A Dream Like India
14 Nights / 15 Days
Delhi | Varanasi | Agra | Jaipur | Jodhpur | Udaipur | Goa | Mumbai
Through centuries people all over the world realised their one time dream of coming to India. Aryans, Greeks, Persians, Turks, Mughals and Europeans, collectively enhanced the rich cultural fabric of today's India.
Abandon yourself to culture, art and aesthetics in a bewildering variety of moods, forms and manifestations. Explore modern cities that have grown organically from the roots of a multi-hued past. Meander through lands steeped in chivalry and pageantry that begin before recorded history. Indo Asia makes your dream come true.
Day 1: Delhi
Flight to Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.
Day 2: Delhi
In Delhi's 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.
After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
Visit the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort – the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Afternoon visit New Delhi.
Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with "Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.
It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed". The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces' losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Varanasi
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi derives its name from the two streams – Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light'. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three tirthankars, 7th, 11th & 23rd were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.
Arrival in Varanasi and transfer to the hotel.
After check in excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism's major centers in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Also visit Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha's meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3rd century). The Deer Park on the south – west, has several species of deer. On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Varanasi - Agra
Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.
After boat ride drive back to hotel. In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Agra. On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.
Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Agra
After breakfast visit the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones. After Taj Mahal visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death. The fort is crescent - shaped and the perimeter is 2.4 km long. Also visit the stunning tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the `Baby Taj'- a marble memorial with exquisite inlay work built in 1628 by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Overnight at hotel.
IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.
Day 6: Agra - Jaipur (230 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. En-route sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. 40 km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire's splendor.
Further drive to Jaipur. After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 7: Jaipur
After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort.
Afternoon visit the "Pink City" of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.
In case you have time stroll through the colourful bazaar of Jaipur, where the coulours, sights and sounds with enthrall you.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Jaipur - Jodhpur
After early breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur the second largest city of Rajasthan, once the capital of Marwar, sprawls around the massively impressive cliff top Meherangarh Fort.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. After some rest half day sightseeing of Jodhpur. Visit visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459 . From the top of the fort one can get a bird's eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Jodhpur - Udaipur
After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight to Udaipur.
The city of Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali hills of south Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city - with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces - an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jali screens, massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops. The legendary Ranas who ruled, traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.
On arrival in Udaipur transfer to the hotel. Afternoon half day sightseeing of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple – (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entrance steps. Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 10: Udaipur
After breakfast an excursion to Nagda and Eklingji.
Nagda (40 km), it has three temples: the ruined 11th century Jain temple of Adbhutji temple is considered the predecessor of the famous Khajuraho Temples because of its erotic descriptions. The Hindu Vaishnavite Sas Bahu temple (9th century) - the Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex, though comparatively small, has very intricate carving on pillars, ceiling and mandapa walls. Visit the white marble Eklingii temple with a two storey mandapa of Shiva, the family deity of the Mewars, dates from 734 AD, rebuilt in the 15th century. There is a silver door, screen and a silver Nandi facing the black marble Shiva.
In the evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa
In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Bombay. On arrival in Bombay assistance at the airport to connect further flight to Goa.
Arrival in Goa, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12-14: Goa
In Goa, you are free.
Goa was a Portuguese settlement and joined the Indian Republic only in 1961. Unforgettable Goa, is a blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline studded with some of the world's finest beaches. Create you own kind of holiday. Sun bathe in a quiet secluded spot, choose the exhilarating thrills of parasailing, speed boating, water-skiing, wind surfing and deep sea diving. Celebrate with the Goans a feast of its famous cuisine and a spirit of joyous fun. It also has the spiritual pilgrimage centre for Christians at Old Goa. Yet inland Goa, is predominantly Hindu.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Goa - Mumbai
Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Bombay. Arrival in Bombay and transfer to the hotel.
India's most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire's entrance to its `Crown Jewel'. Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.
After some rest half day sightseeing of Bombay, rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 meter high British-built Arch "Gateway of India", Mumbai's landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen's Necklace is Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence' the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes.
Rest of the day free at the hotel.
Day 15: Mumbai - Fly Home
Early morning transfer to the airport to connect flight back home.
