CONNOISSEUR'S INDIA

DREAMS OF INDIA
October 30 – November 12, 2009

Introduction

 

The highlights of a trip to India are many: the stunning mosques and temples; the sumptuous palaces and wonderful architecture; the scenic beauty of the natural landscape; the myriad of flowers and the colorful dress of the women; the exotic handicrafts and craftsmanship.  There is also poverty and disease; there are traditions and customs that seem strange and awful to us; there is heart-wrenching beauty and heart-breaking sadness; there are the warm and friendly people; there is the exotic air lent by a rich and intricate cultural and religious tapestry. There is much to learn and a very great deal to enjoy.

  Tour Overview

Three nights at the Taj Majal Hotel Delhi in deluxe rooms with a welcome dinner at Bukhara.  We have a two full days here to conquer jetlag, explore the major sites of New and Old Delhi, gallery-hop, and to dine well.

Train to Agra and to the Amarvilas overlooking the Taj Majal for a full day and night. 

Explore Agra and its fort, see the Taj Mahal at sunset, and again at sunrise from the comfort of your room.

By road to Alwar with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri.  Two nights’ respite at the incomparable Amanbagh in the Aravali Hills.

Drive to Jaipur for two nights at the historic Rambagh Palace in luxury rooms.  Visit the Palace and Observatory this afternoon.  Then a full day includes a morning visit to Amber (ascent by elephant) and the afternoon to visit the markets of Jaipur City.

Fly to Jodhpur for two nights at the world’s largest Art Deco style residence, Umaid Bhawan Palace.  Explore the uniquely complex Meherengarh Fort, the markets, and take a jeep safari for tea with the royal family of Rohet.

Drive through the desert to Deograh where we spend the night at Deogarh Mahal, an imposing family residence built in 1670.  Visit the miniature painting school, and see frescoes of this art form on the fort walls.  More markets to explore.

Drive to Udaipur for two nights at the Udaivilas, a luxury resort built at the edge of Lake Pichola.  We visit the City Palace and the gardens with a panoramic drive around the lake.

By air to Delhi for our last evening at the Trident Gurgaon, where we enjoy our final evening together at a farewell dinner before heading to the airport for our flight home.

For those of you who just can’t leave India without visiting the “ghats” of Mother Ganges, we can arrange an overnight excursion to Varanasi to do so, along with a visit to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism: a combined and quintessential Indian experience.