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“IRRESISTIBLE INDIA”
Thursday, October 26 – Saturday, November 11, 2006
“If there is one place on earth where all the
dreams of men have found a home … it is India.”
Birthplace of Krishna
and Buddha; Jewel in the crown of a fading Britain; India is a feast for the senses -
it’s no wonder it has become one of today’s most popular destinations! From
the marble walls of the Taj Mahal to the ghats (stone steps) of the Ganges, India is a
colorful complex of landscapes, languages, cultures and lifestyles. It is a dynamic land,
where old and new thrive side by side.
Throughout Diversions’ incredible journey along
India’s Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and beyond — you will explore
bustling bazaars, behold sandstone fortresses, take off on a camel safari, view Mughal
gardens, Hindu temples, tribal arts, and dine on delicious regional as well as continental
cuisine. You will stay in hotels and resorts, so lavish and luxurious - set on lakes and
overlooking great monuments –they’d make a maharaja proud. Expert guides with
extensive local knowledge bring India’s ancient civilization and its many layers to
life. And, since the way to India’s
heart is through her people, not only have we made special arrangements for dinner in
private homes, but we’ll be the guests of India’s royal family in their palatial
dining quarters.
Brilliant colors, mesmerizing music, and the scent
of jasmine and spices provide a kaleidoscope of rare delights as you are embraced by the
rhythm and dignity of life in this remarkable place. India is alive with experiences and
sweeps you up in all its excitement. The country will inspire you, enchant you, astonish
you, and even transform you. Prepare yourself for unparalleled splendor.
India
is irresistible.
Delhi:
India’s capital is a
sophisticated, world-class city. From the old bazaars and hectic, twisting streets of Old
Delhi to New Delhi with avenues lined with British-built bungalows, international hotels,
museums, designer boutiques and restaurants, the many-faceted metropolis is unique among
Indian cities. It is one of the few places where the West strives alongside a more
traditional India.
Imperial
Hotel (3 Nights)
The Imperial Hotel, “The First Maiden of the
East” built in 1933 and gorgeously restored to its ‘imperial’ splendor, is
renowned for Old World charm and an impeccable level of service. Its 8-acre lush garden
site enjoys the best location in the city for premier shopping and cultural attractions.
Your beautifully-appointed guestroom
retains the regal flourishes of a wondrous past combined with the latest luxury amenities.
In and around Delhi you wil:
* Look skyward at Qutb Minar, towering over Delhi,
symbolizing the supremacy of Islam.
* Head to Humayun's Tomb,
India’s first tomb-in-a-garden complex and the architectural inspiration behind the
Taj Mahal.
* Gather for cocktails
and a private visit with the founders at one of India’s top galleries for up and
coming contemporary artists.
* Feel welcomed into the
private home of gracious New Delhians for
cocktails and conversation, followed by a traditional home-cooked dinner served thali
style (on a large silver platter holding smaller bowls filled with delicious Indian
foods). This special evening offers a golden opportunity to gain insight into modern
Indian culture.
* Pass the Red Fort,
testament to the power of the Mughal emperors.
* Wander through the wonderful maze that is the
300-year-old Chandni Chowk, a medieval, covered bazaar crammed with shops selling an
extraordinary variety of items and food including silver, saris, incense and ittar (a
perfume made of sandalwood, rose and musk).
* Climb the tower of
the city’s noblest mosque, Jama Masjid, and get a great view over Old and New
Delhi– it’s worth it!
* Pay your respects at
Raj Ghat, a simple, black-marble memorial to Mahatma Gandhi that marks the cremation site
of this beloved leader.
*
Drive through the India Gate which bears
the names of 85,000 soldiers sacrificed on the altar of the Empire in World War I.
* Be able to schedule an optional round of golf at one
of Delhi’s popular courses.
Varanasi: The spiritual heart of India is revealed in Varanasi,
believed by many to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and one of India’s
most sacred. The visit to the old city,
crowded with temples and its labyrinth of streets with their throngs of people, is
exciting and enticing. It is a city that cannot adequately be described, only experienced.
The Taj Ganges
(1 Night)
The highly efficient, courteous staff will make your
stay in Varanasi most pleasurable. Ideally situated and surrounded by beautifully
landscaped grounds, the Western-style Taj Ganges is a calm oasis and a welcome break from
the hectic atmosphere of this bustling temple town. The strains of live Indian music
wafting through the air add a very soothing touch.
In and around Varanasi you will:
* Board a boat on the Ganges
which takes us mid stream to witness the “aarti” ceremony – the evening
service performed by a priest on the banks of the river. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat
of drums and bells, the chanting of priests, and the fragrance of flowers and incense, the
ceremony is mesmerizing, ending with the release of hundreds of lamps into the waters.
* Tour the Ganges in a
country boat at sunrise to witness early morning life in Varanasi. Pilgrims, yogis and
mystics flock to the ghats to cleanse themselves of their sins in India’s holiest
river, practice yoga, meditate, or to complete mundane earthly chores such as washing
clothes and vessels.
* Walk the path Buddha
took while meditating and visit Sarnath where, in 500 BC, Buddha (take out the word
‘the’) gave his first sermon.
Khajuraho: The
spectacular medieval period in Indian art is exemplified best in Khajuraho, known as the
City of the Gods, where the artistry of its temple carvings and sculptures celebrate,
often erotically, the joys of daily life in India 1,000 years ago. No trip to India would
be complete without a visit to this must-see marvel!
Taj Chandela Hotel (1 Night)
Tucked snugly amidst 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Taj Chandela, a haven
of peace and tranquility, offers an array of modern comforts.
In and around Khajuraho you will:
* Be transfixed by the outstanding temple complex and
its profusion of remarkable sculptures, unique in that they show great sensitivity and
warmth displaying one aspect of Hinduism - a genuine love of life. Particularly well-known
are the intricately carved erotic sculptures.
* Trace the important events in the life of Buddha through decorative wall
paintings at the Buddhist Temple.
* Be enthralleded by
the magic of an excellent Sound & Light show at the Western Temple complex.
Agra: The city of Agra, the
quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the
embodiment of royal grace. To the lover of art and to the traveler seeing the wonders of India,
Agra is the sublime destination.
Oberoi
Amarvilas Hotel (2 Nights)
Straight out of an Indian fairytale, The Oberoi
Amarvilás - Sanskrit for ‘Eternal Haven’ - is set among lush and serene
Mughal-inspired pools and terraced gardens. Ancient and traditional Persian and Moorish
influences combine with the very best in modern Indian interior design. Sixty-four
fountains, filigreed stone bridges and pillars greet you as you cross the torch-lit
forecourt of the ceremonial entrance pavilion of what appears to be a Mughal palace
straight out of the Arabian Nights. Rest assured that, if you wish, you will never lose
sight of the most beautiful building in the world – from your guestroom, you’ll
enjoy uninterrupted breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal.
In and around Agra you will:
* Gaze awestruck before the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven
Wonders of the World, “a tear on the face of eternity,” and an enduring monument
to love. Nothing can adequately prepare you for your first glimpse of the architectural
icon revered for 3 ˝ centuries as the most beautiful
building in the world.
* Listen to an expert
who will tell about the enormous restoration efforts being carried out to protect the Taj
Mahal from pollution and aging.
* Rise early to visit
the Taj Mahal at sunrise (or, if you can’t drag yourself away from your plush
surroundings, then gaze upon the Taj from your balcony).
*Visit an impressive
private collection of antique jewelry.
* Enter the massive
sandstone Agra Fort, a veritable city within a city, containing the Pearl Mosque, which
many consider to be the most beautiful mosque in India. Here Shah Jahan was eventually
imprisoned, and spent his time gazing from afar at the monument to his lost love.
You’ll get a magical glimpse of the Taj Mahal from this spot.
Jaipur (The Pink City):
We will explore the colorful
city of Jaipur, a photographer’s paradise with some of the most vibrant bazaars in Asia.
Jaipur is a mecca for precious stones and hand-dyed and embroidered textiles. Naturally,
we’ve allowed time to take advantage of the wonderful shopping indigenous to this
fascinating city.
The Oberoi Rajvilas
(3 Nights) – Ranked #3 of the “Best Hotels in the World” by Travel
& Leisure 2005
This supremely lavish resort recreates the architecture of a traditional Rajasthan city,
complete with red sandstone fort, torch-lit ramparts, and “Haveli” mansion. At the Oberoi Rajvilas you’ll relive the
gracious lifestyle of India’s legendary Princes in incomparably elegant surroundings,
and yet enjoy all the modern comforts of the 21st century and the very best of
Western, Ayurvedic and Oriental therapies in the fabulous spa. Superb attention to detail,
warm, effortless service, the beauty of harmonious spaces and exquisite buildings all
combine to produce a tranquil and unforgettable experience. You are sure to find something
magical about Rajvilas.
In and around Jaipur you will:
* Behold an imperial 16th-century capital
frozen in time at Fatehpur Sikri.
* Climb atop elephants
to reach the great fortified Amber Palace to see its intricate mosaics, marble, and glittering
chamber of mirrors.
* Hear about the art of
miniature painting as well as the making of the famous Jaipur blue pottery from a renowned
artist who has been honored with the prestigious President’s Award.
* Explore the City Palace, a series of open courtyards, simple stables and
buildings leading to the opulently decorated royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal.
* Ponder the universe
at the
fascinating Jantar Mantar, the open-air
royal observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II whose passion for astronomy reveals
sculptures that function as astronomical instruments.
* Watch the world go by
at the Palace
of the Winds, the 5-story, salmon-pink
“palace of winds,” adorned with delicately carved niches and balconies as well
as filigree windows through which ladies of the royal harem
watched the activities of the city from a position of privacy.
* Meet the Maharajah of Jaipur and dine on a fabulous Lalique
table, surrounded by priceless art at the City Palace in the private quarters of the royal
family.
Manvar – The Great Thar
Desert
* Take off on a Camel Safari:
There is
only one way to appreciate the vast swath of golden sand of the
Great Thar Desert, - hitch a ride on the nearest camel ( or ‘camel cart’) for
one of the most fascinating adventures of your life. While meandering through the arid
landscape, you will come face to face with the rich heritage, culture and the colorful
lifestyles of the state of Rajasthan. You will explore how this fascinating part of the
world survives and why the camel is called the "ship of the desert" and has a
pride of place in the arid zones of the earth. During
the day, we pass through tiny villages (at each one, a gaggle of children follow us
laughing and women peer at us from behind impromptu veils made by holding their red saris
over their faces), farms, homes of crafts people, and even witness an “opium
ceremony.”
Private Deluxe Tented Camp in the Desert (1 Night)
At
night, we sleep amid the rolling sand dunes in a deluxe tented campsite (individual tents,
each with private bath) where we can enjoy dinner
and a dance performance under the canopy of stars that arches over us in all directions.
Have your camera ready – the ripples of these wind-shaped dunes create fantastic
mirages, and the sunrise in the desert is as glorious as the sunset.
Jodhpur – Ranakpur
Umaid Bhavan Palace (1 Night)
The only palace built in the 20th century has been
converted into a hotel that retains the ambiance of a traditional royal residence, be it
one of the largest and grandest private homes in the world. The sculpted lawns with
sandstone pavements and bouquets of bougainvillea bushes only begin to describe your luxurious surroundings.
In and around Jodhpur you will:
* Marvel at the exquisite beauty, the grandiose scale,
and the elaborate ornamentation of the white marble Jain temples of Ranakpur.
* Lunch at Fatehbagh, a 200-year-old palace, moved
stone by stone and reconstructed like a giant crossword puzzle, faithfully preserving the
richness of Rajput architecture for 21st century guests.
* Feel like a maharaja as you dine on some of the finest
Rajasthani cuisine on the ramparts of the majestic Meherangarh Fort; absorb all the
romance, color and pageantry of marvelous Rajasthani dancers; and, for a grand finale,
delight in a spectacular fireworks display.
Udaipur Nestled
on the edge of serene Lake Pichola, Udaipur has been dubbed “the Venice of the
East.” In the lakes or by their edges are
palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. For this very
reason, the home of the Mewar rulers became James Bond’s choice in
“Octopussy.”
The Oberoi
Udaivilas (2 Nights)
A pristine version of an original Mewari moated palace, sumptuous Udaivilas
incorporates every conceivable modern comfort. Visual treats include open-air colonnades
flanked by 450 hand-carved stone columns; domes covered in gold leaf; hand-painted murals,
arches and fountains; landscaped terraces and acres of white marble; and decorative pool
of giant marble lotus flowers, and a superb Banyan Tree Spa. Grand, majestic, in a setting
of unrivalled splendor, this hotel is in a class all its own.
In and around Udaipur you
will:
* Absorb the beauty of the
detailed workmanship in the City Palace (Shiv Niwas Palace), still occupied by the
Maharana and his family.
* Be impressed by the
gorgeous, one-of-a-kind creations in the awesome Crystal Gallery. Items include crystal
chairs, tables and even beds!
* Bargain with the best
of them at the old city markets for “batik” wall hangings, silver jewelry, and
semi-precious stones unique to the area.
* Choose to pamper
yourself at the incredible Oberoi
Banyan Tree Spa. The extensive range of non-clinical therapies is designed to treat the
whole body, mind and soul. In this haven of peace and relaxation, guests can unwind and
feel rejuvenated from the inside out. Imagine
yourself in a bath of roses. Be wrapped in tomato, scrubbed in oatmeal. Submit to an
Ayurvedic, Marma or Shirodhara massage. Then emerge from every beauty treatment a fresher
version of your former self.
Our incomparable itinerary (take
out 17-day) takes you through 5,000 years of spectacular history complemented by
extraordinary experiences. Take this ‘Irresistible’ journey of discovery
with us and fall under India’s magic spell!
Cost: Land Portion Only- $9875.00 per person, based on double occupancy;
single supplement is $2455.00
$1500.00 per
person deposit is required.
PLEASE NOTE: The Air Portion is
currently being negotiated.
Contact the Diversions office, 410-486-3604, for details. As
space is limited, if you wish to be included in "Irresistible
India," your deposit is required now.
INCLUSIONS
.:. All airport/hotel transfers throughout the trip when
with the group
.:. Thirteen nights accommodations in hotels as
specified in description
.:. One night in a private Deluxe Tented Camp
.:. Fourteen full American buffet breakfasts; Fourteen
lunches; Fourteen dinners
.:. Services of a bilingual Tour Director and Local Tour
Guides
.:. All internal flights and land transportation (as
specified in description)
.:. All guided visits, sightseeing and entrance fees as
specified in the description
.:. All baggage handling; local and airport taxes; and
gratuities throughout the trip
NOT INCLUDED
*The processing of Indian entry visas will be
at an additional cost of approximately $155.00 per person
CALL : 410-486-3604 ; FAX:
410-486-4159;
or E-MAIL : trips@diversionsinc.com
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