Your JourneyMARIGOLDS, MYSTICS, MAHARANIS

JOURNEY TO EXOTIC INDIA

26 October – 5 November, 2016

Imagine celebrating Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, while residing at the Exotic Marigold Hotel. Or sitting in a courtyard, sipping tea with an Indian princess – a Maharani – as she shares personal stories of the ancient lineage of her royal Mughal family.

Gaze out at a breathtaking sunset while relaxing on the rooftop pavilion of a lake palace in the city of Udaipur, considered the Venice of the East; stroll along the labyrinthian lanes of the ancient desert city of Jaipur, the pink city, with its massive fortresses, and exuberant marketplaces. Drive through the Thar Desert, gazing out at villages, forts, camel caravans, and ending your journey at the seat of the Taj Mahal – the world’s grandest monument to love – as the sun sets upon it, touching your soul.

Marigolds, Mystics and Maharanis is a feast for the imagination – a journey for women into the desert region of Rajasthan, the Land of Great Kingdoms, in the Northwest of India. Here, you will be transported into a world that is magical – a colorful feast for your awakened senses, an exuberant celebration into the evocative spirit of Mother India. Your heart will burst open.

India mesmerizes. India enchants. India shocks, soothes and delights. India is a paradox. Together with my travel partner, Ekno Travels, I welcome you to this captivating adventure of a lifetime. Mother India awaits you.

Namaste,

Amber Chand

Itinerary27 Oct 2016 Day 1: You will be met at Delhi International Airport and driven to the Claridges Hotel in Delhi where hot showers and a comfortable bed await.

28 Oct 2016 Day 2: Leave for early morning flight to Udaipur, Rajasthan(1.5 hour flight time). On arrival, you will be driven to your hotel in the Old City, a traditional haveli style hotel, overlooking Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, we will explore the laneways of this stunning Old City.

Udaipur, considered the Venice of the East is also known as the City of Lakes, and is one of India’s most picturesque cities offering lakes, massive forts, beautiful palaces, art museums, well-laid gardens, architectural temples and a colorful panorama. Opulent Palaces surround the city, the most famous being The Lake Palace, which covers an entire island and was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. The city was founded in 1559 and was the capital of the Mewar kingdom, depicting the lavish lifestyle of Mughal maharajas. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this relaxing, captivating city.

Late afternoon we enjoy a sunset cruise around Lake Pichola and sip delicious cocktails on Jagmandir Island Palace. Overnight Udaipur

29 Oct 2016 Day 3: After breakfast we visit the extraordinary City Palace with its many Mughal treasures, jewels, rugs, crafts. We will then spend the day at leisure strolling, shopping, and enjoying what this city has to offer. A perfect day to bring out our journals, cameras, and dive into some deeper reflections. Tonight, we settle back and enjoy an evening performance of traditional rajasthani folk dancing at Bagore-ki-Haveli in the heart of the old city, home to an art gallery featuring contemporary and folk art. After performance, we will savor a delicious dinner at a roof top restaurant overlooking the stunning Lake Pichola, the City Palace and gaze upon the sweeping views of this romantic city, under a star studded night. Overnight Udaipur.

30 Oct 2016 Day 4: Khempur and Diwali After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we leave for our next destination – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in a small village called Khempur, where the movie was filmed. Check in and spend the late afternoon strolling through this small town and sampling some of local life.

DIWALI CELEBRATION - This evening we celebrate Diwali – the Festival of Lights and a celebration of Goddess Lakshmi. We spend the afternoon preparing for Diwali with our own henna tattoos, dress in one of our Indian outfits and stroll around the local village.

watching villagers paint rangolis (patterns which are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals and are sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities). We will wander through the village and view their homes lit up and decorated in garlands and flowers. Early evening we participate in a local puja to celebrate Goddess Lakshmi followed by a special Diwali dinner, complete with fireworks. Overnight Khempur

31 Oct 2016 Day 5: Wake up, relax and spend today quietly around the local village and the hotel. Take the time to contemplate where Judi Dench or Maggie Smith (actresses from the movie) might have enjoyed their ‘post lunch’ chai or indulge yourself by relaxing and have a private massage. Overnight Khempur.

1 Nov 2016 Day 6: After an early breakfast we leave for Jaipur approximately 6-7 hours away. Driving through the Thar Desert you will witness vibrant desert scenery and the desert life of Rajasthani villagers dressed in colourful clothes herding animals. There will be ample time to stop on the way for refreshments and lunch.

Arrive mid afternoon in Jaipur and check into your palace hotel, Diggi Palace. Late afternoon and evening shopping at one of the many bazaars, the Pink City is famous for. Evening dinner at Peacock Rooftop Restaurant where you will experience exquisite local food and the magic and colour of the Pink City at night. Overnight Jaipur.

2 Nov 2016 Day 7: Jaipur Sightseeing After breakfast, visit the magnificent Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state; unique elephant ride (or an alternative Jeep ride) ascent to the fort high on the hill, Amber fort was built in 1592 and its’ name is said to derive from the many jewels that are used for decoration inside.

After visiting the fort, you’ll have an opportunity to visit a textile and block printing factory as well as a visit to the Hawa Mahal, City Palace or more shopping opportunities in one of the many bazaars.

If there is time, we will tour the Shree Digamber Jain Temple which is one of the historical places of Rajasthan. Shri Digamber Jain temple Sanghiji is considered a jewel in this town. This is an ancient Jain temple, represents the ancient style of architecture completed in many phases, with the last phase of this spectacular temple completed in 10th century A.D.

Late afternoon tea with one of the Maharanis’ of Jaipur on the lawns of Diggi Palace where you will enjoy hearing the story of the maharanis of Jaipur (her schedule permitting). Overnight Jaipur.

3 Nov 2016 Day 8: After breakfast leave for Agra. On the way have morning tea at the Viceroy Club well known on the movie now the “Second Best Marigold Hotel” (locally known as the Narain Niwas Palace). Arrive in Agra early afternoon and check into your hotel. Leave for the Taj Mahal for sunset. The Taj Mahal is India’s most-photographed monument, and today you’ll see why. Built between 1632 and 1653 in memory of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s third wife, the Taj Mahal is world-renowned and widely admired as a wonderful photo opportunity. Overnight Agra

4 Nov 2016 Day 9: Leave after an early breakfast for Delhi. Afternoon at leisure for last minute shopping. Overnight Delhi

5 Nov 2016 Day 10: Your tour arrangement ends after breakfast. Spend the day relaxing at the hotel, or, if you prefer, take a tour bus to visit various sites Delhi is renowned for – including India Gate, Chandni Chowk. Prepare to leave for your overnight flight back to the States. You will be driven to the airport. Please note, you will be arriving back in the USA on November 5, given the time difference.

InformationCOST: $2995.00 Double Accomodation. Add $650 for single accommodation. A non refundable deposit of $550 will reserve your space.

Includes • Met at Delhi Airport by Ekno Representative • All transfers by private vehicles (pickup and drop off at Delhi, Udaipur airports)• Domestic Flight – Delhi to Udaipur• 9 nights’ accommodation • Breakfast & 8 Dinners (including Welcome, Farewell and special Diwali Dinners)• Car and driver from Udaipur through to Delhi• Entrance fees to sights• Services of an English speaking guide throughout the Tour and local guides

Excludes • International Airfare to and from India • Indian visas• Travel Insurance (compulsory)• Lunch • Private massage.• Occasional optional items not identified in itinerary description• Tipping and personal expenses• Bottled water and other beverages not included with meals

To reserve your space or further information, please contact amber@amberchand.com