Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
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Travel with award-winning Indian photographer, Harsh Agarwal, through his homelands where mind-boggling photo opportunities abound! A major highlight will be the Pushkar Camel Fair.
DAY 01 (30 OCT, 2019): ARRIVAL AT DELHI
Welcome to Delhi, a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. The capital of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and the modern in its folds. Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhi’s Muslim rulers notably the Mughals between 17th & 19th centuries. New Delhi on the other hand is referred to as the Imperial city when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 02 (31 OCT, 2019): DELHI
This morning after breakfast proceed to full day tour of old and new Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid (the largest mosque of India with capacity of approx 25000 people at a time), and drive pass through the Red fort and Chandni Chowk. Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk - the famous historic street of Old Delhi was established in the 17th century. Though built almost 300 years ago, the streets of Chandni Chowk have an irresistible kind of energy and your cameras will be whirring. In this part of the city, enjoy a glimpse of local people having mouth-watering street food and vibrant bazaars with some old buildings. The mesh of electric wires you see looming over your heads is quite an enticing sight. The smells, the sounds and the sights are sure to create an unforgettable experience. We then walk through the largest spice bazaar of Asia, seated very close to the magnificent Red Fort and Jama Masjid - this place is not only a wholesale market for spices, but is also a very popular tourist destination. Watch how spices of different colours, aroma and flavour are loaded by rusty hands, carried and unloaded - is a marvel in itself.
Continue to New Delhi to see the colonial architecture that defined the British era in India. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, known as the father of nation). Drive pass through President House (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and India gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) and some more colonial buildings. A short visit to a Sikh Temple, known as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Sikhism is a progressive religion (and in many respects, ahead of its time). At Bangla Sahib, you will see how this religion blends practices from Hinduism and Islam into something new. You can watch (and join if you like) the langar, the voluntary group cooking and feeding program at the Gurudwara. After lunch,proceed to visit Qutub Minar the tallest stone tower erected by first Islamic rulers of India and still the most imposing, artistically carved and engraved sandstone pillar and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam ( Might of Islam) Mosque. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 (01 NOV, 2019): DELHI-AGRA (204 KMS/4.5 HRS)
This morning after breakfast, drive to Agra, capital of the mighty Mughal Empire and currently home to some of the world’s top tourist sites. On arrival, check into your hotel. In evening, visit Mehtab Bagh to enjoy sunset from riverside of Taj Mahal - a magical sight and photographers dream. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 (02 NOV, 2019): AGRA
Up very early this morning to be amongst the first visitors entering the Taj Mahal. Built out of white marble by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the entire monument is a masterpiece of symmetry and perhaps the most photographed monument in the world with a glory and beauty that surpasses imaginations. Your Guide, Harsh Agarwal, comes from Agra and knows every nook & cranny of this monument and will position you in special photography spots as the sun creeps over the monuments creating surreal sparkes of light and shadow. Later visit Agra Fort, one of the largest fort in India, built by Emperor Akbar. Agra Fort served as the residence of Mughals for successive three generations. Also enjoy marble craftsmanship with the demonstration of the inlay work.
DAY 05 (03 NOV, 2019): AGRA-JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI (237 KMS/ 5 HRS)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water. Abhaneri Stepwell Further, on way to Jaipur, visit Abhaneri village. The Chand Baori is a step well which is regarded as a unique invention of the people of Abhaneri; it was created for rainwater harvesting. This colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Chand Baori is regarded as one of deepest and largest step wells in India. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Various structures are also built around the step well. On arrival in Jaipur, check in the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 (04 NOV, 2018): JAIPUR
Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colourful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This morning after breakfast visit the Amber fort built in 16th century. Located approximately 11km outside Jaipur, this majestic monument was created using elements of both Hindu and Islamic architecture and design. Murals, frescos and paintings depict daily life of a bygone era on walls also etched with carvings and decorated with mosaics and mirror work. Later we stop at the the Hawa Mahal often called the Palace of Winds and is a striking landmark. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh specifically for the women in the royal family, this building allowed them to watch the city’s processions through tiny, latticed windows and balconies without ever being seen. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace (the principal residence of the ruling family) The City Palace Museum is a home to a priceless collection of antiques, costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs. It also has an art gallery that displays a collection of miniature paintings. You can experience the carpet weaving, the block printing demonstration and the Turban wearing which plays a vital role in the Rajasthani life. Later visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World heritage site. It’s a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Optional Dinner with folk dance performed by various artists. Stay overnight at hotel.
DAY 07 (05 NOV, 2019) JAIPUR –PUSHKAR (140 KMS/ 3.5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar a sacred city for Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. Upon arrival, we will check into our Swiss tents. Each of these tents has private ensuites. We'll have three days to revel in the amazing spectacle called Pushkar. Thousands of camels, horses and cattle, along with their owners, camp in the sand dunes. Trade goes on day and night and brisk deals are made animals exchanged. It is a gathering of men with large colorful turbans, women wrapped in exquisite jewelry from head to toe, and children dressed in stunning, traditional attire. Overnight in the Camp.
DAY 08 (06 NOV, 2019) PUSHKAR
Early morning visit to fair ground. Mind-boggling photo opportunities await as you head down the dunes to Pushkar lake and fairground. The fair is primarily devoted to the trade of camels, sheep, horses and cows. Their owners persuade and haggle, trying to sell them at the most competitive prices. As the fair nears its climax, various competitive events are held, such as camel races, camel decoration and dances. All in all it makes for a photographer's delight. During this time, will also visit the Brahma temple as well as Pushkar Lake where thousands of people bath every day. The Temple of Brahma is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is still worshipped, and so understandably it is the main attraction at Pushkar. Overnight in the camp.
DAY 09 (07 NOV, 2019) PUSHKAR- JODHPUR (218 KMS/ 4.5 HRS)
Early morning visit to Fair ground. After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. It is the second largest city of Rajasthan, built by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital from Mandore. On arrival, check-in Hotel. In evening, enjoy the sunset view of Mehrangarh fort from the roof top restaurant of the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 10 (08 NOV, 2019) JODHPUR
Early morning, we will do walking tour to nearby hill to capture the view of Mehrangarh Fort and old city of Jodhpur. After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a 37m-sandstone hill, built by Rao Jodha in 1459. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. In evening, walk around Clock Tower market to capture daily life of local people. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 11 (09 NOV, 2019) JODHPUR - UDAIPUR (285 KMS/5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century and located in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Built with more than 1444 marble pillars, each one is differently carved in exquisite detail. Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes. On arrival in Udaipur; check in to the hotel. Overnight in Udaipur
DAY 12 (10 NOV, 2019) UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D. and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Later visit Jagdish Temple, a fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture, Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Visit Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers. Boat ride on Pichola Lake Sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, stopover at the island of Jag Mandir, a 17th century water palace. After boat ride, drive back to the hotel. Dinner in a restaurant facing Lake Pichola. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 13 (11 NOV, 2019) UDAIPUR – VARANASI
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board flight to Varansi (via Delhi). Check in to Varanasi hotel.
DAY 14 (12 NOV, 2019) VARANASI
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is the oldest inhabited city in the world. A city that represents a spiritual India. After breakfast, take an excursion trip to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s major centers in India. Late afternoon we walk through the oldest and most famous narrow and winding lanes of the city, past the endless human panorama - pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, children selling flowers and floating lights to place in the river - to arrive at the ghats at the Ganges to witness the Aarti Ceremony which is part of the evening pooja or prayers. During the ceremony deepas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganga with thanks and devotion for the light of the sun and for her divine light. As the aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells are rung and chanting and singing provide a fascinating, magical and spiritual conclusion to the day’s end. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
DAY 15 (13 NOV, 2019) VARANASI
Early this morning, experience the beauty and life of this ancient city. See the sun rising over the Ganges as you travel along the river by boat. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God. Afternoon at leisure. Optional: Visit the Ganga Ghat again for Aarti ceremony. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 16 (14 NOV, 2019) VARANASI – DELHI
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to International Airport and connect flight for onward journey.
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