48 | RICH ARCHITECTURE AND ROYAL STORIES


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February 2025 the taj mahal and beyond


A country with the tempo turned up, India can be fast, feverish and frantic, its megacities of Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai moving at maximum speed, markets heaving at dawn, vendors hawking their wares and commuters rushing on and off the railways. Known as the lifeline of the nation, India’s trains run into every nook and cranny, from steam trains trundling through the coolness of the Himalaya to the luxury Golden Chariot gliding through Goa, from the palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur to the iconic grandeur of the Taj Mahal, from the forts of Rajasthan to the temples and tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh.


STEEPED in the spiritual, India can also be slow and steady, a place to breathe at sunrise surrounded by the sanctity of mosques, synagogues,


temples, churches and elders offering blessings


of wet marigolds and sugar, meditation retreats bringing peace to restless minds. Rich in literature and language, Indians speak more than 19,000 dialects – always keen to chat, curious and querying, generous and hospitable, offering everything from food and advice to invitations to their weddings and homes. To travel in India is to pass through history, a land of warriors and wars, dynasties and empires, each shaping and shifting the landscape, architecture, culture and cuisine, culminating in a country always


UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay in some of India’s most luxurious


hotels, landmarks in their own right. Be moved by the timeless marble beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, with visits at both sunrise and sunset.


Explore the Pink City of Jaipur and its architectural masterpiece, the City Palace. Set off on a thrilling rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk Bazaar. For more information on the 11 night


Taj Mahal and Beyond escorted tour with Abercrombie & Kent, contact your local travel agent.


Mumbai


on its toes, always on the move, always filled with adventure.


Follow in the footsteps of kings, emperors and maharajas on this regal adventure across the subcontinent, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the grand forts of Rajasthan and the unequaled splendor of the Taj Mahal. Rolled out like a fine carpet, India is an intriguing tapestry of discovery, its ancient cities full of decadent palaces,


ornate


mausoleums and tranquil gardens shaped by centuries of rule by maharajas and Mughal emperors. Discover India’s most iconic cities on this unforgettable journey from Mumbai to Delhi, via the lakeside palaces of Udaipur, rose-hued Jaipur and the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, in all its symmetrical majesty. Perfectly tailored to your tastes, this journey connects you with in-the-know local guides who will bring India’s fascinating stories to life, and hands you the keys each night to exceptional hotels – among the finest in the world – fit for a maharaja. Experience India at its finest, delving into the glories of the Mughal Empire and the frenetic whirl of the country as it is today.


Lose yourself in the thrilling rhythms of Mumbai, birthplace of Bollywood and the home of impressive national monuments. Cruise on Udaipur’s tranquil Lake Pichola, admiring the lavish palaces that adorn its shores.


Explore Jaipur’s hilltop Amber Fort, an ornately detailed Mughal masterpiece and a


WITH 21 million residents, India’s largest city is a loud whirlwind of experiences: impromptu cricket matches in winding gullies (alleys); a twinkle-eyed barter in the Chor Bazaar; the first fiery bite of a potato- stuffed vada pav street snack. Lavish, dome-topped palaces stand as grand bookmarks in a storied past, while the Gateway of India – a symbol of the nation, on the city’s busy waterfront – is brought to life as the saffron beams of the setting sun pass through its graceful arch. Your A&K Experiences: Discover some of Mumbai’s greatest architecture on a privately guided tour: visit the palatial Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the elegant residences of Malabar Hill and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum for its extensive collection of miniature paintings and Tibetan art.


Be brave and go solo


THE idea of setting off on your own to an unfamiliar destination can be a daunting prospect, but it needn’t be. More and more people of all ages and backgrounds are discovering the rewards of a solo adventure – including more than 20 per cent of guests on our group tours.


Cox & Kings has years of experience arranging journeys with solo travellers in mind. Whether you book one of their Solo Travellers tours,


or join another


of the tours as an individual guest, you can travel solo safely and in good company. Let’s have a look at this introductory tour of Peru showcases the country’s most


iconic


explore Machu Picchu (tickets available for purchace during booking). Return to Cuzco by train and transfer to Los Portales for a two-night stay. This ancient Inca capital features stunning colonial churches and mansions alongside Inca ruins.


Join a guided morning tour of Cuzco, which includes visits to the cathedral, the remarkable Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the fortnress of Sacsayhuaman. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Travel by road to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which takes approximately 10 hours with stops.


small valley towns, cultivated


terraces, attractions.


Delve into ancient, colonial and natural wonders, starting in the vibrant capital of Lima. Proceed to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, rich in Incan treasures, and visit Machu Picchu, arguably the most atunning archaelogical site in the world. Conclude your journey at Lake Titicaca, home to the intriguing floating Uros Islands.


Begin with a half-day tour of Lima, exploring its colonial and contemporary highlights, including Huaca Huallamarca, a pre-Columbian site, and the historical San Francisco Monastret. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Catch a morning flight to Cuzco, located high in the Andes. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, known for its abundance of Inca sites and breathtaking scenery. Spend two nights at the Andean Wings Valley hotel. In the morning,


visit the vibrant


Pisac market and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo,


an impressive display


of engineering. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to unwind or discover the beautiful surroundings. Transfer to Ollanta station and board


the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Participate in a guided tour of this iconic site and stay overnight at El Mapi Hotel. Spend the morning at leisure of further


Experience and


majestic Andean peaks, with opportunities to visit archaeological sites along with


route. Transfer to Jose Antonio Hotel for a two-night stay.


Embark on a full-day tour to the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile Island, including a home-cooked lunch prepared by a local family. In the evening, savour a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. If you want to find out more about a solo escorted tour with Cox & Kings, talk to your local travel agent.


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