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17 Days - From the Deserts
to the Backwaters of India
Day 1 Depart the U.S.A.
Day 2 Delhi, India
Arrive in India’s capital late this evening and transfer
to the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi for a restful
night.
Day 3 Delhi
Awaken to the city’s rhythms at your own pace before
joining a midmorning tour of Old Delhi that includes
Raj Ghat, the stirring site of Gandhi’s cremation
in 1948; views of the impressive Red Fort, an irregular
octagonal monument about 1.5 miles in circumference;
a trishaw ride through the colorful shopping bazaar
of Chandni Chowk; and Jama Masjid, India’s largest
mosque. Later, get acquainted with fellow travelers
at a festive welcome reception and dinner.
Day 4 Delhi
Today’s panoramic excursion reveals modern Delhi,
taking you first to the busy commercial center of Connaught
Place, then past the India Gate, the president’s residence,
and parliament, before a brief stop at the Indira Gandhi
Memorial Museum. Also visit Humayun’s Tomb, a lovely
marble structure said to have inspired the Taj Mahal;
and breathtaking Bahai Temple, reminiscent of the lotus
flower. Enjoy a delightful Mediterranean lunch before
returning to the hotel; interested guests may take advantage
of an afternoon shopping shuttle into the city later
today.
Day 5 Agra, India
Board an executive-class car of the Shatabdi Express
train for your scenic transfer through rural India to
Agra, where the magnificent Oberoi Amarvilas provides
a luxurious oasis of comfort; INTRAV guests enjoy deluxe
Taj Mahal-view rooms. Upon arrival, visit Agra Fort
— a massive red-sandstone stronghold on the banks
of the Yamuna River — exploring the many halls and
palaces of this vast Mughal “city within a city”
— a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set just north of
the fort is the exquisite tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah, an
enchanting monument with fine marble latticework. Arrive
at the hotel for lunch. Your afternoon and evening are
free to spend as you wish.
Day 6 Agra
If a building can represent a country, then the Taj
Mahal is the architectural embodiment of India. It took
20 years and 20,000 workers to complete this wonder
of the world, a monument of love built by Shah Jahan
for his wife. Marvel at the majesty and immensity of
this abiding tribute. Then, following a bit of shopping
or a dip in the pool, gather with your fellow travelers
for dinner tonight.
Day 7 Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur,
India
From the enviable location of your hotel room, watch
the rising sun’s rays dance across the Taj before
today’s excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site
of Fatehpur Sikri — known as the “ghost city.”
The capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of
Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was deserted in 1585 for
reasons that remain unclear. The complex of monuments
and temples is a place where Islamic architecture fuses
superbly with Hindu and Jain decorative art.
After lunch in nearby Bharaptur, continue overland to
the “Pink City” — Jaipur. The historic grandeur
of Rambagh Palace, dramatically set near the city walls,
will make you feel like a modern-day maharaja for the
next three nights.
Day 8 Jaipur
At the heart of Jaipur’s City Palace stands Chandra
Mahal (“Palace of the Moon”); explore its fine museum
today. Showcasing an impressive collection, it features
ingenious 15th-century Rajput weaponry, enamelware,
and carpets. Continue to Jaipur’s 18th-century Royal
Observatory before lunch at the elegant Raj Palace.
Later, you may wish to relax amid the hotel’s romantic
environs, or join an excursion to learn about the city's
famous enamel jewelry.
Day 9 Jaipur
Just outside town, past fortified hill peaks and cliffs
spilling wild bougainvillea, rests the exquisite palace-fortress
of Amber. Former capital of the extensive Jaipur state,
its stern exterior of ramparts and terraces belies the
rich opulence found inside. Ascend to the entrance by
jeep to explore its lavish apartments and elaborately
carved arabesques inlaid with precious gems. En route
back to the hotel, photograph the amazing Hawa Mahal
(“Palace of the Winds”) facade — just opposite
Jaipur’s bustling markets. Enjoy free time in the
city’s colorful bazaars or at the hotel pool before
meeting on the hotel lawn for dinner under the stars.
Day 10 Udaipur, India
Early this morning, fly to Udaipur and discover its
stately City Palace, perched on the edge of glasslike
Lake Pichola. Explore Shiv Niwas, one of the complexes
four palaces, before concluding your visit at the Crystal
Gallery of the adjoining Fateh Prakash Palace — housing
the maharani’s personal collection. Morning tea will
be served in this memorable setting. Continue to the
city’s most luxurious property — Oberoi Udaivilas,
beckoning from the lake’s opposite shore. Settle into
your beautiful room before a scenic twilight cruise
of Lake Pichola. The remainder of your evening is at
leisure.
Day 11 Udaipur
Nestled amid the warren of bazaars that envelop Udaipur’s
City Palace you’ll find 17th-century Jagdish Mandir,
a Hindu-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore
it today, marveling at the classical architecture, carvings,
and friezes that adorn its unique 79-foot pagoda and
impressive archway. Then try to resist the many fascinating
temptations and photo opportunities at nearby Udaipur
Market. Lunch and the afternoon are free for independent
discovery. Later, gather at the hotel for dinner on
the terrace.
Day 12 Cochin, India
Rising with the sun, transfer to the airport early for
your flight (via Bombay) to Cochin, a resort town in
India’s southern state of Kerala. Once ruled by the
Portuguese, Cochin was a vital port and center for India’s
spice trade, and now exhibits multicultural influences.
The Taj Malabar hotel, with its harborside location
and Ayurvedic spa, provides a welcoming ambience during
your three-night stay.
Day 13 Cochin
Today, venture out on Kerala’s backwaters. This sizeable
network of palm-fringed waterways is a labyrinth of
canals connecting rivers, lagoons, and lakes traditionally
used for spice, coconut, and rubber trade. A scenic
cruise aboard a local houseboat reveals the charms of
life along the waterways; a brief village visit gives
insight to this unique lifestyle. After lunch at a resort
overlooking the canals, return to Cochin for a quiet
evening.
Day 14 Cochin
A morning tour reflects Cochin’s colonial heritage.
Visit St. Francis, India’s oldest Protestant church;
see impressive Fort Cochin and the spectacular Dutch
Palace of Mattancherry — built by the Portuguese for
the Raja of Cochin in 1555, and known for its extensive
collection of epic murals. Nearby, traditional Chinese
fishing nets stretch across the water. After lunch,
visit the remarkable Jewish quarter, housing the oldest
synagogue in the British Commonwealth.
Day 15 Bombay, India
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight
to Bombay — once a fortified city built across seven
islands by the Portuguese and then the British, but
today India’s largest, most affluent, and industrialized
business center. Capital of the Maharashtra state, Bombay
also embraces the heart of the Bollywood film industry.
Upon arrival, visit Dhobi Ghat, the city’s open-air
municipal laundry where thousands wash clothes brought
daily from around the city. Also see the memorial at
Mani Bhawan, once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Conclude
your tour at the landmark Taj Mahal Palace & Tower,
overlooking the Arabian Sea. Enjoy the rest of the day
at leisure.
Day 16 Bombay
Discover Bombay’s best during today’s foray into
her many diverse neighborhoods. Begin very near the
hotel at the triumphal Gateway of India, erected to
commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary
in 1911. Browse Crawford Market, then pass St. John’s
Church, the clock tower, and Victoria Terminus en route
to seaside Marine Drive and the upscale residential
area of Malabar Hill with its spectacular views of famous
Chowpatty beach. Also see Raj Bhavan, the old British
government headquarters; the beautiful Hanging Gardens;
poignant Parsi Towers of Silence; and the interesting
Jain temple, an ostentatious display in black marble
and mirrors. After lunch at leisure, venture out on
your own in this fascinating city. Celebrate India’s
intriguing contrasts and warm hospitality at tonight’s
farewell reception.
Day 17 Return to
U.S.A.
Various return flights to the United States depart very
early today.
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