JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF INDIA - THE ROYAL WAY
For your special-interest group, club, church group, yoga class,
book club, family or other group of 10 or more adults
Do you now want to experience the opulent splendor
and sacred mystery of Mother India? Because you will now have that
rare opportunity in an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your unique tour takes you not only to the awe-inspiring
architectural splendor of the heart of India but also on a
spiritual journey to meet the holy men and women on the banks of
the legendary Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayan
mountains.
The temples, palaces, and forts of stunning artistry carved from rosy red and pink stone recall an ancient era of India's royal courts. Visitors can still ride on comparisoned elephants and stay in fantasy palace hotels built by royalty who trace their genealogy back to the sun, the moon, and the god of fire.
On this tour your experienced hosts will cater to your every need meticulously. You will travel through the heart of India while enjoying spendid hotels and delicious Indian cuisine.
Your expert guides will lead you from the birthplace of Lord Krishna into the mysteries of the Himalayan foothills, where you will meet the holy men and women who live in caves and ashrams along the sacred Ganges River. You will meditate in the cave of an ancient rishi and imbibe a sacred soul cleansing as you walk along the banks of the Ganges and breathe the air of the Himalayas.
From the dream in marble--the incomparable Taj Mahal--to the pink city of Jaipur, from the magic of the Mughal capital of Fatehpur to the profound spiritual energy of the Himalayas, our master tour specialists will make sure that this journey will meet and exceed our every expectation.
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 Susan Shumsky of Divine Travels is a member of Travel Service Network, Inc. (TSN). Professional industry affiliations include:      
   
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 Fly overnight to India, arriving in the late
evening. Your tour leader will accompany you to your hotel in the
heart of Delhi, followed by the Traditional Indian Welcome at the
hotel. Overnight at hotel.Hotel: The Oberoi Maidens or Similar
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Visit the
powerful, majestic Hindu Temples of Delhi: Chattarpur Temple,
Yogmaya Temple & Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Hotel: The Oberoi Maidens or Similar (Meals: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner at Chor Bizarre)
New Delhi: The new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. An interesting drive in the one passing through the impressive Rajpath from the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate towards the Presidential Palace. Visit Humayun's Tomb built in 1565 AD, Safdarjung's Tomb, the Qutab Minar, 72 meters high and the most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. |
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 After early
breakfast, leave for Jaipur by surface. Arrive Jaipur and visit
Amber Fort (On Elephant's Back right up to the fort). Afterwards,
check-in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the Village part of
the Chokhidhani (An ethnic village Resort) and enjoy the cultural
evening which includes Traditional Indian Dances and Traditional
Indian Arts. Afterwards, transfer to the restaurant for Traditional
Rajasthani Dinner. Overnight at hotel.    |
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Jaipur (Sheer Symphony in Pink):The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is color washed pink - the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautiful laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.
    
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 A long eastward drive will bring us to Fatehpur
Sikri, a mysterious 16th Century city that once rivaled London in
its population, wealth and grandeur. The site occupies 117 miles
and is enclosed by a wall. Built in 1571, it was mysteriously
abandoned just 15 years later. Today, it is India's "Ghost City".
Then, continue to Agra for your first view of the Taj Mahal.(Breakfast & Dinner) Hotel: The Trident Or Similar Fatehpur Sikri, 38 km from Agra, was one of the capital cities of Akbar after the childless Mughal was blessed with a son with the blessings of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who lived here. The new capital came up in 1569. Through the Juxtaposition of the buildings seems whimsical, they are thoughtfully planned, imparting an atmosphere of playful brilliance. Towering, walls on three sides surround the rectangular-shaped city, accessible through nine gates, and an artificial lake is located on the west. Credit for preserving the monuments goes to Lord Curzon. These protected monuments and the city's environs are well maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. 
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Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world-the "TAJ MAHAL". The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is know for its superb inlay work on the marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. |
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Mathura is traditionally recognised as the capital of Bra
Vrindavan, 15 km away, is also integral to the legend of Krishna. This is where Lord Krishna played his flute and sported with the gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems of Mirabai, a princess of Medieval India who became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Vrindavan is one of the most important religious centers of Braj Bhoomi (Heart of India).   |
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After late breakfast, leave back for Delhi by surface. Reach Delhi and transfer to Orient Express Restaurant at Taj Palace Hotel OR Village BISTRO for Farewell Dinner. After Dinner, transfer to IGI Airport and tour terminates. |
Meet your group over the late breakfast, then enjoy a
walking tour of Old Delhi, featuring Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated. Next, a cycle rickshaw carries us through the crowded
Chandni Chowk Bazaar to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In the
afternoon, drive through New Delhi to visit the India Gate and the
old residences of British Viceroys.
Old Delhi: The 350 years old walled city
was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital. Opposite
the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the
Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Raj Ghat is worth a
visit where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.
After breakfast, full day sightseeing of the Jaipur
City including City Palace & Observatory. Afternoon, Shopping
Tour (OPTIONAL) OR Relax at the hotel. Dinner & overnight at
hotel.
Rise at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful
morning light. We'll seek out several views of the exterior, then
tour the inner chambers. This afternoon, contrast the ethereal Taj
with the imposing Agra Fort, an immense fortified palace that was a
seat of Mughal power. Some of its battlements are more than 60 feet
tall.
After breakfast, leave for Mathura - Vrindavan by
surface. Meet 105 year-old living saint "Sudama Ji Maharaj"
(subject to availability) AND Rickshaw Ride at Vrindavan & Boat
Ride on Yamuna River at Vrindavan. Afterwards, continue to Kosi.
Reach Kosi and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in
hotel.
Bohemia, the land which gave birth to
Lord Krishna. The region is richly interwoven with the legend of
Krishna, kept alive today by millions of devotees who look upon him
as the most endearing incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and by specific
locations associated with the legend. Mathura's history dates back
to at least 600 BC and archeological remains have testified its
importance. It was of significance during the Mauryan era and
received great stimulus under Emperor Ashoka.
After
breakfast, leave for Rishikesh by surface, en route visiting
Haridwar. At Haridwar explore Evening Ganga - Aarti at Holy River
Ganges at Har Ki Pauri. Afterwards, continue to Rishikesh. Transfer
to hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Haridwar: This sacred town, 52 km from
Dehra Dun, marks the emergence of the Ganga into the plains,
piercing through the Shiwalik Range. The devout believe that this
is one of the four places in India upon which the nectar or
Immortality, amrit, fell. It has been churned out of the formless
ocean and was being carried in a Kumbha - pot - when it split. On
the zodiacal anniversary of this event, a huge religious fair, the
Kumbha Mela, is held here every 12 years when hundreds of thousands
of devotees bathe in the Ganga. Every six years the Ardh (half)
Kumbh is held.
After breakfast, full day in and around
Rishikesh. Visit various Ashrams. Dinner & overnight at
hotel.
Rishikesh is situated on the right bank of Holy River Ganges
and surrounded on three sides by Himalayan ranges are known from
medieval time as a celestial abode. It is a great pilgrimage center
of India, attracting a large number of pilgrims. It has since been
the abode of saints and sages from where they sojourn before
undertaking the arduous pilgrimage that lay ahead on the distant
Himalayan Peaks. This is the gateway to the kingdom of gods and
pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri.
After breakfast, visit Vashishtha Cave (The cave of
an ancient seer). Afterwards, Enjoy White Water Rafting on the Holy
River Ganges (OPTIONAL) OR Relax at the Hotel. Dinner &
overnight at hotel.
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Early morning, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station
to catch Shatabdi Express at 7.10 AM for Amritsar, breakfast en
route. Reach Amritsar at 13.00 Hrs. Transfer to hotel.
After breakfast, visit Jallianwala Bagh, which is an
important monument dedicated to hundreds of martyrs of a massacre
in 1919. Afterwards, leave for Dharamshala by surface. Reach
Dharamshala in the evening. Transfer to hotel. Dinner &
overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, full-day sightseeing of Dharmasala.
Dinner & overnight at hotel.
government in exile.
Dharamshala can be divided in two parts: the lower
Dharamshala and the upper Dharamshala. Mcleodganj and Forsythganj
form the suburb of this small town. Dharamshala is dominated by the
Tibetan community but it still retains the colonial lifestyle and
British fervour that had rediscovered the place.
This busy bazaar town was established as the
travelers base camp that come to explore the nearby mountains. The
Kotwali Bazaar provides all the colour and idiosyncrasies of a
small town, which is mixed with the simple life style. The colorful
temple and Gompas which reflect the culture of Tibet adds
attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of
the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are
institutes, which have been established to preserve the Tibetan
art, cultures and traditions. And how can one forget the ample
opportunities of adventure sports which the mountains and valleys
offer and call visitors to explore them.
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