World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
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


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.

Hotels
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
Bestway Tours & Safaris
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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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated Jun 01, 2009
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