The BEST of Northern INDIA - Women Only Tour - 10 days/9 nights
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Dreaming of India...Though the possibilities and places of interest are limitless, one of the most breath taking "regions" to explore in India includes Northern India's Rajasthan region, which traditionally is the land of past Maharajas and Maharanis, Forts and Palaces, as well as stories of bravery & chivalry in battles fought long ago on the sandy soils. The region boasts of the mighty Jaisalmer Fort in the desert, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the romantic "City of Lakes" - Udaipur. Also within this circuit is the Golden Triangle Tour which consists of Old and New Delhi, the famous "pink city" of Jaipur, a visit to the lost city of Fathehpur Sikri. and, we must not forget Agra - the home of the Taj Mahal - one of the Wonders of the World and described by a poet, as a "tear on the face of the earth"!!
Join ROAM as we embark on a 10 day adventure to discover India's most beautiful treasures; palaces, temples, forts and natural wonders. Participate in activities and excursions that reflect local customs and traditions of India, and learn about Indian cuisine during sumptuous gourmet meals and a cooking class lesson ! And each evening, we top off this once in a lifetime experience with luxurious and historical palatial accommodations that reflect the heart and soul of India. Come join the fun during this ROAM adventure of a lifetime!
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ITINERARY
Arrive in New Delhi by flight at the New Terminal T3. Traditional Indian Welcome at the airport with garlands. Transfer to our hotel.
About DELHI: New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Delhi unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj. It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets.
Overnight Radisson Blu Marina – B/L/D
After hotel check-in and breakfast, we'll enjoy sightseeing of New & Old Delhi with an English speaking guide and will visit the following:
INDIA GATE: It is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the Unknown Soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green lawns and trees.
We'll pass by RED FORT, built in red sandstone this imposing fort has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the tricolor flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here.
Afternoon Activity: A great way to see and experience old Delhi, we'll enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw ride through its' narrow lanes.
About HUMAYUN'S TOMB: Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum, in the mid 16th century, this red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb.
About QUTAB MINAR: In 1199, Qutb-ud-din raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 meters it tapers to 2.75 meters at a height of 72.5 meters. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognized landmark.
Evening Activity: Evening Cooking Class followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight Radisson Blu Marina – B/L/D
After breakfast, depart for the Mughal City of Agra arriving at the Hotel ITC Mughal which boasts of an award winning Spa – "Kaya Kalp".
Morning Activity : After settling in at the hotel, we depart to discover and visit The Monument of Love – The Taj Mahal.
About The TAJ MAHAL: Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realization of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna.
Overnight at ITC Mughal – B/L/D
About ITC Mughal - Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture, it now boasts of a brand new accommodation wing - the 'Khwab Mahal' - Palace of Dreams. Comprising of 42 opulent rooms and suites, they resemble Miniature Palaces recreating a paradise for the contemporary Mogul- full of splendor and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Morning Activity : After breakfast, we depart for the pink city of Jaipur stopping enroute to visit The Lost City – Fatehpur Sikri.
About FATEHPUR SIKRI: The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Fatehpur Sikri is the most popular day excursion from Agra, the city of Taj and capital of invincible Mughals for a long time.
After seeing this fascinating complex, we stop for lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur.
After lunch, we head to Jaipur arriving at the Jai Mahal Palace.
About JAIPUR: Jaipur is a reservoir of the architectural wonders embracing the rich legacy of India. The remnants of the bygone era boast of the royalty of Jaipur. There are many forts and monuments in Jaipur that are worth seeing. Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are the three antique forts that provide the spectacular view of the city. In the heart of Jaipur, there lies the stunning City Palace. The Pink city marks its impact with the sight of the amazing Hawa Mahal.
Evening Activity : Depart for a memorable Rajasthani Gala Night and dinner.
Overnight Alsisar Haveli – B/L/D
About Alsisar Haveli - More than five centuries ago, the grandson of Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer, the great warrior Maharao Shekhaji, founded a sub-clan popularly known as "Shekhawat". The Alsisar Hotels is owned by this branch of the "Kachawa" clan of Rajputs. The descendants of the family have since restructured and refurbished many of the old family mansions (also known as "Haveli") along with the new hotel properties, to give the traveler a taste of true regal splendor with modern day amenities. Built in 1892, a nobleman's town house, restored to perfection, Alsisar Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City of Jaipur. Converted to a heritage hotel in 1994, it has been aesthetically restored, incorporating in itself the grandeur of traditional Rajput architecture with rambling courtyards, serene alcoves and lush greenery. It promises to be a magical experience that captures the romance of another century. Alsisar Haveli is the oldest among all the heritage properties of the Alsisar Group of Hotels.
After breakfast, depart for an excursion to Amber Fort with a our guide:
Morning Actvity : Enjoy an Elephant Ride up to the Palace just like they used to in yesteryears !
About AMBER (pronounced Amer) - it is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur.
About THE AMBER FORT: The Amber Fort is located 11 km north to Jaipur. This fort had been the capital of Kachchwaha Rajputs. Later, Sawai Jai Singh changed the capital to Jaipur. The Amber fort was one of the popular sights of attraction in Jaipur, where the tourists can enjoy elephant rides from the bottom of the Amber fort to the hilltop. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings.
About HAWA MAHAL: Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar to the west of GPO. Built to let the ladies of royal harem watch the royal processions, Hawa Mahal is not a palace as the name suggests. Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Most well known of Jaipur's buildings, one can have the best views of this great building from the street outside. About THE CITY PALACE: A major part of the City Palace has been converted in a museum. Remaining part of the palace is still being used by the royal family of Jaipur as residence. The palace is built in the fortified campus style and covers almost seventh part of Jaipur. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery. Some important palaces in this complex include the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, and Diwan-I-Khas.
About JANTAR MANTAR OR THE ASTRONIMICAL OBSERVATORY: Translated into 'Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens', Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are: Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva','Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti' etc.
Overnight Alsisar Haveli – B/L/D
Morning at leisure. We depart for the airport for our flight to Jodhpur.
We will be welcomed at the airport by our destination specialist and transfer to our palace resort, Ajit Bhawan.
About JODHPUR - its' history revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. The city is named after him only. It was previously known as Marwar. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall. It's an exceptional place to discover.
Overnight Ajit Bhawan – B/L/D
After breakfast, Morning Activity : we'll visit the Mehrangarh Fort.
About MEHRANGARH FORT: is one of the largest forts It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India. It is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.The Mehrangarh Fort, with its beauty, is the living proof of the hard work and skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
After visiting the fort, we depart for Manvar Resort for Lunch.
About Manvar: is a desert resort situated mid-way between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. It is a medieval city catapulted through a time warp into the 21st century. There is a quiet, unhurried grace about this desert settlement and its people. Manvar Resort is located right in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert. Manvar is unprecedented destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan's desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty.
After a leisurely lunch, we proceed to the Manvar Desert Camp by Jeeps.
Evening Activity : After settling in at the camp, we're going to ride the camels to watch the sunset. We also enjoy dinner with local dancers around a bonfire in the Camp.
Overnight at Manvar Desert Camp – B/L/D
Morning Activity : Breakfast and in the early morning, we enjoy a thrilling Jeep Safari on the Sand Dunes.
Afterwards departure for the city of Lakes – Udaipur – stopping enroute to visit the beautiful Jain Temples at Ranakpur.
About RANAKPUR : Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stones, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four faced image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq .feet, the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly carved Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the 'Mandaps' or porticoes in a corridor around the shrine with each mandap having a 'Shikhar' or spire adorned with little bells on the top.
After visiting the temples, we continue to Udaipur – The City of Lakes.
About UDAIPUR: Located around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, Udaipur also know as the Lake City of India is a delightful blend of sights, sounds and experiences. Udaipur is an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers….." The exquisitely carved marble palaces, impressively laid out gardens and the beautiful blue lakes make the terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis give Udaipur a totally unique charm that distinguish it from any other destination in India.
Overnight The Trident – B/L/D
About THE TRIDENT : Set in forty three acres of lush green landscaping, Trident, Udaipur is located on the banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake and is ten minutes drive from the city centre. The rooms at the Trident, Udaipur are furnished in shades of beige and light cream and the architecture reflects the ancient heritage of Udaipur. The hotel provides a perfect base to explore the fabled city of Udaipur, acclaimed worldwide for its beautiful lakes, medieval palaces and colorful bazaars.
Udaipur is also referred to as the "Venice of the East" and the "Kashmir of Rajasthan". Tourists to this enchanting old-modern town in the heart of the Aravalli mountain range, with tons of history, swear by the lovely sunsets in the backdrop of the lakes. There are three interconnected lakes within the town - the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Pichhola Lake and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake.
After breakfast, Morning Activity : we depart for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City.
About THE CITY PALACE: Built by Maharaja Udai Singh, the gorgeous City Palace is a marvel in marble, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. Majestically set on a hill, it is flooded with balconies, towers and cupolas along with the superb views of the lake and the city that can be cherished from the upper terraces. Surrounded by fortification walls, it has a triple arched gate at the entrance called Tripolia, which was built in 1725. A perfect amalgamation of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palatial complex has a number of astonishing buildings, well-planned gardens and fountains.
About SAHELION KI BARI: On the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, a beautiful garden was built for the 48 maidens meant to be a part of the dowry of the princess. Widespread lawns, gushing fountains and dappled walking lanes characterize the garden. The garden has four pools with graceful kiosks and fountains that sport elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear distinct and immaculate in taste.
Evening Activity : In the early evening, enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola.
About LAKE PICHOLA: Maharana Udai Singh II significantly distended the gorgeous Lake Pichola as a defense measure, when he founded Udaipur. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two islands palaces - Jagniwas (popularly known as Lake Palace) and Jagmandir.
Overnight The Trident – B/L/D
Morning at leisure to enjoy the hotel and surrounding area in Udaipur. In the afternoon, we depart for the Udaipur airport for our return flight to Delhi. Back in Delhi, we enjoy a farewell dinner prior to our return departures home. After dinner, we transfer to airport for our flight back home. B/L/D
B = Breakfast Included, L = Lunch Included, D = Dinner Included
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TRIP DATES -
October 20-29, 2012 (10 days/9 nights) and
April 6-15, 2013 (10 days/9 nights)
TRIP PRICE - $4,995 USD per person, land-all-inclusive
--optional single supplement (if wanting your own private room, no sharing) - add $1,490 USD
Room-shares guaranteed on all trips, if you don't want to pay a single supplement fee.
Group Size - 18-24 women
Trip Rating - Easy to Moderate
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