and setting as that of Ranakpur, whose beauty has been emphasized by its isolation. The temples are unique in style and design. Their ceilings are carved with fine, lace-like foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. Their domes are carved in concentric bands and the brackets connecting the base of the dome with the top are covered with figures of deities.
  
  After finishing the visit you will be transferred to your hotel The Mountbatten Lodge. Lunch at the hotel.
  
  Later head for a visit to the neighboring Tribal Village ending with a Champagne Sunset over the breath-taking Aravali Hills.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 10

  Ranakpur - Jeep Safari in Leopard Country

  Leopards are JAWAI’s predominant attraction and a thriving population of felines has always ranged across this region. The mystery of the Big Cat is unraveled for guests by informed guides, and yet, a measure of that mystery remains long after a sighting is over, to be relived forever.
  
  Early this morning drive a little over an hour to the stunning Leopard Country. Once we reach the Leopard Country switch over to 4x4 jeep sand head into the bush looking for Leopards. After which drive to the Jawai Dam–One of the biggest artificial lakes of the Rajasthan.
  
  The Jawai is flocked with a variety of migratory birds along with being the home for some of the biggest crocodiles in the country. After that return to the hotel for breakfast.
  
  Later this afternoon you could either take a short walk or a Horse in the neighboring hills, you can also visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort (20 Miles).

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 11

  Ranakpur to Udaipur

  After breakfast at the hotel, Drive to Udaipur –Approximately 2 ½ hours drive. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
  
  Optional Experience: Dinner at Darikhana Restaurant at Jagmandir Island
  
  Jagmandir Island Palace is a historic 17th-century palace redeveloped as a complete destination: with its all-day café, stylish-dining restaurant, bar, and spa designed to uplift moods and spirits.
  
  The picturesque Jagmandir Island Palace today plays host to 21st-century guests. Corporate and leisure travelers, celebrities from all over the world for whom ceremonial parties and mega-events are seamlessly organized. Year after year, Jagmandir Island Palace continues to make news in the global glamour world for the exclusive ‘regal experiences’ it offers.
  
  Guests are ferried to Jagmandir Island Palace, the palace synonymous with a defining episode of history when the Mughal Prince Khurram sought refuge here in 1623. His stay at the Gol Mahal inspired him, as Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, to build the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the colonnaded Darikhana Restaurant, Picholi Bar, and all-day café you can leisurely spend hours gazing across Lake Pichola and the City Palace complex. For history-lovers, there’s Jagriti, a heritage museum onsite to give a fill on how Jagmandir Island Palace was built and developed over the centuries.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 12

  A City Tour of Udaipur including Jal Sanjhi Art & Boat Ride at Lake Pichola in The Evening

  After breakfast at the hotel, a city tour of Udaipur including Jal Sanjhi Art.
  
  Visit the City Palace Museum -grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble, and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas top magnificent octagonal towers, Jagdish Temple -built in 1651 AD. Also, visit Sahelion Ki Bari -the spectacular garden displaying the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.
  
  Evening Boat ride at Lake Pichola:
  Early this evening enjoys a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake, you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. (Boat ride depending upon the water level of the lake)
  
  Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
  
  You will also have time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.
  
  Visit Jal Sanjhi Art: The art was first introduced in the temple by the elder priest who created the paper stencils which are still being used to create the same beauty. Mr. Madhav Lal Pancholi learned the art of creating stencils in Maharashtra and the tools he used are still preserved. After the elder priest, Madhav Lal Pancholi, his sons Rajesh Pancholi, Narayan Pancholi, and his grandsons Gunjan Pancholi and Parag Pancholi are continuing this art. The art is performed annually during the Hindu month 'Shradh Paksha', and the temple is open publicly to seek the attention and interest of people towards the religion and religious teachings by the way of this art. Previously the art was performed for 15 days but due to lack of interest of people and excessive cost of artificial colors limited it to 5 days.
  
  This art covers the life events of Lord Krishna and his various "Leelas'" as the god, which includes Kans Leela, Govardhan Leela, Naag Leela, etc. The art takes a different amount of time depending on the scenario in which will be painted. A basic version can be performed within 30 mins which last for 4-6 hours after which the colors starts dissolving in the water and the painting slowly sinks and complex ones can take about 4 hours to perform that's why they are painted on a wooden platform; An octagon, it includes complete storylines and many different characters and high details. Creating one character requires a different number of stencils which in sequence gives the desired results. It requires delicate dedication to master the art, the painting floating is fascinating.
  

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 13

  Udaipur - Lunch with The Bedla Family

  After breakfast at the hotel, full day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
  
  Optional Experience: Lunch with The Bedla Family
  The Bedla family has had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of independent India.
  
  As the premier “Jagirdars” the Bedla Family has played a significant role in the affairs of the state over the past few centuries. Such was the faith of the Maharana that the Bedlas served as Prime Ministers, Valued Advisors, and official hosts to all the dignitaries visiting Mewar as honored state guests.
  
  Having to host illustrious foreign and Indian dignitaries, allowed the Bedlas to become excellent in entertainment and food as a mere norm and the official functions at the Bedla palace became famous. Over the years they refined and improved their entertainment activities leading to tables groaning under the weight of superb culinary delights. Their cuisine kept on evolving; keeping intact the basic distinctive authenticity coupled with imagination and innovation. Today they offer a wonderful opportunity to meet the family, hear some of their fascinating stories whilst offering a vast number of culinary delights comprising of authentic hereditary recipes inherited over two centuries from the kitchens of the House of Bedla. A wonderful, fun, informative, and highly entertaining experience.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 14

  Departure to The Airport Back Home

  After breakfast at the hotel, morning at leisure.
  Transfer to the airport for the flight.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer