Temples, Tigers and
Taj Classic India
January 13 - 29, 2011
A GRAND NEVER-ENDING FESTIVAL
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 North
India 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 feast at the magnificent Lake
Palace in Udaipur. Other special features of this tour is a visit to the Holy
City of Varanasi, the massive Kumbal Garh fortress and the Panna National Park.
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
Thursday, January 13, 2011 Departure from the U.S.
Depart your home city today on an overnight international flight
to New Delhi, India, arriving late tomorrow. When searching the internet
for your best flight options, use the airport code: DEL.
Friday, January 14, 2011 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)
Saturday, January 15, 2011 Delhi / Welcome Dinner
Delhi, called the “capital of seven empires,” has many
thousands of recognized monuments within its borders, including forts,
palaces and monuments - reminders of the region’s ancient legacy.
Delhi is always abuzz with life, and at times it all appears to be
an organized chaos. Today is intended as a respite from activity, following
your long flights. You have the option this afternoon to enjoy a rejuvinating
full body massage in your room ($80 per person).
This evening, enjoy
a private welcome dinner at an extremely fine North Indian specialty
cuisine restaurant amidst
courtly splendor. Later in the night, take an escorted tour of a gay
friendly Bar / Night Club or an invitation to an exclusive gay party.
Meet the members of Delhi’s vast gay community, interact with
them & make friends. (Breakfast / Welcome Dinner)
Sunday, January 16, 2011 New & Old Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of the Capital designed
by Sir Edward Lutyens for the British. Drive down the main avenue,
the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India
Gate, and past the Rashtrpati Bhawan, the president’s residence
and the Parliament Buildings. Other highlights of today’s touring include:
Qutub Minar, the tallest stone
tower
in India
at
72 meters
high.
The Baha’i Temple, also called the Lotus Temple.
Humayun’s
Tomb, the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Humayun, echoing
the Mughal style of architecture and built by Humayun’s wife
Haji Begum in the year 1565. High arches and a double dome adorn
the tomb
that
can be entered through two towering double-storied gateways.
Old Delhi, the 300 year-old walled city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan in 1648.
Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi who died in 1948, at
the site of his cremation.
Red Fort build
of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooking the Yamuna River.
Opposite the
fort are the black and white onion dome and the minarets
of the . . .
Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, where people stream in
and out
continuously all day.
Enjoy a ride through the winding streets
of the markets in the Chandni Chowk area by bicycle rickshaw.
After a full and exciting day of touring, we return to the hotel for
an evening at leisure. Overnight in Delhi. (Breakfast)
Monday, January 17, 201 Varanasi
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board our flight for Varanasi.
One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim destinations in the Indian subcontinent,
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is considered a leading destination for
mysticism, spiritualism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. Situated on
the banks
of the holy Ganges, Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage
destinations not only for Hindus, but also for Buddhists and Jains.
Besides the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats in Varanasi,
there are several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples which lure numerous
devotees and regular tourists to the City of Lord Shiva.
This afternoon we visit Sarnath,
where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples,
preaching
the middle path for
attaining Nirvana. Realizing the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka
built some of the finest monuments in the
3rd century B.C. The 34-metre
high Dhamek Stupa contains the remains of Buddha. In the evening,
visit the
beautiful Aarti at Dass Ashwamedh Ghat on river Ganges. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Varanasi
Taking an early morning boat cruise is an interesting and adventurous
way of observing the numerous ghats and temples on
the banks of the holy Ganges River. You will see also glimpses of
the varied religious practices and rituals performed by thousands of
devotees. As part of their daily worship,
Hindus take a holy bath in the river and offer water to
Surya. You also witness the full circle of life, with perhaps your
first views of cremation fires at river’s edge.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, and then
proceed for a tour of this historic city. Visit the
Vishwanath
Temple,
the
city’s
most sacred temple devoted
to
Shiva in old Varanasi.
See the Tulsi Manas Temple dedicated to Rama, and visit the
Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi (its
antiquity goes back several thousand years). Finally, we
visit an Ashram to have a meeting with a spiritual master
to understand the traditions, customs, philosophy & beliefs of
Hinduism. Returning to our hotel, the evening is at leisure. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Khajuraho / Panna National Park
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight for
Khajuraho. Upon arrival we drive to Panna National Park and check in
to our hotel.
Panna National Park, created in 1981, is situated
in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at a distance of around
35 miles from Khajuraho. Situated in the Vindhya Mountain Ranges, the
park sprawls over Panna and Chattarpur districts
in the north of the state. The region,
which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best
wildlife
species in India. The park is known worldwide for its wild
cats, including tigers, as well as deer and antelope. In late afternoon,
take a Jeep Safari for
wildlife viewing
and bird watching in the park. (All Meals)
Thursday, January 20, 2011 Khajuraho City Tour / Panna National Park
Take an early morning Jeep Safari for wildlife viewing
and bird watching in the park. After breakfast, proceed for a city
tour of Khajuraho and its temples, known for the North Indian “nagara” style
of architecture, with bold artistic statements of erotic postures in
its sculptures and the various refinements of courtly love. Built
by the Chandela rulers, these 10th-11th century temples are India’s
second most favored tourist destination after the Taj Mahal. Khajuraho’s
artifacts of erotica were meant to test the devotees who came to worship
their gods at the temples.
Visit
the Kandariya
Mahadeo, the largest of the city’s temples, adorned with exquisite
carvings and 900 statues. We also see the Chaunsat Yogini temple,
the Parsavanatha Temple, and three
Hindu temples with lavish carvings. Return to our hotel inside
Panna National Park for dinner and a free evening. (All
Meals)
Friday, January 21, 2011 Orchha / Jhansi / Train to Agra
After breakfast, drive to Orchha,
founded
in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap.
He chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site
for
his capital. Orchha rises resplendent out of the hills and the greens
surrounding it. Visit the spectacular Lakshmi Temple and the Orchha
Palace.
In late afternoon, drive a short distance from
Orchha to the Jhansi Railway Station to catch our train to Agra in an air-conditioned
carriage.
During this brief trip,
we experience
the fascinating sights and sounds of an Indian train ride. Upon arrival
in Agra we check in at our hotel and the remainder of the evening is free. (Breakfast)
Saturday, January 22, 2011 Agra Fort / Taj Mahal
Agra is mentioned in
the
famous
Hindu epic Mahabharata as the “forest of Agraban close to Mathura.” Founded
in 1475, Agra was at its peak of glory during the Mughal reigns
of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it the center of art,
culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan brought it to full
bloom.
After breakfast, proceed to the Agra Fort, situated
around the bend of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Construction of the red
sandstone
walls and gates of the fort was begun by Akbar as the seat and stronghold
of the Mughal Empire. Successive generations enlarged the fort, adding
the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Royal Pavilions, Hall of Public Audience
and outer ramparts. From the towers of the fort you can see the nearby
Taj Mahal. Also, visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, to the north of
the fort and across the river Yamuna are several fine examples of
Mughal
architecture.
Later on, savor one of the highlights of any
tour to
India—a visit
to the
Taj
Mahal,
built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial
to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This magical monument is breathtaking
in any light, but is particularly beautiful as the elongated rays of the setting
sun glint off its gorgeous inlaid marble. (Breakfast)
Sunday, January 23, 2011 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri, one of the finest
examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Built during
the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur
Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for
only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a
uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in
India, the Jama Masjid.
Continue on to Jaipur, known as Rajasthan’s “pink
city” from the pink color of the sandstone used to build the
palaces and public buildings of the city. Tonight we enjoy the sound
and light show at the Amber Fort. (Breakfast)
Monday, January 24, 2011 Jaipur
After breakfast, visit the 17th century Amber Fort, featuring an
Elephant ride up to the main entrance of the fort. Visit the Palace
of Winds
(Hawa Mahal) with its pink sandstone façade intricately carved
into honeycomb screens, windows and balconies behind which the ladies
of the court could watch the daily goings on and royal processions
in the street below without being seen. The City Palace is a large
complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards which is now a museum housing
collections of Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts,
traditional clothing and an armory. Nearby, visit the amazing
Astronomical Observatory. Enjoy free time to wander through the
local markets.
This evening, take an exciting elephant
safari and barbecue dinner in the jungle. At dusk, the elephants
welcome us and we
feed them. After partaking of a drink, we sit upon cushions like Rajahs
as the elephants walk along a picturesque track through a private jungle
area surrounding our camp. As the sun sets over the hills, we pass
by a medieval fortress illuminated by flame torches. Arriving at a
jungle camp, enjoy a sumptuous barbecue feast. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Jaipur / Udaipur
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board our flight for
Udaipur. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, and surrounded by the green Aravalli
hills,
Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest
of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State, it was the only Rajput
stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion.
From
the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in
the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around
the lake, culminating in the City Palace—one of the largest palace
complexes in the world and a highlight of touring today. In late afternoon
enjoy a cruise on the lake, a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming
white
Lake
Palace
and the
Jag Mandir, a refuge of Shah Jahan (who designed
the Taj Mahal). Tonight we enjoy a buffet dinner at the Lake Palace. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Udaipur / Kumbalgarh Fort
After breakfast, we drive along an exceptionally beautiful route
through the rugged, wooded hills of the Aravalli Valley in Rajasthan
to see
the Jain Temples in Ranakpur. This complex of temples is particularly
noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture, with highly decorated
ceilings, walls and 1,444 uniquely carved pillars.
Continue on to
Kumbalgarh, site of an enormous fort defending the
vast kingdom of Mewar. This fort has a wall measuring an astonishing
22.5 miles long, defining the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar. The fort
became refuge for Mewar’s rulers in times of strife and danger.
Surrounded by thirteen mountain peaks, guarded by seven great gates
and seven ramparts, strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watchtowers,
this majestic mountain fortress will conjure visions of the many battles
it has witnessed. In the late afternoon, return to Udaipur and our
hotel
for a free evening. (Breakfast)
Thursday, January 27, 2011 Udaipur / Delhi
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, we drive to our hotel for a free afternoon.
You can rest up, do some personal sightseeing and shopping, or indulge
in some optional activities. These include:
2½-hour full spa
treatment ($180 per person);
private two-hour Mughlai cuisine cooking
session (from $75 per person, depending on number booking);
personal
two-hour introduction to yoga / meditation class (from
$75 per person, depending on number booking
car at disposal until midnight (from $45 per person, depending
on number booking)
personal shopping expert ($95 per person), taking you to exclusive
shops off the tourist track, including full refund guarantee
if not satisfied
with purchases for any reason.
We bring out tour to a conclusion tonight with an amazing
farewell
dinner and party at one the finest and most celebrated
restaurants. Accompanied by Indian finest wines and unlimited
alcoholic beverages, dinner will be a sumptious vegetarian and non
vegetarian
buffet. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Friday, January 28, 2011 Departure
After breakfast, you will have the morning and afternoon free, with
plenty of time to take advantage of the optional activities listed
in the
previous day’s itinerary. Hotel check out is at 2pm,
after which time departing passengers will transfer to the Delhi
airport. If your flight is very late, you can extend your check out
time to 6pm for $65 per person, or until midnight for $125 per person.
Since most international flights depart late at night, you will arrive
back
in
your home city
sometime
tomorrow,
on
January
29. If you wish to extend your stay in Delhi we will be happy to assist
with your arrangements.
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.
Experience the world-famous marvels of North
India 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 feast at the magnificent Lake
Palace in Udaipur. Other special features of this tour is a visit to the Holy
City of Varanasi, the massive Kumbal Garh fortress and the Panna National Park.
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.
Delhi, called the “capital of seven empires,” has many
thousands of recognized monuments within its borders, including forts,
palaces and monuments - reminders of the region’s ancient legacy.
Delhi is always abuzz with life, and at times it all appears to be
an organized chaos. Today is intended as a respite from activity, following
your long flights. You have the option this afternoon to enjoy a rejuvinating
full body massage in your room ($80 per person).
After breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of the Capital designed
by Sir Edward Lutyens for the British. Drive down the main avenue,
the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India
Gate, and past the Rashtrpati Bhawan, the president’s residence
and the Parliament Buildings. Other highlights of today’s touring include:
Red Fort build
of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooking the Yamuna River.
Opposite the
fort are the black and white onion dome and the minarets
of the . . .
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board our flight for Varanasi.
One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim destinations in the Indian subcontinent,
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is considered a leading destination for
mysticism, spiritualism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. Situated on
the banks
of the holy Ganges, Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage
destinations not only for Hindus, but also for Buddhists and Jains.
Besides the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats in Varanasi,
there are several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples which lure numerous
devotees and regular tourists to the City of Lord Shiva. 
Taking an early morning boat cruise is an interesting and adventurous
way of observing the numerous ghats and temples on
the banks of the holy Ganges River. You will see also glimpses of
the varied religious practices and rituals performed by thousands of
devotees. As part of their daily worship,
Hindus take a holy bath in the river and offer water to
Surya. You also witness the full circle of life, with perhaps your
first views of cremation fires at river’s edge.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight for
Khajuraho. Upon arrival we drive to Panna National Park and check in
to our hotel.
Panna National Park, created in 1981, is situated
in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at a distance of around
35 miles from Khajuraho. Situated in the Vindhya Mountain Ranges, the
park sprawls over Panna and Chattarpur districts
in the north of the state. The region,
which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best
wildlife
species in India. The park is known worldwide for its wild
cats, including tigers, as well as deer and antelope. In late afternoon,
take a Jeep Safari for
wildlife viewing
and bird watching in the park. (All Meals)
Take an early morning Jeep Safari for wildlife viewing
and bird watching in the park. After breakfast, proceed for a city
tour of Khajuraho and its temples, known for the North Indian “nagara” style
of architecture, with bold artistic statements of erotic postures in
its sculptures and the various refinements of courtly love. Built
by the Chandela rulers, these 10th-11th century temples are India’s
second most favored tourist destination after the Taj Mahal. Khajuraho’s
artifacts of erotica were meant to test the devotees who came to worship
their gods at the temples. 
After breakfast, drive to Orchha,
founded
in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap.
He chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site
for
his capital. Orchha rises resplendent out of the hills and the greens
surrounding it. Visit the spectacular Lakshmi Temple and the Orchha
Palace.
Agra is mentioned in
the
famous
Hindu epic Mahabharata as the “forest of Agraban close to Mathura.” Founded
in 1475, Agra was at its peak of glory during the Mughal reigns
of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it the center of art,
culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan brought it to full
bloom.
After breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri, one of the finest
examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Built during
the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur
Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for
only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a
uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in
India, the Jama Masjid.
After breakfast, visit the 17th century Amber Fort, featuring an
Elephant ride up to the main entrance of the fort. Visit the Palace
of Winds
(Hawa Mahal) with its pink sandstone façade intricately carved
into honeycomb screens, windows and balconies behind which the ladies
of the court could watch the daily goings on and royal processions
in the street below without being seen. The City Palace is a large
complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards which is now a museum housing
collections of Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts,
traditional clothing and an armory. Nearby, visit the amazing
Astronomical Observatory. Enjoy free time to wander through the
local markets.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board our flight for
Udaipur. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, and surrounded by the green Aravalli
hills,
Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest
of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State, it was the only Rajput
stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion.
After breakfast, we drive along an exceptionally beautiful route
through the rugged, wooded hills of the Aravalli Valley in Rajasthan
to see
the Jain Temples in Ranakpur. This complex of temples is particularly
noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture, with highly decorated
ceilings, walls and 1,444 uniquely carved pillars.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, we drive to our hotel for a free afternoon.
You can rest up, do some personal sightseeing and shopping, or indulge
in some optional activities. These include:
After breakfast, you will have the morning and afternoon free, with
plenty of time to take advantage of the optional activities listed
in the
previous day’s itinerary. Hotel check out is at 2pm,
after which time departing passengers will transfer to the Delhi
airport. If your flight is very late, you can extend your check out
time to 6pm for $65 per person, or until midnight for $125 per person.
Since most international flights depart late at night, you will arrive
back
in
your home city
sometime
tomorrow,
on
January
29. If you wish to extend your stay in Delhi we will be happy to assist
with your arrangements.