Destiny’s Children: Tour to India
Day 1: Arrive DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the late evening. After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel.
An artist was once asked to describe Delhi - objectively and then subjectively. “The capital city of India, the capital city of world’s largest democracy - everybody knows that”, he answered thoughtfully. “Actually, Delhi is India in miniature – 3,287,590 square kilometers of India’s fantastic variety is compressed into 145 kilometers. The canvass of Delhi is ancient but the strokes are modern: it is many centuries old, and yet its ageless vivacious soul has gracefully, joyfully accepted changing trends.
Today, even as it preserves an enviable heritage, Delhi is a true cosmopolitan city always on the move. The subjective experience lies in being able to adapt to contrasting scenes and a plethora of happenings almost every few kilometers”.
It is in Delhi that one finds the multi-storied hotels with sophisticated state-of-the art business centers just a few yards across the road from Jantar Mantar, an early 18th century observatory. A 30-minute drive separates one of the oldest Wonders of the World - the Qutab Minar - from one of the latest Wonders of the World - the Baha’i Lotus Temple.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: In DELHI
After breakfast depart for a tour of India’s capital.
In Old Delhi, drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name.
Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built between 1644 and 1658, it is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40 meters high, constructed of alternating vertical stripes of red sandstone and white marble. Broad flights of steps lead up to the imposing gateway. The spacious courtyard has a capacity to hold over 25,000 faithful. The Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings and has verses inscribed from the holy Koran. The main prayer hall is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.
Stop at Raj Ghat the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. A simple square black stone marks the spot where he was cremated, his last words “Hey Ram” are inscribed on it.
In New Delhi drive past India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War, Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy, today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament.
One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. It was built during the 12th century Delhi Sultanate period and commemorates the conquest of Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the slave and chief general of Mohammad Ghuri. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard, decorated with shafts and surrounded by pillars. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples, which were plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation.
Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar. It was erected during the reign of the Gupta dynasty that ruled northern India in AD 320-540. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing, thus highlighting ancient India's achievements in metallurgy.
Continue on to the Kingdom of Dreams complex in Gurgaon, the ultra-modern and very happening suburb of Delhi. Nautanki Mahal is a world-class auditorium where you can watch the world’s largest Bollywood-style show.
After the performance, enjoy dinner at Culture Gully, a gourmet’s delight featuring specialties from the various regions of India.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: In DELHI
After breakfast, visit Humayun's Tomb, Meet the architects and designers responsible for the restoration work of the garden and the interconnecting water channels, which was largely funded by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. This was first Mughal garden tomb and is considered the fore-runner to the Taj Mahal, with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal.
Continue on to the adjoining Nizammuddin basti, where a landmark Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) project - the Urban Renewal Initiative - is making enormous strides in revitalizing and unifying the three historical sites of Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin Basti and Sunder Nursery into one unique heritage precinct. Powered by a non-profit public-private partnership between various agencies, the project is the first of its kind in India to combine conservation with environmental and socio-economic development while working with local communities and stakeholders. This initiative brings together world-class professional capabilities in all relevant areas and combines a visionary approach with local contexts and complexities. It is establishing an archetype for participatory conservation-led development of historic cities.
Enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant featuring tandoori delicacies, as a ghazal singer entertains you. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: In DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel.
The full day is at leisure for shopping and independent activities.
In the evening, meet the local jamat at the Jamatkhana. This is followed by a gala reunion dinner with some of the volunteers who contributed their time and efforts, which helped you to achieve your goal to migrate and begin a new life.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Drive DELHI to AGRA (185 km/4 hrs)
After an early breakfast, depart on the drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
After freshening up, visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Yamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
You have time to explore the bazaars and craftsmen’s ateliers, where you can watch the ancient art of marble in-lay work. The art is alive today in Agra and is carried out by the descendants of the artisans who brought the Taj Mahal to life.
In the evening, transfer to Kalakriti Theatre, to watch Mohabat-the-Taj, a beautiful show portraying the immortal love of Shah Jehan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife and the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era.
Enjoy dinner featuring Mughlai delicacies.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Drive AGRA to JAIPUR (235 km/5 hrs)
The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world, constructed by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice. Watch the sun rising over this magnificent edifice, bathing it in hues of ochre, yellow, orange and flame – a breathtaking experience.
After an early breakfast depart on the 1-hour drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed.
Continue on the 5-hour drive to Jaipur.
Built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall which encircles the old city.
On arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: In JAIPUR
After breakfast visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning.
Experience the thrill of riding up to the fort on gaily decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago.
In the afternoon explore Jaipur. The City Palace stands in the centre of Jaipur. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Jantar Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. Built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design and rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen.
Jaipur is indeed a shopper’s paradise The list is endless, but the more popular items are jewelry, textiles and saris, artefacts made of marble, wood, stone, lac, clay, metal and leather. The city has been a traditional centre of the finest of jewelry bedecked with both precious and semiprecious stones, enameling of gold in green, red and white, the favourite colours of the Mughals, which was introduced by Raja Man Singh. The city is known the world over for diamond and emerald cutting. Apart from jewelry, handicrafts like papier mâché and carved furniture are also extremely popular as also is the glazed blue pottery, an art that was imported from Persia. Brass is another important metal and statues of various sizes are available besides, brass animals used by children as toys. Items made of white metal are also great buys as are the carvings in stone especially white marble. Carved marble bowls, vases and other decorative items also figure high on the list of the shopper.
Enjoy a Rajasthani dinner as folk dancers and singers entertain you. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Drive JAIPUR to AJMER (138 km/4 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, depart on the drive to Ajmer. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Situated in a basin at the foot of Taragarh Hill, Ajmer is surrounded by a stone wall with five gateways. Ajmer is renowned the world over as the burial place of Mu’inudding Chishti. Thousands of pilgrims converge on this ancient town, especially during the annual Islamic festivals of Id and Mohurram.
In the afternoon, visit the Dargah
Sharif. Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Hasan Chisti came to India in 1192 as an ambassador of peace and humanism. He dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. People of all religious faiths visit the shrine perpetuating his message of universal love and peace. The present complex of the Dargah is spread over a large area in the heart of the old city of Ajmer. One enters the complex through the Dargah Bazaar that leads to the first courtyard. The mosque here was built by Akbar and is now used as a hall for the poor. Pilgrims are expected to put their donations in the two big cauldrons, known as degs. The collection is later used to feed the poor.
The saint's tomb is in the centre of the second court with a wide dome and a golden crown. In distinct contrast to the Khwaja’s philosophy of simplicity, the Mazar Sharief (Holy Sepulchre) is ornately decorated with precious stones and enshrined in intricately carved silver railings, added by the lineage of the Mughal Emperors demonstrating their highest regard for the saint.
Dinner at the hotel.
Later, return to the dargah. Every evening, the gathered audience is enthralled with a performance of qawalis in the dargah’s courtyard under the open skies. The qawali sessions are particularly divine on Jummerat (Thursday nights).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Drive AJMER to UDAIPUR (271 km/6 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, drive down to the small town of Pushkar which lies 11 km northeast of Ajmer and is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The sanctity of the lake is equal to that of Mansarovar in Tibet. It is believed to mark the spot where a lotus thrown by Brahma, the Creator landed.
The temple at the farther end of the lake is the only temple dedicated to Brahma. Throughout the year, Pushkar has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town, peaceful and secluded. But for 12 days in the month of Kartik, it is transformed into a spectacular fairground that spreads over the dunes west of the town.
Continue on the drive to Udaipur. On arrival, check at the hotel.
Udaipur, the capital of Mewar for centuries is set amidst the Aravali Ranges of Rajasthan. It is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the world and is also known as the 'Venice of East'. Though termed as the city of lakes, Udaipur has many more attractions: the city boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments and colourful festivals. The mighty palaces with their exquisite locations transport you directly into the royal Rajputana era; Lake Palace, for one, has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places in the world.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: In UDAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below.
The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu.
Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks.
In the afternoon take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The steel blue waters of the lake, artificially created in the 14th century, reflect the white phantom Jag Nivas Palace, now the Lake Palace hotel which was built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and Jag Mandir said to be built by Maharana Karan Singh for his friend Prince Khurram, who was later to become emperor Shah Jehan. Huge seamless stone slabs of translucent thinness where used. The rooms were embellished with inlaid stones - onyx, jade, carnelian, jasper and agate.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Fly UDAIPUR to HYDERABAD
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai. Breakfast on board. Connect with the flight to Hyderabad. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.
Hyderabad is the capital of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Musi River in the Deccan Plateau. It is India's fourth most populous city and the sixth most populous urban agglomeration.
Situated at the crossroads of North and South India, Hyderabad is noted for its unique culture.
As the former capital of the largest and richest princely state and with patronage from Nizams, Hyderabad established local traditions in art, literature, architecture and cuisine. Hyderabad is home to several museums, bazaars, galleries, libraries, sporting and other cultural institutions. The Telugu film industry is based in the city. From the 1990s Hyderabad emerged as a hub for the information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries, alongside traditional and service industries. Hyderabad is a major centre for higher education and research and has several universities and business schools.
In the evening, transfer to the Jamatkhana where you will meet members of the local jamat.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant renowned for its mouthwatering Hyderabadi cuisine. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: In HYDERABAD
After breakfast, visit Golconda (Shepherd's Hill) the citadel of the Qutb Shahi dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region from 1589 to 1687. The remains of Golconda lie west of New Hyderabad on an elevated plateau strewn with granite boulders. The earlier 12th century mud fort that stood here was transformed into a splendid fortified city of grand palaces, mosques and gardens by successive Qutb Shahi rulers and gained an aura of riches and romance, which has never quite been dispelled. The highest of these rocky outcrops, rising 130m above the plain, forms the core of Golconda Fort. The outer wall, built of huge blocks of local granite, encloses houses, shops, water reservoirs and fields. The Fort was also famous for its great hoard of diamonds, mined nearby, which included the celebrated Kohinoor and Hope diamonds.
Proceed to the Qutb Shahi tombs, which are remarkable for the unity of their design. It comprises of a complex of ten main tombs separated by the Badshahi Hammam (King’s bath), the oldest structure of the compound where burial ceremonies were performed.
Return to Hyderabad by lunchtime.
In the afternoon, take a tour of Hyderabad. The Charminar is the hub of the city and the masterpiece of Qutb Shahi architecture. The streets in this area are lined with shops selling gold and silver jewellery, pearls, paper kites, rough glasses and cheap chinaware. Larh bazaar, a narrow street, is the traditional centre for bridal accessories and bangles. It leads to Chauk, traditional hunting ground for antiques. The Jami Masjid, built in 1597, is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad. The Makka Masjid close by is the largest mosque in South India. The Badshahi Ashurkhana houses religious symbols of the Shias.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: In HYDERABAD
After breakfast, visit the Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad, a non-denominational, coeducational day and residential school for students from pre-primary to secondary levels. The Academy is dedicated to an international level of excellence in all facets of education. Featuring a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus, the Academy is the second in an integrated network of schools to be located across South and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In addition to providing a rigorous academic and leadership experience, the Academy strives to create a harmonious balance between academic demands, sporting and cultural activities, and community life. It challenges its pupils to be intellectually inquisitive and socially conscious, and to reach their full potential as learners and leaders. You will have an opportunity to interact with the students and teachers.
The afternoon is at leisure for independent activities.
OPTIONAL: Visit the Chowmahalla Palace, once regarded as the center of Hyderabad. The magnificent palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla is renowned for its unique style and elegance. A synthesis of many architectural styles and influences, the Palace Complex has been meticulously restored.
OPTIONAL: You could visit the Salar Jung Museum (open 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs daily except Fridays) which boasts a large collection of Mughal jade, beautifully carved and inlaid gem-studded boxes, animal headed daggers and delicate translucent leaf-shaped drinking bowls. This eclectic treasure of world art of over 48,000 objects has grown out of the rich and variegated collection acquired by the Prime Ministers of the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad, particularly Mir Yusuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III (1889-1949). He spent a considerable portion of his wealth in collecting objects of art and other curios in staggering profusion. The incomparable treasures of the museum, which consist only of a part of the original collection, are an amazing amalgam of antiquity and modernity. It is believed that the museum represents the largest one-man collections
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Depart HYDERABAD
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
ALTERNATIVELY: continue on one of the optional extension tours to Gujarat, Kerala, Goa, Mumbai, etc.
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