The Treasures of Southern India
North India Extension
January 23-30, 2007
Co-hosts: Raghavan Iyer & Sara Monick
Itinerary
UDAIPUR, JAIPUR, AGRA, DELHI
January 22, Monday: Bangalore/Mumbai/Udaipur(B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport in time for flight 9W#450 departing Bangalore at 11:45 am and arriving Mumbai at 1:20 pm. Change planes and connect flight 9W#3405 departing Mumbai at 5:10 pm and arriving Udaipur at 6:55 pm. Transfer to Udai Vilas Hotel. The hotels we are using for the extension, with the possible exception of Delhi, are all part of the Oberoi group and are stunning properties - considered by many to be the most beautiful in the North of India.
January 23, Tuesday: Udaipur(B/L/D)
Udaipur was built in the 16th century as the capital of Mewar, one of the major kingdoms that once thrived in the present state of Rajasthan. This morning, we will tour this beautiful city of elegant palaces and gardens, including the City Palace, once the home of the rulers of Mewar. Its mirror-patterned walls, inlaid marble balconies and stunningly handsome doors introduce you to the elegantly opulent style of this region. Afternoon is at leisure.
January 24, Wednesday: Udaipur(B/L/D)
This morning you will drive to a small village a short distance from Udaipur to see the Sri Eklingji temple complex which consists of 108 temples surrounded by a fortified wall. Inside the inner sanctuary of the main temple there is a four-faced image of Sri Eklingji, a form of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of the rulers of Udaipur. Nearby Nagda has several temples dating back to the 4th century, ancient rock edicts and simple prehistoric shrines where the tribals of Rajasthan still worship. Afternoon is at leisure.
January 25, Thursday: Udaipur/Jaipur(B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport in time for flight 9W#373 departing Udaipur at 7:40 am and arriving Jaipur at 8:25 am. Transfer to the Raj Vilas Hotel. Rest of the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, we will explore the city of Jaipur, founded in the 18th century with many of its buildings made of pink sandstone, hence the name pink city. We will see the Jantar Mantar, an open-air royal observatory with gigantic astronomical instruments and visit the City Palace Museum that houses the magnificent art collections of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
January 26, Friday: Jaipur(B/L/D)
You will drive this morning to Amber, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. You will ascend the slope upto the fortress in royal style - seated on elephants, and then wander through the temple and beautiful palaces inside the walls of the fort. Afternoon is free for shopping/independent activities.
January 27, Saturday: Jaipur/Agra(B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Agra, visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broad-minded for his time, this Muslim king married many a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures. Continue on to Agra and on arrival check into the Amar Vilas Hotel.
January 28, Sunday: Agra/Delhi(B/L/D)
Although Agra is an ancient city in India’s heartland, it came into prominence in medieval times when the lavish patronage of the Mughal rulers created forts, tombs and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. This morning, we will visit the massive Agra Fort where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfillment of his life’s dream - the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. The highpoint of your day will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, incredibly perfect in its symmetry. On the inner walls jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. In the afternoon, drive to Delhi and check into the Taj Mahal Hotel.
January 29, Monday: Delhi(B/L/D)
There have been at least eight cities built over the millennia around modern New Delhi, the capital of India. This morning, we will drive past the majestic government buildings and wide boulevards designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s. We will also see monuments left behind by other rulers and invaders including the 16th century Tomb of Humayun and the 13th century Qutab Minar. This afternoon, we will tour Old Delhi, the capital of Moslem India between the 12th and 19th centuries, including the 17th century Red Fort and Jama Masjid, both built by Emperor Shah Jehan of Taj Mahal fame. Walk through the narrow, winding lanes of colorful and bustling Chandni Chowk and also visit Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the night, transfer to the airport for return to the USA.
January 30, Tuesday: Delhi/USA
Depart Delhi for USA.
[ NORTH INDIA SUMMARY ]
[ RESERVATION FORM (pdf) | TOURS HOMEPAGE | SOUTH INDIA SUMMARY ]
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