Vibrant India Independent Journey
Delhi • Varanasi • Khajuraho • Agra • Jaipur • Udaipur • Mumbai
December22nd
Welcome to Delhi. You are met on arrival at Delhi airport, and then transferred to your luxury hotel located in the heart of New Delhi.
This afternoon explore New Delhi, an area designed and built by the British in the 1920's. See the imposing India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed in WWI, and the president’s palace. Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, and Qutab Minar, with its graceful 12th century hand carving, and its iron pillar that has not rusted after 1500 years.
December 23rd - Delhi Sightseeing
This morning enjoy the fascinating sights of Old Delhi. See the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan; it is a marvel in red sandstone. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Explore Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue, and today, a bustling colorful market.
December 24th - Delhi to Sarnath and Varnasi
This morning fly from Delhi, north to Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred cities and the Center of Hindu faith. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi has drawn Hindu pilgrims from all over India for centuries.
In the afternoon drive outside Varanasi to explore historic Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the gardens to see the remains of the 3rd century BC monuments built by Emperor Ashoka. See Ashoka’s pillar, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple, the magnificent Dharmekh Stupa and view some of the world’s greatest Indian Buddhist art at the Archaeological Museum.
This evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges River – an unforgettable look at a very sacred location. See the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred of the more than 100 bathing ghats (steps) along the Ganges.
December 25th - Varnasi to Khajuraho
This morning experience an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges and witness the rituals performed on the banks of this sacred river. Midday, take a short flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, called “The City of the Gods.” Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., is renowned for some of the most creative examples of Indian architecture.
This afternoon, visit the Western group of temples, a collection of large and small shrines surrounded by a compound wall. Among the most noteworthy is the Devi Jagdambi, a small and delicately proportioned temple, and the famous Lakshmana Temple, a grand edifice dedicated to Lord Vishnu – the preserver of the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Explore the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, built approximated 1025–1050 AD it is the largest and most handsome monument at Khajuraho.
December 26th - Khajuraho SightseeingToday explore Khajuraho’s Eastern group of temples, most belonging to the Jain faith. Visit the Parsvanath Temple, the largest, with intricate stone carvings. See the Adinath Temple, with beautiful delicate sculptures, and the Ghantai Temple, a Jain temple with remarkable frescos depicting the 16 dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira at the time of his birth. You also visit the Hindu Brahma temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the Javari Temple, with an opulently carved doorway and ostentatious sculptures on its exterior walls.
December 27th - Khajuraho via Orcha to AgraTravel by road to Orcha, a well-preserved medieval city with palaces and temples built by the Bundela Rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. A highlight is the stop at the Taj Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris, which commands a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs. Later, board the ‘Shatabdi Express’ train to Agra. See the symbol of India - the Taj Mahal. A poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (and 20,000 workers) to honor 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. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Arrive in Agra and relax in your luxurious room at the famed Amarvilas. From your balcony, enjoy a direct view of the Taj Mahal. This evening view the Taj Mahal at sunset.
December 28th - Agra Sightseeing
Arise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise from your room, and then enjoy a morning tour of this incredible monument.
This afternoon journey outside the city to visit the Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone Mughal Fort built on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. The fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall, and houses a beautiful Pearl Mosque.Upon arrival you will be escorted to your luxury hotel. Over the next two days, your guide will show you the landmark Qutub Minar tower, Parliament House, and the official residence of the President of India. Reflecting the city’s Mughal past, a tour of Old New Delhi takes you through the labyrinthine streets which pass by elaborate mosques, majestic monuments and colorful bazaars. Visits include the 17th-century Red Fort, India’s largest mosque, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial and the National Museum.
December 29th - Agra to Jaipur
After another opportunity to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, depart for Delhi before flying to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur, with the remainder of the day to relax or explore the city at your leisure.
December 30th - Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Jaipur, starting with a visit to the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, with 17 large instruments. Next, stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds. Built in 1799, this five-story building is a pink sandstone masterpiece with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows. At the City Palace, the royal residence of the King of Jaipur, examine a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and an armory of Rajput and Mughal weaponry, much of it inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels. This afternoon journey outside Jaipur to visit the ancient Amber Fort. This is a classic Rajasthani fort palace, with time-ravaged exterior walls hiding lavish courtyards and beautiful interior plaster walls embedded with precious stones and mirrors.
December 31st - Jaipur to Udaipur
Enjoy the day to relax or explore Jaipur. Late this afternoon board your flight to Udaipur, a vibrant city with a glorious past.
Arrive at the famed Lake Palace hotel built on the banks of Lake Pichola, a complex of palatial splendor that blends Rajput and Mughal influences. Stroll around Sahelion-ki Bari, an ornamental pleasure garden designed for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century, with beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
January 1st - Udaipur Sightseeing
This morning tour this city called the “Venice of the East.” Visit the City Palace, built on the bank of Pichola Lake in 1570 by Maharana Udai Singh. The palace has been preserved as a museum with a large and diverse collection of artifacts. Visit the Jagdish Temple; built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651. The temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu, and a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, and horsemen while celestial musicians rise in tiers.
January 2nd -Udaipur to Mumbai
This morning fly from Udaipur to Mumbai (Bombay). Once a sultry archipelago of seven islands, Mumbai today is an exciting metropolis that blends the old with the new. In the afternoon, take a tour of Mumbai City, a rich blend of east and west. Visit the Gateway of India, an arch of yellow basalt erected to commemorate King George V's 1911 visit, and Mumbai's principle landmark. Explore the Hanging Gardens, dhobighats (public laundries), Victoria Railway Station and Crawford Market, and the beautifully sculpted Flora Fountain at the busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial Fort area.
January 4th -Mumbai and Depart
January 5th - Home! :)
January 3rd -Mumbai Sightseeing
This morning take a cruise to Elephanta Island across the harbor. Inside the island’s caves are rock-cut temples believed to have been carved between 450 and 750 A.D. Examine these fascinating sculptures of various gods of Hindu mythology.
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