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Essence of India - for Women Only - 24 September...
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From the banks of the holy Ganges to the magnificence of the Mughal cities take this trip and experience the land of the Kings, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, the sprawling, commercial capital of India. I will show you the well known and introduce you to some wonderful secrets. The massive forts of Rajasthan, the opulence and splendour of Maharajah’s palaces, markets and bazaars, holy cities, a town seemingly lost in time, a camel safari and a search for the elusive Bollywood star all make for a trip full of highlights and contrasts. We are also fortunate enough to be part of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, a feast for all your senses as tens of thousands of locals descend on this small town.
Starting in Delhi, and finishing in Mumbai, this fabulous tour takes you to some of North India’s most well-known sites as well as undiscovered gems where you have the opportunity to meet real people and experience authentic Indian hospitality and life. Price includes all local transportation, accommodation and included sightseeing, tour escort and local guides, all breakfasts and some other meals.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Mumbai Day 2 Mumbai Days 3-5 Udaipur Day 6-7 Bijaipur Days 8-9 Pushkar Day 10 Jodphur Days 11-13 Jaisalmer Days 14-15 Jaipur Days 16-17 Agra Days 18-20 Varanasi Days 21-22 Delhi
Arrival Day. No group activities today. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting and dinner.
We have a full day in Mumbai, the exciting and frantic commercial capital of India, where we visit some of the sights including the Gateway of India, Dhobi (laundry) washers and Chowpatty beach.
We take a morning flight to Udaipur. Often called the romantic city, Udaipur lives up to its name with its white washed havelis and palaces lining the banks of the charming lake Pichola. We visit the City Palace complex (the largest palace complex in India) and take in a classic Rajasthani Dance show. We wander the local markets and learn how to make a sensational Indian curry. Why not try your hand at a spot of miniature painting or discover the lake on an afternoon cruise. Udaipur is a friendly and charming city just made for exploring.
We travel by bus and then jeep to Castle Bijaipur where we get to spend the night living like Maharajahs (and Maharanis). The Castle is still run by the local rulers, who take us out on a village safari to experience tribal village life Rajasthani style
The usually mellow and friendly Pushkar is a firm favourite with travellers and modern-day hippies. Picturesquely situated around a holy lake lined with whitewashed temples and Ghats, Pushkar comes alive for a week every November with the annual Camel Fair when tens of thousands of people and camels descend on the small town.
Travelling on to Jodhpur we spend an afternoon wandering the palaces of the magnificent Meherangarh Fort before exploring the markets in the city below. Famous throughout the country for its special Makhani (butter) lassi’s, Jodhpur is also where the pants come from.
Like something out of 1001 Arabian nights, Jaisalmer is both exotic and mysterious with a unique fort, which unlike all others in India is still lived in, and accommodates a quarter of the towns population.
We wander the ancient streets of the fort and the town, visiting the intricately carved sandstone havelis (merchant’s mansions) and temples. Jaisalmer is famed for its handicrafts and there are many wonderful shops in the bazaar.
On day 11 we head out to the desert on our camel safari. Camping out in the desert is an unforgettable experience, and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. We return to Jaisalmer mid morning. Plenty of time to relax and freshen up before taking our overnight train to Jaipur.
We arrive very early morning into Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and capital of Rajasthan. Amber Fort is a splendid example of Rajput/Mughal architecture and was the old capital of Rajasthan prior to 1727. We take a wander through the markets and colourful bazaars of Jaipur and have the chance to see the splendid City Palace Museum and the wondrous Jantar Mantar. There is free time to explore some of Jaipur’s many sights, or markets. We also experience a Bollywood extravaganza at the Raj Mandir cinema.
We travel by private vehicles today to Agra, where we spend the afternoon visiting the superb Mughal Agra Fort. We make a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal before visiting Akbars Mausoleum, leaving the afternoon free for another visit to the Taj, or any one of many other options. On the evening of day 17 we take an overnight train to Varanasi.
We arrive early morning into Varanasi. After transferring to our riverside hotel, we take a walk along the Ghats on the bank of the Ganges and explore the old city. Whilst in Varanasi, we enjoy an evening ceremonial 'aarti' on the riverbanks and take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges. We visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon and still have plenty of free time to explore the Ghats and alleyways of ancient Varanasi.
We have a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, we visit Humayan’s Tomb and New Delhi. There are many other options – including the Craft Museum, Red Fort, Purana Qila and the Lotus Temple. On day 22, we spend the morning sightseeing in Old Delhi visiting the Jama Masjid, (the largest Mosque in India), the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia.
Day 23 Departure Day
There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at anytime.
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There are no questions about this tour
