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THE
MOGHUL RAJ
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
 |
The
Moghuls have the unique distinction of being the builders
of the most famous buildings, gardens, tombs and mausoleums
in India. Amongst their outstanding aesthetic creations
are the Taj Mahal, Shalimar Garden, the spectacular Jama
Masjid, Badhshahi Mosque, Red Forts in Delhi & Agra as
well as many more. Our tour provides an experience of
India as it was in the Mughal Raj heyday.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Delhi |
|
02
|
Delhi |
| 03 |
Delhi |
|
04
|
Delhi
/ Jaipur |
|
05
|
Jaipur |
|
06
|
Jaipur
/ Agra |
|
07
|
Agra
|
|
08
|
Agra
/ Gwalior |
|
09
|
Gwalior
/ Orcha / Khajuraho |
|
10
|
Khajuraho |
|
11
|
Khajuraho
/ Varanasi |
|
12
|
Varanasi
/ Lucknow (by Train) |
|
13
|
Lucknow |
| 14 |
Lucknow
/ Delhi |
| 15 |
New
Delhi / Home |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour |
|
Agra Fort (1983) |
Near
the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-
century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra.
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of
the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built
by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas;
and two very beautiful mosques. |
| Taj
Mahal (1983) |
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. |
| Fatehpur
Sikri (1986) |
Built
during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex
of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural
style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the
Jama Masjid. |
|
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) |
Built
in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi,
the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high,
tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32
m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary
buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate,
the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and
two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest
in northern India, built of materials reused from some
20 Brahman temples. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly greeted the traditional Indian way with
hands together.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new
of India. We visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses
of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect
minaret towering 102 m into the sky. New Delhi is an exotic
blend of Mughal, Hindu, British and modern independent India.
(B, D)
Day 03: Delhi
Our tour of Old Delhi takes us back to the reign of the Moghuls
with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once
the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit the
majestic Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the
Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our
tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street
of silver and goldsmiths. Evening is free to enjoy an optional
Sound and Light Show at the Delhi Red Fort. (B, D)
Day 04: Delhi / Jaipur (drive 260 kms / 156 mi)
An interesting drive conveys us to Jaipur, the rose pink capital
of Rajasthan. En-route we visit Sikandra, the burial site of
Akbar the Great.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant
ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example
of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Next we visit the old
astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection
of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the buildings
in the pink city. We end the day at the colourful bazaar. (B,
D)
Day 06: Jaipur / Agra (drive 235 kms / 145 mi)
Today we drive to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri,
the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King Akbar
the Great and later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example
of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the
desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of
Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar
leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, the builder of the
Taj. After our visit here we continue to the city home of the
world famous Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07: Agra
Our tour of Agra begins with the spectacular Taj Mahal, probably
the best known World Heritage Site. Built by Shah Jehan as
a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is
built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious
stones. Next we visit Agra Fort followed by Agra town and bazaar.
Later we have free time for shopping for replicas of the Taj,
handicrafts and various other curios that the descendants of
the builders of the Taj are famous for crafting. (B, D)
Day 08: Agra - Gwalior
Today we depart for former princely state of Gwalior aves.
The state was formed in the mid-18th cent. By Ranoji Sindhia,
a Maratha chief Half day tour visiting the Man Mandir- Built
between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. Within the palace rooms
stand bare, stripped of their former glory, testifying to the
passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens
were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal
ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day.
Below, circular dungeons housed the state prisoners of the
Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad imprisoned,
and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in
the Rajput tradition, the Ranis committed mass sati after their
consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace,
a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still
lingers in the silent chambers. Later we visit Gujari Mahal-
The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of
Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani.
Overnight: Hotel in Gwalior (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 9 Gwalior-Orcha- Khajuraho (Train and road)
Today we board the famous Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi
and continue by coach to Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city
located on the shores of the Betwa River. After our visit to
Orchha we proceed to Khajuraho Famous for its Exotic temples
built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950
and 1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and these fall into
three distinct groups, belonging to two different religions
- Hinduism and Jainism.
Overnight: Hotel in Khajuraho (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 10: Khajuraho
Today we visit the world famous erotic sculptures in Khajuraho.
The most important ones include the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta,
Vishvanath and Nandi Temples. Theses beautiful temples strike
a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya,
the most exquisite of the temples, is decorated with a profusion
of sculptures recognized Our afternoon is free to wander in
the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho. (B, D)
Day 11: Khajuraho / Varanasi (flight)
After further sightseeing in Khajuraho we take a short flight
to the holy city of Varanasi. This afternoon we tour the oldest
city of India visiting Bharat Mata Temple, home to a large
marble relief map of India, the Durga temple, and the Tulsi
Manas Mandir. Banaras Hindu University, which has an Art Gallery
and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. This evening is
free to explore the city's amazing bazaars.
Overnight: Hotel in Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Varanasi / Lucknow (Train)
Early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges.
One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief of
the holiness of the Ganges and every morning scores of pilgrims
and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and
other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced
as it is so different from anything else one may have seen
anywhere else in the world.
Later we tour Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon
after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist
monks and followers. Then we visit local homes to see in-home
silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality.
Later we take train to Lucknow.
Overnight: Hotel in Lucknow (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 13: Lucknow
Lucknow is a city that reflects the last remains of the Mughal
Raj within its lifestyle, dress, customs and architecture.
Visit the great Imambara, Jama Masjid, Picture gallery, the
Clock Tower, Roomi Darwaza, and Residency & Dilkusha Palace.
(B, D)
Day 14: Lucknow / Delhi (Shatabdi Express train)
Today we are transferred to railway station to board our train
to Delhi.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 15: Depart New Delhi / Home
Today is free for shopping and personal pursuits. In the evening
we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home
or to connect to another Indian adventure in the South or East
of the country. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 06,
Feb 03, Mar 02,
Apr 06, May 04,
Jun 01, Jul 06 & Aug 03
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| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| First
Class |
2960 |
1185 |
| Superior |
3650 |
1670 |
| Deluxe |
4360 |
2095 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
- Daily
buffet breakfast as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
- Transport
in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours,
arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Assistance
on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport
and railway station only
- Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing
as per the itinerary at each city.
- Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
- All
currently applicable taxes
|
- International
Airfare & Departure Taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Drinks/Beverages
with meals
- Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject
To Change) |
Train
Fare: Gwalior/Jhansi, Varanasi/Lucknow & Lucknow/Delhi
in Executive Class.
Domestic airfare: Khajuraho / Varanasi
sector in Economy Class.
|
|
City
|
First
Class
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
Delhi
|
The Connaught
(Standard Room)
|
Jaypee
Siddharth
(Standard Room)
|
Taj
Palace Hotel
(Superior Room)
|
Jaipur
|
Park Plaza
(Superior Room)
|
Trident
Hilton
(Deluxe Garden View)
|
Jai
Mahal Palace
(Deluxe Room)
|
Agra
|
Holiday Inn
(Deluxe Room)
|
Jaypee
Palace
(Standard Room)
|
Taj
View Hotel
(Superior City/Pool View)
|
Gwalior
|
Usha Kiran
Palace
(Superior Room)
|
Usha
Kiran Palace
(Superior Room)
|
Usha
Kiran Palace
(Superior Room)
|
Khajuraho
|
Holiday Inn
(Deluxe Room)
|
Holiday
Inn
(Deluxe Room)
|
Taj
Chandela
(Superior Garden Facing)
|
Varanasi
|
Ramada Plaza
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Ganges
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Ganges
(Superior Room)
|
Lucknow
|
Taj Residency
(Standard Room)
|
Taj
Residency
(Standard Room)
|
Taj
Residency
(Standard Room)
|
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1395 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1495 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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