Northern India: An unforgettable land!
November 5/6 to 22, 2010
$4899 ppdo (deposit due by TBD)
Northern India will be an adventure you'll never forget. We'll spend 2-plus weeks touring the Delhi, Punjab, exploring Agra and Taj Mahal, the tiger reserve at Ranthambhore, and arriving just in time for the world-famous Pushkar festival.
ITINERARY
November 5 or 6: Leave the US and fly to Delhi. Timing depends on flight schedule.
November 7 – Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. After completing arrival formalities, we’ll be greeted with a traditional welcome and transferred to our hotel.
November 8 – Delhi
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Red Fort (from outside) ‑ the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33-meter high boundary wall. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque,) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656 at a cost of one million Rupees. It has perfect proportions--India's largest mosque where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer.
Our tour of Delhi will also include:
- Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, on the banks of the river Yamuna where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948.
- India Gate, which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. The names of more than 13 thousand British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations.
- Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the Viceroy's residence, is now the official residence of the President of India.
- Qutub Minar, the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at local restaurant with local wine.
November 9 – Delhi to Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra, about 5 hours. On the way we’ll see authentic routine village life. Just before Agra we stop at Sikandra- the mausoleum of the great Mughal King Akbar (1556-1605).
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the mausoleums.
November 10 – Agra
After breakfast enjoy sightseeing in Agra.
Visit Taj Mahal -- a poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today India's most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Later we’ll visit Agra Fort. Afternoon is free to explore.
November 11– Agra – Bharatpur - Ranthambhore
After breakfast we’ll drive to Bharatpur. On the way, we'll visit Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire.
After visiting Fatehur Sikri dirve to Bharatpur to see one of the finest bird parks in the world.
Later transfer to the Bharatpur railway station to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Then it's on to Ranthambore, one of the finest tiger reserves in India.
November 12– Ranthambhore
Early morning game drive in a Canter (open mini truck). Ranthambore is a dry deciduous forest replete with several lakes, rivulets and a magnificent ancient fort overlooking the park.
November 13– Ranthambore to Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853.
November 14– Jaipur
After breakfast enjoy excursion trip which takes you to Amber Fort in a Jeep or on elephants.
November 15– Jaipur to Samode
After breakfast visit City Palace, which occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armor, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Jantar Mantar(1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II.
In the afternoon drive to Samode to see Samode Palace. The palace displays the excellence of Rajasthani architecture. In the evening enjoy a Gala Dinner in Samode Palace.
November 16– Samode to Pushkar
After breakfast drive to Pushkar. The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other. Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (in Nov), which is globally famous.
Dinner & overnight in luxury tents.
November 17– Pushkar
After breakfast visit the well-known Pushkar festival, which is marked by an important pilgrimage as well as the venue of mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and sports are highlight of this event.
Dinner & Overnight in luxury tents.
November 18– Pushkar to Jodhpur
After early breakfast set out for the drive to Jodhpur. Set on the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.
November 19– Jodhpur to Udaipur
After leisurely breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East. It has to its credit some beautiful temples and gardens.
November 20– Udaipur
After breakfast visit City Palacebuilt on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The Jagdish Temple (1651) is a fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture.
We'll see Sahelion-ki Bari, which is an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the women of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola.
November 21– Udaipur to Delhi
November 22 –Delhi – Fly home or trip extension
Want a detailed flyer to learn more about this great adventure? Contact: travel@patandmikestravel.com