Far Pavilions
Majesty of India
November 17 - December 2, 2007
A GRAND, NEVER-ENDING FESTIVAL
On a clear afternoon in the north of the Indian subcontinent, a glance
toward the horizon will reveal one of Nature’s most magnificent
sights: the towering Himalaya Mountains. This awesome range of peaks
has been called “The Far Pavilions” by local residents,
suggesting not only a far-flung place but also one of grand elegance,
breathtaking beauty, and timeless tradition. These qualities also apply
to the world wonder that is India, and the first-time visitor cannot
help but be overwhelmed by the experience.
India is as large as the entire continent
of Europe. It is a place where East meets West, and North meets South.
It has one of the world’s oldest cultures, with a long history
that is forever alive. Around every corner another wonder of India’s
kaleidoscopic richness reveals itself—Hindu temples, Buddhist
stupas, Mauryan pillars, Mughal forts, British colonial architecture.
Each century is represented by its unique testaments, often standing
incongruously close to the exotic remains of another era.
It has been said that visiting India is
like experiencing an ongoing festival. It can be an assault to the senses,
with its multitudinous hoards of people, the vibrant colors of thousands
of saris and turbans in a public market, and the spectacle of elaborate
monuments from bygone eras. India also boasts a wide range of wildlife,
with as many as 53 national parks and almost 250 sanctuaries which are
home to 350 mammals and 1,200 bird species. Once famous for its white
tiger, the royal Bengal tiger, the snow leopard, the Asiatic lion and
the great Indian bustard, Indian wildlife is among the most varied in
the world.
Experience the world-famous marvels of
Rajasthan during this comprehensive tour, including the Taj Mahal, the
Agra Fort, the Amber Fort, and many exotic shrines, temples and palaces.
You will have a Thanksgiving like never before at the magnificent Lake
Palace in Udaipur. Another special feature of this tour is a visit to
Varanasi, the Holy City of India. You also have the option to extend
your tour to see Kathmandu in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.
Any visit to India is destined to be a
life-changing experience. This magical expedition to see the glories
of Northern India with Toto Tours will certainly be your most memorable
vacation ever!
ITINERARY
(Note: This itinerary is based on flight schedules
and prices as of January 2007. It is subject to change based on final
flight schedules and tariffs available three months prior to departure.)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Departure from the U.S.
Depart your home city today on an overnight international flight to
New Delhi, India, arriving tomorrow.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Arrival in Delhi
Delhi is the capital, and third largest city of India. Delhi is actually
twin cities comprised of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the
capital of India during Muslim rule from the 12th to the 19th century.
New Delhi was established in 1911 by King George V who, feeling Calcutta
was too remote, wanted a new capital for the Indian Empire. Delhi is
a kaleidoscope that promises everything for a tourist—historic
sites, divine retreats, heritage, tourism, theme parks, museums, gardens,
galleries, film festivals, great shopping and more.
You will be personally greeted at the International
Airport upon arrival today, presented with a fresh flower garland, and
transferred to our hotel to enjoy a night of restful sleep after the
long flight. As flights typically arrive very late, no meals are included
today. Our time in Delhi is short, so we encourage you to consider arriving
a day or two early to make the most of your visit to this city. We will
be happy to assist with an extended hotel stay. (No
Meals)
Monday, November 19, 2007
New & Old Delhi
After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of
both New and Old Delhi. In Old Delhi, drive past Raj Ghat, the monument
to Mahatma Gandhi erected on the site of his funeral pyre, and an important
place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world. Take a rickshaw
to the Jama Masjid Mosque, built by the Emperor Shah Jahan, then continue
past the bustling market place of Chandni Chowk, where silver merchants
ply their trade.
After a Welcome Lunch (scheduled mid-day
because of the need to retire early this evening), continue touring
New Delhi. Drive by the impressive India Gate with its eternal flame,
the Presidential Palace and Parliament House. Then stop to visit Qutab
Minar, a 200-foot high minaret, and Humayun’s Tomb, the first
of the great Mughal Tomb complexes.
We have a very early train in the morning,
so we recommend that you grab a quick dinner at the hotel or a nearby
restaurant and get to bed as soon as possible. Eating in small groups
will greatly speed the dinner hour. (Breakfast
/ Welcome Lunch)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Ajmer / Nimaj
Today, awake very early and leave our hotel for the railway station
to board our train for Ajmer, which departs at 6:10am. Breakfast will
be served on the train, but coffee/tea and cookies will be available
at the hotel before departure.
Upon arrival at 12:45pm, we go immediately
for lunch, followed by a short visit to the famous shrine of Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer (we must enter the shrine with
our heads covered). Afterwards, continue on until we reach the small
village of Nimaj, arriving in the early evening, and check in at our
hotel.
After a quick wash and change, time permitting,
take a wildlife jeep encounter into the heart of this arid region to
see Black Bucks, Chinkaras, and Blue Bulls, and watch the sun set while
enjoying tea or coffee from the hood of our jeep. Dinner this evening
is on the terrace at our Heritage Hotel. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Nimaj / Udaipur
After an early breakfast, take another jeep safari to visit various
local settlements and villages to observe local life and take photos.
There are separate settlements devoted to snake charmers, shepherds,
and various tribes.
Afterwards, we change vehicles to an air-conditioned
motorcoach for the 155-mile journey to Udaipur, which takes about 5
hours. We break up the long drive en-route with a visit to the beautiful
15th-century Jain
Temple at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, it is situated
in the lovely valley of the Aravalis and is distinguished by 1444 pillars,
no two of which are alike. The magical play of light and shadow is awe-inspiring.
We also visit two more Jain Temples and the Temple of the Sun God, famed
for its erotic sculptures.
After lunch at Maharani
Bagh in Ranakpur, amid magnificent surroundings, we continue
on to Udaipur. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and the remainder
of the day is free to relax after our long drive and enjoy the amenities
of our hotel. Overnight in Udaipur. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Udaipur / Thanksgiving at Lake Palace
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive to Eklingji
Temple, famous for a complex housing a hundred temples, small
and large, where locals come to offer prayers and flowers. We are asked
to take off our shoes before entering the complex. From Eklingji, drive
onward to Nagda Ruins, an ancient two-temple complex abandoned after
the main statue of its patron god was damaged, but still a repository
of magnificent architecture.
After free time for lunch (on your own),
enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the City
Palace and Museum, considered the largest and most beautiful
palace complex in Rajasthan. Finally, enjoy a cruise aboard a motor
launch on Lake Pichola. From the boat we can appreciate the views of
Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake, and can also visit
Jaq Mandir Palace on an island in the middle of the lake.
One of the highlights of this tour is
tonight’s Thanksgiving Dinner at the famous Lake
Palace, featured in the James Bond movie Octopussy.
After dinner we return to our hotel for overnight. (Breakfast
/ Thanksgiving Dinner)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Jodphur
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a morning
flight to Jodphur. Upon arrival, check in at our hotel and enjoy free
time for lunch (on your own). This afternoon visit the Mehrangarh
Fort, one of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan. It
appears to rise from the bluff colored sandstone hill itself, and is
so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill
ends and the walls begin. Situated at an altitude of 410 feet and spread
over an area of 5 square kilometers, it ranks among the great architectural
marvels of the world.
Half a mile away from the fort, we visit the
Jaswant
Thada, a beautiful white marble memorial built in 1899 to
honor the late Maharaja of the region. Later, explore the local bazaar
of the old city, thronged with locally made goods like tie-dye, puppets
and lacquered jewelry. Returning to our hotel, the evening is free. (Breakfast)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Jaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a morning
flight to Jaipur, the bustling capital of Rajasthan. It is known as
the Pink City because most of the old city’s buildings are pink
in color. The city retains its ancient identity while at the same time
moving fast as a modern city. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise!
Enjoy a city tour this afternoon that
includes the ancient Jantar
Mantar Observatory, equipped with instruments of remarkable
size whose accuracy is difficult to surpass even today. Visit the Maharaja’s
City
Palace, the former royal residence which is now a museum
housing a vast number of artifacts. Make a photo stop at the Palace
of Winds, a beautiful decorated facade of 953 windows in
flushed pink. Dinner this evening is outside near the pool at our beautiful
hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Jaipur / Amber Fort
After breakfast, travel seven miles outside Jaipur to the Amber
Fort. For six centuries this was the ancient capital of the
state of Rajasthan, and it encompasses suitably regal quarters. We have
the unique thrill of traveling by elephant back to the top of the hill
on which the fort is situated, but this experience is only offered in
the morning and necessitates an early departure from the hotel.
Enjoy a barbecue lunch at the Sheraton
hotel, followed by a free afternoon and evening to explore the city.
We suggest a visit to the local market, including a walk down the main
street of Jaipur with shops on both sides frequented by locals. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Jaipur / Agra
After breakfast at our hotel, depart Jaipur by air-conditioned vehicle
on the 145 mile journey to Agra. Driving time is approximately five
hours, and will be broken by two stops. The first is a visit to the
Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary where you enter the park on tricycle rickshaws,
continuing through the park to where a lake is situated. The park is
home to migratory birds from various parts of the world. Its peaceful
ambience is shattered occasionally by the mating calls of the birds.
A local Naturalist will help you locate various species. From here we
proceed to lunch at a resort outside the park.
Our next stop is a visit to the deserted
capital of Fatehpur
Sikri, built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15
years later due to lack of water. Its fortifications, massive gateway
and palaces remain in a wonderful state of preservation and include
the Jamma Masjid, Panch Mahal and the Salim Chisti’s Tomb, set
like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone and enclosed by delicately
carved marble screens.
Just 25 miles to the east lies our destination—Agra,
the majestic symbol of a bygone era when Mughals ruled India. They left
behind some of the most marvelous reminders of their past glory and
power. Foremost among them is the Taj Mahal—one of the Wonders
of the World. Others include the Agra Fort and Jehangir’s Palace.
One of the most amazing things you will notice
about the Taj Mahal is the craftsmanship of marble inlaid with precious
and semi-precious stones. After checking in at our hotel, we have an
opportunity to visit a factory where we can watch such craftsmen at
work and marvel at their skill. For example, a floral design measuring
less than a square centimeter can hold over 30 smaller pieces of semiprecious
stones like Jade and Coral.
Tonight we thrill to another highlight
of this tour—a visit to the Taj Mahal by moonlight. The Taj is
open to the public only five nights each month—the two days before,
after, and including the Full Moon. Full Moon in November is on the
24th, so tonight will be our last chance to experience the romance and
ethereal beauty of the Taj by moonlight. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Agra / Taj Mahal / Agra Fort
Rise early this morning for a sunrise view of the incomparable Taj
Mahal. It is a breathtaking sight, as you can actually see
the monument change colors as the sun ascends into the sky—from
flushed pink at dawn to blazing orange to bright yellow white. Built
in 1630 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this legendary monument to
love enshrines the remains of his devoted wife who died in childbirth.
The edifice has been described by the Indian Nobel Laureate Tagore as
“a drop of tear on the face of the universe,” and is surely
the most extravagant structure ever built.
After free time for lunch (on your own), we
visit the amazing Agra
Fort, which is actually a city-within-a-city. It embraces
the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas
(Hall of Private Audiences), Octagonal Tower, and Jehangir’s Palace.
From here you can see the Taj Mahal in the distance with the River Yamuna
in the foreground. Returning to the hotel, the evening is free. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Agra / Gwalior
After breakfast, depart Agra by motorcoach bound for Gwalior,
a city of palaces, temples and monuments located 76 miles to the south.
Upon arrival we check in at our hotel and commence a city tour. A highlight
is the Gwalior
Fort, standing on a huge mass of sandstone. A steep road
winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues carved into the rock face.
The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length
and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation as one of the most
invincible forts of India. Indeed, Emperor Babar described it as “the
pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind.” Within the fort, marvels
of medieval architecture will astound you. There are separate palaces,
ancient aqueduct channels, and remnants of friezes and tile work.
Our tour of Gwalior also includes a visit to
the City Palace, also known as Jai Vilas Palace. It is the abode of
the Scindias, built from 1872 to 1874 on turrets. The grand Durbar hall
is one of the finest in the world, painted with gold leaves, hung with
wonderful chandeliers and decorated with enormous mirrors. The way to
the hall is by a grand crystal staircase. Roofed with stone slabs, the
hall is 36 ft long. Asia’s biggest pair of chandeliers hang in
the Durbar hall and the carpet spread over is Asia’s largest single
piece carpet. There is also a Silver Train with cut glass wagons which
served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the table and
swords that were once worn by Aurangazeb & Shah Jehan. In late afternoon,
we return to our hotel and the evening is at leisure. (Breakfast)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Gwalior / Orchha / Khajuraho
After breakfast we depart Gwalior early, bound for Khajuraho. About
80 miles down the road, we stop at Orchha,
the medieval capital of the kingdom of Bundelas on the banks of the
river Betwa. It is a picture-book setting, with spires and domes breaking
the skyline in every direction. We visit the Orchha Palace and eat lunch
in this beautiful place.
Continuing on to Khajuraho
(another 120 miles), we arrive for hotel check-in and a free evening.
The temples of Khajuraho are deservedly one of India’s major attractions.
We hope to arrive in plenty of time to allow us to attend the sound
and light show presented at the western temples every night at 7pm. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Khajuraho / Varanasi
After breakfast enjoy a morning visit to both the eastern and western
groups of Khajuraho’s famous temples. We transfer to the airport
by noon to check in for our flight to Varanasi,
the oldest living city in India. Built on the shores of the holy Ganges
River, this city is a center of Indian religion, philosophy and spirituality.
For the devout Hindu, Varanasi must be visited at least once in a lifetime
to wash away sins. This afternoon, visit Sarnath’s ruins. Later
enjoy free time for shopping, as the most beautiful silk available in
India is made here. No North Indian wedding takes place without the
bride wearing a Varanasi Silk Sari.
Today marks the last full day of our tour
before returning to Delhi or continuing on to Nepal. This evening Toto
Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Farewell Dinner)
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Varanasi / Delhi / Departure
Very early this morning, take a boat ride past the bathing ghats on
the sacred Ganges River. As the night mist lifts and the sun touches
the spires of the bank side temples with gold, you can see thousands
of Hindus performing their morning rites of prayer on the shores of
the river. After the boat ride, enjoy a walk through the byways and
lanes of the Old City. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast and
to pack bags for our flights. Those going to Kathmandu fly direct today
from Varanasi.
Once in Delhi we check in at our hotel
and have free time before returning to the airport for your international
flight. Most U.S.-bound flights typically depart in the early hours,
just after midnight. Be careful when booking your return flight to ensure
that it departs either very late at night on December 1, or very early
in the morning on December 2. (Breakfast)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Return Home
Your international flight will arrive in your home city today. If you
wish to extend your stay in Delhi we will be happy to assist with your
arrangements.
Please click on the link above to read the full details of this exciting
tour extension to the Capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.
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