Rajasthan and the Mystical North
One can never fully comprehend the mass of humanity and stimulus that is India.
India is everything human, a crowded land of contrasts, bustling cities, poverty, Cricket and a country with a new spirit of economic freedom. It has the second largest population on earth and is an all-encompassing myriad of culture, religion, races and tongues. The natural beauty is stunning and couples beautifully with a plethora of temples, Haveli, palaces and fortresses. Sharing the roads with people, rickshaws, bicycles, trucks, beggars, hawkers and of course the holy cow is a part of everyday life.
Rajasthan evokes the deserts, camels and heritage of Mughal India. But there is so much more. The Pink city of Jaipur seems lifted straight from a postcard. Agra is home to arguably the grandest monument to love of all. The imposing yet subtle Taj Mahal. Pushkar is where the camel belongs but it is also distinctive in that close to the holy lake stands the only true Brahmin temple in India.
Your stay in Castle Bijaipur allows you to live as a Maharaja (or Maharani) for a day. Udaipur is the romantic heart and is reflected by the palaces that adorn the lovely man made lake.
Not to be forgotten is the spiritual heart of India and the place where Hindus prefer to expire. Varanasi and its mystery will never leave you. Finishing in Mumbai this journey through north India is ‘classic’ in nature and will enable you to finally understand what it is that has attracted travellers for centuries.
We guarantee you will never forget you adventure through this timeless land with us.
| 21 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 2011 | TBA |
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| Price: | (Click here to inquire) | |
Day 1 - Delhi Arrival day, no activities planned. Day 2 - Delhi After breakfast we head into the pulsating heart of this vibrant city. We catch the new Metro system and wander through the maze of laneways that are Chandni Chowk. Colourful bazaars and shops line our route. We then visit the amazing Jama Masjid Mosque.
We have an evening departure on our overnight train eastwards to the spiritual heart of India. The fabled city of Varanasi. Day 3 - Arrive Varanasi We take an orientation walk along the ghats and enjoy an evening sunset cruise on the Ganges. Accompanied by local musicians on a private boat, take part in an unforgettable welcome (puja) ceremony. Day 4 - Varanasi An amazing morning beckons aboard a private boat to experience sunrise on the Ganges. Cruising along, pass the teeming bathing ghats as well as the ‘burning ghats’ (Life and death on the river). The senses are tested, but the experience is unforgettable.
After breakfast we travel by auto rickshaw to the Buddhist spiritual centre of Sarnath to the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. There is a wonderfully gentle and spiritual feeling in the temple and monastic settlement not far from the masses along the Ganges. Take a look at the main shrine and the famed Bodhi tree as well as having time to pop into the Tibetan monastery located nearby. Day 5 - Varanasi This morning we take a gentle stroll along the river to Assi Ghat where we visit some local emporium with Indian materials, clothes, and knick knacks to satisfy anyone’s tastes. On the “Bread of Life” Bakery for a lunch break then the afternoon is free to explore the narrow laneways of this ancient city.
This evening we board our overnight train to Agra. Day 6 - Arrive Agra We settle in and enjoy a rest after our fascinating train journey. We visit the Taj in the afternoon. Known as the ‘Teardrop on the face of Humanity,’ this monument to love will leave a lifetime impression. Sitting in the shadows of this marble monument, recall the stories of Shah Jehan and the love of his life. Day 7 - Agra If you were inspired by the Taj you may choose to revisit the monument for sunrise. Truly an unforgettable time to go. In the morning we enjoy a visit to a carpet factory and learn how these local treasures are made. The afternoon is free for exploration or perhaps an optional visit to the Agra Fort, built by four different emperors. Day 8 - Agra to Jaipur Journey westwards where our first stop is a tour of the magnificent 16th century ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Created by Akbar it exhibits the splendour of a Mughal city. Here a local guide will unravel the mystery of this abandoned capital. Continuing westward we travel to the capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur is a city of contrasts with stunning palaces, historical fortresses and a busy centre of commerce.
Accommodation is a Heritage Palace Hotel with rooms decorated in traditional Rajasthan style and the day finishes with a dinner in your historical hotel. Day 9 - Jaipur In the morning, head out to the Amber Place, once the capital of Jaipur. On the way we stop to view the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Returning from Amber we take time to explore the amazing City Palace which houses the Maharajas museum. The Mubarak Mahal has a superb collection of Royal costumes and pashmina shawls.
A busy day concludes with a night of Bollywood cinema at the Raj Mandir Theatre. Day 10 - Jaipur to Pushkar A short journey today takes us to the desert pilgrimage centre of Pushkar. We immerse ourselves in the amazing atmosphere of colour and sound.
Visit the only Brahman temple in India and enjoy evening drinks at the Sunset Café on the lake Day 11 - Pushkar A morning climb up a local hill to an auspicious temple is recommended for a stunning sunrise over the holy lake. Your day is free to explore.
We recommmend that if you are to ride a camel in India, Pushkar is the place. You can enjoy an afternoon on board the ‘ship of the desert’ or an evening trip out to a campsite for dinner and music under the stars.
The spiritual heart of Pushkar Lake will leave an imprint on your soul. Day 12 - Pushkar to Castle Bijaipur Driving south we pass near the sprawling hilltop fort of Chittogardh. Rajput history here is full of macabre tradition. Off the beaten track we get a taste of the glory and infamy of a time when honour meant more than life itself. The night is at the heritage Castle Bijaipur as guests of the Rao or Lord of the Region and his family. Day 13 - Castle Bijaipur A day of adventure or relaxation. There is an optional jeep safari visiting small villages and searching for some of the local wildlife including leopards and deer. Take a walk around the Heritage castle and hear about the ancient history of the region. Dinner in the courtyard is surrounded by the sounds of local villagers performing traditional songs for guests. Day 14 - Castle Bijaipur to Udaipur Travel further south into Rajasthan to the romantic Lake city of Udaipur. Arrive in time for an orientation walk to get a feel of the pace of this town.
We dine at a stunning rooftop restaurant overlooking the Lake and the imposing City Palace. Day 15 - Udaipur Some say Udaipur is the most romantic and classical city in the east. The Lake Palace is a testament to the style and crafting of the Rajput lords of the region. The city is teeming with palaces and Haveli, truly a sight to savour.
This morning takes us to the City Palace and museums, where the palace mosaics, miniatures and crystal galleries will hold our attention for most of the morning.
The afternoon is free with a cruise on the lake recommended.
This evening enjoy a fun and interesting cooking demonstration, with our dear friend Shakti, followed by dinner. Day 16 - Udaipur Today is free with a multitude of options to choose from. A day trip to the beautiful Jain Temple at Ranakpur is available. Tucked away in a remote valley, this marble temple has numerous pillars and halls. This is a one the most important Jain temples in India
The afternoon is free back in Udaipur, with perhaps a cruise on the lake or Chai in one of the local tea shops overlooking the city. Day 17 - Udaipur to Ahmedabad We catch our express train to the largest city in Gujarat and the old capital. Once known for its crumbling roads and flimsy street homes, the city is witnessing a major construction boom and population increase. Ahmedabad is the cultural heart of Gujarat, and much of western India. Gujarati food is characterized by its sweet taste and your Thali dinner tonight will surprise and delight. Day 18 - Ahmedabad This city is has much to offer the casual visitor. The Sabarmati Ashram is a must to see as this is where the Mahatma began his inspirational ‘salt march’ to the sea. The grounds are well kept and there is a feeling of peace in amongst the bustle o the city. Ahmedabad is also home to SEWA which is a trade union formed in 1972 by locals representing poor, self-employed women workers. We can visit their offices and showroom and learn of the struggle that is now an example for many. Day 19 - Ahmedabad to Mumbai Our early train hurtles towards our final destination, the pulsating and vibrant city of Mumbai. No city reflects better the progress and development of India as a whole.
This evening we plan to be in time for a stroll along the beach of Chowpatty with Mumbai families and sample local favourites of Dal Puri and Dai Wada on the sands. Day 20 - Mumbai For those keen for an early start, take pre dawn taxis down to Sassoon docks to see the fishing boats arriving with their catch on the bustling dock. See, hear and taste the essence of India before breakfast.
Later this morning, explore the legendary Crawford Market, the old bastion of British Bombay by auto rickshaw.
Then immerse ourselves in the streets of the Mumbai with a visit to the “Gateway of India” a must.
In the evening gather for a drink at the legendary Taj Mahal hotel and head out for a delightful farewell dinner together. Time to review our journey and share in the wonderful memories. Day 21 - Depart Mumbai Your journey ends today and you may depart at your own convenience. |
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Trip Options
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