Cultural Tours in India, Cultural Trip India, Indian Cultural Tour, North India Tours, Heritage Tours of Rajasthan, Rajasthan Tours

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India can proudly boast one of the oldest and most fascinating cultures on our planet. All who sought to conquer her, have left indelible marks, not to mention the Dravidian culture of India itself. The Moghuls brought their beautiful architecture, gardens, literature and poetry. The Chinese, Portuguese, Persians, Dutch, French and the British all added to the richness of this already fascinating country.

Delhi alone is strewn with monuments of a bygone era; The Red Fort, Safdarjung's Tomb, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, to name but a few.

Rajasthan has a wealth of palaces and stepwells, some dating back to the 14th Century. Jain temples built in the 8th Century in Osiyan and 15th Century temples in Ranakpur. The Shekhawati region boasts a wealth of villages with Havelis covered in frescoes.

To the east of Delhi, in the state of Madhya Pradesh lies Khajuraho. Built during the Chandela period, these temples date back to 950 - 1050AD. It is their liberally embellished and erotic stone carvings which have made these particular temples so famous.

Further east lies the city of Varanasi. Built on the banks of the mighty Ganges river, the city of the god Shiva is considered one of the holiest sites in India and a most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Pilgrims come to bathe from the "ghats" - steps leading down into the water - to wash away their sins. It is also considered a very auspicious place to die, ensuring a release from incarnation and a passage to heaven. To take a boatride along the Holy river Ganges at dawn, passing the hundreds of temples and ghats and witnessing the pilgrims performing their morning "pujas", is a must for any traveller and will leave images never to be forgotten.

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In the state of Maharashtra, to the north of Aurangabad, lie the caves of Ellora and Ajanta. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta date back to 200 BC.Their isolation has contributed to their fine state of preservation and many beautiful and remarkable sculptures, paintings and frescoes remain.

Ellora, to the south of Ajanta is most famous for it's Deccan rock-cut architecture. Over many centuries, the monks of different religions carved out monasteries, chapels and temples and then decorated them with detailed sculptures. It's main feature is the magnificent Kailash temple, dedicated to the god Shiva and the world's largest monolithic sculpture.

Little known are the Bhimbetka caves, 45km to the south of the city of Bhopal. This site was only discovered in the 20th Century and ranks among the finest examples of cave paintings, dating back twelve thousand years! There are more than 1000 caves depicting the life of the people and the type of animals who once lived here.

The above is only a small selection of the enormous and varied cultural sites which India has to offer, all or any of which can be included in your visit to this fascinating land.

Afternoon sightseeing in Aurangabad. Aurangabad was originally name Khadke; it was renamed after the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Situated on the Deccan Plateau. Aurangabad is a popular base from which to explore the Ellora and Ajanta caves

Day 4. Aurangabad - Ellora - Ajanta - Aurangabad
After breakfast leave to visit the Ellora and Ajanta. The Ajanta caves pre-date those of Ellora. The Buddhist rock cut caves of Ajanta are one of the finest examples of Indian art which have been compared to the frescoes of assisi, Sienna and Florechce. The caves which are cut into the brow of a cliff consist of two parts, Chaityas or chapels and viharas or monasteries. The caves range in the date from about the second century BC to the middle of the seventh century AD. The paintings with the exception of a few dating from the mid first entry BC belong entirely to the figure compositions and especially on the ceilings a wealth of floral and conventional decorative designs.

Caves

Caves

Also visit Dhaulatabad Fort built on a natural pyramid shaped hill. In 1327 Mohammed Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi decided to move the entire population of Delhi to Fort, during the 1,100 km walk many of the citizens died and 17 years later Mohammed Tughlaq decided to take the survivors back to Delhi. It is well worth making the climb to the top for the superb views over the surrounding country side. Return to Aurangabad for overnight stay.

Day 5. Aurangabad - Mumbai - Udaipur
You will be transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai please take the connecting flight to Udaipur.

Upon arrival in Udaipur airport you will be met and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 6. Udaipur
Whole day to visit Udaipur. We suggest a morning visit to the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple and the bazaars. Udaipur has many, selling hand made paper books, Indian clothing and silk saris. The town is famous for its art schools where young boys are taught the art of miniature Moghul painting.

Traditional welcome at the hotel

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Day 7. Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Kota
Today you will leave after an early breakfast for the drive to Kota, stopping on the way to visit Chittorgarh. It was founded by Bappa Rawal in 8th century and is situated at an altitude of 408 meters above sea level. It crowns a seven-mile- long hill, covering 700 acres (280 hectares), with its fortifications, temples, towers and palaces.

Tower of Victory Chittorgarh

The paces to visit are tower of victory, the Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambha and Kirti Stambha. The Chittorgarh Fort is the indomitable pride of Chittor. The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD and perched on a height of 180 meters hill and sprawls over 700 acres.

Continue drive to Kota. On arrival check in at your hotel for overnight stay. Monuments to visit in Kota are The Fort, Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Tower of Victory & Padmini Palace. Return to hotel for overnight stay

Day 8. Kota - Bundi - Kota
After breakfast drive to Bundi. Monuments to visit in Bundi are Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace & Baoris & water tanks. Return to Kota for overnight stay

Day 9. Kota - Jaipur
Today you leave Kota for the morning drive to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. This is a busy bustling city where the bazaars spill over on to the streets, to mingle with the handcarts, camels, elephants, scooters, rickshaws and tuk-tuks. It is lively and colourful and painted pink! Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at your hotel.

This can happen only in INDIA

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Day 10. Jaipur
Whole day to sightsee and shop in Jaipur. Suggest you begin the day with an elephant ride to the Amber Fort Palace, which is spectacular. Later you can visit the City Palace in Jaipur itself, the Hawa Mahal - Palace of the Winds and the Observatory. Jaipur is famous as a centre for carpet weaving - silk and wool - and also for Jaipur blue pottery, but probably best known for its exquisite gems and jewellery. A favourite place for lunch or dinner is the Raj Palace Hotel. Lunch is in the garden or the fabulous dining room and dinner is a BBQ on the terrace.

PLEASE NOTE :
» Photography in some of the museum and galleries inside the City Palace is not allowed.

» Due to a fatal accident in Oct 2005 we are no longer recommending the elephant ride at the Amer Fort in Jaipur to our clients. You are strongly requested NOT to take an elephant ride even if one is offered. Anglo Indiago cannot take responsibility for any calamities which occur if the guest decides to take an elephant ride.

Day 11. Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Today you will leave after an early breakfast for the drive to Agra, stopping on the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city of Emperor Akbar. Visit the beautiful Dargah Mosque, the Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti. Also the palaces of Akbar's women; Jodh Bal Palace for his Hindu mother, Birbal Bhawan for his favourite courtier and Golden House for his Christian wife. Also make a visit to the Karawan Serai which is a courtyard surrounded by hostels used for visiting merchants, the Paanch Mahal, the Treasury, the Diwan-I-Khas and the Diwan-I-Am. Continue the short drive to Agra for overnight stay at your hotel.

Taj Mahal

Day 12. Agra
Morning sightseeing of the most beautiful sites of Agra; The Taj Mahal, the tomb of Mumtaz, beloved wife of the emperor Shah Jehan, the Red Fort and the exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah, tomb of the wazir of Emperor Jehangir. If you wish you can visit Sikandra, Just 10 Kms out of Agra, the tomb of Emperor Akbar, the greatest of the Moghul emperors. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.

Day 13. Agra - Jhansi - Orchha
Morning train to Jhansi. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver who will take You to Orchha, once the capital of the Bundelas. This tiny village houses museums, Palaces, monuments, temples and is built on the River Betwa.

Rai Mahal Orchha

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Day 14. Orchha - Khajuraho
After Breakfast leave for Khajuraho. Khajuraho is famous for its erotic temples. Your two night stay in Khajuraho will include a visit to the Eastern and Western Temples as well as the Folk Art and Tribal Museum

Erotic Temple of Khajuraho

Day 15. Khajuraho
Full day to explore in Khajuraho. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 16. Khajuraho - Varanasi
Again a short flight east takes you to one of the greatest seats of Hindu culture and famous for it's silk: Varanasi formerly know as Benares. Upon arrival check in at Your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Bathing at Ganges River Varanasi

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Day 17.      Varanasi
Full day sight seeing in Varanasi. Your stay will include a morning boatride over the Ganges at sunrise, a visit to Sarnath, the place of Buddha's first sermon and time to walk the Ghats and visit the temples. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 18.      Varanasi - Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi Airport you will be met by a member of our team at the airport along with car and chauffeur and transferred to the hotel in New Delhi for your overnight stay.

Day 19.      Whole day Delhi
Full day sightseeing: The main sights are Old Delhi, Red Fort and the Jama Masjid Mosque, a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk visiting the Spice, Wedding and Silver Markets and the Birla Temple. A drive through New Delhi to see the Parliament Buildings of Sir Edwin Lutyens, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Man Pulling Rickshaw, Old Delhi

Day 20. Delhi - Onward destination
Depending on your flight your driver will drop you at International / domestic Airport for your onward destination

End of Services.

City	Deluxe Hotels	Standard Hotels	Nights
Mumbai	Trident - Hilton / Marine Plaza	Hotel Guestline	2
Aurangabad	Taj Residency	Ajanta Hotel	2
Udaipur	Fateh Prakash Palace / Shiv Niwas Palace / Trident - Hilton	Udai Kothi	2
Kota	Umed Bhawan Palace	Umed Bhawan Palace	2
Jaipur	Trident - Hilton / Samode Haveli	Mandawa haveli	2
Agra	Trident Hilton / Taj View	Howard Park Plaza	2
Orchha	Bundelkhand River side	Bundelkhand River side	1
Khajuraho	Radisson	Radisson	2
Varanasi	Radisson / Taj Ganges	Clarks Varanasi	2
Delhi	Imperial / Oberoi / Claridges	Hans Plaza	2

Cultural Tours

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A Taste of Indian Culture

19 nights / 20 days

Cultural Tours

C U L T U R A L T O U R S

A Taste of Indian Culture

19 nights / 20 days

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