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CLASSICAL INDIA
Day 1 London Heathrow to Mumbai
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Mumbai.
Day 2 Mumbai
Arrive into Mumbai in the early hours where you will be met and transferred
by car to the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel which stands facing the Gateway
of India in the historic Colaba district of the city. Later visit the Gateway
of India, built to commemorate the visit of George V in 1911, the Prince of
Wales Museum, the historic Fort area of the city and Malabar Hill with its
superb views over the city. End at Mani Bhawan, a small museum celebrating
Gandhi’s links with Mumbai, and the colourful Dhobi Ghat where the city’s
linen is washed. (B)
Day 3 Mumbai to Aurangabad – by air
Fly to Aurangabad, situated on the Deccan Plateau and a popular base from
which to explore the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. Later tour the city visiting
the markets and the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara – mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s
wife Rabia Daurani. Stay for three nights at the Taj Residency Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Visit Ajanta Caves
This morning drive the 106kms from Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta Caves. These
caves, which precede those at Ellora and date from about 200 BC to 650 AD,
are cut from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan Trap and form part of a steep
wooded hillside deep in the Sahyadri Hills. Compared to the frescoes of Assisi,
Sienna and Florence, the complex was once a monastery and home to over 200
monks, artists, craftsmen and labourers with designs of widely varying subjects
from the royal court, family life and street scenes to wildlife. (B)
Day 5 Visit Ellora Caves
Closer to Aurangabad than Ajanta, the Ellora caves are located on an ancient
trade route between Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and the west coast of India.
Situated around a hill the caves contain elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses
representing three of the main faiths of ancient India – Buddhist, Hindu
and Jain. Later return to Aurangabad stopping at Daulatabad Fort on the way
to take in the views of the surrounding area. (B)
Day 6 Aurangabad to Maheshwar – 315kms
Early this morning leave Aurangabad for the drive north to Maheshwar where
you will stay for three nights at Ahilya Fort – home of Prince Shivaji
Holker, the son of the last Maharaja. Commanding a position high above the
banks of the Narmada River, Ahilya has nine rooms with the tranquillity and
serenity making this a wonderful place to stay. (D)
Day 7 Maheshwar
&
Day 8 Maheshwar
Two days at leisure to relax and enjoy Maheshwar. Explore the fort and walk
down to the riverside to the beautiful ghats where you can watch the daily
rituals of the ordinary local villagers. Maheshwar is a town revered by followers
of Lord Shiva and the most important temples worth visiting are the Kaleshwara,
Rajarajeshwara, Vithaleshwara and the Ahileshwar. Also visit Mandu a deserted
city located across a broad hilltop and known for its fine Hindu and Muslim
architecture. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Maheshwar to Indore – 185kms
via Ujjain
This morning it is an early start to drive north to Ujjain which is one of
the oldest and holiest Indian cities with origins in both Buddhist and Hindu
mythology. Afterwards continue onto Indore, a major cotton textile centre
and the heart of the Indian automobile industry, where you will stay overnight
at the Fortune Landmark Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Indore to Bhopal – 200kms
Drive east to the capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which is spread over
seven hills and is named after its 11th Century founder Raja Bhoja. Stay for
two nights at the Jehan Numna Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 11 Bhopal
Today visit Sanchi, the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary, and principal
centre for Buddhism in India until the 12th Century. Dating back to the 2nd
Century BC, Sanchi was a principle centre of Buddhism in India consists of
stupas, monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries. A world heritage site,
Sanchi is one of the greatest examples of Buddhist art and architecture in
India. (B)
Day 12 Bhopal to Jhansi – by train
Jhansi to Orchha – 14kms
In the afternoon transfer to Bhopal Railway Station to join the Shatabdi Express
for the three hour journey north to Jhansi. On your arrival re-join your driver
and travel the short distance to Orchha for your two night stay at the Orchha
Resort. Please note that Orchha Resort only serves vegetarian meals. (B/D)
Day 13 Orchha
Orchha is noted for its fine examples of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Orchha
has retained much of its character and has been largely untouched by the modern
world. Within the walls of the town are gardens, gateways, temples, palaces
and pavilions with the Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal and Jahangir Mahal particular
highlights. (B/D)
Day 14 Orchha to Gwalior – 120kms
Drive north to Gwalior via Datia to see the multi storey Govind Mandir
Palace. Afterwards continue onto Gwalior known for its spectacular
fort. Within the walls are a number of interesting temples, palaces
and a museum, however, the most impressive building in the fort is
the Man Mandir Palace with is parapets and cupolas as well as the
once brightly coloured white, blue, green and yellow tile-work depicting
elephants, humans, birdlife and flowers. Stay overnight at the Taj
Usha Kiran Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 15 Gwalior to Agra – 120kms
Before leaving Gwalior visit the fort then drive onto Agra. The one time capital
of the Mughals, Agra, which stands on the right bank of the River Yamuna,
is a city of contrasts. One of Uttar Pradesh’s largest cities Agra is
dominated by three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back to its glorious past. Stay
for two nights at the Taj View Hotel or upgrade to the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel.
(B)
Day 16 Agra
This morning visit the imposing Agra Fort on the banks of the River Yamuna
which was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. Afterwards continue
to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan
as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and a building world renowned for its power
and beauty. The craftsmanship is outstanding with semi-precious stones inlaid
into the marble in beautiful patterns, a process known as pietra dura, whilst
the white marble reflects every change in light allowing the Taj to appear
to change its hue according to the light and time of day. Leave the Taj and
cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel of Agra, sometimes
known as the ‘Baby Taj’ – the least visited of Agra’s
three great monuments and the first to be covered in white marble and pietra
dura. (B)
Day 17 Agra to Delhi – 203kms
via Sikandra
After breakfast leave with your driver for the drive to Delhi and stop en-route
at Sikandra the site chosen by the Moghul Emperor Akbar for his tomb. Akbar
died during the construction but his son, Jahangir, completed it in 1613 after
considerably altering the original designs. Continue the drive to Delhi and
stay for two nights at the Taj Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel.
(B)
Day 18 Delhi
Today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk
by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin
Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan,
the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India
Gate. (B)
Day 19 Delhi to London
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
STAYING ON
Sacred Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is only a short flight from Delhi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is an assault on the senses and, at dawn, a sight to behold.
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous Corbett
National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett
is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here, with
your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an excellent
way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett National
Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily
reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both
locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour.
Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – CLASSICAL INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,800. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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