INDIA’s CULTURAL & HERITAGE KALEIDOSCOPE

North India has a lot to offer and the sheer variety of the region is unbelievable. You could choose to experience the formidable forts and the pretty palaces in the west (along with The Taj Mahal!) INDIA- A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity.

A veritable goldmine of culture and heritage, drawing from both Hindu and Mughal influences. This is the India of your dreams — of mysterious forts, mustachioed men, painted elephants, and ancient steps of the Abhaneri water tank. Then there’s vibrant Rajasthan, the land of maharajas, where folklore, romance and heroism resonates across formidable forts. Visit the pink city of Jaipur. Veer off the beaten path into rural Rajasthan, where you can feast on delightful Indian cuisine and rest your head in regal palaces. . Embrace spirituality on the ghats (river bank) of the revered River Ganges in Varanasi. The Khajuraho Temples are amongst the most beautiful medieval monuments in India. Originally a group of 85, they are the largest group of Hindu and Jain temples in the world, although only about 25 of them remain today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they have awed generations of people with their architectural brilliance, intricate carvings and, most famously, their erotic sculptures.

The Pushkar Camel Fair is unique and special in the entire world. During the fair, people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle, for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage, and religious festivals. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and a visit to the temple ensure Hindus eternal salvation. This small town becomes a cultural phenomenon when colorfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, ‘sadhus’ gather during Pushkar Fair. The open-air festival is filled with camel races, acrobats, fortune tellers, dancing. shopping and feasting.

For visitors it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the color, spectacle and carnival of one of the last great traditional melas, which brings livestock, farmers, traders and villagers from all over Rajasthan to Pushkar.

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”, is the most important & biggest festivals celebrated in India. Every year on the nights of Diwali, countless candles and diya lamps are lit, firecrackers are set, homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared. Happiness is everywhere. If there is a time to experience India at its sweetest, it’s during Diwali

We’ve combined this authentic cultural experience with UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

2023– Nov. 11 to 26

DAY BY DAY TOUR PLAN:

Day 1: ARRIVE MUMBAI

Arrive Mumbai, meeting assistance on arrival by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transfer to hotel. Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of Koli fisher folk, the oldest habitants.  Overnight at Hotel to rest and to adjust with time difference etc. During your drive to hotel you will be able to see the Deepawali celebrations, decorations. Depending on your flight arrival you may have time to walk around and see Choti

Diwali. The festivities begin many days prior to main festival and the celebrations grow with each day. TRIDENT HOTEL.

Day 2: TOUR OF FESTIVE MARKETS & DIWALI aka DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL

After a leisurely breakfast tour the local markets to see and photograph decorations in celebration of the Deepawali festival. You will be taken to special markets such as fruit market, flower market, jewelry, local sweets, utensils and other traditional markets that are decked up for the festival. Even though it’s a holiday markets are open and locals shop in preparation for big celebration this evening. Deepawali is the most important and best India festival. Locals dress in the best and go around shopping in preparation for the festival.

The afternoon is free to explore city on own.

In the evening you will be driven around the town to see homes decorated with oil lamps, candles etc. Join an Indian family at their home to see the festivities and participate in the celebrations and may be enjoy some homemade food. TRIDENT HOTEL BD

Day 3: CITY TOUR & AURANGABAD

After Breakfast, embark on city tour of Mumbai visiting the British built Gateway of India, Bombay’s landmark constructed in 1927 to commemorate Emperor George V’s visit. Followed by a drive through the city to see the unique architecture, Mumbai University, Victoria Terminus, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach. Next stop at Hanging Gardens, where the old English art of topiary is practiced. Continue to the Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where washmen physically clean and iron hundreds of items of clothing, delivering them the next day. Next, visit Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He used to stay at this house from time to time between 1917 and 1934. This afternoon fly to Aurangabad your base to visit the incredible rock cut caves and world heritage sites- Ajanta & Ellora. RAMA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. BL

Day 4: AURANGABAD – Ajanta & Ellora caves

After breakfast visit the incredible rock-cut monuments of Ajanta Caves, housing significant examples of early Buddhist paintings. It was here Buddhist art attained the peak of its development, in frescoes and wall paintings revealing a fascinating lifestyle. This afternoon proceed to visit the three hundred and fifty years old Ellora caves. One of the finest sculpture sites in the country with 34 amazing caves. Kailasnath Temple, actually sculpted out of a mountain, was created as the residence of Lord Shiva. It is perhaps the largest monolith ever created and bears testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art. RAMA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. BL

Day 5 : AURANGABAD/ / VARANASI  

Time free to explore the city on own. Later fly to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world.  Meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. This evening attend a colorful prayer ceremony by the river Ganges. RADISSON HOTEL. BD

Day 6: VARANASI :

Early morning boat ride on the holy river Ganges to see the devout praying and bathing on the Ghats (Banks), with funeral pyres burning in the distance. After breakfast, we do a half-day city tour of Varanasi visiting the Temples and by lanes. Rest of the morning is at leisure. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, a place where Buddha preached his first lessons on Nirvana. Later visit the museum with its fine collection of Buddhist artifacts. After the tour time to learn about silk weaving and brocade work at local villages. The evening is free for independent activities. RADISSON HOTEL. BL

Day 7: VARANASI / KHAJURAHO

After Breakfast attend a yoga and meditation class. Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely practiced for health and relaxation.

Transfer to the airport to fly to Khajuraho, a city of living temples, of the Indo-Aryan type and generally classified as ” Nagara ” or North Indian. These temples were built during the Chandela period, a dynasty that survived for five centuries before falling to the onslaught of Islam. On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel. This evening visit the eastern group of temples comprising mainly the Brahamin and Jain shrines close to the present Khajuraho village. RADISSON HOTEL. BD

Day 8: KHAJURAHO / DELHI

Visit the Western Group of Temples, the largest and loveliest temples. The Temple of Kandariya Mahadev features Chandela art at its best, with its intricately carved erotic figures representing life in heaven. Morning is the best time to visit and photograph temples. This afternoon fly to Delhi, India’s bustling capital city. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the segregation between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. Enjoy a delicious Dinner at one of the specialty restaurants.THE MET HOTEL  BD.

Day 9: OLD & NEW DELHI TOUR

Today’s tour of Old and New Delhi includes Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat, and the famous Chandani Chowk Bazaars, once the royal Mughal shopping arcade. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of the old market. Drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Tour Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most popular place of worship for Sikhs in Delhi. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, one of the most spectacular Mughal buildings. Proceed to the Qutab Minar, Iron Pillar and the ruins of the Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period.

Next visit Delhi Haat established to encourage arts and crafts in India. A single venue that provides all kind of product like crafts, music, cultural festival and dance etc. Shopping provides a full exotic variety in shopping products that includes handlooms, handicrafts, woodcarvings, camel hide footwear, drapery, fabric made clothing, gems, beads ornaments etc. The manufacturers and artists are given opportunity to showcase their products on rotational basis that changes every 15 days, so that the visitors can enjoy shopping different products emphasizing different part of India and even the small craftsmen get a chance to place their products directly to consumers.

INA Market, is known as the food bazaar of Delhi frequented by locals to buy  Fresh seafood, meat, spices, vegetables, fruits  etc. The market, which lies across the street from Dilli Haat, offers a unique experience to mingle with locals and also offers great photographic opportunity. THE MET HOTEL BL

Day 10: DELHI / AGRA

After Breakfast travel by express train to Agra, a place where no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration as the Taj Mahal. After settling in at the Hotel, visit  Agra Fort built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. You will have opportunity to photograph Taj Mahal and the river from the Fort.  Next stop at the Taj Museum for a closer look at the original pieces of drawings of this wonderful marble monument. A look at the drawings reveals the level of accuracy and precision that has gone in planning the structure of the Taj Mahal. The architect had also guessed that the construction would be done in 22 years. Drawings of the interiors show the position of the graves in such precision that the foot of the graves faces the viewer from any angle. Many more such breathtaking collections include royal ornaments, wonderful paintings, portraits of Mughal emperors etc. Next visit the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace). Extended stay allows you time to view and photograph Taj both during day light and sunset.

This evening attend “Mohabbat-the-Taj” at Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Centre.“Expression of Love… The Sanskritik Natyashala presents ‘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; emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship”.  CRYSTAL SAROVAR HOTEL -BL

Day 11: AGRA – Taj by Sunrise & Fatehpur Sikri excursion

Rise early this morning to photograph taj in changing lights of sunrise. Return to Hotel for Breakfast and rest of the morning is free. This afternoon travel overland to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted capital city, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later due to severe water shortage. Within the city, you will tour the Diwan-I-Aam or Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Khaas or the Hall of Private Audience is a two storied building. The exterior of the hall is simple but the interior is fascinating. Panch Mahal or Five Storey building, the architecture is Persian in style like a Buddhist monastery. Palace of Jodha Bai is named after Jehangir’s wife Jodha Bai. This palace is a fine blend of Hindu columns and Muslim Cupolas. Inside the palace is the Palace of the Winds where the walls are entirely made of stone lattice work. Birbal Palace was the residence of Birbal, who was Akbar’s favorite courtier, famous for his wit and wisdom. Miriam’s House also known as the Golden House was Akbar’s Christian wife from Goa. Ankh Michauli is where the emperor played hide and seek with the ladies of the harem and was probably used for storing records. Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah is the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, originally built of red sandstone but was later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Return back to Agra after the tour. CRYSTAL SAROAR HOTEL. BD

DAY 12: AGRA / PUSHKAR

Travel by express train to Jaipur and continue overland to Pushkar.  Pushkar is situated at the foot of the hills which add to its beauty. Five rivers, Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi Nanda, and Saraswati flow here and make the place more beautiful and serene. Pushkar Fair, is one big occasion to witness the riot of colors in Rajasthan. Pushkar is also a pilgrimage destination for the Hindus. After settling in at the Hotel and rest visit the fair to see activities, competitions and more.. ROYAL SAFARI CAMP- BD

Day 13: PUSHKAR FAIR

The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair,  people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival. Pushkar becomes a cultural phenomenon when colorfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, ‘sadhus’ and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair.This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for cattle, camel and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenirs. The camel and horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds. Explore Pushkar, there are many sites that you can visit.  Witness and photograph the various competitions like camel racing, turban tying and long mustaches competitions among others. Pushkar is also home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. ROYAL SAFARI CAMP- BLD

Day 14: PUSHKAR/ AJMER JAIPUR

After breakfast spend your morning exploring the fair. After lunch, travel to Ajmer, a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Shopping in Ajmer is an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques curios, fascinating gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs, colorful tie and-die saris and embroided jodhpuri Jutis (shoes). The mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interests and on the right side of the courtyard is the Akabari Masjid built in white marble. There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjahan from Agra once a year. The saints tomb with a splendid marble domes is in the centre of the second courtyard which is surrounded by a silver platform.

Continue overland to Jaipur, owing its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. SHAHPURA HOUSE HOTEL. BL

Day 15: JAIPUR

Breakfast at Hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Amber, ascending the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant. Tour the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace. En route to Amber, photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 AD. This afternoon tour the City Palace, once the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continue to Jantar Mantar, the largest of Jai Singh’s remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. Enjoy farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. SHAHPURA HOUSE HOTEL  BD

Day 16: JAIPUR / DELHI

Day free to explore the shopper’s paradise, many colorful markets of Jaipur on your own. This evening a short flight brings you to Delhi. Stay at Hotel near airport until your international flight home.  LEMON TREE HOTEL – B

Day 17: DELHI/ HOME

Time free until transfer to airport for your international flight. B

2023

LAND TOUR PRICE: TBA-  $ per person sharing

SINGLE Room- TBA-  $

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL – 888 605 TOURS (8687) Or 310 373 1001. E. Mail: Info@AClassicTour.com