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FESTIVAL OF COLORS
It is a boisterous and colorful festival celebrating the arrival of spring. People revel in throwing colored powder and colored water on each other. Celebrated during the month of March, we bring you the colors of Holi in three days of activities. On the first day you join the Maharana of Udaipur's 'Holi' celebrations at his Palace. The second day offers an opportunity, if you are brave, to walk in the bazaars of Udaipur (voluntary basis). And on the third day, drive through the villages of Rajasthan to see the rural folk celebrating this festival.
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Day 1
YOUR TOUR BEGINS
The vast and exotic subcontinent of India beckons as we depart West Coast or East Coast for Delhi, India. |
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Day 2
ARRIVE DELHI
Late night arrival in Delhi, capital of India. It's history |
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| goes back 2000 years. Few capitals in the world have as many monuments as Delhi.
Day 3 DELHI (BD)
New Delhi tour this morning, visiting the Qutab Minar, a 234-ft sandstone tower and Humayun's tomb. See the Government buildings and presidential palace along the broad and majestic Rajpath. Afternoon tour of Old Delhi to see the Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal power. On return, visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to the great Mahatma Gandhi. |
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Day 4 DELHI - UDAIPUR (BD)
Today we fly to Udaipur. It stands in a valley amid green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Pichola including a visit to the Jagmandir Palace. Tonight join in the 'Holi' celebrations at the City Palace complex to witness Maharana's procession and the festivities followed by cocktails and dinner in his palace. |
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Day 5 UDAIPUR (BL)
Today is the festival of colors. People throng the streets, smearing each other with bright colored powder or squirting colored water at each other. You may want to join our escorted walk in the streets on a voluntary basis. Tour of Udaipur, visiting the vast and exquisite City Palace. Amber, jade and colored glass gives the palace a sparkling, yet ethereal quality. See the Fateh Sagar Lake and visit the Jagdish Temple.
Day 6 UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR (BLD)
Today we drive to Ranakpur en route visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort. Afternoon visit the beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur. This 15th century temple, built in white marble, has exquisite intricate carvings. It is amazing to find that among hundreds of pillars no two are alike. |
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Day 7 RANAKPUR - JODHPUR (BL)
On our drive to Jodhpur, we will stop en route at Rohet Garh (castle) to participate in one of the most interesting features of this tour, a Village Safari. Experience first-hand the true rural life of India not often seen by tourists. Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills. Dominating the view is a massive fortress.
Day 8 JODHPUR - JAIPUR (BD)
Tour of the Mehrangarh Fort and Jodhpur city. Later we fly to Jaipur, the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, surrounded on all sides by rugged hills and crowned with forts. |
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Day 9 JAIPUR (BL)
This morning we visit Amber Fort. Riding on elegantly caparisoned elephants, we make our way to the fort. Inside, we will find lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the Chamber of Mirrors. Afternoon tour, visiting the Observatory and Palace Museum. See the elaborate Palace of Winds, a striking landmark of Jaipur. Later walk the exotic 'bazaars' of Jaipur.Day 10 JAIPUR - AGRA (BL)
Today we drive to Agra visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri, the once fabled Mughal capital that now lies quietly but wonderfully preserved. |
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Day 11
AGRA (BD)
We will visit the Taj Mahal built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 AD in memory of his Queen. It took the world's best craftsmen and over 20,000 workers almost 20 years to build this dream. We will also visit the Agra Fort. Afternoon sample the arts of the region.
Day 12 AGRA - ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO (BLD)
Morning train ride to Jhansi and then drive to Khajuraho visiting en route palaces and temples of Orchha. In Khajuraho, the temples are known for their symmetry and design, and also for their intricate and erotic carvings on their walls.
Day 13
KHAJURAHO - VARANASI (BD)
After visiting the magnificent Khajuraho temples we fly to one of the most fascinating cities in India, Varanasi. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising from the water's edge, Varanasi is the holiest city for Hindus. Later visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
Day 14 VARANASI - DELHI - HOMEBOUND (B)
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River. Thousands of devout Hindus descend to the holy waters of the Ganges for purification. Later fly to Delhi and connect homebound flights.
Day 15
ARRIVE
West Coast or East Coast.
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