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India Tour

India Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
  • See historic art and architectural treasures
  • Experinece the stunning Rajasthan Palaces
  • Explore the Ellora and Ajanta caves, with their magnificent murals and sculptures
  • Enjoy sunset and sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal
  • Relax in luxe palace hotels and heritage properties

Artists and art history buffs will especially enjoy this focused excursion into India’s colorful and diverse culture. In India, art, architecture, history, politics, spiritual practice and cultural traditions are tightly woven together. To learn about one is to understand and appreciate the others.  This unique India tour highlights the history of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian Architecture, Sultanat, Persian, Mughul, Rajput and Deccani paintings, Chola Bronzes, Indo-Persian and Mori carpets and textiles, and the marble inlay technique, pietra dura.  We will also enjoy Rajasthani music and dances and delicious traditional meals as we travel in India.

India Tour
City Palace of Udaipur

Day 1-3: Meet in Delhi
Some architectural highlights we'll visit include 12th century Qutab Minar, the oldest Indian mosque; Safdarjang Maqbarah, the last period of the Mughul architecture from the 11th century; the Red Fort; and Shah Jahan Jami Masjid, the biggest mosque in the world, built in 1650. We also visit the Crafts Museum and National Museum.

Day 4-6: Khajuraho - Gwailor
Visit the 9th-11th century Chandella Temples and quaint village of Khajuraho. Stop in Orchha, the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783, before continuing to Gwailor. Savor your stay at the 120-year-old Usha Kiran Palace Hotel.

Day 7: Agra
Introduction to the Indo-Persian architecture of the Timurid Dynasty and the famous marble inlay work of Agra. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal, but this royal Mughal city has many other wonderful monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture.

Day 8-9: Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Enroute to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Great Mughul Empire from 1570 to 1586, a unique architectural concept. A full exploration of Jaipur, built in the 1720s and popularly known as the Pink City, includes the City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal (Water Palace). We also visit 11th century Amber, the ancient kingdom of Jaipur.

Day 10-13: Jodhpur - Udaipur
Delve deeper into the colorful Rajasthani culture visiting the desert town of Jodhpur with its imposing fort and abundant traditional crafts.  We'll also tour the magnificent 1439 Ranakpur Jain Temples and serene Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar with its palace, art galleries and gardens.

Day 14-15: Mumbai (Bombay)
Vibrant Mumbai, or as it is still frequently referred to, Bombay, is the most modern city in India.  We'll visit the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gandhi House and join the Bombay Heritage Walking Club through the old part of Bombay. We enjoy an insightful walking tour of Girgaon, an old area divided into wadis organized on the basis of religion or caste. This area reflects unique architectural and cultural nuances.

Day 16-17: Ellora-Ajanta Caves - Home
An extraordinary excursion for all history and archaeology buffs. The caves at Ajanta date from 200 BC to 650 AD and retain the remarkable quality of their murals, which relate the life story of Buddha. The Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves at Ellora, noted for their sculptures, are considered to be the finest in India and date between 600 and 1100 AD.

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TRIP LENGTH
17-day trip begins and ends in Delhi
2010 DATES
October 26-November 11
2011 DATES
February 8-24
LAND COST
October 2010 from $5300
February 2011 from $5575
ACCOMMODATIONS
5-star, heritage & palace hotels
GROUP SIZE
2-16 guests
INCLUDED MEALS
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
 
   
Extend Your Trip
Essential South India
November 11-27
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