The Splendors of India

The morning is at leisure to overcome jetlag.

• This afternoon we visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The squat building of white marble and red sandstone, with a dome and high arched entrances, surrounded by formal gardens, is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
• Culminate the day with a visit to Qutub Minar, the tallest free-standing tower in the world. Built-in several phases between the 12th and 15th Centuries, the Minar was first commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, a Turkic king from north-western India.

Accommodation - The Oberoi -Luxury Room - Single/Double
Meals - Breakfast

· This morning we visit Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.

· Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of old Delhi- designed by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan in 1648.

· Drive past Red fort, built in red sandstone in 1648 continue to President’s Palace & India Gate, an arch of triumph that bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Agra, approx. 3h30min.

Agra: The two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar, and Shah Jahan transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat (seat of the emperor). Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes, and quaint buggies- modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Accommodation - The Oberoi Amarvilas - Premier Room - Single/Double - 2 nights
Meals -  Breakfast

Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took approximately 22 years, nearly 22,000 laborers to build what we see today (Please note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday). Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later visit the Agra Fort. Enjoy a short ride to the Fort by Tuk-Tuks. The fort presents a good example of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Witness Master craftsmen working on beautiful marble inlay artifacts at a specialist workshop.

Afternoon will be at leisure - spa / shopping etc.

 Optional: Walk in Old City. While the Taj Mahal steals the thunder in Agra, there are several other beautiful monuments that have their own story to tell. An Agra Old City Walk will take you past the Agra Fort Railway station with its distinctly European architecture, and the Jama Masjid district surrounded by Old Agra’s bazaars and fine architecture.

Evening, travel in tuk-tuks to Mehtab Bagh situated across the Yamuna River. Built at the same time as the Taj, Mehtab Bagh is a Persian-style quadrilateral garden whose design mirrors the approach to the Taj. Enjoy uninterrupted and breath-taking views of the 17th century Taj Mahal at sunset.

Accommodation - The Oberoi Amarvilas -  Premier Room - Single/Double
Meals - Breakfast

This morning drive to Jaipur, approx. 5h30m. Photo-stop at Abhaneri stepwell, the Chand Baori, a step well with an unparalleled artistic style and architectural beauty. Lunch will be arranged at a mid-way resort.

Jaipur, the city, was first intended to be called ‘Sawai Jaipur’, named after the boy Prince, who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743. Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colours of the sunset. Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink, thus giving it the name ‘Pink City’.

On arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel Sawai Man Mahal.

The day is at leisure for and independent activities. 

Accommodation: Sawai Man Mahal - Palace Room - Single/Double  - 3 nights
Meals - Breakfast - Lunch

Early morning, witness Jaipur differently! Visit the Flower Market, also called Jaipur Phool Mandi. It is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and vibrant colors of the city. The Jaipur flower market is a bustling and colorful place where you can find a wide variety of fresh flowers, garlands, and other floral decorations. It's a great opportunity to experience the sights and scents of India, interact with local flower vendors, and perhaps even purchase some beautiful blooms to brighten your day. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later visit City Palace museum that has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, the armory of Mughal and Rajput weaponry. The museum also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia, and rare astronomical works that were acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to fulfil his passion for astronomy. Continue to the private palace of the Royal family of Jaipur on a specially curated tour to see their private collectables. Continue to Jantar Mantar - UNESCO site. Built between 1728 and 1734 – it houses precise instruments for measuring the harmony of heavens, and each instrument serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. Continue to Gyan Museum which houses a collection of over 3,000 antiquities from the private collection of the gemologist Gyan Chand Dhadda. With controlled lighting, an aesthetically designed space, and even a seating area with books on art and history, it is a must visit for cultural aficionados.

The afternoon is at leisure for and independent activities.

Optional: Visit to Princess Diya Kumari Foundation's Project Baala. It will be an interactive experience where you talk to the women who working towards the mission - access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene solution to the ladies.

Optional: Go on a bespoke shopping tour in Jaipur which is a delightful experience. The city is famous for its vibrant bazaars, traditional handicrafts, exquisite jewelry, textiles, and more. You can find a wide range of precious and semi-precious gemstones, silver and gold jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani designs. Tie & dye and hand-block printed textiles are extremely popular, and so is blue pottery, a traditional art form of Jaipur.

Experience a home cooking experience over dinner. Partake in a homely cooking lesson & meal. A home-cooking experience with hosts is an important highlight of discovering a new city. From culinary demonstrations to hands-on cooking experiences – each ending with a homely meal, partake in the culinary traditions of the region!

Accommodation - Sawai Man Mahal - Palace Room - Single/Double
Meals - Breakfast and  Dinner

Begin your day with a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal, a beautiful façade built for the royal women. 

Continue to the 16th century Amber Fort known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim elements, and its ornate and breath-taking artistic mastery.

Optional: Visit Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of block printed cloth. Exhibits and educational programming highlight various aspects of this ancient craft in order to strengthen appreciation for a living art form. Later explore the bazaars, cuisine & craft in the old city. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewellers and silversmiths, gold painters and tie-dying experts as well as ‘minakari’ and ‘kundan’ artists.

The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Optional: Rhythm with the Elephants. Visit Dera Amer, a private estate, where you will get an opportunity to interact with the Elephants followed by a sumptuous alfresco lunch. The elephants ‘meet’ you on arrival and will gleefully accept all the bananas that you can hand-feed them (the handlers will hand you the bananas). Afterwards enjoy a lovely alfresco lunch. Dera Amer situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort is the ideal location for outdoor recreational and adventure activities in very close proximity to the city of Jaipur. The Camp is surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming in their fields.

Accommodation - Sawai Man Mahal - Palace Room - Single/Double
Meals - Breakfast

Transfer to Jaipur airport in time for schedule flight to Varanasi:

Depart: Jaipur                  at: TBA hours           by: TBA flight

Arrive: Varanasi              at: TBA hours

Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it sits on a bend of the Ganges River, and its spiritual significance comes from its status as a "crossing place", where Gods and Goddesses can descend to earth. It has been a pilgrimage site since the sixth century BC; Hindus try to visit at least once in their lifetime to pray and bathe in the holy river. The old city, a maze of tiny alleys, has several temples, including the Golden Temple - which is only accessible to Hindus - and many cows, which have traffic priority! According to Mark Twain “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.

Meet & greet on arrival at Varanasi airport by Global Family Travels representative who will escort you to your hotel - Brijrama Palace.

Today evening witness, an Aarti, special Hindu prayer ceremony at the Dhaswashmedh Ghat on the Ganges. The Dhaswashmedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varanasi. It is believed that Brahma created it to welcome Shiva and sacrificed the horses during the Dasa - Ashvamedha Yajna performed here. A group of priests perform “Agni Pooja” (worship fire) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire) and the whole universe.

The riverbanks, ghat and temples are lit with oil-lamps and candles which create a magical effect. Devotees float the oil lamps in the water as an offering to the holy river. Arrangements will be made for you to view the prayer ceremony from your boat.

Accommodation: Brijrama Palace -   Nadidhara Room - Single/Double   -  2 nights
Meals - Breakfast

At the break of dawn, embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise along the Ganges River. The ghats, which are hundreds of stone steps lining the riverbank, present an awe-inspiring sight, especially during the sunrise when thousands of pilgrims cleanse their spirits in the sacred waters. Along the riverbank, colorful temples stand in contrast to the somber sight of funeral pyres emitting smoke. The boat ride provides a unique vantage point to witness the diverse Hindu ceremonies taking place. Afterward, take a stroll through the labyrinthine lanes of the markets and meet the remarkable people of Varanasi. Just as the river's tides change, Varanasi's banks have also borne witness to the shifting tides of faith, each leaving its own monuments and echoes.

Return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.

Later in the day, explore Varanasi which offers a glimpse of its rich religious diversity. Begin with a secular journey, tracing the imprints of various faiths and philosophies. Learn about the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the creator of the Universe.

Walk past the Aurangzeb Mosque, a Mughal-era architectural wonder, and the Jain Temple, a place of reverence for followers of this faith, among other notable sites. If time permits, you can also visit other renowned temples such as the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Annapurna Temple, Durga Temple, and the illustrious Benaras Hindu University (BHU).

In the afternoon, head to Sarnath, a tranquil village on the outskirts of Varanasi. Sarnath is particularly auspicious as it is the site where the Buddha delivered his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, known as turning the Wheel of Dharma. Your English-speaking tour guide will provide an enlightening discussion on Buddhism. Explore the Sarnath Museum, which houses a valuable collection of ancient scriptures and artifacts (please note : Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).

Accommodation: Brijrama Palace, Nadidhara Room - Single/Double - 2 nights
Meals - Breakfast

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, home-stays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels

TRIP SUMMARY

Join Global Family Travels on this classic trip to India, which covers all of the country’s top sites and splendors. You will journey to visit four of the most well-known cities in India, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi. Begin your journey in the country’s capital, Delhi. Visit the highlights of Delhi, including cultural, historic, and architectural marvels. Discover how this city has been transformed by the reigns of different rulers, leading to its current position as a modern capital city. Continue to Agra, center of India’s famed Mughal Empire. In Agra, cherish multiple visits to India’s crowned jewel – the Taj Mahal. Visit this world wonder multiple times, ranging from sunrise to sunset. Head on to Jaipur, commonly known as India’s Pink City. Here you will study Indian history through visits to multiple museums and learn the art of traditional cooking through a local-instructed lesson. End your journey in Varanasi, a city located on the Ganges River with great religious significance. Experience a Hindu evening prayer, sacred morning ritual, and more in this famed location. By the end of your trip, you will have developed a deep connection to India and its culture, traditions, and history.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

 •          Discover the history of Delhi, which has transformed seven times under different rulers, and know how it became India's modern capital city. You'll also get to visit two amazing UNESCO Heritage Sites.

•          Enjoy a fun tuk-tuk ride to Mehtab Bagh to see the sun setting behind the Taj Mahal.

•          Explore a unique aspect of Jaipur with an early morning visit to the vibrant Flower Market.

•          Hop on a jeep for a ride to Amber Fort and be amazed by the textile and weapon collections at the City Palace Museum in Jaipur.

•          Learn the art of Rajasthani cooking with a local host in Jaipur.

•          Immerse yourself in the culture of Varanasi, a city closely tied to the Ganges River, and learn about its religious significance.

•          Experience a grand Hindu evening prayer ceremony along the banks of the Ganges.

•          Witness the sacred morning rituals on a boat ride at dawn on the Ganges as devotees perform sunrise baths and religious ceremonies.

•         Shop for textiles, jewelry, and more in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi.

The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

Taj Mahal or Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone but in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays).

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. The massive Agra fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.

Humayun's Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.