Mysteries of India

Details

Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Offer

Offer valid through 12/31/2009

Duration

15 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Air 1	Overnight Flight	Overnight Flight :
Day 2	Delhi	Delhi, India - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Delhi, the capital of India and a city of great character, whose history dates back over 2,000 years. Many ancient monuments and archeological sites are found in this city which held the seat of government through several great empires.
Day 3	New Delhi	New Delhi : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. After a welcome briefing you will depart on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Then, explore the city's narrow streets the traditional way...by rickshaw! After lunch, a tour of New Delhi includes a visit to Qutub Minar which, at 237.8 feet, is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Next, visit Humayun's tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. This outstanding monument, constructed in the Indo-Persian style, is a precursor of the Taj Mahal. You'll pass the imposing India Gate war memorial, the Parliament building and the palatial Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Day 4	Udaipur	Delhi - Udaipur : This morning fly to Udaipur, your gateway to Rajasthan. This romantic land is home to tales of valor and chivalry, with a history that brings to life forts, palaces and stories of court intrigues. This evening, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to visit the Jag Mandir Palace which covers almost four acres and is noted for its marble pavilion and imposing dome.
Day 5	Udaipur	Udaipur : Visit the vast and exquisite City Palace, a well-fortified, majestic white monument. The main entrance, a triple-arched gate named the Tripolia, was built in 1725 and is a marvel. Continue to Jagdish Temple, a 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Stop at Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids of Honor, and learn about the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once strolled through these exquisite gardens.
Day 6	Jodhpur	Udaipur - Jodhpur : Depart for Jodhpur this morning. En route, visit Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of the best complexes of Jain religion and noted for the grandiose scale of architecture illustrated in this temple's 1,444 distinctive pillars. Later this afternoon you will arrive in the old city of Jodhpur, founded in 1459 and protected by ancient walls over 100 feet tall.
Day 7	Jodhpur	Jodhpur : Proceed to Mehrangarh Fort, the citadel of the Sun. Visit the various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the Royal family. Proceed to Jaswant Thada, a pillared marble memorial to the popular Jaswant Singh II (ruler from 1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits (armed gangs), initiated irrigation systems, and boosted the economy. Descend the fort and board a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) and continue to the bazaar in the city for a walking tour. The afternoon includes a visit to Bishnoi Village by jeep. The Bishnoi communities are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. You will visit traditional villages and see local handicrafts, men in traditional attire and women clad in ancestral jewelry. Visit the home of a potter family and learn about and participate in making pottery.
Day 8	Jaipur	Jodhpur - Jaipur : Travel this morning by train to Jaipur, the "Pink City," where the romance and mystery of Rajasthan continues. You will make a brief stop at Hawa Mahal, with its striking facade of 953 windows. This massive "Palace of the Winds" is still the home of a former Maharaja (great king). You will visit the City Palace, a complex of exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards with decorative art and carved doorways. Next, marvel at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Built in 1726, the observatory is one of five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions of eclipses and other celestial events, even to this day.
Day 9	Jaipur	Jaipur : Board your elephant (or Jeeps if elephants are not available) and ascend to the top of Amber Fort. Construction began in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. Before the City Palace, Amber was the seat of power. You will have time to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Next, stroll through a local flower market where you have the opportunity to learn the art of making flower garlands used in traditional Indian welcome ceremonies. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a home-hosted dinner and learn about daily life inside the old city.
Day 10	Ranthambore	Jaipur - Ranthambore : This morning's drive will bring you to Ranthambore National Park, near the township of Sawai Madhipur. The national park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the park were once the private grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. A slide presentation and lecture by a naturalist will provide you with a brief description on the wildlife of the country in preparation for your game viewing drive by canter (open air vehicle). The residents of the park include marsh crocodiles, hyenas, sloth bears and more...if you are lucky, you may see a tiger!
Day 11	Ranthambore	Ranthambore : An early morning game viewing drive is an exciting way to begin the day. Following the visit to the park, you will return to the hotel for breakfast. The afternoon includes a visit to the Ranthambore School of Art. This noble venture revolutionized the concept of wildlife painting in India. This school was formed with only one purpose: to save the tigers. Students are recruited from neighboring villages and towns to be trained as self-sufficient artists. These students are sensitized to the dismal plight of the quickly disappearing Indian tiger. Next, visit Dastkar Ranthambore Project where, in 1981, six women came together to deal with the problems of traditional artisans in contemporary India. Crafts are the second largest source of income for the rural people in India today.
Day 12	Agra	Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra : The day begins with an early morning train ride. Upon arrival in Bharatpur, enjoy brunch before continuing to Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It is complete with palaces, mosques, and was larger than London when it was constructed. Continue your drive to Agra, your home for the next two evenings.
Day 13	Agra	Agra : Your sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal begins with a tonga (horse carriage) ride to the gates. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Next, visit Agra Fort, the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire for successive generations. You then continue for a visit to Mother Teresa's Charity Mission - a home for orphans which is supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. This home hosts children of all ages. Here, Sisters fill children's lives with affection, providing them with clothing, food, and quality education in order to make them self dependant as adults. This evening, visit Mehtab Bagh for a stunning sunset view of the Taj Mahal. Then, visit Kalakriti, a house of traditional handicrafts of the region, before joining your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner.
Day 14	Delhi	Agra - Delhi : Depart Agra and return to Delhi. En route, stop for lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample many regional specialties. Upon arrival at your hotel, the remainder of your afternoon is at leisure to relax and prepare for your journey home.
Day 15	Tour ends	Delhi - Tour Ends : Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation to India.

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Hyatt Regency Hotel		Fateh Garh Palace
	Sheraton Rajputana Hotel		Dev Vilas
	ITC Mughal		Radisson Jass Hotel Shimla
	Radisson Hotel

Disclaimer

Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.