Taj Mahal - www.classicencounters.com
  Incredible India - www.classicencounters.com

DAY 1

       Arrive Mumbai  International Airport

The ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton and Towers Hotel is strategically located in Sahar just 5 minutes drive from international airport and 10 minutes from domestic airport.

386 Elegantly appointed, spacious guest rooms including exquisite Suites with hand crafted furnishings. Dual line phones with data port and voice mail, interactive television with satellite services, in-room fax, hi-speed internet access, well appointed work desk, four feature marble bathroom, with separate shower cubicle.

Overnight at the ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers, inclusive of breakfast.

DAY 2

 After breakfast, you will be met by a representative of and escorted on a tour to the Elephanta Caves.

About an hour's ride away by motorboat from the basalt facade of the Gateway lies Elephanta, a cave-temple shrine hewn out of solid rock some time in the eighth century A.D. by the Rashtrakuta dynasty who ruled the Deccan from 757 A.D. to 973 A.D.

 It is said that the Portuguese named this island after the stone elephant they   found here.

At Elephanta you can see the cave shrine to Lord Shiva, which belongs to the sixth century, and a massive three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. You can also find the other interesting sculptures here include those that depict the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

Afternoon: half day visit to Gateway of India, Mumbai's principle landmark.  Th is arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit to this colony in 1911.  Drive past the Afghan Church.  Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the 'Queen's Necklace'.  Visit Jain temple and Hanging Gardens which offer a splendid view of the city, Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and also Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai.  Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and  is linked by a causeway to the mainland.  Stop at the 'Dhobi Ghat' where Mumbai's 'dirties' are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry.  Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters 'hang out like laundry' - a nice photography stop.  Also visit Prince of Wales Museum.

Overnight at the ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 3

Arrive Varanasi.

On arrival, you will be met by a representative and escorted to the Hotel Taj Ganges. Standard Room

HOTEL TAJ GANGES

Situated 13 miles from the airport, the hotel is a haven of peace and tranquility in the bustling temple city. The hotel offers guests a fine mix of cuisine, culture and comfort in a Five Star ambience.

On the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Benares is one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus.

Known also as Kashi and Varanasi, Benares is one of the world's oldest learning & culture for well over 2000 years.

Facilities include:                  

·   Swimming pool, tennis court, jogging track, palmist, bird watching, yoga and massage facilities.

·   Beauty parlor for ladies, travel desk, shopping arcade, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers and doctor-on-call.

·   24-hour room service.

Restaurants & Bars


The Chowk: Multi-cuisine coffee shop and bar, where mellifluous strains of the sitar every morning ensure a lyrical start to your day.

Prinsep: A bar attached to the Indian restaurant.

VARANASI:

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of le1arning in  India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemori al it has been a great religious center for Hindus a nd one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year.

Afternoon city tour of Varanasi.

After lunch you will be met and escorted on a half day city tour.

Situated on the banks of the Ganges, the city of Learning and Burning (because of the almost continuous cremations of the dead) from time immemorial has been the religious centre of Hindus.  All Hindus want to be here at least once in their life time.  Visit some of the important temples.  Bharat Mata Mandir - a unique temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India and is dedicated to Mother India.  Durga Temple dedicated to Goddess      Durga consort of Lord Shiva.  Drive past the beautiful Tulsi Manas Temple.  Later drive through the largest Residential University of Asia - Banaras Hindu University founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.  Visit the New Vishwanath temple in the University Campus.

At leisure to explore the streets and markets on your own.

Overnight at the Hotel Taj Ganges, inclusive of breakfast

You will be met and escorted on an early morning boat cruise on the river Ganges.  The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats - the chain of stone are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city.  At dawn, the Ghats are buzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals.  A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity.  The Sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience.

Return to the Hotel for breakfast and prepare to depart to Kajuraho.

On arrival, you will be met by a representative of Far Pavilions and escorted to the Jass Radison Hotel, where accommodation has been reserved for one night. Standard Room.

Radisson Jass Hotel

Jass Hotel Khajuraho enjoys a great location in Kajuraho, a vibrant combination of the old and the new, of tradition and change. For those travellers who look forward to a combination of history and comfort, Jass Hotel Khajuraho offers its guests a wide variety of facilities combined with a high level of personalized service.

The large swimming pool is an ideal place to unwind after a visit to the temples, the nearby lakes, the wildlife sanctuary and the diamond mines.of z wildlife sanctuary and the diamond mines.

Accommodation

The 94 elegantly appointed rooms at the hotel offer guests a relaxing ambience to unwind in after a tiring day. Tastefully furnished, each of these rooms overlook landscaped gardens and come stocked with a mini-bar.

Amenities & Services

Book Shop, Conference facilities, Health Club, Business Center, Restaurants, Swimming Pool Air Conditioned Room, Banquet Facilities, Bar, Car Parking, Doctor On Call, Fire Safeguards, Health Club, Laundry Facilities, No pets allowed, Power Back-Up, Restaurant, Room Service, Travel Desk, Air conditioned rooms, Cable, Direct STD/ISD, Hair Dryer, Hot & Cold Water, Minibar, Newspaper, Phone, Ironing, Board, Refrigerator, Room Service, Safe , Shower, Television.

Afternoon tour to the Eastern and Western Group of Temples.

Visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 "Yoginis" or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also seethe Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form.

The sculptures that adorn the temples, carved in stone depict gods, goddesses and amorous couples. Later visit the Eastern Group of temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Although these are Jain temples, they also contain numerous Vaishnav deities.

Overnight at Jass Radisson Hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 4

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to the Bandhavgarh  National Park.  (6 to 7 hours).

BANDHAVGARH

Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years.

The other species found in abundance in Bandhavgarh are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and the nilgai.

Accommodation has been reserved for three nights, inclusive of all meals and activities. Standard Room

Evening Slide Show presentation on the park with brief lecture.

Tiger Den Resort

…. Is a new resort in the beautiful lush green, and tranquil surroundings of the land of the White Tiger- Bandhavgarh National Park. This resort was conceptualized, designed and now managed by professionals from the service industry. The resort has 18 elegantly furnished luxury cottages. The balcony of the cottages overlooks the marvelous and gigantic hills of the Vindhyanchal range.

At the Tiger's Den Resort, (Bandhavgarh) your day begins just before dawn with wake up call along with a cup of tea/coffee at the designated time (i.e. if you are not already up by some call from the inhabitants of the Jungle of Bandhavgarh).

An open Gypsy awaits you to take you even more closer to the nature and to see the majestic 'Royal Bengal Tiger. Neatly packed fruits and a bottle of mineral water are supplied for your 4 hour safari in the jungle.

When you come back from there is running hot /cold water in the attached luxurious bathrooms including a bubble bath if you so desire. Breakfast is served in the Restaurant serving delicious and a rich variety of Indian, Chinese, Italian & Continental cuisine.


We have a 24 hrs power backup with a stand by generator.
Bandhavgarh Jungle ResortAdapters are provided in all the cottages for easy connectivity of your electrical gadgets. If you have the time and inclination, body massage can be organized with prior notice.

Few more interesting things to do during the day, includes a drive up o the ancient Bandhavgarh fort, a walk to the Baghel museum, a guided walk into a typical Indian village "Tala", nature walks, trip to Chenchpur waterfalls and a host of other activities like an in-house library, some indoor games are also available to relax and unwind within your comfortable cottages. After the delicious lunch you again would like to go back to the Jungle, to trace the Tiger or the beautiful birds of Bandhavgarh.

As the sun goes down in the Jungle it is time to get back to the resort.

A welcome drink to quench your thirst is provided the moment you enter the resort.

Overnight at Tiger Den Resort, inclusive of all meals and activities. 

 

Day 5

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning and afternoon enjoy jeep game safaris - lunch is served at the hotel.

Overnight at Tiger Den Resort, inclusive of all meals and activities.

Day 6

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning and afternoon enjoy jeep game safaris - lunch is served at the hotel.

Overnight at Tiger Den Resort, inclusive of all meals and activities.

Day 7

Early morning departure per road transfer to Varanasi, where you will connect to your flight to Delhi. (5-6 Hours)

                        Arrive Delhi

                        On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Intercontinental Grand Hotel, where accommodation has been reserved for one night.  Club Room

 THE INTERCONTINENTAL GRAND HOTEL DELHI

This flagship "InterContinental" hotel stands tall in the heart of New Delhi, forming a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers to India’s capital city.

A triple storey high rise facade, with a four floor atrium lobby, the hotel has an ideal location in Connaught Place, the city’s main commercial, shopping & office district, just minutes from government offices, international trade fair grounds, cultural & tourist attractions and shopping malls.

The hotel's accommodation choices are available in three distinct categories. Luxurious suites all located within The Presidential Tower; Club InterContinental floors which also incorporate The Law Club, with special facilities for guests from the legal fraternity; extra large Deluxe rooms. A cosmopolitan choice of dining and entertainment options extends to 6 restaurants and one bar. These include the world famous "Blue Elephant" - serving royal Thai cuisine; "The Grill" - with trendy continental innovations; "WOKS" for Chinese flavours; "Baluchi" with Indian specialities; "The Rendezvous" for all day dining and "Art Junction" – an art gallery with a cafe. The "Champions Bar" is the perfect watering hole.

Extensive banquet and meeting facilities, a 24 hour business centre, outdoor swimming pool, health club, salon, shopping arcade and more, complete the offerings of the hotel.

Overnight at the Intercontinental Grand inclusive of breakfast. 

Day 8

After breakfast you will be  met and transferred by road to Agra (Four to five hours), where accommodation has been reserved at the Amarvilas Hotel. Deluxe Twin Room

AMARVILLAS HOTEL

The hotel lies just 600 metres from one of the greatest wonders of the world. The Oberoi Amarvilas opened in January 2001 and is breathtakingly luxurious hotel. There is only one way to truly experience the Taj Mahal.

The challenge for Bombay-based architect Prabhat Patki was to create a haven that would reflect the exotic grandeur of the monuments around them. The aim was to provide guests with every modern service in luxury and comfort, while adhering to strict planning laws.

He succeeded. Straight out of an Indian fairytale, The Oberoi Amarvilas - Sanskrit for ‘Eternal Haven’ - is set among lush and serene Mughal-inspired pools and terraced gardens. Ancient and traditional Persian and Moorish influences combine with the very best in modern Indian interior design.

This fusion is exhibited to spectacular effect in the cobalt blue and gold domed entrance hall, whose windows frame a fabulous vista of the Taj Mahal.

Sixty-four fountains, filigreed stone bridges and pillars greet guests as they cross the forecourt of the ceremonial entrance pavilion of what appears to be a Mughal palace.

All rooms and suites feature a separate walk-in closet with electronic safe, colour satellite TV, DVD/CD player. Minibar and a facility to make tea and coffee. Beautiful marble bathrooms feature both a bathtub and a separate shower cubicle with deluxe toiletries.

All rooms have a 24 hour Butler Service. 

AGRA

….. is best known as the city of Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument of love. It is situated along the banks of the River Yamuna and attracts thousands of tourists every day from all over the world. Agra, with its laid – back lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewelry, is amongst the most remarkable city of the world. In terms of ambience it is still associated with its Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526. Agra grew in prominence as almost all of India came under the rule of Mughal empire but Agra reached its zenith under the rule of Akbar, Shah-Jehan and Jehangir. It was under the rule of Akbar that Agra become a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture.

This afternoon visit the Agra Fort.

The high red stone monument stretches for around 2.5 kms, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna northwest of the Taj Mahal.. The Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), the Khas Palace (the private palace was used by emperor as a sleeping chamber), the Sheesh Mahal (palace of Mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the  Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) are the fascinating palaces inside the fort.

 From the rear of Diwan-i-Khas a door leads to Mussaman Burj, a two storey pavilion, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in his old age. From here he caught the last glimpses of Taj Mahal before he died.

Overnight at Amarvilas, inclusive of all meals. 

Day 9

After breakfast you will be escorted on a tour to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal which is the seventh wonder of world, was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the banks of river Yamuna. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum The Taj has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The great monument took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers from all over the country and central Asia were recruited to translate this dream into a reality.

 After lunch you will be transferred by road to Jaipur.

En-route you will visit “FATEHPUR SIKRI”.

Situated around 40 km from Agra built by Emperior Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.  This was the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1570 to 1586.

Fatehpur Sikri’s sprawling structure is made of red sandstone and combines both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The main entrance to this walled city is through the 175 feet Buland Darwaza.

After sightseeing at Sikri, continue drive to Jaipur (4 ½ hours).

JAIPUR

The vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-colored buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes.

The royal city of Jaipur owes its name to the founder of the city. It was Great Warrior King Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1743) who laid the foundation of the city in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details and a very good scientific temper.

Accommodation has been reserved for two nights at the Trident Hilton Hotel. Deluxe Lake View Room 

The Trident Hilton, Jaipur captures the romance and beauty of the fabled “Pink City”. The rose-coloured façade of the hotel reflects traditional Rajasthani architecture. Hotel Trident Hilton Jaipur  is situated en route to the Jaipur’s renowned Amber Fort, the hotel looks out onto the scenic Mansagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli range.

Accommodation
Each of the 138 rooms has an individual "jharokha" balcony that overlooks the Mansagar Lake or the Aravalli range. Experience the surrounding natural beauty from your room, elegantly appointed in soft earth tones and indigo.

All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as mini-bars, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones and satellite television.

Dining
At the Trident, dining is neither boring nor pretentious. The restaurants at all Trident Hotels offer an informal and relaxed setting where large or small groups can enjoy a convivial meal or buffet.
Our multi-cuisine restaurant encourages the guests to decide what they want to eat. An elaborate a’la carte menu and extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner offer a wide variety of Indian, Continental and a selection of local cuisine. The Mansagar Bar, overlooking the lake offers a perfect retreat to relax.

 Overnight Trident Hilton Hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 10

After breakfast, you will embark on an elephant ride to the Amber Fort.

Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace.

The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise.

Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster.

A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.

Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period.

En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. 

After lunch, you will be escorted on a city tour of Jaipur, which begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum.

A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers.

The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight Trident Hilton Hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 11

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Pushkar. Approximately three hours drive.

Accommodation has been reserved at the Tents at Desert Camp, inclusive of all meals.

Pushkar Fair

 Asia’s largest camel fair, held annually at Pushkar during the months of October –November, has put it on the international tourist map. Tourists from around the globe come to see the ancient town of Pushkar, which is transformed into a spectacular fair ground. During this week long fair, camels are bought, sold, beautified, raced and paraded.

Being attended predominantly by villagers and tribal folk, Pushkar becomes a showcase for Rajasthan. Traditional artifacts, jewelry (mainly silver), beautiful tie-n-dye fabrics and leather goods, are all available here in the numerous stalls that dot the entire town.

The evenings have their own charm, filled with soulful ballads, performances of some of the most captivating Rajasthani dances, puppet shows and plays; entertainment abounds. All this is accompanied by sumptuous local delicacies.

Once the trading is complete, at the end of the fair, numerous camel, horse and bullock-cart races are held, which are great crowd pullers. On the day of Kartik Purnima, devotees offer prayers at the Brahma temple (only one of its kind) and take a dip in the Pushkar Lake to cleanse themselves of all their sins. The fair is worth a visit because it provides a succinct view of the peoples of this area and their culture.

Tents at Desert Camp Pushkar 

The traditional Indian check-in is accompanied by a refreshing welcome drink to alleviate any travel fatigue.   

After freshening up, have lunch at the camp. The afternoon is free, either to explore this ancient town of Pushkar or just rest. The welcome kits available in all tents contain the program for the day with information on what to see in Pushkar and at the fair.

The evening organized is an eventful one – enjoy ride on camel carts, camel and horse. Get henna tattoos and choose bangles from the bangle makers and traditional Jootis (embroidered camel hide slip-ons) from a shoe-maker, watch puppeteers tell you stories of love, war and valor.

Enjoy a sumptuous bonfire dinner under the stars while watching the mesmerizing performances of the Kalbelias (dance of the   snake charmers) and Terah Taalis (A group of men play stringed instruments while the women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands.) 

Overnight Tents at Desert Camp, inclusive of all meals 

Day 12

Breakfast is at the camp. Early risers can enjoy the early morning performances in Pushkar, including temple dances.

Plan the day by using the program as a guide. Visit the various temples, watch the competitions and be delighted by the endless show of culture. Shop at the various small stalls selling handicrafts or visit the on-site “Shilpgram” – the Arts and Crafts bazaar that is set-up especially during the festival. Lunch is at the camp.

A Royal Evening: The last evening in Pushkar is an experience in itself, the dinner planned is a traditional Rajasthani sit-down meal, with the dishes being taken from the Royal kitchens of Rajasthan. This evening witness a miracle. Watch the famous “Fire Dancers” – hailing from the Bhopa tribe of Rajasthan. It is a prayer offering and these dancers, consisting of boys and men, dance on live coal to the beat of drums. It is a spectacular performance. A huge fire works display marks the end of the evening.

(PLEASE NOTE PUSHKAR IS A HOLY PLACE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL OR NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED)

Kindly note that the entertainment arrangements at the camp are subject to change.

Overnight Tents at Desert Camp, inclusive of all meals

Day 13

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Udaipur. Approximately four and a half hours drive.

UDAIPUR

Founded in 1568, by Maharaja Udai Singh, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals.

As the capital of the old Mewar state, it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion.

From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful Palaces around the Lake, which culminated in the City Palace, one of the largest Palace complexes in the world.

The Lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white |Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir – a refuge of the rebel Mughal Prince, Shah Jehan, who soon became the creator of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Accommodation has been reserved at the Trident Hilton. Deluxe Pool View

TRIDENT HILTON HOTEL

Hotel Description:
Trident Hilton, Udaipur is located on the banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake and is ten minutes drive from the city center. Forty three acres of land with lush green landscaping surrounds the hotel. The hotel provides a perfect base to explore the fabled city of Udaipur, acclaimed worldwide for its beautiful lakes, medieval palaces and colorful bazaars.
Accommodation at Hotel Trident Hilton:
The 143 elegantly appointed rooms at the hotel offer guests a relaxing ambience to unwind in after a tiring day. Tastefully furnished, each of these rooms overlook landscaped gardens.

All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as mini-bars, tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones and satellite television. Rooms overlook the swimming pool , Aravalli hills and gardens.
Amenities & Services at Hotel Trident Hilton:
Restaurants and Bars, Poolside Service, Coffee Shop, Room Service, Baggage Storage, Barber Shop, Beauty Salon, Car Rental Desk, Concierge Desk, Gift Shop, Safety Deposit Box, Cable TV Services, Video Cassette Player rental, Laundry / Valet service, Foreign Currency Exchange, baby sitting, Thermostat, Central Airconditioning

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight Trident Hilton, Inclusive of breakfast

Day 14

After breakfast, you will be escorted on a tour of the city of Udaipur.

Udaipur, a splash of color in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends.

Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium  Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated.  Later visit the Jagdish Temple.  This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods.  Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains.  Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake.

Afternoon free in Udaipur to explore the city on own.

Overnight Trident Hilton, Inclusive of breakfast. 

Day 15

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure.

You will be transferred to the Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi.

On arrival at the Delhi Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Intercontinental Grand Hotel, where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.  Club Room

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at Intercontinental Grand Hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Day 16

After breakfast, you will be escorted on a tour of Delhi.

Sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid, - The largest mosque in India. Visit the magnificent Red Fort (Closed on Mondays – so an orientation drive only), - a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Drive past Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).

Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi.

Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years.

Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan temple.

Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president's residence - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.  

Overnight at Intercontinental Grand Hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

10:45pm         You will be transferred to the Delhi International Airport for your flight to Paris and New York.

11:25pm         Check in.

Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi.

Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years.

Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan temple.

Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president's residence - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.  

In the evening depart to the airport for your flight back to the USA.

         

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ROMANCING THE WILD