North India - President's Tour with Diwali & Pushkar

After breakfast, begin your exploration of New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India.   Have an orientation drive of New Delhi including the India Gate, built to commemorate 70,000 soldiers who died in World War I; the former British Viceroy’s palatial house, now home to the President of India, built on Raisina Hill to highlight the magnificence of the new British capital city; the Government Secretariat and Parliament House; and lastly the Qutub Minar (WHS), which is also known as the “Tower” of Victory, the tallest minaret in India.

Note: The city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern, unwinding a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprised of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, 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 formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colourful bazaars that cater all sorts of goods and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.

After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to rest or explore on your own.

In the evening travel outside the city to a farmhouse to celebrate Diwali. You will be provided with some traditional Indian clothing, kurta & pajama [loose shirt and trousers], to wear. Participate in the special Diwali ‘ puja ‘ceremony that will be celebrated by a Brahma priest to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Later enjoy a special “ Diwali “ dinner and participate in the splendour that goes with this festival by lighting firecrackers. B, L, D Oberoi Hotel (Deluxe)

Note: Diwali or Deepawali, is also known as the Festival of Lights. The Sanskrit word is "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali meaning a row. During the Festival of Lights, 'deeps', or oil lamps, are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil. Diwali - The Festival of Lights, apart from being the most widely celebrated event, is one of the most colorful Indian festivals. It is a festival of joy, splendour, brightness and happiness. Diwali, which leads to Truth and Light, is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya, the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik (October / November) every year. In Hindu custom Light signifies the goodness. During this festival oil lamps (DEEP) are burned throughout the night. All homes (indoor as well as outdoor) are filled with "Deeps" and decorated with lights.

Today tour Old Delhi.  Your first visit will be to Humayun’s Tomb (WHS), built in 1565 by his widow Haji Begum. It is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, and is a precursor of the architectural style of the Taj Mahal. Drive past the Raj Ghat, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi were cremated, before arriving at the imposing Red Fort, once the capital of Delhi built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as symbol of power. The Fort, built of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooks the Yumana River. Within its walls are marble palaces and a grand audience chamber, the Diwan-I-Khas, where Mughal emperors held court and the Peacock Throne once stood.   Then take a short bicycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and congested by-lanes and bazaar of Chandini Chowk to the Jama Masjid, considered to be the largest mosque in India. This was the last great architectural work of Shah Jehan.  After lunch take some time to relax and enjoy the serenity of your hotel. 

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the home of an eminent economist for an interactive session on current social and economic reforms. The first and second-generation economic reforms have created a beneficial environment for foreign investments in India. Market oriented policies are boosting economic activity, all round development and GDP growth rate. Government procedures are constantly being simplified and paper work minimised. As the Indian economy gears for competition in the international market, overseas investors clearly see the potential for attractive returns from investments in India, which is also evident from the many Foreign Direct Investment success stories already achieved. B, L, D Oberoi Hotel (Deluxe)

Following breakfast, drive to Jaipur [approximately 265 kms / 5 hrs] from Delhi including a brief stop midway to freshen up. Upon arrival you will check in at your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. 

Note: Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'Pink City' because of the pink sandstone used for the buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape surrounded by forts and palaces. The walled old city is in the northeast of Jaipur, the new areas spread to the south and west. Jaipur offers a combination of splendid sightseeing and shopping opportunities.

Visit the Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory) built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, in 1726 to accurately predict movements of the moon and planets.  Even today these instruments chiselled out of stone are precise and are one the largest and best-preserved collections of astronomical instruments. Then visit to the City Palace, a landmark with numerous outbuildings, courtyards, and impressive gateways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, costumes, carpets, miniature paintings and armoury. Take a guided walking tour through Jaipur’s Old Quarters to see the local bazaars – to be able to feel, smell, see the colorful clothing and articles for sale and the bustling and congested by-lanes of the Johri Bazaar.  B, L, D Rambagh Palace (Deluxe)

This morning’s excursions will take you first to see Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds 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 windows and latticed screens also allowed the cooling winds to blow through the palace. After some time for photographs, continue on to the Amber Fort.  

Ride up to the fortress palace on elephants. Once at the top, you can stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where the light from a single lamp, reflected in the many mirrors, illuminates the entire room and the Hall of Victory, sheathed with fine alabaster panels ornamented with inlaid flowers. Descend from the fort by jeep.

After lunch visit Manav Hitkari Sangh, a homeopathic/ alternative medicine center, where Dr. Alok Mehra will share how this rapidly growing system is being practiced almost all over the world. Homoeopathy has been practiced in India for more than a century and a half and has blended so well into the roots and traditions of the country that it has been recognized as one of the National Systems of Medicine and plays a an important role in providing health care to a large number of people. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. Homeopathic medicines are prepared largely from naturally occurring substances, vegetable, animal or mineral.

The afternoon will be at leisure to explore the many shopping opportunities or rest at your hotel. If Jaipur is a dream city for those with an eye for history and romance, it is also a shopper’s paradise.

Note: Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centres for hand cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones including: Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc. Jaipur is the centre for jewellery making and boasts of some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted pieces Each area has its own unique style that follows age-old traditions and offers a wide range in price and quality.   B, L, D Rambagh Palace (Deluxe)

Depart from Jaipur and travel to Agra. Stop enroute to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of the former Mughal Emperor Akbar. Originally built as his capital but abandoned only 15 years later, supposedly due to shortage of water, it is one of the most impressive and romantic legacies of the Mughal dynasty. Within the walls you will see interesting buildings, which remain in excellent condition 400 years after they were constructed.  On reaching Agra, check in at your hotel.  B, L, D Amar Vilas (Deluxe)

Following an early cup of tea, depart for a visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal, for a sunrise view.  Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants! Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in the mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.  Later return to the hotel for breakfast.  

Visit the Agra Fort, one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origin to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the western banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive imperial quarters and mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. The Fort covers the 75% of the total area of Agra city. 

Note: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Agra, with its laid-back lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, is amongst the most remarkable cities of the world. In terms of ambience it is still associated with its Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526. Agra grew in prominence, and under the rule of Akbar, it became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture.

In the afternoon have an interactive discussion on Indian astrology, following which you can speak with the astrologer on a one to one basis.  Astrology is a long-established method of exploring ourselves, our relationships and our place within the world. It examines the significant environmental influences operating in a particular place at a given time, as expressed through the horoscope in the symbolic relationships of the heavenly bodies. Astrology, the science of the stars, can give insight into all manner of situations, from the personal to the political and from the most intimate to the most mundane. Astrology is based strongly on probabilities. Generations of astrologers have studied the planetary cycles, drawn conclusions from repetitive occurrences and used this knowledge for their interpretations. Astrology is not so much a form of fortune telling, but rather a tool to self-discovery. Indian astrology is popularly referred to as Vedic astrology. This is not because the Vedas (Hindu sacred texts which are thousands of years old and among the most ancient religious texts in existence) speak about it. In fact, there is no mention of astrology in the Vedas. However, it is one of the Vedangas, i.e., limb or branch of Vedas, and dates back to the Vedic period. Several of the pujas and remedial measures prescribed in the Indian astrology are as per the Vedic system. Hence, it is called Vedic astrology.

Agra is also a famous centre for marble carving, which draws its inspiration from the Taj Mahal. Some of the common marble carvings of Agra include miniature carving of the Taj Mahal, vases, and lamps. Marble inlays on trinket boxes, marble curios and semi-precious stone inlay are added attractions. For the craftsmen in this trade the actual tools used remain much the same as those used in the Mughal period. A design, be it a floral or geometrical motif is cut out on a brass sheet. This is then placed on marble, drawn and then the marble is carved out. Slices of precious and semi-precious stones, which have in the meantime been shaped and polished, are then laid into the marble with adhesive. After it has dried, the surface and edges are polished to give a shiny finish.  B, L, D Amar Vilas (Deluxe)

This morning drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check-in at the resort where you will stay for the next two nights.

Note: The Ranthambore National Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhak, being the most prominent tree. As a result of stringent conservation efforts, tigers, the prime asset of the park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun or feverishly hunting down sambar around the lakes. Apart from tigers, the park also has its share of panthers. They are to be found on the outskirts of the park due to the inevitable conflicts with the tiger population. The other permanent residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears. Sambar, found in abundance all over the area, is the prime target of all the predators. Chital, nilgai and chinkara are the other inhabitants of the region. The avian population is comprised of black stroks, qualis, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, primarily a variety of ducks.

Late afternoon, venture into the park by jeep to track the elusive tiger. The game drive will follow strict routes and along the way you will see a host of game. B, L, D Oberoi Vanya Vilas (Deluxe)

Enjoy an early morning game drive into the park and return later in time for breakfast.

Enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure or for independent activities that could be nature walks or a visit to the impressive 10^th c. Ranthambore Fort that lays a top on one of the hills. Late afternoon again proceed for game viewing. B, L, D Oberoi Vanya Vilas (Deluxe)

Following an early breakfast, drive to Pushkar where you will stay for two nights.

Note: The most famous temple in Pushkar, this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology) in the entire country. You can identify it by its red spire and by the image of a hans (the goose considered sacred to Lord Brahma). This marble temple is decorated with silver coins and has a silver turtle on the floor of the temple. The Lake is a holy place and is known as the king of the "Trithas". There are 52 “Ghats’ around Pushkar Lake and immersion in the water here is thought to be more important than at any other place.

Pushkar gets into a carnival mood during the Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela. Traditionally a camel trading event, the Pushkar Mela has grown to become an international tourist attraction. Held every year during the holy occasion of Karthik Purnima, or full moon night in November, the Pushkar Mela is a vibrant kaleidoscope of images and colors. From the time of your arrival, you will explore the fair on your own to see hundreds of camels patiently resting on the sand dunes, as their owners bargain over their prices. There are also many cultural events held during the Pushkar Fair. The camel Beauty Pageant features camels that are elaborately decorated with ornamental saddles and back cloths decorated with mirrors, cowrie shells and colorful embroidery. Tug of war contests between people and camels, camel dancing events, and 'Laado Oonth' where as many people as possible try to ride a camel are part of the fun and games at the Pushkar desert festival. There are also performances by folk musicians and dancers at the Pushkar Fair. You can see the vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan on display, as well as, traditional textiles and handicrafts. You can shop for silver jewellery and colorful Rajasthani clothes decorated with embroidery and mirror work.

Camel carts will be at your disposal for 2 hours this afternoon to transport you from your camp to the main activity of the fair and transfer you back when you are ready to return to your camp. B, L, D Tented camp

Today explore the labyrinths of alleyways, packed with merchants and performers. Exquisitely embroidered skirts, hand woven shawls, rugs, wood and stone carvings, embroidered leather bags, ethnic silver jewellery. During the day enjoy musical and dance performances.

Camel carts will be at your disposal for 3 hours this morning & afternoon, which will transport you from your camp to the town and back when you are ready. B, L, D Tented camp

This morning depart from Pushkar and travel on to Jodhpur.  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the next two nights.

In the afternoon have a city tour stopping first at the Jaaswant Thada; a cluster of white marble royal cenotaphs was built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jasawant Singh II. Continue on for a visit the Mehrangarh Fort, set on a high hill overlooking the rugged and rocky terrain nearby and standing guard over the city below. The enclosed palace is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed window exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The palace apartments - the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana weave their own magic with a rich varied collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, folk music instruments, costumes, furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda Temple is among the rarest in India. Then visit Mandore Gardens in the ancient capital of Marwar (8 kms from Jodhpur), which was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. Nearby a shrine, reputedly of 300 million Gods, contains the life size statues of local deities and heroes. B, L, D Taj Hari Mahal (5-star)

Travel by jeep on a cultural safari to visit some traditional villages including the Bishnoi, weavers, stone carvers, potters, hand weavers etc. See men in their traditional attire and women clad with ancestral silver jewellery and have an opportunity to interact with various communities living in the area.  

Note:  The Bishnoi sect was founded by Guru Jambheshwar (b. 1451). He laid down 29 principles to be followed by the sect.  Bish means 20 and noi means 9; which translates as Twenty-niners. Killing animals and felling trees were prohibited and the Bishnois, protectors of nature for five centuries, are arguably the world's first ecologists, responsible for the survival of species such as the black buck antelope.

During these visits you will see the traditional art of block printing that has been done for more than 500 years. Hand-held wood blocks are carefully cut to enable patterns in different colours to be printed. Much of the block printing is done with great manual dexterity. The colors used are traditionally based on vegetable dyes. You will also visit a rural school, an example of the social revolution sweeping India in the form of an 'Education Guarantee' program. Thousands of isolated villages are taking the government up on its offer of a teacher and books for the asking. Have lunch at Fort Chanwa at Luni before returning to the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Note: The usual Rajasthani handicrafts are available here, but Jodhpur specialises in antiques. You will be hard pressed to find any bargains, though this is no reflection on the generally excellent quality of the goods available. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, and velvet are available. It was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers, - "Jodhpurs", took their name.

One of the highlights of any visit to Rajasthan is the way people of the state have converted their stark landscape into mosaic of vivid colors. Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as “ the blue city” because of the indigo-colored houses in the old town. These can be best seen from the ramparts of the mighty Meherangarh.  Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days, non-Brahmins have also taken up the practice.  Take a walk through the old part of Jodhpur and in some parts of Ghas Mandi, which houses some old traditional mansions. Visit with the local residents to get the feel of their culture and traditions and this evening enjoy a home-hosted dinner at a traditional home. B, L, D Taj Hari Mahal (5-star)

This morning depart for the airport for your flight to Udaipur.  

In the evening, enjoy the fascinating Son-et-Lumiere (sound and light show) at Manek Chowk in the city Palace Complex. Titled “Legacy of Honour,” the show presents glimpses of 1,500 years of history of the Mewar State.  The narrative traces the founding of the Mewars by Bappa Rawal, the “Johar” (self-immolation to protect one’s honor) by Chittor’s Rani Padmini, the story of the Mughal Emperors Humayun and Rani Karmavati, the story of Pannadhai, who sacrificed her own son for the safety of Prince Udai Singh, and the battle of Haldi Ghati.  B, L, D Taj Lake Palace Hotel (Deluxe)

This morning enjoy a city tour beginning with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.   This white marble architectural marvel stands majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenulated walls. Enjoy a guided walk through the Old City. Later drive on to see the Fateh Sagar, a picturesque lake lying to the north of and connected by a small canal with Lake Pichola, which was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 AD. Conclude the tour with a visit to Sahelion ki bari or garden of the Maids of Honour, laid out for a group of forty eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The garden is set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake and was designed with beautiful lotus pools, a marble pavilion and elephant shaped fountains.

Note: Mughal miniatures are famous for their intricate work and are a specialty of Rajasthan,. The styles and varieties in paintings from India are as diverse as the nation itself. Its not just the traditional forms of paintings but also contemporary artists have kept up to the times & excel in their modern works, giving free expression to their imagination & artistic liberty. 

Following lunch at the Crystal Gallery Restaurant at Fateh Prakash Palace, the rest of the day is at leisure.  B, L, D Lake Palace Hotel (Deluxe)

Enjoy some leisure time this morning in Udaipur. Later this afternoon, fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to an airport hotel where you will have time to freshen up and have dinner.

If you are returning to the U. S., you will be escorted later tonight to the international airport and assisted with the check-in formalities for your homeward flight that will depart in the early hours of the following day.