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1857 - THE INDIAN MUTINY
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with Virgin Atlantic non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the morning and transfer by car to the Maidens
Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. This hotel dates
from 1907 and is situated in the Civil Lines area on the northern
edge of Old Delhi. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to
rest and acclimatise. (N)
Day 3 Delhi
After breakfast visit Coronation Park where the statues of British
royalty and nobility are now kept. Then continue by road to Meerut
and visit the St John’s Church whose bells for evening service
are said by some to have given the signal for the mutiny to begin.
Also explore the cemetery and the parade grounds in the cantonment
area where some of the bungalows of the British army officers still
survive. (B)
Day 4 Delhi to Agra by train
Early morning train to Agra. 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. Drive
outside of Agra and briefly view the battlefield area of Sasia where
the British suffered one of their most humiliating defeats of the
whole mutiny campaign. Continue to nearby Fatehpur Sikri the one time
red sandstone capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Return to Agra
and stay for two nights at the Gateway Hotel. (B)
Day 5 Agra
This morning visit Agra Fort where over a thousand British took refuge
for four months in 1857. This is also the site where the Emperor Shah
Jehan was imprisoned by his own son but allowed to view his creation,
the Taj Mahal, across the waters of the Yamuna River. Afterwards continue
to the Taj Mahal (closed Friday), 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. 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’. (B)
Day 6 Agra to Gwalior
Drive south to Gwalior. Situated in northern Madhya Pradesh directly
north of the Vindhyas hills and surrounded by open countryside Gwalior
is noted for its magnificent fort. The fort has passed through a succession
of Muslim, Rajput, Mughal and Afghan hands, all influencing its design,
and after the 1857 Mutiny was taken into British control. Later enter
this spectacular fort. Stay for two nights at the Usha Kiran Palace
Hotel. (B)
Day 7 Gwalior
This morning visit the lively town of Datia which is situated 34kms
north of Jhansi and is well off the tourist track. The town is home
to the forgotten Govind Mandir Palace, an imposing 17th Century building
that perfectly blends both Rajput and Mughal styles. Continue onto
Jhansi to visit the wonderfully preserved fort. See the great cannon
Karhak Bijli, or ‘hard lightning’, and the battlements
from which the Rani jumped her horse to escape from the British. In
the afternoon return to Gwalior. (B)
Day 8 Gwalior to Lucknow by train
This morning board your train and arrive in the evening in Lucknow,
a city that is rich in Indian culture and British colonial history.
Famous for being the centre of India’s independence struggle,
the name of Lucknow will always be synonymous with events of the 1857
mutiny. Stay at the Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar for the next
three nights. (B)
Day 9 Lucknow
Commence your tour of Lucknow starting at the ruins of the Residency.
The site of the dramatic siege and subsequent battles that took place
during the uprising of 1857, the Residency is today an atmospheric
as well as historic monument. Afterwards make your way to the State
Museum and enjoy the fine archaeological pieces on show as well as
the many more recent paintings and sculptures. Later visit the old
city to explore the historical centre where there is a chance to enjoy
the Chowk Market. (B)
Day 10 Lucknow
Today visit Kanpur. The road to Kanpur passes through the small towns
and villages which Havelock and his men had to fight their way, against
great odds in July and August 1857, to relieve the Residency. If possible
pause at the Alambagh, 7kms from Lucknow, where Sir Henry Havelock
is buried. In Kanpur visit the All Saints Memorial Church, see the
remains of Wheelers Entrenchment site, the Massacre, or Satichaura,
Ghat and Nana Rao Park – the site of the Bibigurh and the well
into which two hundred British women and children were thrown. Return
to Lucknow in the afternoon. (B)
Day 11 Lucknow to Delhi – by air
Today fly to Delhi and stay for two nights at the Maidens Hotel. (B)
Day 12 Delhi
This morning take a guided Heritage Walk in the old city following
the 1857 trail taking you through the landmarks of the uprising of
1857. It also covers the life and times of the British living in the
city before the revolt broke out. Places visited include the British
cemetery named after Nicholson who died fighting the rebels, Kashmiri
gate which was the turning point in the revolt in favour of the British
and St James Church the oldest church in Delhi. In the afternoon continue
with a further heritage walk covering the Northern Ridge. This walk
highlights the events associated with the uprising of 1857 and covers
the Vice Regal Lodge (where Lord Mountbatten proposed to Edwina),
the Flagstaff Tower and the Mutiny Memorial.
Day 13 Delhi to London Heathrow
Depart Delhi on the Virgin Atlantic flight non-stop to London Heathrow.
(B)
Day 14 Delhi to London
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal
Five.
STAYING ON
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reached 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.
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 – 1857 - THE INDIAN MUTINY
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,500. 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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