1
August
Arrive in Delhi. Relax at the hotel and enjoy
“Dances
of India” show. Afternoon, tour Old Delhi. Included are visits to
the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb and more,
as time permits. Dinner at the hotel accompanied by a ten piece
orchestra with Qawali singing in the Mughal tradition. |
2
August
After breakfast, tour New Delhi, the last capital of the
British Raj. Lunch while “Darbar ke Navratan a Jugal” band performs.
Afternoon, visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidents’ House),
Qutab Minar. Dinner and dramatic
presentation of a mock Hindu wedding. |
3
August
Arrive in Agra. Tour of Agra includes visit to world’s
greatest monument to love the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Emperor
Akbar’s garden mausoleum at Sikandra. |
4
August
Arrive in Jaipur. Traditional welcome with tilak.
Sightseeing in the old (pink) city, the heart of Rajput chivalry.
Evening of Rajasthani hospitality featuring regional cuisine at an
ethnic village resort. |
5-6
August
Late afternoon venture into the desert by camel.
Surprisingly well populated and dotted with ruins you will encounter
shepherd boys herding their flocks and young girls picking berries.
Besides the wind only the tinkling bells fitted to the sheep and
goats’ necks break the desert silence. Dinner is prepared and camp
is set up. At the Sam sand dunes the stars shine brilliantly and the
camel drivers’ stories enchant around the warm campfire. Wake to the
call of “chai” and after tea and a light breakfast return to
Jaisalmer. (see link on left hand column of this page) |
7
August
Arrive Ahmedabad. See the blend of Hindu and Islamic
architectural styles termed “Indo-Saracenic”. Visit some of the
excellent local museums or the Sabarmati Ashram which was Gandhi’s
headquarters during the struggle for Indian
independence. |
8-9
August
Arrive Goa. This former Portuguese enclave is a delightful
place to relax for a couple of days. The coconut palms and sunny
sandy beaches of Goa are a natural tropical treat. Enjoy a
dinner-show with a folkloric production of the colorful Goan
carnival a unique mix of Indian and Latin cultures. |
10-11
August
Arrive Thiruvananpuram. Elephant marches, boat races, and
demonstration of Kalarippayattu (Kerala’s indigenous martial art
form) are all possibilities for this stop. You will certainly
appreciate tonight’s gala dinner and the Kathakali dance performance
which features elaborate makeup, painted masks and even special eye
drops which turn the performers’ eyes bloodshot red. |
12-13
August
Arrive Chennai. Yet another night of south Indian dances
combined with a traditional south Indian meal served on banana
leaves which will tantalize your taste buds. What a
life! |
14
August
Arrive Hampi. Tour the palace complex ruins of
Vijayanagar. About 600 years ago this place was the site of an
ascendant empire, one of the largest in Indian history. Reputedly
populated by 500,000 people, it was heavily fortified and maintained
a mercenary army of more one million soldiers. After a day of
sightseeing, enjoy live performances at Mallagi
guesthouse. |
August
15
Arrive Hyderabad/Secunderabad. Lunch. Tour the extensive Salar Jung museum.
35,000 exhibits make up one man's collection. From all over the
world this museum includes religious and devotional objects,
woodcarvings, sculptures, weaponry, manuscripts and over 50,000
books. |
16-17
August
Arrive Puri. This is one of the four (dhams) holiest
places for Hindu pilgrimage. It is also a charming seaside resort
with a fine beach. Gala dinner and cultural show in front of Konarak
temple. This temple was conceived as a chariot for the sun god,
Surya. Around the base of the temple are 24 gigantic carved stone
wheels. Seven mighty horses haul the temple and the immense
structure is covered with carvings, sculptures, figures, and bas
relief. |
18
August
Arrive Kolkata (Calcutta). Only a village in the 17th
century, Kolkata is today one of the nation’s commercial centers.
Distinguished with a proud literary and artistic heritage, it is
also a former capital of the British Raj and this is evidenced by
the abundance of colonial monuments. Lunch will be accompanied by
the Baul singers or the Santhal dancers and sightseeing will top off
the day. |
19
August
Arrive Bodhgaya. It was here that Gautama Buddha was
enlightened over 2,500 years ago. You will see the third generation
of the same tree under which he sat and view the recently excavated
glory of the Mahabodhgaya temple. Lunch will be followed by a sermon
from a monk who will explain the buddha’s eightfold
path. |
20-21
August
Arrive Varanasi. Holiest of cities and the oldest
continuously populated city Varanasi is an eccentric place which
cannot be justly described. Float down the sacred Ganges and witness
the brahmanic rituals as they have been performed for millennia as
well as cremations on riverside funeral
pyres. |
22
August
Arrive Lucknow. A mujra will be performed by Nautch girls
as it was performed for the nawab in earlier times. Savor authentic
mughal cuisine. |
23
August
Arrive Haridwar.
Every evening after sunset, the Aarti is performed by hindu
priests. This ceremony pays respects to the Ganges river as a life
source through countless ages. A gala dinner
completes the evening. |
24
August
Arrive Amritsar. The name of this city means “divine pool
of nectar”. This is the epicenter of the Sikh religion and home to
the stunning Golden Temple; a holy pilgrimage site for Sikhs around
the world. The exuberant Bhangra dancers will perform as
lunch is served. |
25
August
Arrive Ambala. The journey by train ends here and we
conclude the odyssey with a breathtaking Himalaya safari. (see link on
left hand column of this page)
|
Please note:
The activities in this itinerary are subject to minor changes, but in
any event will be of comparable content. |
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Accommodation in some of India’s most 
