SPLENDOURS OF INDIA – OCT 2020

Today board your flight to Delhi vis Singapore (chane of plane in Singapore)

This may be your first sight of the crowds, clamour, colour and smells that says “India.”  Welcome!  Delhi, is India’s second largest city and one of the most populated in the world, look around and you will find a capital city representing all life.  Discover the grandness of the ancient monuments, museums, modern shopping malls & street markets, hear the background hum of traffic & the blaring horns that warn, I’m here.  Watch the people & read the stories written on their faces.  Smile, then rest a while in the oasis that is your hotel.

An afternoon tour of New Delhi will take you to visit Raj Ghat, a monument to Mahatma Ghandi, the father of the Nation, before moving on to Humayun’s Tomb. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – Humayun’s tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun.

Your tour continues to Qutab Minar. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – Qutab Minar is a 73 metre high tower which tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist intricately carved quotations from Koran and is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. On the way back to the hotel drive by India Gate and President’s Palace.

A Welcome Dinner at Masala Library.

Overnight at Shertaon Hotel

After the Sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel, it is time to touch the heart of Old Delhi in a half day tour.

Drive past the Red Fort.UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, Red Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan,famous for building the Taj Mahal. It also served as a refugee camp during partition in 1947.

Take a short exhilarating Rickshaw ride through the crowded lanes of ChandniChowk, stopping at Jama Masjid – the Great Mughal Mosque.Thisis the largest mosque in India & has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD. You will need to remove your shoes, pay a camera fee and wear a robe provided.  A great photo opportunity.

Move on to theGurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple, situated in the heart of New Delhi’s Connaught Place area. Shoes must be removed, and your head covered.

On return to the hotel enjoy some leisure or explore further on your own before dinner.

Overnight at Shertaon Hotel

After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Believed to be the oldest city in the World, Varanasi, is locatedon the banks of the Ganges River.  It is said to have been founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago, thus making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. It is one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus.  Varanasi will likely assault your senses.  It is crowded, dusty and visceral.  You may be confronted by funeral processions, for many wish to be cremated in this holy place beside the Ganges. Varanasi, or Banaras, is famous for its silk.

At Varanasi, a local representative will assist your transfer to the hotel before an afternoon visit to Sarnath– The Buddhist City,where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India at Sarnath have revealed many structures which represent facets of the Buddhist history. Visit the Archaeological Museum with theAshoka Pillar, ChaukhandiStupa, Tibetan Temple, Thai Temple and the Deer Park.

Before dinner, as the sun goes down,you will have the opportunity to sit on the banks of the Mother Ganges to watch the Aarti ceremony.  This is the sacred “light ceremony”,a daily ritual performed by the temple priests in the spirit of humility & gratitude to the divine element which is the river.

Overnight at Hotel–Taj Ganges

Early, early rising this morning to reach the Ganges, before sunrise.  Wait for the big orange globe to rise above the horizon and watch the colours change on the riverside facades of Varanasi architectureas devotees worship, locals bathe, dirty washing is beaten clean &tourists stare from rowboats. Unmissable!Your vantage from the riverboat would include observation of the burning Ghats …. in respect of the dead & grieving, photography is not allowed. You would also be able to walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi.

Return to hotel for breakfast, and later depart for sightseeing of Varanasi:

Durga Temple – also nicknamed “Monkey temple,” was built in 18th century. The temple got the name ‘Monkey temple’ because of the presence of a large number of monkeys. According to legend, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple.

Drive through the famous Banaras Hindu University founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya; and visit Laxmi Narain temple.

Visit BadiBazar that specializes in silk weaving and brocading.You can see the weavers at work … watch in aweas such beautiful fabric is produced from the most basic of equipment & conditions. Delicate floral & architectural patterns are hand woven with detailed multi-colored thread that makes Varanasi silk absolutely unique.

Overnight at Hotel –Taj Ganges

Breakfast in hotel before transfer to Varanasi airport for the short flight to Agra.

Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries, and while its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map,as a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire.  Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World.

Later in the afternoon we will drive through Agra to Mehtab Bagh gardens where we get our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal and can watch while the sun goes down.

Dinner at Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel ITC Mughal

Another early morning…. to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal– (closed on Fridays) – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most appreciated icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, MumtazMahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz.

Relax over breakfast back at the hotel before a visit to the Agra Fort.

Agra Fort was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another World Heritage Site.  It was where Shah Jahan lived out his days, as a prisoner of his own son, only able to gaze on his Taj Mahal creation through a window.

Opportunity will be available to visit a marble factory where you can see themarble inlay work(pietra dura) as it was done for the ornamentation of the Taj.

Overnight at Hotel ITC Mughal

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel before the long drive to Jaipur.

We stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the city founded by Emperor Akbar in 1569.  It was later abandoned in 1585 because water from the spring dried up.  Access to the site is via shuttle bus, and touts abound trying to squeeze rupees from your wallet.

The immense Jama Mosque ( congregational mosque) has in its courtyard the intricately carved white marble tomb of Salim Chishti, a Sufi saint.  Women hoping to have children come to tie coloured threads to the carved lattice screens (jalis)

Definitely worth a visit though shoes will need to be removed, and head covered.

Arriving in Jaipur in the evening, we will undoubtedly be met by heavy traffic & honking horns. It is named the Pink City, after the walled historic centre was painted terracotta pink.  Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh) , one of the richest & most powerful men in India in 1876, demonstrated his absolute power in the capital by this extreme strategy to impress Prince Albert during his tour of India.The colour is so significant to the heritage of the city that it is now enforced under local law.

Located in the desert lands of India, & amongst the Aravalli mountains, Jaipur is the first planned city of mediaeval India. Once the capital of royalty, Jaipur is now the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families, and is famed for its gemstones, textiles and handcraft heritage.

A time later for the men to be the centre of attention with a traditional Rajasthani turban-tying demonstration, and for dinnerwe visit the spectacular Amber Fort to dine like royalty in the old world charm of 1135 AD restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel ITC Rajputana

This Morning after a hearty breakfast we explore theAmber Fort situated strategically atop the Aravalli hills and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture.

You may ride an Elephant to the Main Courtyard, and return either on foot or by shared jeep. Hawkers will hassle you for sure and may take your photo to sell back to you later, however don’t feel obligated to purchase.

Sightseeing of Jaipur city will include:

Drive past Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds – This five storied building looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks. Here ladies of the royal household could watch festivities in private from the myriad of framed windows.

 JantarMantar – The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728, is an excellent example of the marvelousknowledge &precision of early Mughals. Each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes, azimuths or eclipses, & time.  Fascinating beyond words.

City Palace Museum – City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajput architecture. A part of the palace is still the home of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping.….. a shopper’s paradise famous for jewelry, handicraft, carpets, blue pottery and textiles.  Bargain hard.

Overnight at Hotel ITC Rajputana

Breakfast in the hotel.

Today you will visit Saganer, known for its famous handmade paper industry and the textile printing industry.

The first and foremost attraction found in Sanganer is the Kagazi Mohalla. It is a great attraction for tourists as it helps you to get a clear idea about the artisans of the place who used to make the famous handmade paper. The Sanganer textiles are also very popular to the tourists. The hand printed designs and bright colors of these items are also a great attraction for the tourists. However, one of the distinct features of the Sanganer prints is that they make use of all possible colors but on a white background. Block prints found in this region of Rajasthan is also immensely popular among the tourists.

You will have a chance to learn the art of Block Printing and learn more about the colours used in thi art. You can take home the piece you will make.

Overnight at Hotel ITC Rajputana

Breakfast in the hotel

This morning we drive to Jodhpur, sometimes labelled “the Blue City.”

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by RaoJodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, and the city grew out of the profits of Opium, Sandalwood, Dates and Copper.  The Rathore kingdom was once  known as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today it’s moustached men are more about smiling for the camera.

Rest of the day is free to realx

Overnight at the delightful hotel Ajit Bhawan Palace, former home of royalty.

Today visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada .

Mehrangarh Fort lies on a rocky outcrop at the outskirts of Jodhpur city, overlooking the old walled town, where many buildings are painted the city’s iconic shade of blue.

The magnificent 15^th century Fort is the most majestic and one of India’s largest Forts. It was begun by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. The former palace is now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborate royal palanquins (sedan chairs).

Extra charge for cameras.

Jasawant Thada is the architectural white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.  The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. The marble sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface. The cenotaph holds tombs for the current royal family.

Visit the bustling market of Jodhpur.

Afternoon visit to Bishnoi Village, home to a rural tribal group. They are a Hindu sect who follow the teaching of Jambeshwar, a 15th-century sage & religious reformer who left a legacy of 29 Bishnoi tenets. The countryside around Jodhpur is home to many tidy Bishnoi villages & family compounds. These gentle communities of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers & camel herders have achieved world acclaim for their religious conservationist beliefs.

Overnight at Ajit Bhawan Palace.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Depart for Rawla Narlai by road at time to be advised.

Rawla (meaning house of the chieftain) Narlai is situated midway  between Jodhpur & Udaipur, and offers a rare peek into the true rural Rajasthan.  Maharaja and Rani Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this stylish 17th-century hunting retreat, with aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses.

Various optional activities are available here for you at an additional cost …. horse riding, a village walk, Elephant Hill Walk, Cave Temple visit or Spa.

This evening you will enjoy a special dinner by the step well. It will be a dinner to remember for years to come. Hundreds of candles light up the ancient step well and you will be driven there by an oxen drawn cart.  Prepare for an unforgettable evening, and taste the true flavour of Rajasthani hospitality in this 16^th century stepwell.    Dine under the stars before falling asleep upon the soft downy pillow of history.

Overnight at marvelous heritage hotel – Rawla Narlai

Morning departure for Udaipur.

Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia clan. The founder of Udaipur was Rana Udai Singh. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and said that it would be well protected.  Known as City of Lakes this is a truely beautiful location.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir Palace. The palace, built of granite and marble, covers four acres and is almost in the middle of the lake. Visit the Borra Mahal, Khas Mahal and the courts, gardens and fountains.

In the evening you will be take to watch the Dharohar Folk Dance

Dharohar” means “Heritage”, and at Dharohar Events we make your grandest dreams for your special ones a cultural rhapsody. Borne out of the vision to celebrate the cultural heritage of Rajasthan, it endeavours to envelop you in the colors of Rajasthan. Folk dances are dances developed by groups of people that reflect the traditional life of the people of a certain country or region.

Note: There is no reserved seating in this show, first come first basis.

Overnight at Hotel Trident

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half of the day sightseeing in Udaipur, visiting:

City Palace – standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the Palace provide panoramic lake views on one side and on the other, the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping, terraces, corridors and gardens.

Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The garden set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake has lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts specially carved for the purpose.

After the sightseeing, watch a cooking demonstration at Royal Repast which will be followed by Lunch.  The Royal Repast, from THE HOUSE OF BEDLA, is a specialty restaurant and their traditional Mewar Style cooking attempts to link food with history and heritage.

The remainder of the day is free to relax.

 Overnight at Hotel Trident

Early breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Mumbai airport in time to connect flight to Mumbai

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Mumbai – earlier known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian State of Maharashtra. The city is the second most-populous in the world; with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane it forms the world’s 4^th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural Harbor.

Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai

Gateway of India –Mumbai’s most famous monument in the city was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

Drive past Marine Drive  a 3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai in the city of Mumbai. It is a ‘C’-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Nariman Point – Mumbai’s Manhattan, and the leafy green slopes of Malabar hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen’s Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels.

Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is the temporary residence of Mahatma Gandhi – the Father of the Nation, who stayed here between 1917 and 1934 during India’s freedom struggle. The house comprises his personal clothes, glasses and office furniture etc. The visit to Mani Bhavan gives a serene feeling.

Dhobi Ghat – The Dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly ironed to your doorstep.  The “laundries” are called “ghats”, row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles.

Dinner and overnight at hotel Lalit Mumbai

Breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Mumbai airport in time to connect flight to Cochin

Arrive in Cochin and drive inland to the mountainous Western Ghats, andMunnar (3 – 4hrs)

Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station,& is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates. At an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing air make it the most sought-after destination.

Overnight at Hotel Fragrant Nature

This morning, visit a Tea plantation & nearby factories where you can see the process of picking and packaging tea.

Tea Gardens Munnar’s top attraction is its scenic tea gardens and is a top priority on any travel itinerary in this area. There are around 30 tea estates, all are privately owned (about 27 of them owned by Tata Tea Company), but most estate managers will allow visitors to wander around the estate for free. Tea factories at the estates offer a great opportunity to witness the entire process by which tea changes from being a fresh, hand-picked leaf to the fragrant product that makes it to breakfast tables across the world. Some tea factories also offer tea on sale.

Eravikulam Sanctuary The Eravikulam National Park was established to protect the NilgiriTahr, an endangered species of the wild goat, and the only place south of the Himalayas where they can be found. Rich in forest and grasses, this area was only notified as a park in 1978. The park has a large variety of flora and fauna with over 26 species of mammals, 132 species of birds, 101 species of butterflies, 19 species of amphibians and 20 species of orchids already registered.

In the evening you will be invited to witness KATHAKALI – the ancient and traditional dance drama of Kerala. The drama shows different scenes from the epics of Maharabharata and Ramayana. To understand the entire process you need to reach the venue an hour before the show and see the make-up process.

Overnight at Hotel Fragrant Nature

Drive to Alleppey & board your Rice Houseboat. Relaxation time this afternoon, sailing in the canals of the massive lake, where you can see people living their day to day lives.

Overnight on houseboat

Breakfast on houseboat before Disembarking at Alleppey boat Jetty. Drive to Fort Cochin for a half day tour.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala.Fort Kochi is a sleepy backwater where tourists gather and restaurants abound.Neighboring Mattancherry is the old bazaar district and centre of the spice trade.

Jewish Synagogue – for white Jews, lies at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town.Built in 1568, the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth stands adorned with a gold pulpit, Belgian chandeliers & hundreds of exquisite hand-painted,willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton.

Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays)

The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it.

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here, & now Kochi is the only place outside of China where they are found.

St. Francis Church- is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India by sea from Europe, fell ill and died in Kochion his 3rd visit. He is buried in the St. Francis Church.

Towards the end of the day check-in today rooms at Hotel Flora, near the airport, to freshen up & relax over dinner before your late evening flight homeward.