March 4 - Depart USA/home country

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March 5 - ARRIVE DELHI

Met upon arrival by our representative, assisted and transferred to hotel. Delhi, sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of each ruler's character.  Rest of the evening will beat leisure to adjust to the time difference.  (D)

March 6 - DELHI- Full day New Delhi, Bhai Temple etc. PM attend Navratri dance festival.

Breakfast at the Hotel. This morning your sightseeing tour of New Delhi starts with a drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President's Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India's soldiers. Continue to Humayun's tomb, forerunner to Taj Mahal. Also visit the Baha’i Lotus Temple. Your final stop is at the Qutab Minar and ruins of Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period.  Bahai temple - this magnificent structure stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. People of all racial, religious, & national backgrounds, are welcomed to pray and meditate within its precincts. It is a collective center of society to promote cordial affection where everyone is held in its embrace as equals. This edifice is dedicated to the one God, the Creator of all humanity and of the entire universe. This Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to public worship in 1986, is the property of and is owned by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India. Overnight at Hotel. (BLD)

March 7 - DELHI : Full day Old Delhi, Rickshaw ride, & Delhi Haat and PM “Sound of Yore” with dinner

Morning tour of Old Delhi. MUGHAL HISTORIC HERITAGE WALK (OLD DELHI) - Experience the newest Delhi attraction- metro train to Chawri Bazaar in old Delhi. Before the British destroyed the Havelis here after the mutinee of 1857, it was a charming place, famous for its dancing girls. Board tricycle rickshaw to Khari Baoli (spice market), which is situated close to the Fatehpuri Mosque built by Fatehpuri Begum (one of the wives of Shah Jahan). The market has been operating since 17th century. Begin walking towards Chandni Chowk area, first stopping at the Town Hall, built in 1865, though the construction began five years earlier, when Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah was still in the Red Fort. The solid looking building looks quite British even today, though the statue of Queen Victoria outside has been replaced. Along with the clock tower that collapsed in 1952, the Town Hall was and still is one of the biggest landmarks in the Walled City of Delhi. The place where it stands once formed part of the gardens laid by Shah Jehan's daughter, Jehanara. Visit Gurudwara Shishganj Sahib: where the 9th Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded during Aurangzeb’s reign. On to Ballimaran and walk past Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli (Museum) at Gali Qasim Jaan. Ghalib was the greatest poet of India who wrote in Urdu and Persian. A writer so prolific that one can quote Ghalib describing almost every possible situation or mood, from mundane to esoteric. All this while you pass by many narrow streets full of shops doing brisk business. Watch how a particular kind of merchandise is sold only in Specific Street as the Indian merchants have long practiced guild trading. Walk past Jogiwara which connects to Kinari Bazaar, the street gets its name from `gota’ and ‘kinari’ which are used to adorn exquisite women’s garments. Visit Parathe wali Gali famous for succulent ‘parathas’. Next visit the Dariban Kalan which is the famous silver market. Your final stop is Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; the Ashoka Pillar & the famous Chandni Chowk bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. Take a Rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of old market. Finally visit marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid.

This afternoon photography at local markets, monuments. … Bus at disposal. 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 main street from offers a unique experience to mingle with locals and also offers great photographic opportunity. Overnight at Hotel. (BLD)

March 8 - DELHI  / AGRA : Drive 5 hours.  Fort and Taj Mahal

After breakfast at Hotel, drive overland to Agra, a sublime destination for the art lover and the traveler seeking the wonders of India.. Arrive and check into hotel. This afternoon tour Agra Fort built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. You will have opportunity to photograph Taj Mahal and the river from the Fort.  Lastly, visit the Taj Mahal, a labor of love from Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned its construction as a mausoleum to his wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, who died during childbirth.The tour is designed for you to see the Taj Mahal during daylight with an extended stay to view it at the time of sunset. Also 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. (BLD)

March 9 - AGRA: Taj Mahal by sunrise, village of Slumdog Millionaire fame

Early morning visit of Taj Mahal during sun – rise. Return to Hotel for breakfast. Later drive to  the village of Slumdog millionaire fame and other exciting photographic sites. Afternoon free. Evening enjoy sound and light (lazer show) Mohbbat-E-Taj show based on the love story of Shah Jahan and his queen wife Mumtaj Mahal.  (BLD)

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March 10 - AGRA - RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK : Via Fathehpur Sikri

After breakfast, continue on your exciting journey through the countryside to Ranthambhore National Park,  an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts for conservation in the country. It is one of the few preserves where tigers are often seen in daylight. Supposed to be one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan. Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today this terrain has become a major wildlife tourist attraction, drawing attention of many global wildlife photographers and wildlife lovers. Enroute visit 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, located just inside the gates, the north east end of the deserted city. There is a large open courtyard surrounded by cloisters. 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. A stone column stands in the center of the hall supporting a flat-topped throne. From the four corners of the building, there are stone bridges leading across the throne. Panch Mahal or Five Story Palace is a five storied building and the architecture is Persian in style like a Buddhist monastery. The palace was probably used by the ladies of the court and originally had stone screens on the sides and its dome is supported by four columns. 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. Later proceed to Ranthambhore. Arrive and check into hotel for meals and overnight stay. (BLD)

March 11 - RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK: AM AND PM JEEP SAFARIS 

Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris into Ranthambhore national park. (BLD)

March 12 - RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK: AM AND PM JEEP SAFARIS

Morning and afternoon jeep safaris into Ranthambhore national Park. (BLD)

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March 13 - RANTHAMBHORE / JAIPUR - AM Jeep safari in the Park.

Enjoy morning game drive, before travelling overland to Jaipur. owing its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Arrive and check into the hotel for meals and overnight stay. Rest of the day free for own activities. (BLD)

March 14 - JAIPUR - AM HOLI Celebrations - PM city tour:

This morning enjoy HOLI: The festival which marks the last full-moon day of the lunar month celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil. People celebrate this day by smearing bright colours on friends and family, offering prayers and burning a bonfire to symbolically destroy the bad so that the good can triumph. People dance and sing and hold sumptuous feasts with traditional fare. The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. It’s a day of colors, dance, drinks, beautiful traditional dresses, feast and complete rejoice.

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. (BLD)

March 15 - JAIPUR / JODHPUR. PM market etc.

This morning 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. Enroute to Amber, photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 AD.  Later travel 6 and half to 7 hours overland to Jodhpur, the city, which is totally dominated, by the massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill, which rises right in the middle of the town. On arrival, check in to the Hotel. Late this evening visit the local market to experience the daily life, a few exclusive stores, known for designers clothes, famous Indian Kurtas, coats and Jodhpur’s. Time permitting visit and photograph market or shoot by sunset at Mehrangarh fort. (BLD)

March 16 - JODHPUR- AM Bishnoi Village. PM city tour and shooting with Model

After breakfast, proceed for Bishnoi village jeep Safari, a unique community, located about 45 minutes drive from the city, amidst the serene nature. Guda Bishnoi Village is a perfect example of dedication to Mother Nature exhibited by its inhabitants and their unique religion. Every house is built in a traditional way with utmost cleanliness around it. People of Bishnoi village rarely cut trees and worship animals as a part of conserving nature. It is because of this reason, that the people are considered as the pioneers of the green movement of the world. The village is a perfect blend of Indian culture and traditions. Visit some of the homes and also see the traditional arts and crafts. Return to the Hotel after the tour,

This afternoon we start the tour with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, which Kipling called one of the grandest sights in India. From the courtyard we can see the fantastic `jali’ (lattice) work that almost entirely covers the sandstone walls and balconies. We will also see the beautifully decorated dancing hall, the royal bedroom, jewel-studded robes, ornate baby cradles, solid silver elephant seats and palanquins. Thereafter, we will visit the royal cenotaphs at Jaswant Thada this white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a short distance from the fort. Inside the cenotaphs are portraits of the various Jodhpur rulers. Also girl model will be available to do a short photo shoot at a convenient location.  Model can be arranged any other place as per availability. (BLD)

March 17 - JODHPUR / DELHI / DEPART: Indigo flight

Morning, on time transfer to airport to fly to Delhi. Met upon arrival in Delhi and transfer to airport hotel. Rest lf the day at leisure for own activities. (BLD)

March 18 - DELHI- VARANASI FLY:

Morning transfer to the airport to fly to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. Evening excursion by Exclusive Maharaja Boat, complete with flower decoration on the top section of the boat, spiced with Live Instrumental Music as you sail on the holy River Ganges visiting the important ghats. Enjoy a full round trip of the ghats and later stationed closer to the main Ghat, to experience the wonderful evening Ganga Aarti. (BLD)

March 19 - VARANASI.

Early morning embark on a Boat ride on the river Ganges to enjoy the sunrise and to witness the pilgrims worshipping to sun god. Walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi to experience the local life and also visit Golden temple. Return to the hotel to freshen up and for breakfast. Later visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. Visit the museum to see its fine collection of Buddhist artifacts. This evening visit the home of Maestro Debratta Misra for a live performance of music - tabla and sitar & Kathak dance, unique to Varanasi. (BLD)

March 20 - Varanasi- DELHI FLY: AM TEXTILE & BROCADE VILLAGE,

Lecture by a scholar on Hindu as a religion

After Breakfast proceed to textile village of Madanpura (within the city) weaves traditional designs and is known for its sophisticated use of colors and textures and concentration on light transparent materials. The most outstanding examples are jamdani, organza, tissue saris or dupattas with konia or kairi, the stylised mango pattern at each of the corners; and a big circular pattern called chand, moon-shaped, in the centre, with diagonal creepers, ari jhari, or dotted butis. Literary references and travelers mention that turbans for the Mughal emperors and other native rulers were woven at Varanasi and later visit to Alaipura (30 minutes drive) produced heavy brocades. The weavers adapted their techniques to meet regional demands, keeping pace with changing fashions and designs. The master weavers of Alaipura can also be credited for weaving some of the brocade designs, which were on the verge of extinction in their own regions. Also see the rustic life around these two villages. Photographers delight: Capture village life and it’s rustic beauty, the wells, the fields, the hamlets, local men, women, farmers, children and cattle and also the textile layout in these villages. Afternoon time permitting, meeting with Professor from Benaras Hindu University or with any other scholar having vast knowledge on Hindu culture and religion. Later fly to Delhi. Met and transferred to airport hotel. (BLD)

 

March 21 -  Delhi/ Depart for home.  (Appropriate meal(s) before departure)