Day
2: In Delhi
Experience the contrasting images of Delhi, old and new,
as you explore India’s “green” capital
city with an insider guide. Wide avenues, grand vistas
and colonial mansions welcome you to New Delhi, home to
the city’s imperial government buildings and the
embassy district. Sightseeing includes the classical Secretariat
buildings, Parliament House and Presidential Palace flanking
Vijay Chowk, a grand piazza known as Victory Square. See
India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers,
and visit the Mahatma Gandhi National Museum, housing
the Indian leader’s personal letters and diaries.
View the five-storied Qutub Minar Victory Tower, built
in 1193, and the inspiring Humayun’s Tomb, set in
beautiful Persian paradise gardens, both designated UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. Overnight at Delhi
Day
3: In Delhi
Inspirational antiquities abound as you explore Old Delhi,
the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the
19th centuries. Travel by rickshaw through labyrinthine
streets of colorful bazaars, sacred temples and colonial
monuments, alive with the pulse of the city. See the sumptuous
palaces of the magnificent Red Fort, a powerful symbol
of Indian nationhood; visit India’s largest mosque,
the white marbled Jama Masjid; and see Raj Ghat, Mahatma
Gandhi’s cremation site. Join us for a festive welcome
dinner tonight. Overnight at Delhi
Day
5: Delhi / Kathmandu
Morning departure by air for Kathmandu, capital of Nepal.
Upon arrival, you will be met, assisted by Indian Horizons
representative and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon,
visit Durbar Square, Temple of the Living Goddess and
Swayambhunath with Indian Horizons guide. Overnight at
Kathmandu
Day
6: Patan & Bhadgaon Excursion
Your morning tour with Indian Horizons guide includes
visits to the charming towns of Bhaktapur, Pashupathinath
and Bodhnath, followed later in the afternoon by a visit
to Patan and the Tibetan handicrafts center. This evening,
enjoy a presentation of Nepalese folk dances. Overnight
at Kathmandu.
Day
7: Kathmandu / Varanasi-Sarnath
Today you will fly to Varanasi, India's holiest city,
which is located on the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival,
you are met and assisted by Indian Horizons representative
and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon visit
the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath with Indian Horizons
guide, which is the site of Buddha's first sermon. Overnight
at Varanasi
Day
8: Varanasi / Khajuraho
In the early morning, enjoy the sunrise on the Ganges
River with a boat ride followed by a walking tour of the
old city with Indian Horizons guide. Later depart by air
to Khajuraho, capital of the Chandela Dynasty from the
9th to the 13th century. Upon arrival you are met and
transferred to your hotel. Visit the Western group of
temples with Indian Horizons guide, which contains the
largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev,
which represents Chandela art at its best. Evening attend
sound and light show at Khajuraho. Overnight at Khajuraho.
Day
9: Khajuraho / Agra
This morning, visit the principal Eastern group of temples
with Indian Horizons guide, which are modest and less
ornate than the Western group. These temples reflect the
simplicity inherent in Jainism. Later, drive to Jhansi
to board the train to Agra, stopping en route to visit
Orchha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing
to this day as it must have in the 17th century. Upon
arrival you are met, assisted by Indian Horizons representative
and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Agra.
Day
10: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Early morning visit the magnificent Taj Mahal for a sunrise
view. After breakfast visit Agra Fort followed by a drive
to Jaipur, stopping en route to visit the abandoned city
of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Jaipur
Day
11: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
In the morning, visit the mountain fortress of Amber,
riding royally atop regally painted and decorated elephants.
Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City with Indian Horizons
guide, visiting Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Winds,"
City Palace and the ancient observatory. Overnight at
Jaipur
Day
12: Jaipur / Udaipur
Morning departure by air to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you
are met, assisted by Indian Horizons representative and
transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, tour this
famous "City of Lakes," which is known as one
of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India and
perhaps the world with Indian Horizons guide. Visit City
Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maidens and the
folklore museum, where you can see a presentation of the
string puppets typical to this area. Overnight at Udaipur
Day
13: Ranakpur Excursion
Today's excursion with Indian Horizons guide brings you
to the beautiful 15th-century sculpted Jain temples of
Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble temple of
Adinath is perhaps the most well-preserved and impressive
examples of Western Indian Temple architecture. The temple
dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture.
Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and the
private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Overnight
at Udaipur
Day
14: Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)
Morning departure by air to Mumbai (formerly Bombay),
India's most cosmopolitan city. Your tour of Mumbai with
Indian Horizons guide includes the British-built "Gateway
of India," the Hanging Gardens and Malabar Hills—where
Mumbai's rich and famous live—the Prince of Wales
Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial
Museum and Jain Temple. A room will be provided for washing
up and changing clothes at the hotel. Later this evening,
Indian Horizons representative will transfer you to the
international airport for your flight back home. |
