Experience a cultural guided India tour with expert speakers through Delhi, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Agra!
The rich and fertile riverine plains of northern India have long formed a corridor allowing migrations and invasions to spread across the Subcontinent. The result is a region of fascinating cultura diversity. Like the Ganges and the Yamuna, the sacred rivers of Hindu lore, this cultural tour runs through the modern state of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Rajasthan. Yet its scope is not limited by these geo-political boundaries. You are treated to a comprehensive overview of the Subcontinent’s history – from the emergence of Hinduism and Buddhism to the decline of the Mughal Empire, the last Islamic power before the British Raj of the nineteenth century.
Experience the world’s greatest cultural achievements with expert speakers, seamless travel and privileged access.
Tour Highlights:
Included:
Rooms are available from 2.00pm on 17th November, allowing for early check-in today. Nothing is planned before a pre-lunch talk. Humayun’s striking tomb, with its high-arched façades set in a walled garden, is an important example of early Mughal architecture.
The Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, dominates Old Delhi with its minarets and domes. Rickshaw through the labyrinthine streets near Chandni Chowk. After lunch, visit the severely beautiful 15th-century tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties which are located in the serene Lodi Gardens. First 2 nights are in Delhi.
Fly mid-morning from Delhi to Varanasi (IndiGo). After lunch in the hotel, walk in the old town, visiting hidden shrines and experiencing the busy life along the river. The Dasaswamedh Ghat is named after the ancient ten horse sacrifice which took place here in mythical time; a boat ride along the Ganges ends here with the evening river blessing ceremony (Arti), a ritual going back to the Vedic Age.
Begin the day with a boat ride at sunrise, followed by breakfast and a morning walk through the alleys of the old city. Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath and the site remains an active Buddhist centre. The Dhamek stupa in the Deer Park marks the spot where the Buddha sat to preach. The museum houses the 3rd-century bc lion capital which has become the symbol of modern India since independence. First of two nights in Varanasi.
After an independent morning in Varanasi, fly back to Delhi (IndiGo) in the afternoon. Overnight in Delhi.
Fly to Jodhpur (IndiGo) in the morning. Presiding over the capital of one of the largest Rajput states in western Rajasthan is the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Described by Kipling as the ‘work of angels, fairies and giants’, it was built in 1459 and has some of the most imposing fortifications in the world. Private dinner in the fort’s garden.
Created in resplendent white marble, Jaswant Thada is the large 19th-cent. memorial of Jaswant Singh II and cremation ground of the Marwar rulers. A second visit to Mehrangarh Fort examines the painting tradition of the Marwari Rajputs, with special admission to the gallery led by the curator. The buildings of the lively Old City are painted in a variety of blues, originally the colour denoting the homes of Brahmins. First of two nights in Jodhpur.
Today is spent travelling by coach through the scenic Aravalli mountain range from Jodhpur to Jaipur, stopping for lunch en route.
The City Palace contains an unsurpassed collection of paintings and artefacts. The Jantar Mantar, the 1730s observatory is equipped with massive astronomical instruments that are astonishingly accurate. Some free time to visit the painting and gem markets for which Jaipur is famous.
Athwart a natural ridge, the magnificent yellow walls of the 18th-cent. Amber Fort conceal fine craftsmanship – mirrored chambers, latticed windows, carved alabaster. Located in a traditional townhouse, the Anokhi museum showcases the art and heritage of wood-block printing. First of three nights in Jaipur.
En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a new capital built by Akbar (1570) but abandoned after a mere 15 years. The palace complex consists of a series of courtyards and beautifully wrought red sandstone pavilions.
Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal in the first light of day. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and completed in 1648. Return to the hotel for breakfast before visiting the magnificent Red Fort, built by Akbar and the best-preserved of the palaces built during his reign, and the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah (c. 1628), an exquisite garden tomb and the first Mughal building clad in white marble inlaid with pietra dura. Independent afternoon. First of two nights in Agra.
Drive to Delhi via Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra, built on his death in 1605. Set in a traditional char-bagh, it has no central dome unlike other Mughal mausolea. After lunch, visit the Qutb Minar, site of the first Islamic city of Delhi, established in 1193 on the grounds of a defeated Rajput fort. The towering minaret and its mosque survive as testament to the might of the invaders. Overnight in Delhi.
Car transfers to Delhi airport can be arranged for your onward journey.
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