Photographers' Paradise, India
Experience Overview
- Visit to Khari Baoli –Asia’s largest wholesale spice market.
- Community Kitchen Visit in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi that welcomes thousands of people every day regardless of caste, creed, religion or race and offers them a free meal or Langar. The men and women volunteer and cook for thousands, two meals a day and seven times a week
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVE- DELHI
Today you will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will receive you as you EXIT the arrival terminal building and will be taken to car parking wherein you will be ceremonially welcomed with fresh marigold flower garlanding following that you will be transferred to your hotel
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed to check in at your room. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 2
DELHI
After breakfast in the hotel you will proceed for the combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. You will than proceed to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25,000 devotees. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
From here you will board cycle rickshaws on a journey through impossibly small laneways and alleys in the area around Chandni Chowck (silver street), one of the oldest market areas in India and certainly one of the busiest.
The cycle rickshaw will take you to the biggest spice market called Khari Baoli– a street in Delhi which is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea.
In the afternoon you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.
The tour of Imperial Delhi will start with a drive past to the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence (all these 03 places by driving past).
You will then proceed to visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib – the most prominent Sikh house of worship. The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided during his stay in Delhi. During that time, there was a smallpox and cholera epidemic, and Guru Har Krishan helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from the well at this house. The water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes. The grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a large pond etc.
In the Gurudwara you will also visit the community kitchen – that welcomes thousands of people every day regardless of caste, creed, religion or race and offers them a free meal or Langar. The men and women volunteer and cook for thousands, two meals a day and seven times a week. At the Gurdwara, visitors are reminded to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Head scarves and a shoe-minding service can be found inside the compound and are available free of charge.
Your last stop will be Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan’s successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India.
Return to your hotel
overnight at the Hotel
DAY 3
DELHI – SAMODE – JAIPUR
After breakfast in the hotel you will be driven to Jaipur (280 Kms/ 0700 Hours) enroute visiting Samode.
Samode is notable for its Palace, with exquisite murals and delicate stonework. Samode Palace is the most spectacular hotels in Rajasthan. This gorgeous stage-set-like palace combines the wild romance of a Scottish castle with the sophistication and opulence of a Rajput palace. The palace here has a Sheesh Mahal with mirror work even more stunning than what you see at the Amber Fort. Samode is a place of great interest for people who appreciate culture and local arts. It is a place to see the rural life and flavour of Rajasthan.
Lunch at Samode Palace.
Later you will visit the hallways of the Samode Palace and soak in the ambience.
Continue your drive to Jaipur
Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colorful region in India. Jaipur’s past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendor are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”.
Upon arrival at Jaipur, you will proceed to check in at your hotel.
JAIPUR BY NIGHT SAFARI EXPERIENCE, Jaipur during the day is beautiful and Jaipur at night is as Elegant as it can get. Jaipur Night Safari by 4X4 open jeeps, an exclusive experience to admire and explore illuminated night life of the Pink city.
A contemporary experience to zap you through pictorial night life of Jaipur. An evening to explore this cultural town from its’ hang-out places to spiritual sense around temple bells. Drive through the important lanes of the town until you are welcomed by glam-up walled city with beautiful lights. Tune your taste buds and relish some of the most exquisite delicacies around picturesque set-up.
DAY 4
JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort enroute stopping for photo stop at `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
Continue your drive to Amber.
An elephant /Jeep will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (Elephant ride is subject to availability).
Once on top you will stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
Amer Heritage walk . Amer, the elder brother of Jaipur voices the experiment in architecture that took place for designing marvelous building and cities to follow.
This bespoke walking tour of Amer strides you past the erstwhile palace structure. Travel back in time with a visit to the oldest garage turned into an Elephant stand now. Witness, Shiva temple that is considered older than the age and a unique temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s admirer Mira Bai. Reach an exceptionally symmetrical stepwell, an architectural marvel followed by a chit chat session with a local family who will edify you about the rich heritage and glorious past of the Royal family of Jaipur.
Amer Walk is unlike a usual sightseeing experience of the Fort. It is an insight into the victorious history Amer has witnessed and the glory it adorns till date.
Afternoon is free to relax or can be utilized to explore the colourful markets
ARTISANS OF JAIPUR
Jaipur, the first planned city of India has a historically rich background and past that is depicted in its walled city ornamented with symmetrically aligned quadrants.
Explore the geometrically defined architecture and planning of the city on this walking tour. Community engagement awaits you for rubberneck experience of bangle making and gemstone polishing practiced by local families for over generations. Get mesmerized walking by the Bridal market of Jaipur decked up with traditional Indian wear leading you to the main pathway of the Royals. Try some of the local delicacies of the town and relish a hot cup of Masala chai!
Engage yourself in interesting anecdotes and trivia about the city best explained this Walk.
Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 5
JAIPUR
After breakfast in the hotel morning is at leisure
BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP ,Bagru, village near Jaipur has made its mark on the textile industry map around the world. Short sojourn to Bagru a signature experience which is a sublime blend of handcrafted village tour and textile workshop.
The experience offers a walk around the village visiting community houses with an insightful engagement opportunity, followed by distinguished art workshop to observe the process of Block printing. Carving on wooden blocks to create unique designs, making of natural dyes, printing on fabric, drying and finally transforming into a textile masterpiece is the niche villagers have lived over generations. Try your hands on the art and create a souvenir for yourself.
Community engagement and a practical demonstration of this craft makes it a composite half day experience.
In the afternoon you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day.
ELEPHANTASTIC EXPERIENCE ,An experience to meet Elephants in their natural habitat is a worthwhile opportunity. Vedic Walks offers a responsible way to spend quality time with these beautiful giants rather than troubling them for rides.
Take a subtle walk around the village surrounded by Aravali Mountains & a water body for Elephant bathing in between. Explore Elephant shelter and share smiles with their keepers & family. We got plenty bananas for you to be friends with them. A unique opportunity to learn gesture language used by their keepers and dry scrub them to strengthen your friendship. Got time! Why not cook a bread or two & feed them fresh!
Day out with Elephants is a memorable experience for wildlife enthusiasts to be up and close with Elephants and being part of Responsible Tourism.
In the evening you will proceed to visit Birla Temple to see the illuminated evening Aarti ceremony. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Many exquisitely carved pillars, stained glass paintings that depict many gods and goddesses and a divine spiritual aura will be highlight of the ceremony
Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 6
JAIPUR - AGRA
After breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Jaipur to Agra (240 Kms/ 05 ½ hours) enroute visiting Galtaji Temple – the ancient Monkey Temple and a Hindu pilgrimage and is dedicated to Lord Ram and Sun God. A resting place for monkeys for ages, the splendid architecture of the temple and stunning natural surroundings are a sight to behold. There are many temples in this site and one the special attractions of the place is a natural spring that flows downwards from the hill top. The water from this spring fills up many kunds or water tanks which are considered very sacred and the pilgrims visiting the temple take bathe in this pious water.
Continue your drive to Agra after your visit
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighborhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding.
Upon arrival at Agra proceed to check in at your hotel
Later in time you will visit the Mehtab Bagh to see the rear view & the spectacular view of the Taj Mahal over the sun-set.
The Garden complex, situated on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal, is known as Mehtab Bagh, or “The Moonlight Garden”. Recent excavations revealed a huge octagonal tank furnished with 25 fountains, a small central tank and a baradari on the east. The site is also associated with the myth of black Taj, but the excavations have provided ample evidence for a garden complex. This is also corroborated by a letter of Aurangzeb, addressed to Emperor Shah Jehan stating the condition of this garden after a flood in 1652 AD
Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 7
AGRA - DELHI
After breakfast in the hotel you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Agra.
The tour will start with a visit to Taj Mahal (remains closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.
You will then proceed to visit Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
In the afternoon you will be driven from Agra to Delhi (204 Kms/ 04.30 Hours)
Upon arrival in Delhi, proceed to check-in at your hotel
Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 8
DELHI
After leisurely breakfast, morning is at leisure
Later check-out from your rooms (check-out time is 1200 Noon) following that you will be taken to visit Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays)
Akshardham Temple is the pink sandstone and white marble complex which is built on the bank of the Yamuna River. The temple is 141 feet high wherein the main temple dome rises majestically over the two-storied sandstone colonnade of 1,160 pillars that encircles it from three sides. There are 73 richly patterned and 63 partially carved pillars. Spread across a 23-acres, this complex is flooded with shrines, sculptures, parks, lakes and rides. Note: Any metal items, cell phone, battery, leather items, camera, tobacco items etc. are not allowed inside the temple complex
In the late afternoon you will be taken to the Hauz Khas Village area to have a short walk around this place. The streets are crumbling and the wires overhead are irreversibly tangled. New Delhi’s historic Hauz Khas Village may be a bit scruffy at the edges, but there’s no funkier spot in the capital to shop, eat and generally enjoy the vibe.
Later in time transfer you to International airport to board your flight for back home.
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