india: the land of diversity - home - platinum tours ... the land of diversity brief overview what...
TRANSCRIPT
INDIA The Land of Diversity
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Delhi
10 Nights / 11 Days
The journey of a lifetime, every time|
India: The Land of Diversity
Brief Overview
What better way, than to travel to the sub-continent for the ultimate vacation. There is perhaps no other place on earth, with such a gamut of variety and specially
a long history of civilization. As you go through the pages of our history books it will unveil different stories on culture and romance with tales of Kings and
Queens, warriors and princesses etc. that has lived through the ages. Get set for an exciting interlude in India; discover the delights across exotic & incredible India.
Marvel at the architectural masterpiece, the warm hospitality of Indian people, be spellbound at kaleidoscope of colours and not to forget mesmerize yourself with
the soul stirring finger licking cuisine of the land. At Asian Vistas, we understand the value of your vacation with our seamless handling, by our Concierge, who
remains at your beck & call 24x7 for the entire duration of the trip. Savour the finer nuances of life of the maharaja's, exquisite settings of your carefully
chosen Hotels. Right from the time you arrive into Delhi, the capital of India, you will be treated as a royal.
Itinerary & Routing
Day 05
Agra –
Jaipur by
Surface
Day 02
In Delhi
Day 03
Delhi – Agra
by Surface
Day 04
In Agra
Day 01
Arrive in
Delhi
Day 06
In Jaipur
Day 07
Jaipur –
Udaipur by
Flight
Day 12 Day 08
In Udaipur
Day 09
Udaipur –
Jodhpur by
Surface
Day 10
In Jodhpur
Day 11
Jodhpur –
Delhi by
Flight
Leave Delhi
DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi International airport. After immigration and
customs formalities as you step into the ‘Meet & Greet Hall’, you will meet our
airport representative or concierge waiting for you who will give you war
welcome with fresh flower garlands. You will then be escorted to your
chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel. At the hotel, our concierge will assist you
with the necessary check-in formalities.
Delhi remains one of the oldest surviving cities in the world today. It is, in fact, an amalgam of
eight cities, each site being built in a different era by a new dynasty/ruler. through its 1000-
year-old history has evolved into a culturally secular city – absorbing different religions, diverse
cultures, both foreign and indigenous, and yet functioning as one organic entity.
Overnight at hotel Taj Mahal / Le Meridien
DAY 2 : IN DELHI
After a leisure breakfast embark on a very interesting sightseeing of historical
city Delhi starting with a stop at Qutub Minar- a UNESCO world heritage site
one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India by Qutab-ud-Din Aibek
of the Slave Dynasty. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb the first garden-tomb in the
Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj
Mahal followed by drive to India Gate – a memorial raised in the honor of the
Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. Drive past the tree-lined area of
the plush Lutyens Delhi and explore the government buildings, and photo stop
at the President’s House and Parliament House
Lunch at an INDIAN HOME with Cooking Demonstration
After lunch visit the Akshardham one of the biggest and most intricate religious
places of worship ever constructed. A visit to this monument is a journey though
the gateway to the essence of ancient India and the best of Hindu culture and
Vedic civilization. The monument is a fusion of pink stone and pure white
marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti in eternal bloom and white marble
that of absolute purity and eternal peace.
Return back to your hotel for dinner & overnight stay
DAY 3 : DELHI-AGRA.
After buffet breakfast check out from the hotel and drive a little over 3 hours to
arrive at the city of Taj Mahal- Agra.
Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and
17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty,
Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here,
Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls,
Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shah Jahan embellished it with marble
mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.
On arrival check in at hotel Gateway Taj View / ITC Mughal
Lunch at ITC Mughal-Peshwari serving Mughali Cuisine
Post lunch visit the Mehtab Bagh
The place is an ideal spot for it provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal. The
name Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the
beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mahtab Bagh. The place
has a history of its own. It is believed that the great emperor Shah Jahan who
built Taj Mahal for his queen wanted an identical one for himself at Mehtab
Bagh. However the archaeological findings have proved the existence of garden
complex. Whatever the popular beliefs be, the place is worth a visit as it provides
bewitching image of Taj Mahal.
Celebrating Real Heroes – Sheroes Hangout-Agra Visit a unique café in the city of Taj Mahal – a café run by 5 acid attack survivors
or should we say fighters? This is the first time in India that survivors of such
attacks have come forward, breaking society’s stereotypes which have tried to
force them to live their lives in a closet. Sheroes Hangout is located on the road
leading to Taj Mahal and includes a café which serves some lip smacking snacks,
a library that has been set up with contributions, a section for handicrafts and a
boutique where one of these survivors will stitch her dreams. The café has been
set up entirely through crowd funding as the campaign behind this initiative
believe in the power of humanity. This café is a centre for activism for various
types of campaigns related to sale of acid or creating awareness for issues
concerning acid attacks and other kind of discussions based on feminism,
women empowerment, personality development, skill enhancement, and
different kind of youth oriented and cultural events are organised here.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4 : IN AGRA
Visit Taj Mahal at SUNRISE when Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet
of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast
marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflects the sun its colour changes from soft
grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white, This play of light is an
important decorative device, symbolically implying the presence of Allah who is
never represented in anthropomorphic form.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
Later visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar
the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within
the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir's
Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and
Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a
prisoner.
Lunch at local restaurant Bon Bar-Be-Que serving unlimited Kebabs menu
Evening watch Watch ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ – a series of play depicting the saga of
love. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful
wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era; immaculate hardship of the artisans for 22
years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship ‘Mohabbat-the-
Taj’ at ‘Kalakriti is exceptionally inviting. The effort to hold up the cultural and
historical legacy of India is worth a glance. So, be with us to witness the Indian
heritage come alive.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5 AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-ABHANERI-JAIPUR
After a leisure breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute stopping at Fatehpur Sikri-
which was the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign
from 1571 till 1585 and regarded as the crowning glory of his architectural
legacy.
Continue your drive to Abhaneri-the wonder of Wells-.The first visual effect on
setting sight of the stunning architecture is that of jaw dropping awe- an
Egyptian pyramid turned upside down! Chand Baoli is a stepped well built by
Raja Chand in the 8th/ 9th century AD for harvesting rainwater. Built on a
square plan, the stepped well comprises an incredible 3,500 plus symmetrically
laid out steps going all the way down to the pit. The steps surround the well on
three sides, having 13 stories while the fourth side has set of pavilions built one
on top of another. It is a 100 feet deep. Water was drawn by means of a Persian
wheel rotated by an ox from within a pavilion. A relic from our glorious past,
Abhaneri is truly a destination worth a visit.
Lunch at Abhaneri Village Safari Camp.
Time permitting explore the village and sight of rural India where life still
continues at the pace with which it has been for thousands of years.
On arrival in Jaipur you will be met by our representative and be assisted for
check in at the hotel.
Dinner & overnight at hotel Rambagh Palace / Taj Jai Mahal Palace
DAY 6 IN JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel we head to visit the Amber Fort. This is one of the
most fascinating of the Indian forts comprising the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of
Public Audience and the beautiful gardens, all of which give a glimpse into the
majesty of days gone by. The fort can be reached by riding on an Elephant’s
back or by Jeep.. On your way back to the city stop by at Jal Mahal for a
photography opportunity followed by Lunch at a local restaurant.
Post lunch visit to the City Palace to visit its many palatial structures. Also, drive
past the Hawa Mahal. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of
enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life, and royal
processions of the city. Lastly visit the Jantar Mantar - the Observatory that
incorporates multiple buildings of unique geometrical forms, each with a
specialized function for astronomical measurement.
Later visit NGO LAADLI-This organization works for the less privileged. It
has separate centers and hostels for boys and girls. It also runs street-point
education programs for the slum children at 15 odd points, where it imparts
informal education to slum children for 2-3 hrs each day and provides a midday
meal (Annapurna) thereafter. The girls undertake vocational training and make
various jewelry and bead products, cards and other small curios. Every girl is
paid for the work she does per month. Besides the above emoluments the
children are given meals and uniform.
Enjoy Dinner with a local family with Cooking demonstration of LAAL MAAS
(Red Meat) a very famous dish in Rajasthani cuisine
DAY 7 JAIPUR-UDAIPUR
After an early breakfast at the hotel check out from the hotel and drive to
airport to board flight for Udaipur.
Departure Jaipur at 0820hrs // Arrival Udaipur at 0920hrs
On arrival drive to Eklingi temple which houses 108 temples chiseled out of
sandstone and marble dedicated to Lord Eklingi (a form of Lord Shiva). At
Nadga visit the ruins of the Vishnu, Shiva, Jain temples that reflect the great
architecture of the past days.
Lunch at Devigarh Palace an 18th century Palace now turned into a luxury
Heritage hotel
Later drive to Udaipur city
The most romantic city of Rajasthan, Udaipur’s beauty lies in its rolling hills, serene lakes
and palatial splendor. Udaipur with its marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the
lakes seems almost like a mirage in the desert. The city hailed as the 'Venice of the East
On arrival you will be met by our representative and be assisted for check in at
the hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy your beautiful hotel.
Dinner & overnight at hotel Taj Lake Palace / Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace
DAY 08 IN UDAIPUR
Morning participate in the YOGA session at your resort (optional).
After breakfast, proceed on a city tour visiting City Palace which is the largest in
Rajasthan. In size and outline the City Palace and its subsidiary palaces bear a
resemblance to the Windsor castle in England. This is followed by private tour
of Crystal Gallery-probably the largest single private collection of crystal
anywhere in the world. Continue with a visit to the medieval Jagdish Temple
with its meticulously detailed carvings and take the blessings of Lord Vishnu
(deemed as the preserver of the Universe by Hindus).Time permitting visit the
contemporary Art Gallery Bougainvillea Enjoy sunset cruise on Lake Pichola- The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island palaces. The 17th century Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest and most grandiose palace that is legendary as place of refuge to Prince Khurram . The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II. It is said that he constructed the palace in response to his father's statement that 'if he wanted to stay in an island palace like Jagmandir Dinner at Udaivilas or Leela Palace Open Air restaurant overlooking the Lake and Heritage monuments
DAY 09 UDAIPUR-JODHPUR After a leisure breakfast proceed by surface to Jodhpur involves a drive of approx. 6hrs. Enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples. Considered an architectural gem of the area the intricacies of the carvings belie the austerity practice by the religion, The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, built in 1439. Lunch at Mountbatten Lodge-an exclusive 4 suite property in a stunning location. Enjoy lunch al fresco under the old sprawling Banyan Tree with a wonderful setting.
Arrive Jodhpur. On arrival you will be met by our representative and be assisted
for check in at the hotel
Jodhpur was founded in 1459, where every building in Old town is painted the same light
blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname "blue city". Towering above are the impenetrable walls
of the Mehrangarh Fort. From its ramparts, enjoy postcard views of the ancient blue city below
and the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence of the current Maharaja and a magnificent
heritage hotel
OPTIONAL : Participate in an excusive guide tour of magnificent Palace with a glass of
champagne
Overnight at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace / Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal
DAY 10 JODHPUR-OSIAN-JODHPUR After a leisure breakfast at the hotel, begin the sightseeing with a visit of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Later visit the Jaswant Thada. This milky - white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, The royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby, built in 1899
Afternoon you will be taken to The Osian (approx.1.5hrs drive from Jodhpur).
Osian was an ancient town in the Thar Desert. It was a great trading center
between the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by the Jains. Osian
has a wealth of lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have
withstood the ravages of time. Osian is a great location for camel safaris, sunset
dune cocktails, photography, etc. Mount camels and head off for a short ride
into the dunes and surrounding villages. Later enjoy sun downers at the dunes.
After sunset return to the camel camp and get ready for a farewell dinner with
folk entertainment, cocktails and BBQ dinner.
Return back to your hotel in Jodhpur for overnight stay
DAY 11 JOHDPUR-DELHI
After a leisure breakfast, spend rest of the morning at your beautiful resort and
enjoy its facilities.
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.
On arrival, collect your luggage and take an elevator to arrive at the departure
terminal T3 to connect flight for onward destination.
Highlights of the Tour
- Indian Traditional Welcome with flower garlanding in Delhi
- Visit to Abhaneri stepwells with lunch on the way to Jaipur
- Welcome Dinner in Delhi
- Elephant ride in Jaipur
- Dinner with Cooking demos with Indian families in Delhi & Jaipur
- Visit to an NGO in Jaipur
- Yoga session in Udaipur
- Lunch at Devigarh – Udaipur
- Contemporary Art Gallery visit in Udaipur
- Lunch at Mountbatten Lodge in Ranakpur
- Farewell Dinner with cocktail at Osian
- Unlimited Mineral water, wet wipes
EXPERIENCES AT EXTRA COST Rub your shoulders with the Socialites-Delhi The Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club located in the middle of an elite residential
area was established in year 1913 and is primarily a sporting club. A place where
the city’s rich & famous people congregate to dine well, to dip into an
outstanding cocktails at the bars, and to linger over laughter and conversation.
VIP Meet & Greet Service at the Delhi International Airport Clients are met at the Aerobridge with ISRAM Signage, golf cart ride to the
Immigration, porter service at the conveyer belt and escorted up to the arrival
Hall.
Shopping Experience at Kohinoor-Agra The Kohinoor family, with their love for exquisite jewels and task and tasteful
designs became jewellers of great repute. Their design, craftsmanship and
techniques earned them the honour of becoming the jewellers to the Mughal’s
themselves for generations. Today, they are listed as one of the exquisite
shopping experiences in India by Conde Nast Traveler. The store loans its work
to museums in New York and London and its craftsmen are regularly awarded
with national honours.
Dress like a Maharajah-Jaipur To dress and feel like a maharaja is a long cherished wish for many clients. We
help make this wish a reality in Jaipur, the city of the royals. Enjoy being a
Maharaja for a day, starting with a visit from the royal tailor. Over a glass of
champagne, get measured and fitted in the comfort of your hotel room, select
the finest fabrics from an array of choices each more stunning than the next
Later in the evening, get dressed in your royal outfits and enjoy a private and
exclusive thaali dinner organized for you at the City Palace, or in your suite.
Date with an Elephant at Dera Amer-Jaipur The elephant safari is conducted in the original Aravali forests surrounding the
camp and follow a route passing by hutments, agricultural fields, hills and
ancient monuments, the birdlife in the thick forests is thriving and though
panthers do inhabit the jungles it is very rare to see them however occasionally
the hyena and the wolf has been sighted by guests, antelopes, jackals are in
abundance. The sunset elephant treks are magical experience-medieval temple lit
by flame torches, champagne on elephant back, private fire buckets to keep the
guests warm, live barbecue!
Private Tour of City Palace (residential part) of the Royal Family-Jaipur A private tour of City Palace where you will have an opportunity to see some of
the most interesting residential rooms of the Palace, including the grand drawing
room which has been the venue for many parties and visitors including other
royalty. where you have the option of either tea or a glass of Indian champagne.
If you are lucky you may stand a chance to meet with the Royalties (subject to
their availability).
Up and Away in the Sky – Hot Air Ballooning Jaipur Balloon Safari not only offers you an opportunity to see India and its spectacular
forts, hidden palaces, breath taking terrain and traditional local villages from a
very unique perspective but also a chance to meet friendly people that make
country such a vibrant, energetic and diverse place. Your Balloon safari will take
you where no tour itinerary will and every flight is a totally new adventure. After
being expertly guided into your balloon basket, a through safety briefing will be
conducted by your pilot. With the rising of the sun and a few short blasts you are
ready to take off and gently released from your ties to earth to calmly float in
the Indian skies.
Learn Secret Cooking Recipes with Gourmands who serve the Royals- Udaipur The Bedla family has had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen
Elizabeth, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime
minister of independent India. The present scion of the Bedla clan, Vijay Singh
was persuaded to share the rich culinary heritage of Mewar. With the help of his
wife, Sugan Kumari, they have been conducting food fests at prestigious hotels
nationally and internationally, for many years. Clients who wish to learn about
royal cuisines have this opportunity to get a comprehensive set of cooking
lessons followed by with a delicious meal with the family.
Private Shopping Experience of Antiques & Textiles– Udaipur If you are an antique collector then no looking back. Come straight to Mayur
Arts that specializes in antique marble and other ethnic. As you walk into the
store, you cannot but stop and admire the lovely creations in brass, bronze and
marble including Antique furniture, handicrafts Chandeliers, dining tables with
inlaid work, camel bone artifacts, wooden wall carvings, huge mirrors with silver
frames and antique clocks. Then move on to Andraab - specializes in the finest
textiles and hand embroideries. Embroidery is the technique of working designs
in threads of silk, cotton, gilt silver and gold wire on a woven cloth with a
needle. All products are hand woven and hand embroidered with great attention
paid to workmanship and quality. Fabric bases, including cashmere, silk and
blends of fabrics to produce one-of-a kind Bed Spreads, Wall Hangings, Throws,
Shawls, Stoles, Scarves and Jackets.
Art of Painting on Water – Udaipur A unique art form where the canvas is not cloth or paper, but sheer water. Jal
Sanjhi -- paintings that float on water -- are made as a tribute to Lord Krishna
during this festive season. Over 200 years old, this rare art and has been kept
alive by just one family in Udaipur, who have been practicing it for generations.
Water placed in a flat vessel is sprinkled with black charcoal powder and some
secret ingredients to create a floating base. Colours are then filled into paper
stencils, which are skilfully lifted without disturbing the surface of the water.
Dinner at RAAS overlooking the Mehrangarh Fort-Jodhpur A short TUK-TUK ride brings you to this beautiful boutique hotel located in
the busy old town of Jodhpur city. Enjoy dinner at their Terrace restaurant
DARIKHANA boasts magnificent views of the Mehrangarh Fort, which glows
pink in the day and is gloriously illuminated at night, providing the perfect place
for a romantic meal. Enjoy dishes specially prepared from the spices selected
from a 200 year old shop, while seasonal vegetables, salads and herbs are home
grown in Raas own organic garden.
Exclusive Champagne Tour of The Museum at Mehrangarh Fort with the Curator-Jodhpur
As twilight descends on the historic fort of Jodhpur, the rugged impregnable
walls and the delicate palaces come alive with a walk with the museum curator.
Join Mehrangarh Museum curator as he takes you on a tour of the collection and
shares his expertise and insights. Listen to the tales of sacrifice, of extraordinary
events of adventure and sheer joy of discussing a painting or talking about the
fort architecture.
Zip Lining at Mehrangarh Fort - Experience Adrenalin Rush – Jodhpur Adventure lovers can't pass up the unique opportunity to go zip-lining with
Mehrangarh Fort as the backdrop. Glide over the myriad landscapes of one of
the largest forts in Rajasthan- the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Over the course
of our zip line tour in Jodhpur, what you get is a sensational new perspective on
the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Fly high over the outer battlements of
Rajasthan's most majestic fortress, glide serenely over two desert lakes, trek
through the Rao Jodha eco-park and enjoy the best view of Mehrangarh and the
Blue City of Jodhpur.The circuit has six zip lines and takes around 1.5 hours to
complete all.
INCLUSIONS Accommodation
On twin sharing basis for a total 10 nights stay at hotels mentioned in the
program on bed & breakfast basis
Meals
10 Lunches + 10 Dinners (few meals at local restaurants, local homes & at
hotels of stay)
Transport
By air-conditioned private coach (Indian make).
Meeting and assistance on arrival / departure at the airports.
All sightseeing tours / excursions as per program mentioned above. Guide
Services using English speaking local guides in each city
Supplement for services of accompanying guide is quoted separately. Please
advise if required. Entrances
Rates include entrance fee to all the paid monuments and places of visits (one
time visit) as mentioned in the program Porterage
Included at the airports & hotels
All prevailing taxes including GST.