Heritage, Wildlife & Culinary Tour of North India

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Duration of Trip -::- 15 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Jaipur, Agra, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Delhi

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India is the country of varied cultures offering different tastes for your tongue. The food of India demonstrates different religions, the ways of living, cultures and languages that live together joining hand in hand in this paradise. India is the mother of many of the different herbs that are used for making different medicines, which are successful cure for many of the diseases. Also there are some of the remarkably resourceful spices that are used for making masalas used in the different foods of India. India culinary tour can take you to this unforgettable experience of different cultures, which can provide you with different tempting tastes of variety of foods.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
       
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest
mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and whichis viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

In the evening enjoy a WELCOME DINNER at with Indian Dances presentation.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi – Udaipur
By Air
Flight                    : 9W 707
Airline                  : Jet Airways
Departure           : 1345 hr
Arrival                  : 1455 hr

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport for flight to Udaipur.

Reach Udaipur and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Relax in the evening. Dinner will be at DEVIGARH. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

 Day 04: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. 

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. (Hopefully we will have a good monsoon this year and there will be water in the lake) From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.  Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Have a lavish dinner at LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 05: Udaipur – Jodhpur
By Road
260 km/6 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Jodhpur.

En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Lunch on the way will be at MATRACHAYA again rich in local contents and example of simple and wholesome cooking.

Reach and check in at the hotel.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

In the evening enjoy the THALI DINNER – this is where in one flat round shaped utensil you will be served the full course. It is visually appealing and very wholesome. If you like any particular dish, the cook (note that he is not a chef but an expert from a family of cooks so his recipes will be old and authentic).

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
 

Day 06: Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.  Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

In the afternoon visit the old city or proceed for a village visit. Visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.

Dinner will be at Ajit Bhawan Palace hotel.

Overnight will be at the hotel.
 
Day 07: Jodhpur – Jaipur
By Road
250 km/5 hr
Proceed for Jaipur after early breakfast.

Stop at KISHANGARH for lunch. (Taste the PANIPURIS – hard whole wheat dumplings filled with a mix of boiled potatoes, chick peas, tamarind extract and green chili) This lunch will also be made out of local produce. You will have first hand experience of making ROTIS FOR KINGS here.
Drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

Check in at the hotel.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Day 08: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
       
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
       
JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
       
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Proceed to CHOKI DANI VILLAGE for a sit-down vegetarian dinner which is like a daily home menu. Note that the cuisine here will be rich in butter and GHEE.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 09: Jaipur – Ranthambhore
By Road
175 km/4 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed to Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

Check in at the resort by noon. In the afternoon proceed for a tiger safari into the National Park.
Retire early after dinner at the resort. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
 
Day 10: Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.

Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.

In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 – 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.

Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Day 11: Jaipur – Agra
By Road
250 km/6 hr
Drive to Agra after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.  

The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience.     It a veritable fairytale city and its  "ruins" are in pristine condition  ...  it’s not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. 

A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Dinner will be at AMARVILAS.
Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 12: Agra
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.   

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Dinner will be at the newly opened FRONTIER CUISINE restaurant. Spend night at Agra.

Day 13: Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho
By Train
Train Name        : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No.             : 2002
Departure           : 0800 hr
Arrival                  : 1024 hr
                  
Proceed to station for train to Jhansi after early breakfast.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century – which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.
Drive to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. In the evening proceed for the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW and retire for the night.

By now you would have your own list of favorite Indian dishes - The chef will brush up your knowledge and cook in front of you. Take the tips from him and note them down in your INDIA COOK BOOK which by now would be full of jottings and recipes.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 14: Khajuraho – Varanasi:
By Air
Flight                    : 9W 724
Airline                  : Jet Airways
Departure           : 1330 hr
Arrival                  : 1410 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for a MORNING TOUR of the temples. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world – renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Visit Sarnath ‑ 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Visit the EXCELLENT SPICE MARKET here. Learn your spice and how to check for consistency. Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.

Day 15: Varanasi – Delhi
By Air
Flight                    : IC 805
Airlines                 : Indian Airlines
Departure           : 1555 hr
Arrival                  : 1710 hr

Proceed in the morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the bestlifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of
faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Return for a walk through thecobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi and will be received at domestic airport.

Proceed for LAST MINUTE SHOPPING and then FAREWELL DINNER (URBAN HOME DINNER where menu will be as per your wish-list which we would note the day before from you)

Proceed to the airport for connecting flight home.