Magical India

A spectacular, 10-Day sampling of the color and contrasts of
this exotic Asian sub-continent

Day 1: London/ Delhi-

Arrive London early morning. Connect to your flight to New Delhi, India, arriving late tonight to a traditional warm welcome.

Oberoi Maidens Hotel

Day 2: New Delhi-

Delhi, the capital of India and third largest city, consists of two parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. After breakfast, take a guided tour of New Delhi, and such sights as Humayun's Tomb (1586); Qutab Minar, 72-meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world; 1,500-year-old Iron Pillar. Tour the Embassy area, Government buildings, and Connaught Place, heart and main shopping district. Cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi. Old Delhi draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and old forts. Tour includes the Jamma Mosque (1650), and fabled Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. On to Red Fort, built between 1639 and 1648 by Shah Jehan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Visit Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where Mahatma Gandhi and his descendants were cremated. One of the highlights today is riding on a three-wheel cycle rickshaw that has a sofa seat in the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in front. This is a remarkable way to explore colorful, crowded narrow winding streets and pavement shops selling wares of all description. This evening, enjoy a welcome Dinner in a Big Five family home for a taste of traditional Indian hospitality and traditional Indian food, and learn more about Indians and their country.

Oberoi Maidens Hotel (B,D)

Day 3: Agra -

After breakfast, drive to Agra. In the afternoon, tour the massive Agra Fort. Its elegant buildings reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, it has a maze of courtyards and mosques, and its private chambers echo the Mughal Empire. Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. Yet, no picture can substitute for actually seeing the Taj Mahal. The unparalleled beauty of it surpasses all expectations, especially when viewed at sunset! Inspect the perfect symmetry of its construction. The inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is remarkable.

Trident Hotel (B)

Day 4: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur -

After breakfast, drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour of this perfectly preserved, abandoned capital of the Mughals. Following the tour, continue on to the Dream City of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, and colorful. Here history lives in the by-ways and narrow streets. Indeed, Jaipur could be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis ' (women's scarves). Camels and elephants are as common as cars and buses.

Trident Hotel (B)

Day 5: Jaipur -

This morning, tour Amber Fort set on dry wrinkled Aravali Hills. It is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) architecture. Enjoy a slow elephant taxi to the top of the Fort, which houses graceful buildings. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where Mughal and Hindu styles fuse in ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls, accented with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. Maota Lake nearby offers breathtaking reflections of the Amber Fort-Palace. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace in the heart of the old city. The fortified wall was built with seven gates to protect from invading armies and jungle animals. The center of the palace is a seven-story building called Chandra Palace. Next, visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house. And, see Palace on Winds (Hawa Mahal), a city landmark with its ornamental facade. The five-story pink-sandstone structure, built in 1799 as a women's palace, has 953 niches and windows.

Trident Hotel (B)

Day 6: Udaipur -

After breakfast, fly to Udaipur, the Royal Capital of a divine dynasty that is strewn with marble palaces, fountains, and cobbled Medieval gardens. The famed "City of Sunrise" was founded in 1567. Upon arrival, board a boat on the banks of Lake Pichola to our hotel, and view glimpses of daily bathing and laundry chores that take place here. Afternoon tour of Udaipur, a city of lakes and a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. City Palace towers over the Lake Pichola, and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it retains a surprisingly uniform design. Jagadish temple nearby enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle -- a mighty bird called garuda -- in a brass image. The temple is a fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Trident Hotel (B)

Day 7: Udaipur / New Delhi -

Morning is at leisure for independent walks through the bustling bazaars of the old city. Udaipur also offers some lovely scenic walks around its lakes. Consider walking alongside the tranquil lakes to Shilpgram, the crafts village of Western India where local handicrafts are displayed and sold.

Late morning, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance upon arrival, and transfer to hotel.

Oberoi Maidens Hotel (B)

Day 8, Mon: New Delhi / Departure -

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

END OF TOUR

We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience.