|
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 |
|
2010
Jan
04, Feb 01, Mar 01, Apr 05, May 03, Jun 07, Jul 05, Aug
02 , Sep 06, Oct 04, Nov 01 & Dec 06
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| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| First
Class |
2975 |
1150 |
| Superior |
3750 |
1650 |
| Deluxe |
4925 |
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
(3 Nights)
|
The
Connaught
(Standard Room) |
Jaypee
Siddharth
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Palace Hotel
(Superior Room) |
Jaipur
(2 Nights)
|
Holiday
Inn
(Deluxe Room) |
The
Trident
(Deluxe Garden View) |
Jai
Mahal Palace
(Deluxe Room) |
Agra
(2 Nights)
|
Holiday
Inn
(Deluxe Room) |
Jaypee
Palace
(Standard Room) |
The
Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
Gwalior
(1 Night)
|
Usha
Kiran Palace
(Superior Room) |
Usha
Kiran Palace
(Superior Room) |
Usha
Kiran Palace
(Superior Room) |
Khajuraho
(2 Nights)
|
The
Ramada
(Deluxe Room) |
Radisson
Jass Hotel
(Deluxe Room) |
Taj
Chandela
(Superior Garden Facing) |
Varanasi
(1 Night)
|
Ramada
Plaza
(Superior Room) |
The
Gateway Hotel Ganges
(Standard Room) |
The
Gateway Hotel Ganges
(Standard Room) |
Lucknow
(2 Nights)
|
Taj
Residency
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Residency
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Residency
(Standard Room) |
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1395 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 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 Jun 01, 2009
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