A Portrait of India India, Past and Present
played out in architectural wonders, royal feasts, religious ceremonies steeped in age-old traditions and opulent palaces... Everywhere images of daily life present a colorful picture of life in India... 16th-century sandstone and marble tombs and a red fort guarding palatial retreats since the 1100s reign over the streets of Delhi, old and new, bustling with trishaws, saris, turbaned headdresses and cows still considered sacred even today. Traditional rice boats turned into modern-day houseboats line the canals of tropical Kerala. Rowboats ply the holy waters of the Ganges during evening prayers as thousands line the ghats to put the river to sleep. And waking up for a sunrise at the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal promises a cultural experience unequaled anywhere.
1. ARRIVE NEW DELHI Tour begins: The Oberoi, New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to The Oberoi, New Delhi. Most international flights arrive between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM local time, 10 1/2 hours ahead of the U.S. (EST). To ease the effects of jet lag, we recommend considering traveling to India a day early; ask at booking.
2. NEW DELHI, OLD AND NEW CONVERGE Explore contrasting images of Delhi, old and new, with an insider guide. Drive through Vijay Chowk, viewing the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace and the India Gate. See the ancient Qutb Minar Victory Tower; visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site modeled after Islamic paradise gardens. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Smriti. This evening, join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals BLD
3. PAST MADE PERFECT IN OLD DELHI Explore Old Delhi’s labyrinthine streets for an up-close look at 17th-century havelis (mansions), mosques and temples! Visit Lal Qila, known as the Red Fort – and see Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Meals BD
4. FLY TO VARANASI & THE RIVER GANGES Fly to the spiritual capital of Varanasi on the River Ganges, which has welcomed pilgrims since the 6th century BC; tour Sarnath, symbolizing the birth of Buddhism, and visit the National Museum. View worshippers “putting the river to sleep” aboard a rowboat on the Ganges. Meals BLD
5. GANGES CRUISE & TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO Take a sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges before flying to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. This little town is home to many elaborately sculpted temples from the Chandella dynasty. Your hotel is surrounded by lush gardens near the temples. Meals BLD
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 877-519-1035
Tauck Value Includes
Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 “World’s Best” hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure – The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas (where you’ll have Taj Mahal views from your room)
Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment
A boat ride on the River Ganges, providing an opportunity to experience revered cultural traditions centuries old in Varanasi
Exclusive insider visit to a chef’s private home in Kerala and a cooking demonstration for an authentic taste of daily life
Houseboat and river cruises, and a martial arts demo
Kathakali dance performance in tropical southern India
Demonstration in the art of dressing in a sari or turban
A cruise to Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor to see the “City of Caves,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site treasured for its art, thousands of years old
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
46 meals (16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, admissions, taxes and porterage
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