For the
discerning traveller, India is a journey through time. From the tree-lined
avenues of New Delhi to the ancient fortress of Gwalior, this tour of
Northern India spans two millennia. We visit the halcyon days of the British
Raj, the great architectural masterpieces of Mughal Empire including the Taj
Mahal, and the fabulous forts and palaces of the warrior kings of Rajasthan.
Along the way we discover tombs of Muslim saints, temples devoted to Hindu
deities and sculptures of the mysterious jain religion. Tradition is the
theme as we wander from the splendour of maharajahs' palaces to the quiet
lanes of village India. This tour provides an excellent introduction to the
main highlights of Northern India while taking the time to show you some of
its less well known delights. The visit to Neemrana and Samode will
undoubtedly enrich your first encounter with India.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
You will meet our representative and will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Today, leave for sight-seeing tour, which includes Jama Masjid -the largest
mosque of Emperor Shahjahan. Later proceed to Red Fort, Raj Ghat -Cremation
site of Mahatma Gandhi, to India Gate -a 42 meter stone arch built in the
memory of the Indian Soldiers who died in World War II, Drive past the
President's House & Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb - a memorial of the
Mughals -its design is inspired by the Taj Mahal, the Qutab Minar, Birla
Mandir and Lotus Temple.
Day 03 : Delhi - Neemrana
Morning we drive to Neemrana (120 km / 3hrs) where we stay in quiet rural
surroundings in the 15th century Neemrana Fort, India's oldest heritage
resort. Each room is wonderfully furnished with traditional Rajasthan and
colonial furniture.
Day 04 : Neemrana - Samode
Drive to Samode (199 kms/ 4 hrs) astride an old caravan route, for an
overnight stay in the fabulous Samode Palace, Home to the former ruling
family. Lunch is taken among the fountains and pavilions of the Samode Bagh,
the 400 year old formal gardens of the Palace. In the afternoon we taken a
walk in the fascinating local village, where artisans produce printed cloth
and glass bangles, to discover something of village life.
Day 05 : Samode - Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur (40 kms / 1 Hrs ) the 'City of Victory', via imposing Amber
Fort where we ascend to the battlements by elephant. The high terraces of
the fort offer commanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon embark on a of the enormous City Palace with its audience halls,
courtyards royal apartments, and Hawa Mahal - an intricately carved facade
that protected the ladies of the harem from the prying eyes of the city
below. Lastly we visit the Jantar Mantar observatory, built in the early
18th century by Jai Singh who was obsessed with studying the stars.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Agra
Drive to Agra (252 Kms/ 5 hrs) via Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a wetland that
hides a multitude of rare species. We venture onwards to the ghostly city of
Fathephur Sikri built as the capital of Akbar the Great in the 16th century
and abandoned only 15 years later. Once India's granddad city, it is
deserted yet perfectly preserved.
Day 07 : Agra - Gwalior - Agra
Journey by Train to Gwalior an ancient hill fort established in the 1st
century AD and the site in more recent times of disturbances during the
Indian mutiny. The fort, occupying a sandstone precipice in the center of
the town, dominates the surrounding country side. Within its walls lie Jain
sculptures and the beautiful decorated Man Mandir palace. Explore the tomb
of the Afghan prince Ghaus Muhammad and the Tomb of Tansen before catching
the late afternoon train, back to Agra.
