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India is more than a repository of an ancient civilization, it is a lively and ever changing work in progress. Visit a bazaar and groups of women in saris of seemingly impossible combinations of magenta and turquoise vie for visual attention with their sisters in silks of purple and yellows. Every surface is used to catch the eye.
Over ripe heroes and heroines loom in enormous proportions from film billboards, mud walls are decorated with traditional geometric patterns, camel pelts are clipped to produced swirling paisleys, cattle horns are painted and decorated with brass bells, cycle rickshaws are covered in painted parrots, landscapes, slogans and decorated with chrome studs. Even the natural landscape is filled with an exuberance of peacocks, elephants and tigers. The eye is lured, assaulted, charmed and enchanted as we take time to experience the fascinating aspects of daily life in contemporary India, as well as study its art history.
Focus on your tour - Rivers and Desert Tour of India
Area : North India
Trip Grade : Moderate touring
Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days
Season of Operation : Oct. to Mar.
India is the birthplace of the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sikh religions. It is also the home of 105 million Muslims. Over the centuries all of these traditions have inspired major works of art and architecture on the subcontinent. We will visit a wide election of important sites from New Delhi in the North of Indian to Khajuraho in the Central India. These sites have been chosen to give a comprehensive, historical overview of the best of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture. From the grace of twelfth Century Islamic art to the white marble subtlety of the architecture of the seventeenth century Taj Mahal, we will study the great variety of India arts and architecture, both religious and secular.
"………THE ONE LAND THAT ALL MEN DESIRE TO SEE, AND HAVING SEEN ONCE, BY EVEN A GLIMPSE WOULD NOT GIVE THAT GLIMPSE FOR THE SHOWS OF ALL THE REST OF THE GLOBE COMBINED." - Mark Twain from 'more Tramps Abroad' 1897-
RIVERS AND DESERT TOUR
What is unique about your tour -
a) Sailing down the Ganges River,
b) Camel Safari in Thar Desert land,
c) Historical monuments visit,
d) Visit to Taj Mahal- one of the wonders of the World,
e) Driving through Indian countryside dotted with Forts, Palaces & Temples,
f) Introduction to the Art & History of Medieval India.
g) Season of operation - Oct. / Mar.
SUGGESTED PROGRAM :
Day 1 - ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi late evening. Met upon arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Day 2 - DELHI / ALLAHABAD
Morning is free to relax in Delhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi. New Delhi designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive A government building, green parks and gardens. First you will visit two monuments from Delhi's past Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar- built by Qutubuddin Aiabak in 1199, India Gate (war memorial arch), Lakshminarayan Temple, Drive past the President's House Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings.
Late evening after dinner transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board overnight Priyag Raj Express train for Allahabad (Sleeper class). Overnight on board.
ALLAHABAD: One of the sacred cities of Hinduism and also one of the oldest in India. Formerly known as Priyag, in commemoration of a sacrifice by Lord Brahama. Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, The Ganga and The Yamuna. "Sangam" as the confluence is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs & rituals and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Akbar visited Priyag in 1575 & founded a new city by the name of Allah's, which has now become the modern Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has now some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture.
Day 3 - ALLAHABAD / SITAMADHI / MURDAGHAT
Arrive Allahabad today in the morning. Upon arrival in Allahabad transfers to the hotel for wash and change and breakfast. Afterwards proceed to Sitamadhi (approx. 70 kms) to commence Sailing in the River Ganges. Hot Lunch will be served during the sailing. Today criss cross the sunset sandy ghats (steps leading to the bank) dotted lands and on few occasions you see the small town along the river, pretty sanctuaries, sculptures of popular Hindu divinities & temples are everywhere in the background, above. You will also witness to a rare sight of smoke billowing from the funeral pyres on the special 'burning ghats'. Mourners haggle with wood sellers as the bereaved prepare the bodies of their loved ones for cremation. A sight with which Hinduism grew in times.
Sail till about 1800 hrs to reach at Murdaghat where you arrive at your camp and with refreshments around the campfire we retire in our camp for overnight stay at Murdaghat. Dinner and overnight is at the camp.
Day 4 - MURDAGHAT / MIRZAPUR
Morning after breakfast start sailing further downstream, eastwards to reach Mirzapur by covering approx. 50 Kms if you are lucky you can catch the wind and sail smoothly and can feel the speed also. En-route we stop at Vindhyachal, a small temple dedicated to nature worshipping goddess of the local hill range. What we see inside the temple will remain a interesting sight, the congregation of worshippers doing various prayer performances with moment of arti (a ritual offering of oil lampls to the goddess), singing devotional songs in praise of the divine powers of the goddess and distribution of consecrated holy river water to who so ever is present at the premises of the temple. We see the local colorful bazaar (market place) and you will remain amazed seeing the assorted daily needed commodities sold in open air departmental stores in tens of alleyways at these places !
Lunch will be served on boat around 1300 hrs.
Sail further towards Mirzapur. Mirzapur is well known for its hand Woven Cotton & Woolen Carpets and Brassware. Arrive and proceed to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 - MIRZAPUR / VARANASI
After this morning prayer to the Sun God, sail towards Varanasi. En-route, at around 0800 hrs, visit Medieval Fort of Chunar, built by legendary King Vikramaditya. Now the fort has been converted as training center for the Uttar Pradesh Police. You are allowed to see only a little portion. On the way to the fort there is a Crematory of Britishers who had a short spell of power at Chunar. Sail further towards Varanasi, stopping at Ramnagar to see The Palace Museum with its collection of weapons of different types, Palanquins, Ivory items, Cars etc. approx. at 1200 hrs. Lunch will be served on the boat. River trip terminates at the Lanka ghats. Met upon arrival and transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 - VARANASI / AGRA
Varanasi is the religious centre of Hindu religion. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be among the oldest living cities of the world and has been a centre of learning and civilization for centuries. Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of the Indian people. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make a long journey to this vibrant city where you can find the richest of the rich living side by side with the poorest of the poor. Travel to Varanasi with an open mind and see what faith can do to people and what their devotion to god leads them to achieve. Look beyond the poverty into the eyes of the people and you will see a sense of enlightenment and peace that their belief in a god has given them. Varanasi is a unique city that vibrates with cosmic forces beyond comprehension.
Early morning boat ride at River Ganges for Sunrise view and to witness hundreds of pilgrims having Holy dips in the River. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast tour of Sarnath - 10 Kms from the centre of the city, Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD
After breakfast check-out of hotel and proceed for half day excursion to Sarnath which is around 10 Kms. from the centre of the city. Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Also seen here is the original lions heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic. After the excursion transfer to the airport for your flight to Agra.
Day 7 - AGRA /JAIPUR
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Take an optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (you must leave the hotel at around 0540. Gates to the Taj open at 0600 return to the hotel around 0715). Witness the Taj glow in the changing light of the rising sun.
This morning after breakfast leave the hotel at around 9 a.m. for a tour of Agra City beginning with a visit to Taj Mahal which is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the World. You are left in awe as you gaze at this monument of eternal love and a symbol to Indian ingenuity. Then proceed on to Agra's impressive Agra Fort where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.
Afternoon drive for Jaipur, en route visits Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red Sandstone City that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Upon arrival in Jaipur check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8 - IN JAIPUR
Known as the "Pink City", Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
After breakfast depart the hotel at around 8 am for a half day excursion to Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. After your tour return to the hotel or a city restaurant where you can relax or enjoy a lunch on your own.
At around 2 p.m. venture back into the city, this time on a city tour. This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. After the tour return to the hotel where rest of the day is for you to do as you please.
Day 9 - Arrive Delhi (approx. 6 hours drive)
Morning after breakfast at hotel, drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival in Jodhpur check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Jodhpur - The home of the Rathore rulers the princely State of Rajasthan. A high 10 Kms long stone wall protects the well-fortified city. Within, stands an imposing Fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 meters above the surrounding plains. Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named) the Fort is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red sandstone. Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century.
Afternoon enjoy a short tour of Jodhpur : The home of the Rathore rulers - the princely State of Rajasthan. A high 10 Kms. long stone wall protects the well fortified city. Within, stands an imposing Fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mtrs. Above the surrounding plains. Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named) the Fort is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red sandstone. Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century.
Day 10 - JODHPUR / OSIAN (Camel Safari Starting Point)
Morning after breakfast drive to Osian where your camel drivers with their camels and camel carts will be waiting for you (approx. 2 hrs drive) to commence your Camel Safari.
Osian is a land of superlatives - everything is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating including the area where we will be doing our camel safari today. Each day on the safari the glorious sun rises and sun sets paint a new picture every day. As a slanting glow filters through the dawn, it makes smooth ripples of sand on the awesome Thar desert each day, only to be patterned again by languorous camel caravan moving slowly against a sky on fire.
The tribes which we visit during our safari wear fiery colours, electric blues, acid green and blood reds- veiled women sashay past in swaying skirts and armfuls of silver and bone bangles. Men fiercely guard their heritage in twisted turbans and intimating moustaches. All adding to the colour and magic that is RAJASTHAN.
Hot lunch will be served en-route. During lunch we may visit a local school if it is open and by the time our hot meal is prepared we have a nice interaction with the local kids and their teacher. After lunch it is few hours of camel safari and we reach our campsite. Our camp today is overlooking the sandy dunes of the region and is slightly away from the nearest dhani (local village). Evening we sway at the camp fire and dance away the night with the beats of the musicians singing songs and traditional musical instruments.
Overnight at the camp.
Day 11 - ON CAMEL SAFARI
On our second day of our safari we criss cross the sunset sandy dunes dotted desert land and few occasions you see the now extinct Black Buck antelope, couple of species of avifauna and we visit a local home and see how they live in this harsh climate. Our overnight stay will be at our pitched camp.
Day 12 - CAMEL SAFARI / JODHPUR / DELHI
We arrive at the road head where we say goodbye to our camel drivers and board the waiting support vehicle to take us back to Jodhpur where some rooms for wash & change await you.
In the afternoon we visit the Mandore Gardens, the ancient capital of Marwar 8 Kms. from Jodhpur was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. A shrine reputedly of 300 million gods contains the life size statues of local deities and heroes. In the evening transfer to the railway station for your overnight train to Delhi.
Day 13 - ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi early morning and transfer to your hotel where you will enjoy breakfast while waiting for your rooms to be made available (normal check-in is 12 noon, early check-in will be requested)
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern.
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit a local temple.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts. In the evening enjoy a farewell dances & dinner show.
Day 14 - LEAVE DELHI
Morning transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
Bon Voyage....
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