Essence of India
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Highlights:
For those with an interest in India but a limited amount of time let us suggest a program that takes you from the Imperial pomp of New Delhi, the British capital of India, contrasting with the tranquility and beauty of the Taj Mahal.
What is India without Tigers? Spend time in Ranthambore, one of the premier national parks. Then complete your visit with a stay in the heart of Rajasthan.
For those with an interest in India but a limited amount of time let us suggest a program that takes you from the Imperial pomp of New Delhi, the British capital of India, contrasting with the tranquility and beauty of the Taj Mahal.
What is India without Tigers? Spend time in Ranthambore, one of the premier national parks. Then complete your visit with a stay in the heart of Rajasthan.
SKU:
Explore: India
Customizable Itinerary - 10 Days (from $3,872 per person)
Day 1: Depart USA
This evening you board your aircraft for the flight to Delhi which is actually two cities in one with Old Delhi was the Domain of the Mughal rulers up to the 19th Century, most notable Shah Jahan. New Delhi was the created capital of the British Raj designed by the noted architect Sir Edwin Luytens.
Day 2: Welcome to India
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your contemporary hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Highlights of Delhi
Start your visit to old Delhi with a tour of one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of 20,000 worshippers. Like much of the old city it was built under the reign of Shah Jahan. His daughter was responsible for designing the commercial heart which is called Channi Chowk. You will tour the narrow lanes in a cycle rickshaw ride and pass the red Fort built from re sandstone again by Shah Jahan. After a stop for lunch you then explore New Delhi which was created at the end of the 19th Century. Your tour will include the Rathtrapati Bhawan where the British Viceroy once lived and which is now the official residence on the President of India. You will also visit India Gate, built as a monument to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Breakfast
Day 4: Agra, the Amber Fort and the Taj Mahal
In the morning your guide will be waiting to take you to Agra which was created from a sleepy village by Akbar and Shah Jahan. Check in to your hotel and have lunch and then visit the Agra Fort created from red sandstone and, for many, reflecting an even more interesting story than the Taj Mahal. As evening approaches you are taken to the Taj Mahal to see how the setting sun creates a new palette of colors for this masterpiece of architecture.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore
After breakfast you will depart for Ranthambore. Along the way you will stop at the fascinating site of Fatehpur Sikri. Built to be the next Agra, the city was abandoned when the wells dried up leaving a well preserved ghost town of a typical Mughal town. Stop for a picnic lunch and then continue on to Ranthambore which is a prime example of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. You arrive in Ranthambore and your lodge which is located on the edge of the reserve. Try out the spa for a massage or take a swim in the large outdoor pool.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: In Search of Tigers
You will have a morning and an afternoon game drive to increase your chance of seeing Bengal tigers in the wild. The National park is about 150 square miles and was once the hunting preserve of Maharajahs. It combines thick forests with numerous valleys and flat hilltops, a necessary refuge for both carnivores and herbivores. The Tiger is the main predator found in the reserve with Hyena and Jackals as scavengers. Sloth bears and Wild Boars are the main carnivore. The main herbivores are spotted deer, Sambar Nilgai antelope, Indian Gazelle and the common Langur.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Jaipur…the “Pink” City
Jaipur was named for Maharajah Jai Singh II a warrior, astronomer and politician who was in power from 1699 to 1743. The city was originally built in sandstone so was red in most places. The city was painted Pink in honor of the 1876 visit of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). After arrival you have lunch and then the rest of the day is left open.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: The Palaces of Jaipur
In the morning you will be taken on a tour of the main sights of the city. You start with the Hawa Mahal which is also called “the Palace of the Winds”. The ladies of the palace were able to look out to the streets unobserved because of the ornately carved windows. It is thought to be the most photographed site in the city. You then visit the City Palace which has been converted to a museum. Inside you will be able to view costumes, weapons and armor used by Mughal warriors. In another part of the palace you will find an art gallery featuring carpets, miniature paintings and rare astronomy.
Breakfast
Day 9: Balloon Option and the Amber Fort
We offer the option of a balloon ride which we can discuss and conform during the customizing process. If elected you would leave early and soar over the countryside, over the mighty forts and palaces and waterbodies around the area. After breakfast you will have a tour of the Amber Fort famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. The rest of the day is at leisure. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop and is especially renowned for its jewelry, carpets, textiles and blue pottery.
Breakfast
Day 10: Return to USA
After breakfast you will be taken on a leisurely drive to Delhi and dropped off at the airport where our representative will assist you in checking in for your flight which with return you home the following afternoon.
Breakfast
This evening you board your aircraft for the flight to Delhi which is actually two cities in one with Old Delhi was the Domain of the Mughal rulers up to the 19th Century, most notable Shah Jahan. New Delhi was the created capital of the British Raj designed by the noted architect Sir Edwin Luytens.
Day 2: Welcome to India
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your contemporary hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Highlights of Delhi
Start your visit to old Delhi with a tour of one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of 20,000 worshippers. Like much of the old city it was built under the reign of Shah Jahan. His daughter was responsible for designing the commercial heart which is called Channi Chowk. You will tour the narrow lanes in a cycle rickshaw ride and pass the red Fort built from re sandstone again by Shah Jahan. After a stop for lunch you then explore New Delhi which was created at the end of the 19th Century. Your tour will include the Rathtrapati Bhawan where the British Viceroy once lived and which is now the official residence on the President of India. You will also visit India Gate, built as a monument to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Breakfast
Day 4: Agra, the Amber Fort and the Taj Mahal
In the morning your guide will be waiting to take you to Agra which was created from a sleepy village by Akbar and Shah Jahan. Check in to your hotel and have lunch and then visit the Agra Fort created from red sandstone and, for many, reflecting an even more interesting story than the Taj Mahal. As evening approaches you are taken to the Taj Mahal to see how the setting sun creates a new palette of colors for this masterpiece of architecture.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri and Ranthambore
After breakfast you will depart for Ranthambore. Along the way you will stop at the fascinating site of Fatehpur Sikri. Built to be the next Agra, the city was abandoned when the wells dried up leaving a well preserved ghost town of a typical Mughal town. Stop for a picnic lunch and then continue on to Ranthambore which is a prime example of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. You arrive in Ranthambore and your lodge which is located on the edge of the reserve. Try out the spa for a massage or take a swim in the large outdoor pool.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: In Search of Tigers
You will have a morning and an afternoon game drive to increase your chance of seeing Bengal tigers in the wild. The National park is about 150 square miles and was once the hunting preserve of Maharajahs. It combines thick forests with numerous valleys and flat hilltops, a necessary refuge for both carnivores and herbivores. The Tiger is the main predator found in the reserve with Hyena and Jackals as scavengers. Sloth bears and Wild Boars are the main carnivore. The main herbivores are spotted deer, Sambar Nilgai antelope, Indian Gazelle and the common Langur.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Jaipur…the “Pink” City
Jaipur was named for Maharajah Jai Singh II a warrior, astronomer and politician who was in power from 1699 to 1743. The city was originally built in sandstone so was red in most places. The city was painted Pink in honor of the 1876 visit of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). After arrival you have lunch and then the rest of the day is left open.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: The Palaces of Jaipur
In the morning you will be taken on a tour of the main sights of the city. You start with the Hawa Mahal which is also called “the Palace of the Winds”. The ladies of the palace were able to look out to the streets unobserved because of the ornately carved windows. It is thought to be the most photographed site in the city. You then visit the City Palace which has been converted to a museum. Inside you will be able to view costumes, weapons and armor used by Mughal warriors. In another part of the palace you will find an art gallery featuring carpets, miniature paintings and rare astronomy.
Breakfast
Day 9: Balloon Option and the Amber Fort
We offer the option of a balloon ride which we can discuss and conform during the customizing process. If elected you would leave early and soar over the countryside, over the mighty forts and palaces and waterbodies around the area. After breakfast you will have a tour of the Amber Fort famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. The rest of the day is at leisure. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop and is especially renowned for its jewelry, carpets, textiles and blue pottery.
Breakfast
Day 10: Return to USA
After breakfast you will be taken on a leisurely drive to Delhi and dropped off at the airport where our representative will assist you in checking in for your flight which with return you home the following afternoon.
Breakfast
