Three magnificent tours of India...
India Signature Tour
Overview
Visit magnificent monuments built in the name of love and war and palaces
so splendid they have no equal, on this privately escorted journey of a
lifetime.
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Johannesburg/Delhi, India
Board an overnight flight to Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 3: Delhi
Explore New Delhi, including Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the India Gate and
Rashtrapati Bhawan. In Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, Delhi's monument to
Mahatma Gandhi; the Red Fort citadel; and Jama Masjid.
The Oberoi New Delhi or The Taj Mahal Hotel B L
Day 4: Delhi/Udaipur
This morning, you have an opportunity to visit the Deepalaya School before
flying to Udaipur, where you are transferred to your spectacular fort-palace
hotel in the Aravali Hills. Later, enjoy a sunset camel safari.
Deepalaya School Project: is a program that educates economically and
socially deprived children, especially girls, in Delhi.
Devi Garh B
Day 5: Udaipur
Make an evocative visit to the temples of Eklingji and Nagda. Later, board a
motor launch (water levels permitting) for a lake cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola, visiting Jag Mandir Palace, resting on its own
island.
The Oberoi Udaivilás or Taj Lake Palace B
Day 6: Udaipur
After exploring the City Palace along the shores of Lake Pichola, stop at
the Crystal Gallery located in Fateh Prakesh Palace. Continue to Sahelion Ki
Bari, also known as the "Garden of the Maids of Honor."
The Oberoi Udaivilás or Taj Lake Palace B
Days 7-8: Udaipur/Jaipur
Fly to Jaipur this morning; then begin an afternoon of exploration. Admire
the amazing astronomical devices at the outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory
and visit Jaipur's most famous building, the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or
"Palace of the Winds." The next day, explore the Amber Fort and go
for an elephant ride in the company of a mahout.
The Oberoi Rajvilás or Rambagh Palace B (Day 8: L)
Day 9: Jaipur/Agra
Travel overland through rural India, stopping at the red sandstone city of
Fatehpur Sikri. Continue to the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the
world.
The Oberoi Amarvilás B L
Day 10: Agra
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra; then visit the imposing
Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of red sandstone and marble.
The Oberoi Amarvilás B
Day 11: Agra/Delhi
After a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, return to Delhi, stopping en route
at Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar.
Trident Gurgaon B
Day 12: Delhi/Johannesburg
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight.
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Treasures of Northern India
Overview
Explore India with an itinerary that takes you through 5,000 years of
spectacular history and a myriad of cultures, religions and landscapes,
including a visit to Khajuraho's Hindu temples and the holy city of Varanasi.
- Cruise the sacred River Ganges at sunrise during morning worship at
the ghats
- Visit India's most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Privately tour the Maharana's Crystal Gallery in Udaipur
- Pay an exclusive visit with a mahout in a local Jaipur village,
including an elephant ride
- View the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset to see the colors
change
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg/Delhi, India
Depart on your overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Delhi is an ideal introduction to India's unmistakable vitality. Arrive at
your hotel, conveniently located in an exclusive residential area.
The Taj Mahal Hotel
Day 3: Delhi
Embark on a full day of exploration of Old and New Delhi. Highlights include
the Red Fort, which represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture during
the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (AD 1639); the Jama Masjid, the most
important mosque in India; Chandni Chowk bazaar; and Raj Ghat, a memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Yamuna River. After lunch, visit two
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India, and
Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture. Meet fellow
travellers tonight for cocktails and a welcome dinner.
The Taj Mahal Hotel B L D
Day 4: Delhi/Udaipur
This morning, you have an opportunity to visit the Deepalaya School before
flying to Udaipur. After settling in to your romantic hotel, board a
motorboat launch (water levels permitting) for a lake cruise with views of
Udaipur. Then visit the 17th-century Jag Mandir Palace, built for royal
parties and functions on its very own island. The approach is fronted by a
row of splendidly carved elephants.
Deepalaya School Project: is a program that educates economically and
socially deprived children, especially girls, in Delhi.
Taj Lake Palace B D
Day 5: Udaipur
After exploring the City Palace along the shores of Lake Pichola, enjoy a
private visit to the Crystal Gallery, located in Fateh Prakesh Palace.
Continue to Sahelion Ki Bari, the "Garden of the Maids of Honor."
The afternoon is at leisure.
Taj Lake Palace B L
Day 6: Udaipur/Jaipur
After a flight to Jaipur, begin an afternoon of exploration. Visit the
spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory that houses instruments for
measuring and calculating the sun's position and Hindu calendar. View
Jaipur's most famous building, the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or "Palace
of the Winds, " that allowed women of the court to watch life in the
bazaar from behind stonecarved screens.
Rambagh Palace B L D
Day 7: Jaipur
Begin the day at the Amber Fort. An exclusive visit to a local village
includes an elephant ride with a skilled mahout.
Rambagh Palace B L
Day 8: Jaipur/Agra
Journey through rural India, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. After
arriving in Agra, attend the musical performance Mohabbat-E-Taj, depicting
the epic love story of the Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilás B L
Day 9: Agra
Early this morning, greet the sunrise from the Taj Mahal. After breakfast,
enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, including a visit to the Agra Fort. At
sunset, return to view the Taj Mahal, considered the world's finest example
of Mughal architecture. Watch as the light dances off the crisp white marble
and rich pietra dura (designs inlaid with colored stones).
The Oberoi Amarvilás B D
Day 10: Agra/Jhansi/Orchha/Khajuraho
Travel by express train to Jhansi, gateway to the abandoned Hindu temples of
Orchha. After lunch, continue overland to Khajuraho.
Hotel Chandela B L D
Day 11: Khajuraho
Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist spots in India, with the
largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in the country. These
temples are famous for their erotic sculpture, as well as their depiction of
life in all its forms. Spend a full day amid Khajuraho's exquisitely carved
temples that pay homage in delicate detail to Hindu deities.
Hotel Chandela B D
Day 12: Khajuraho/Varanasi
After a morning at leisure, fly to Varanasi to explore the buried Buddhist
city of Sarnath, where the Great Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon 25
centuries ago. Visit the ruins of a once flourishing monastery and a
wonderful museum with an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture.
Tonight, join fellow travellers for cocktails and a farewell dinner.
Gateway Hotel The Ganges Varanasi B D
Day 13: Varanasi/Delhi
Take a private sunrise cruise on the sacred River Ganges to view the ghats,
the embankments of wide stone steps leading down to the water where locals
and pilgrims alike cleanse themselves — literally and spiritually. Return
to Delhi this afternoon.
The Taj Mahal Hotel B
Day 14: Delhi/Johannesburg
Board your homebound flight.
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Essence of India
Overview
India has much to offer - too much, it would seem, to experience in a
single lifetime, let alone a single trip. Yet Essence of India distills the
best of this fascinating country into one memorable program.
- Journey on an exclusive chartered cruise through Mumbai Harbour and
explore the remarkable rock-cut cave temples of Elephanta Island
- Visit the Jain pilgrimage town of Ranakpur and a Bishnoi village
- Enjoy cocktails on a gangaur (royal boat) on romantic Lake Pichola
- Privately view the Maharana's Crystal Gallery in Udaipur
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Johannesburg/Mumbai, India
Depart on an overnight flight to Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai, where your room is available for immediate occupancy. This
afternoon, visit the Prince of Wales Museum and the Gateway of India, an
85-foot-high arch on the waterfront. Continue to Mani Bhawan, the former
residence of Mahatma Gandhi, and the colossal Dhobi Ghat. Tonight, join
fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
The Oberoi Mumbai B
Day 4: Mumbai/Udaipur
Privately cruise Mumbai Harbour to the rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta
Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you ride a toy train to the
steps leading up to the sculptures. Later, fly to Udaipur.
The Oberoi Udaivilás B L
Days 5-6: Udaipur
Spend two days in the romantic, wistful and serene city of Udaipur. Visit
the City Palace and take a private tour of the Crystal Gallery, located in
Fateh Prakash Palace. Stroll through Sahelion Ki Bari, the "Garden of
the Maids of Honor." Explore the temples of Eklingji and Nagda and have
lunch at Devi Garh, a fort-palace hotel in the Aravali Hills. Take a private
cruise to Jag Mandir on Lake Pichola (water levels permitting) and enjoy a
private dance performance during dinner. Choose how you want to explore
Udaipur further from the Design Your Day options below.
Design Your Day - Udaipur: Visit a school of Mewar art for a session
of miniature painting or attend a culinary demonstration of Rajasthani
cuisine .
The Oberoi Udaivilás B D (Day 6: L)
Day 7: Udaipur/Ranakpur/Jodhpur
Drive through the picturesque Aravali Hills to the Jain pilgrimage center of
Ranakpur. More than 1,444 exquisitely detailed marble pillars support the
temple. After lunch, continue to Jodhpur, once the capital of the former
princely state of Marwar and an important stop on the ancient silk route.
Umaid Bhawan Palace B L
Day 8: Jodhpur
After breakfast, embark on a four-wheel-drive safari to the Salawas area and
spend time with local potters in a Bishnoi village. A wise local man
observed that the famine was the result of the deforestation in the region
and formulated a list of 29 rules (Bishnoi means "29"in the Hindi
language) that form the basis of the Bishnoi philosophy. Explore the
Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, and Jaswant Thada, a
19th-century cenotaph.
Umaid Bhawan Palace B L D
Day 9: Jodhpur/Jaipur
After a morning at leisure, board a flight to Jaipur, known as the
"pink city" for its abundance of pink plastered stone in its
massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The pink color of
the buildings was created to give the impression of the red sandstone
buildings of Mughal cities.
The Oberoi Rajvilás B D
Day 10: Jaipur
Explore the Amber Fort, among the best hilltop forts in India. Its stern
Mughal exteriors of white marble and red sandstone seem to grow out of the
rugged hills. Afterward, head to a local village for an elephant ride
accompanied by a professional mahout. Then visit Jantar Mantar Observatory
and view the Palace of the Winds.
The Oberoi Rajvilás B L
Day 11: Jaipur/Agra
Travel through rural India, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor
Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century, "ruined"
Fatehpur Sikri is in pristine condition, a fairy tale city built of red
sandstone. Then stop at the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the
world. After arriving in Agra, attend the musical performance Mohabbat-E-Taj,
depicting the epic love story of the Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved
Mumtaz Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilás B L D
Day 12: Agra
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, visiting two UNESCO World
Heritage Sites: the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble,
and the Taj Mahal. Watch the breathtaking sunset over the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilás B D
Day 13: Agra/Delhi
After a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, travel overland toward Delhi,
stopping en route at Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Celebrate an end to this fascinating journey with fellow travellers over
cocktails and a farewell dinner.
The Oberoi New Delhi B D
Day 14: Delhi
Explore the cultures and contrasts of both Old and New Delhi. View the
awe-inspiring Red Fort; pause at Ghandi's memorial on the banks of the
Yamuna River; and visit Humayun's Tomb, a Mughal complex whose designs
prefigured the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi New Delhi B L
Day 15: Delhi/Johannesburg
Board your homebound flight.
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To Book...
To book, or for more information, call Cecelia or Lindy at the Egypt
& Beyond office on tel: 011 678 6165/4777 or fax: 011 678 5789 or
e-mail: cecelia@egyptandbeyond.co.za
/ info@egyptandbeyond.co.za
/ lindy@egyptandbeyond.co.za
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| The magnificent Taj Mahal |
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