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This journey through Northern India is an experience of great diversity and contrast, from Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu Cities in the East to Jaisalmer and the stark beauty of the Great Thar Desert in the West. From sprawling Delhi in the North, to the gracious lakeside city of Udaipur in the South.
Travelling by train and road, this trip focuses on the historic state of Rajasthan, traditional home of the Rajput Kings. A region of medieval forts, pink palaces and walled cities. Rajasthan is an exotic land, it’s people are proud and it’s legends, dances and crafts are vibrant and colourful….this is a journey in the true “Grassroots” tradition, “seeing the world the way it really is”.
Itinerary Highlights
Camel Safari – During a 2 night / 3 day safari experience the lifestyle of a traditional desert nomad. Ride across the fascinating landscape of the Great Thar Desert by day and sleep under the stars by night. Pure Magic!
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve – This wildlife park is regarded as one of the best places in India to see Tigers in the wild as they are frequently seen during the daytime jeep safaris. A 2-night stay.
Pushkar Camel Fair and Festival – once each year thousands of camel, horse and cattle herders gather for a week of trading and festivities. Sleep in a tented village. This Fair is a fascinating ethnic spectacle!
Delhi - Old and New Delhi India’s dynamic and historic
capital.
Udaipur - A most romantic city, often referred to as the
Versailles of India, stunning lakeside palaces
Daspan - stay in a traditional Haveli and experience India’s
traditional rural and community life. Explore the local village, visit the school and local industries and enjoy traditional Rajasthani Folk Dances.
Jaisalmer - has been described as an “architectural
dream” in the lonely yellow silence of the desert; narrow
cobbled streets meander between aged mansions, the stone carvings
and latticed work is of breathtaking intricacy; Jaisalmer is the
perfect place to wander and explore.
Jaipur – The ancient capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur
is rich in crafts and historic monuments.
Jodhpur – An ancient walled city dominated by a massive
Fortress.
Agra - The legendary Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and deserted
city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Varanasi – the Holy City of Varanasi; a boat ride
on the River Ganges, observe the people as they bath and worship
at the Ghats.
Mumbai - India's commerical heart, see the highlight's of India's second largest city
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Mumbai - depart very early morning
Day 2. Udaipur - sightseeing of Mumbai, mid afternoon flight to Udaipur
Day 3. Udaipur - visit the Maharaja's lakeside palaces
Day 4. Mt Abu - fabulous Jain temples, wonderful lakeside location
Day 5. Daspan - stay in a traditional Haveli for an indepth insight into rural India
Day 6. Daspan - countryside cycling and picnic, observe the way of life, crafts and farming methods
Day 7. Jaisalmer - drive to this romantic desert city.
Day 8. Jaisalmer - city sightseeing, visit the huge Fort
Day 9. Camel Safari - start a two night three day camel safari in the Thar Desert, camping
Day 10. Camel Safari- continues
Day 11. Jodhpur - finishing the safari, drive to Jodpur
Day 12. Jodhpur - visit the mighty Mehrangarh fort and the traditional village of Bishnoi
Day 13. Pushkar - lakeside town, Pushkar Camel Fair and Festival. A most colourful experience!
Day 14. Pushkar - all the fun of the fair.
Day 15. Jaipur - reach the "Pink City, home of the Maharajas,
Day 16. Jaipur - sightseeing of Jaipur and the nearby Amber Palace
Day 17. Ranthambore - by road to Ranthambore National Park, famous for its tiger sightings
Day 18. Ranthambore - early morning and evening jeep safaris in the park
Day 19. Agra - visit the iconic Taj Mahal
Day 20. Overnight Train - sightseeing to Fatepur Skiri and the Red Fort before taking the overnight sleeper train.
Day 21. Varanasi - arrive in the Holy City of Varanasi, sightseeing
Day 22. Overnight Train - early morning boat ride on the Ganges, sightseeing and free time to explore before the evening sleeper train
Day 23. Delhi - arrive Delhi, India Capital City, sightseeing
Day 24. Delhi - continue visits to the highlights of Old and New Delhi
Day 25. Flight- free time before our evening flight
Day 26. Arrive Auckland, mid evening.
Trip Style
An indepth experience. Attend traditional dance shows, folk singing;
observe artists and craftsmen at work; visit homes, villages and
farms; delve into the culture and customs of the country. Local
Rajasthani guides will provide insight into the different facets
of Indian culture and daily life, history and crafts as well as
social, economic and political issues. This will be a fascinating trip!
Transport
Our road travel is by private charter allowing us to stop and “investigate” as the whim takes us. There will be two overnight
sleeper trains for the longest journeys. For sightseeing excursions we utilize a variety
of colourful local modes e.g. rickshaw, camels, elephants and bicycles.
Accomodation
Where possible our Guesthouses and hotels will reflect the ambience
of the region and will range from traditional Haveli to desert tents.
Tourist grade, twin share with private bathroom is the norm, single supplement
only payable if a single room is requested.
Meals
All meals provided during the Camel Safari, Daspan haveli stay, Pushkar Camel Fair
and at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, elsewhere breakfast only.
The Party
Group size - 11 to 17 plus leader. The trip is open to active people of all ages,
single travellers are most welcome. If you are willing to cope with
the unusual, the unpredictable, cultural differences and some local
inadequacies you will be rewarded with a very memorable travel experience
Trip Data
Price will include, flights AKL/AKL (additional flight related taxes maybe charged separately), meals - all breakfasts. At Ranthambore, Daspan, Camel Safari and Pushkar Camel Fair all meals. Hotels/ transports/ sights/activities as per the itinerary.
Code Number:
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IN 101 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
06 Nov 2010 |
| Est Guide: |
$8,700 |
| Minimum Number: |
11 |
| Days: |
26 |
| Trip Status: |
Open, $500 |
A work in progress - new slide show photos will be added to this page soon
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