Itinerary Details: September 21 – October 3, 2015

September 21: Arrive Delhi

Namaste. Welcome to India! Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India's legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi's spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Okhla

September 22: Delhi

After breakfast, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed locals and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna. It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses. The Emperor's beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight. During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times. Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India. The tour covers 20 main sites including palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars. End at a Haveli (mansion) built in 1860, which has a photo gallery depicting the lifestyle of Mughals and a small lounge to relax and relish some famous snacks.

Later, visit Humayun's tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style. Also, drive by the India Gate, Parliament and the President's residence. Overnight in Delhi.

September 23: Delhi - Haridwar

In the morning, transfer to the rail station for your train to Haridwar. Enjoy a 5-hour journey through the countryside and villages. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Located on the Ganges River, Haridwar is a pilgrimage destination – a town of temples, ghats and ashrams. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town independently or join Allison for a walk to the Mansa Devi Temple. In the evening, experience a traditional Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river. Overnight at the Haveli Hara Ganga, a restored mansion built in 1913 and Haridwar's first heritage hotel.

September 24: Haridwar - Delhi

Enjoy a morning at leisure. For those interested, we will also offer a yoga session at the hotel. Haridwar is truly a sensory experience. View the locals bathing in the river, witness the cremation ceremonies at Chandni Ghat, discover the many temples, or enjoy a chai on the hotel balcony while observing the river life below.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the rail station for your return train to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and overnight. Hotel: Lemon Tree Aerocity

September 25: Delhi - Udaipur

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. With a wealth of enchanting lakes, Udaipur is a true oasis in Rajasthan. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets, painters and writers. The city's inherent romance, beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor continue to enthrall travelers. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.

Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola add to the magic of Udaipur.

In the afternoon, tour Udaipur. Start at Jagdish Temple, built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace (part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal in the world) and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics, Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures, and miniature paintings. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Evening at leisure and overnight. Hotel: Fateh Garh

September 26: Udaipur – Ranakpur - Udaipur

After breakfast, visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple. The drive takes you across the Aravalli Hills, considered the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life - colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools, and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. Your destination is one of the architectural gems of the area, the white marble Jain Temple at Ranakpur. Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard, Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. The temple, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars, is distinct in design with carved ceilings and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints.

Enjoy lunch at Fatehbagh and then return to Udaipur. Evening at leisure and overnight.

September 27: Udaipur - Rajsamand

After breakfast, drive to Rajsamand (2 hours), a colorful village in the heart of Rajasthan. Your stay will be at the Deogarh Mahal, a historic Mewar palace that is still partially occupied by the royal family. Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner, Rawat Nahar Singh. Afternoon at leisure to walk the village or explore the palace grounds. Later, experience a jeep ride through the countryside.

In the evening, enjoy traditional dancers and musicians perform in the courtyards. Overnight. Hotel: Deogarh Mahal

September 28: Rajsamand - Jaipur

Today, drive to Jaipur (4 hours) and transfer to your hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the "Pink City" due to the pink colored buildings and avenues.

In the evening, join Allison for a heritage walk. Mingle and talk with the locals while sampling some of the regions culinary delights from popular street food vendors - pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets. Also observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. Overnight in Jaipur. Hotel: Dera Mandawa

September 29: Jaipur

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amber Fort. The final descent to this ancient city is made by elephant back—a truly memorable experience! In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. After lunch, explore Jaipur city. Visit City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that is still occupied by the Royal family. Also view the Palace of the Winds and Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory. From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur supported the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and as a result many people consider modern day Jaipur as the craft capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji.

Ladies, in the evening, enjoy a mehndi session. Mehndi, or henna, is a traditional and temporary art applied to the hands, feet and body. Made from the dried leaves of the henna plant, mehndi is generally applied during weddings, festivals, and special occasions. Overnight in Jaipur.

September 30: Jaipur - Talabgaon

After breakfast, drive to Talabgaon (1.5 hours). En-route visit Abhaneri, a village known for its amazing stepwell or 'baoris' and Harshat Mata Temple. According to a legend, the village was named because the Goddess Harshat Mata is portrayed in a joyous mood and is believed to spread brightness or "abha" all around. The ruins of the temple also speak of the 10th century architectural and sculptural styles. There is also a tank named "Chand Baori" opposite to the temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defense.

Arrive at your hotel, the Talabgaon Castle – a 200-year-old, beautifully restored fort nestled in the palm of rustic nature. As the castle is situated in middle of rustic Rajasthan, you experience the authentic rural Rajasthani lifestyle. Evening at leisure and overnight.

October 1: Talabgaon

Day at leisure to experience the stunning countryside of Rajasthan. We will visit surrounding villages and temples and stop for lunch at a traditional mud house on a local farm.

Later, enjoy a Rajasthani cuisine cooking class. Sample the spices and learn recipes that you can take home and enjoy. Evening at leisure and overnight.

October 2: Talabgaon - Agra

After breakfast, drive to Agra (4.5 hours). En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved and deserted red sandstone city. Constructed by Akbar in the 16th century, the city is a combination of Hindu and Persian architecture. Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry, and it remains much in the same condition as it was over 300 years ago.

In the early evening, enjoy a Kachpura Heritage Walk. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun's Mosque. The walk starts with explaining the paintings (sanji art) on the walls drawn by community girls under a youth program. The traditional lifestyle of villagers is showcased - some elders smoking hookah, others making shoes. Humayun's Mosque is another monument situated inside the village. Your walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to view the Taj Mahal at sunset.

A farewell dinner will be served tonight. Overnight in Agra. Hotel: Jaypee Palace

October 3: Agra – Delhi and Departure

In the morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a morning at leisure.

Later, tour the Agra Fort. Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It is a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Continue to Delhi (3.5 hours) and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!

*Please note: Most international flights arrive/depart Delhi airport between 10pm and 3am. For this reason, we have included a communal airport transfer on the evening of October 3rd.
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Inclusions

• 12 nights of hotel accommodations
• Daily breakfast buffet
• Farwell dinner in Agra
• Transport by private A/C mini-coach
• Comprehensive touring, including a private English speaking guide and entrance fees to the monuments
• Boat ride in Udaipur
• Mehndi session in Jaipur
• Rajasthani cooking session in Talabgaon
• Village walk plus lunch in Talabgaon
• Airport and rail station transfers with representative
• Road/Interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees
• Hotel and government taxes

Plus: A few cultural surprises by friends of Allison and Sodha Travel!

Exclusions

• International Airfare
• Any items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• India Visa Fees

More Information

• To maintain an intimate cultural experience, this tour is limited to 20 guests.
• A visa is required to visit India.
• To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends Travel Insurance.
• Visit our FAQ page for additional information on traveling to India.

Airfare

We understand that our clients deserve options when it comes to air travel. Many want to use mileage programs, choose the airline and/or upgrade class of service. Some also extend their travels before or after the tour, either visiting other regions of India or taking a quick flight to Nepal, Bhutan or Sri Lanka. For this reason, the international airfare is not included.

Heritage of North India Map