Hello, Mumbai.
Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colourful history. This vibrant city is now India's premier seaport and home to the "Bollywood" movie industry.
Magical Mumbai.
Join your Local Guide for an orientation of some of the city's famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai's tiffin lunch box delivery system. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LUNCH BOX HEROES: Each day dabbawalas (box carriers) deliver thousands of home-cooked lunches to people at work. Using a simple coding system of colours, numbers, and letters deliveries are made with nearly 100% accuracy. Watch and learn about this fascinating process starting at Churchgate Station where the dabbawalas transfer the boxes onto local trains for distribution. Ride on one of the trains to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and see the boxes being sorted for final delivery.
Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)
Around dawn, board a boat and watch a striking religious ritual-the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FIRE & WATER: Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river's edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float "diyas" (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (B)
Delhi Delights.
Today's sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B/L/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - MARKET HIGH: Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Remembrance & Worship.
This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: As Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is known as much for its religious significance as for its splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
Moghul Monuments.
Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOVE REMEMBERED: Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.
By Road & Rail.
Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B/L/D)
The Game is Afoot.
Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.
Jaunt to Jaipur.
Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and it's been known as the "Pink City" ever since. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Enjoy a fascinating walk mingle and talk with the locals while sampling some of the region's culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa, and sweets from some of the city's most popular street food vendors.
Jewels of Jaipur.
Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit a local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B/L/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE: Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT FORMIDABLE FORTRESS: Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan," built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.
Departure Prep.
Fly back to Delhi this morning and prepare for your journey home. (B)
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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