Colors of India

Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore this bustling capital city on your own.

Delhi is the capital of modern India. It has also been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations as well as the British Raj, and each have left behind a trail of monuments.

 

Let’s tour Humayun’s Tomb - one of the best preserved Mughal monuments and best example of Mughal architecture in India, Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower, and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. As we travel through both Old and New Delhi, don’t forget to add photographs of Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House), Parliament House and India Gate to your album.

 

Experience a busy & bustling local bazaar with a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk.

 

Breakfast

Departing Delhi, we make our way to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. Our first stop here is the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. This is our chance to size up the Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb that is a Mughal era mausoleum, often described as a "jewel box" or the "Baby Tāj".  This tomb has often been regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal.

 

Breakfast

This morning we visit the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631. The Taj Mahal is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols.

 

Drive to Jaipur.

 

Stop for lunch and a Jugaad ride to a local village.

 

Breakfast

We travel to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains below, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples.  Reaching its summit on a jeep or elephant, we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior grounds.

 

Continue to Sheesh Mahal, "Palace of Mirrors" which takes its name from the reflective glass tiles that embellish the interior.

 

On our way, enjoy the sight of Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake.

 

City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City.  It was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings.  It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons).

 

Marvel at a 16th century step well near Kheri Gate. The step well serves as the community well, gathering place and swimming hole. If we are lucky, there will be bright red dragonflies playing on the glassy surface of the water.

 

This evening, learn turban tying.

 

Later we have a Cooking Demonstration with local flavors & styles followed by dinner.

 

Breakfast      Cooking Demo & Dinner

Drive to Deograph.

 

This afternoon, take a jeep drive to visit a local village and observe rural life.

 

Explore the intricate mosaic of rural and Royal Deogarh in her colorful villages and understand the ancient bonding of the feudal lords with their subjects. Unravel the treasures and view the private Vintage Car Collection with one of the members of the feudal family (subject to availability) followed by a village walk. Catch a glimpse of the humble surroundings and ancient traditions and customs.

 

Breakfast

Ride the rural passenger train that takes you through pretty rugged terrain, stunning and indeed very cinematic landscape at a leisurely pace. This is the highest track on the India’s Western Railways.

 

Drive to Lake City of Udaipur that is an oasis in the desert of Rajasthan. Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and dotted with palaces.

 

Visit Kumbhalgarh fort, a 15^th century Mewar fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Breakfast

Surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas towering over the Lake Pichola, the imposing 16th century City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace.  Inside Badi Pol (northern entrance), eight arches on the left commemorate the eight occasions maharanas were weighed here and their weight in gold or silver distributed to the lucky locals.

 

You then pass through the triple-arched Tripolia Gate into a large courtyard, Manek Chowk.  Spot the large tiger-catching cage, which worked rather like an oversized mousetrap, and the smaller one for leopards. The Mor Chowk (Peacock square) - the elaborate design of this chamber consists of three peacocks (highlights the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) constructed by Sajjan Singh in the 19th century.  A total of 5,000 pieces of mosaic of green, blue crystal and gold, as well as concave mirrors evoke the elegant movements of the birds that are the symbol of the Rajasthan.

 

Visit an art gallery dedicated to modern, contemporary and traditional art.

 

This evening, we start the festivities of Holi.

 

Enjoy Holika Dahan ceremony (camp fire, dance, music) at City Palace.  Palace procession, royal rituals, and parade.

 

 Breakfast

To prepare for Holi Celebration, please cover your skin with oil and Kurta pyjamas provided.  Otherwise wear clothes you can throw away!

 

It's an early start today as the festivities of Holi bring thousands of people out onto the streets in a dazzling display of color and good cheer. Celebrated every year in February or March, the ancient Hindu festival of Holi originated as a celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring in honor of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Vishnu when he was tricked to his near death by his father King Hiranyakashipu.

 

Today Holi is a time when Indians across the nation gather together with family, friends and neighbors to throw powder bombs, fire water pistols and splash colored water as they run through the streets. Shops and businesses close down for the day, and on the eve of the celebrations a bonfire is held to remember the story of Prahlada and Vishnu.

 

While this is the most believed story, the myths and legends that surround Holi differ around the country, but the basic principle remains the same. Holi is meant to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, the importance of love and of happiness, and supports the formation of new friendships.

 

Enjoy the traditional music, dance and folklore during our Holi celebration.  You could watch from a safe distance or get involved in throwing organic color dyes on the hotel lawn. For those wanting to get involved we'll be providing white kurta pyjamas for you to wear and organic colors.

 

We wrap up the celebration with lunch and special desert for Holi.  The remainder of the day is free for you to wash off every imaginable colors, to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore the city on your own.

 

Breakfast      Holi Celebration Lunch

After breakfast, fly to Mumbai. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a sprawling metropolis on the Indian Ocean. It is the financial capital of India.

 

Begin a ½ day tour starting at the Gateway of India, a monument that commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary. Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum**, which houses many interesting artifacts. Drive down the seaside on Marine Drive to see the Hanging Gardens.

 

Next, head to Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s home from 1917 to 1934. It is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. Enjoy a photo stop at the dhobi ghats, India's largest open-air laundry where workers pick up, wash, dry and deliver thousands upon thousands of pieces of clothing every day. The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern part of Mumbai. Take a stroll through the bustling Crawford Market, Mumbai's most famous marketplace and the first building in the country to be lit by electricity in 1882. We’ll drive past the Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic railway station.

 

Visit Mahalakshmi and Shri Siddhivinayak temples.

 

Transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

 

Breakfast

Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a sprawling metropolis on the Indian Ocean. It is the financial capital of India.

 

Cruise across the harbor to explore the amazing Elephanta Island and its famous caves, with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D.

 

Enjoy your farewell dinner.

 

Breakfast      Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end.  Please inform us of your international or India domestic flight schedule in order to schedule your airport transfer to Mumbai (BOM) airport.

 

Breakfast