Palaces, Forts, Taj Mahal and the Colour Festival of Holi – All that makes India so Memorable 

Staying in the Best World Class Hotels

The very land is steeped in spirituality, where many ancient practices were developed and perfected over 5,000 years ago. Simply walking the land can leave a profound and lasting imprint on your soul. To transform your life requires a journey which will change the way you view yourself and the world. This tour maintains all the comforts of home with the profound experience of India, allowing you to absorb the area’s rich spiritual traditions while enjoying safe food, excellent lodging and the guidance of experienced staff.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Visit New Delhi, Taj Mahal at dawn in Agra
• Forts and Palaces of Jaipur
• Erotic statues of Khajuraho,
• Play the colour festival of Holi
• Spanish and English speaking Guides
• 4,000 year old city of Varanasi
• Participation in Hindu and Sikh rituals

India is geographically the size of Europe. There are 17 different languages with their own scripts. As a visit to France is not representative of visiting all of Europe, equally North India is vastly different in all respects to South India. The BBC has listed the Golden Temple and Taj Mahal as two of the top ten sites to visit in the world. Your fee includes breakfast daily, comfortable lodging, sacred ceremonies and English-speaking guides throughout the trip. Besides visiting the great religious and cultural sites, and walking in the footsteps of the Masters, our tour also provides time to shop for museum quality pieces to bazaars, and partake in local customs and ceremonies.

Adrianna Castelazo will lead the tour in Spanish and Deepak Singh will lead it in English.  Adrianna has been coming to India since the 1990s and has visited India more than fifty times.  She knows more about India than many native Indians!

Feb 28:     Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi this evening (or early morning March 1).  Overnight:  Delhi.

We welcome you in the capital city of India, for a journey across the fascinating history-markers of medieval north India. Wars were fought and rulers changed in Delhi but ordinary lives were lived in relative continuity. Glimpses of these can be seen even today as the character of the city underwent massive changes in the last decades. In the land to have been seven capital cities, signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting an ever-fascinating panorama. We welcome you to its chaos and stability, into its steadfastness and its impatience and into a delightful rainbow of amalgamation, producing a world completely its own. Spiritual Journeys representative will meet you as you exit customs and immigration at Delhi airport and transfer you to your airport hotel

Mar 1:  Delhi

Spend the day on a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Overnight:  Delhi.

We will visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India with a capacity of 20,000 people, situated a quarter of a mile from the Red Fort, designed as Emperor Shahjahan’s principal mosque. Construction lasted six years, ending in 1644. The structure was placed on a high platform so that it’s magnificent facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It’s an austere yet beautiful building in red sandstone with white marble being used extensively. The pulpit is one of its best features, being carved out of a single block of marble. The Emperor used to arrive here every Friday and on Id. Spend a little time at Rajghat where Gandhi was cremated. While there are many noteworthy Gurudwaras (places of worship for the Sikhs), we will visit the lovely Gurudwara Bangla Sahib where Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru went to Delhi and stayed as the honored guest of Raja Jai Singh.

March 2: Delhi – Jaipur (by road)
Spend the morning sightseeing South Delhi then drive to Jaipur (5 hrs). Overnight: Jaipur.

Visit Emperor Humayun’s Tomb built by Haji Begum, the widow of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun nine years after his death and took eight years to complete. It is designed by the Persian architect Misak Mirza Ghiyaz. Octagonal in shape, raised on a plinth, with double domes, high arches, laid in the centre of a large walled enclosure, the monument is an imposing structure.  The Qutub Minar – Delhi’s landmark, 73 mtr. Tall victory tower was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler in 1193 but could finish only the 1st storey of sand stones. Iltutmish succeeding him added 2nd & 3rd floor in sand stone and later in 1368 Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed 4th& 5th storey in both sand stone and marble. Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD.

Mar 3:  Jaipur

Today is Holi. Spend the morning playing Holi and afternoon on your own, at leisure. Overnight: Jaipur.

Mar 4:  Jaipur

Spend the day sightseeing.  Overnight:  Jaipur.

Compare the city of Old Delhi with the city of Jaipur, a city unique amongst its medieval contemporaries. The streets, palaces, temples, residences, shopping place are all in accordance to the ancient Hindu rules of Vastu Shastra. The pink wash was added in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert. Perched atop the hill looking down majestically is the Amber fort. We ride up into the palace astride elephants just like the Maharajas of yore. The plain and time worn exteriors belie the exquisite detail with which the interiors were crafted with a gentle breeze which cools the interiors.  In the famed Sheesh Mahal look up and be prepared to feel a surge of color as the optical effect makes you a part of this royal past.  In the city, drive past Hawa Mahal, where again notice the jails. The Maharaja’s City Palace, much of which has been converted into a museum covers almost one-seventh area of the city in a fortified unit. Here the Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Become one with the planetary bodies at Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world.  Jaipur is also an interesting place for those interested in jewellery, clothes, carpets and other handicrafts items. The city is a veritable paradise for those seeking souvenirs of the craftsmanship of Rajasthan.

Mar 5:  Jaipur

Spend the day sightseeing.  Overnight:  Jaipur.

Light day of sightseeing, shopping at local markets and spending time at some of the shops offering museum quality pieces. Overnight: Jaipur.

We head to Amber Fort. Perched atop the hill looking down majestically is the Amber Fort, one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts. he plain and time worn exteriors belie the exquisite detail with which the interiors were crafted with a gentle breeze which cools the interiors. In the famed Sheesh Mahal look up and be prepared to feel a surge of color as the optical effect makes you a part of this royal past. Spend a few hours with elephants where they live, what they eat, and what they do.

Mar 6:   Jaipur then Agra

Drive to Agra through Fatehpur Sikri.  Overnight:  Agra.

From the romance of the deserts we move towards the monument of a man’s love for his beloved, the city which treasures a lover’s dream, Agra (6 hrs). On our way we stop at Fatehpur sikri. In its imposing red sandstone structure lies the city envisioned by Emperor Akbar only to be abandoned a mere fourteen years later due to water scarcity.

Mar 7:  Agra

Spend the day sightseeing.  Overnight:  Agra.

Before dawn, visit the spectacular Taj Mahal – the most extravagant monument ever built for love. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan built her this memorial over which 20,000 men laboured for 22 years to create a masterpiece in white marble inlaid with semi precious stones; the art is called pietra dura.  Stroll down the ornamental gardens laid out along the classical Mughal charbagh lines. This garden is separated by a long watercourse, which reflects the monument in perfect symmetry.  Return to your hotel for breakfast.  A short drive away is the Agra Fort where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The most impressive part of the Fort are the Dewan-eAm, Hall of Public Audience where the Emperor met officials and listened to petitioners, and the Dewan-e-Khas Hall of Private Audience where he received foreign dignitaries. The Peacock throne (now in Iran) was in this fort, before being moved to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Mar 8:  Agra – Khajuraho (by Train)

Depart early for your train to Khajuraho.  Overnight:  Khajuraho.

Early morning transfer to Agra train station Agra to board your train for Khajuraho (6 hrs).  On arrival spend rest of the day sightseeing and then check-in to your hotel.  Visit the Eastern & Western Group of Temples – the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Temple-dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of Goddess Kali.  This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form.  The sculptures that adorn the temples, carved in stone depicts gods, goddesses and amorous couples. The Eastern Group of Temples includes the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Although these are Jain temples, they also contain numerous Vaishnav deities.

Mar 9:   Khajuraho – Varanasi

Sightseeing in the morning, then transfer to airport for your flight to Varanasi.  Overnight:  Varanasi.

Upon arrival, immediately depart for Sarnath. There are four important places for Buddhism:  Lumbini (now Nepal) where he was born, Bodhgaya where he gained enlightenment, Sarnath where he gave his first public talk and Kushinager where he left his mortal body.  The main tourist attractions in Sarnath are the Stupas, excavated ruins of monasteries, Ashoka Pillar, Deer Park, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dhamekh Stupa, Bodhi tree, Moolgandha Kuti Vihara and Archaeology Museum (closed on Friday).

Mar 10:  Varanasi – Delhi

Day of sightseeing.  Overnight:  Delhi.

Go to the Holy River Ganga before dawn.  Experience Ganges cruise & watch activities on Ghats – The long string of bathing ghats are the principal attraction in Varanasi. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river and the best time to visit the ghats is at dawn, when pilgrims take their morning dip. There are over 100 ghats in all. The best way to see the activities on the ghats is to take a boat ride along the ghats. One can see the women bathing discreetly in their saris, the young men going through yoga exercises, the priests offering blessings. Look for the burning ghats where bodies are cremated. Manikarnika and Harishchandra are the main burning ghats. The lingams mark each ghat, for Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva.  Back to the hotel for breakfast and proceed to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival check in at the hotel & rest day at leisure.

Mar 11:  Delhi – Jodhpur (by air)

Fly to Jodhpur and spend day sightseeing of Jodhpur.  Overnight:  Jodhpur.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort – Situated at an altitude of 125 meters, Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is spread over an area of 5 sq km in the heart of the city. Besides being a landmark in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is a must visit for all the tourists. The Fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jaswant Thada – is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir. This place is a must visit in Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan – Made of marble and pink sandstone, the construction of the Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur started in 1929 and it took 16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.

March 12: Jodhpur

Enjoy your hotel together with a light and lazy day of sightseeing in Jodhpur. Overnight: Jodhpur.

Mar 13:     Jodhpur – Udaipur (via Ranakpur) (by road)

Leave early and drive to Udaipur (6 1/2 hrs) en route visiting Ranakpur.  Overnight:  Udaipur.

Ranakpur is famous for its Jain temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town is named after Rana Khumba the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Its surroundings are peaceful  and picturesque.  The temple has a grand structure and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the main temple and no two of them are similar. Thereafter commence drive to Udaipur.

Udaipur is a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is the modern face of Udaipur that one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction. Udaipur will hold you in its thrall no matter who you are or where you come from.  During your tour visit the City Palace built in 1725, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the “Tripolia” with eight marble porticos. The Maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. There after visit Shri Jagmandir Temple – built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers. Chanting, bells and music can be heard throughout the day. It is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur.

Mar 14:  Udaipur

A leisurely morning, then a boat cruise on Pichola Lake, 4-Km long and 3-Km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace Jag Niwas which is beautifully set in the lake.  Overnight:  Udaipur.

Mar 15:  Udaipur – Delhi (by air) then Departure

Depart by air for Delhi.  Stay in Delhi airport for your onward flight.  Overnight:  On flight.

* * *  End of Services offered by Spiritual Journeys, LLC  * * *

COSTS: US $ 12,655.00 per person 2-people sharing one twin share room or US$ 22,105.00 per person in a single room, with minimum of fifteen paying guests all arriving, traveling and departing together.

HOTELS ENVISAGED, or Similar:

COST INCLUDES: 

• Hotel accommodation as above on double/twin-sharing room,
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotels, and lunches at local restaurants,
• Domestic flights for sectors:  Khajuraho / Varanasi, Varanasi / Delhi, Delhi / Jodhpur and Udaipur / Delhi.
• Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges,
• Evening Aarti ceremony on Ganges Ghat,
• Rickshaw Ride in Varanasi,
• Spanish speaking accompanying guide for sightseeing in all places as per program,
• All applicable taxes including mandatory government service tax,
• Entrances fee for entry into monuments as per the itinerary,
• All transfers and sightseeing/excursion in an air-conditioned Volvo type bus (Delhi/Jaipur/Agra), and (Jodhpur/Udaipur).  We will use a deluxe A/C small buses in Varanasi and Khajuraho,
• The services of a SJI representative at all airport and hotel transfers,
• Chair Car train Agra to Khajuraho,

• One way Elephant failing jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur (Subject to availability of elephant), and,
• Boat Ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur (shared boat).

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Beverages, mineral water, alcohol, laundry, telephone calls; or other items of personal nature,
• Any tips and gratuities,
• Increases in Airfares or Government imposed taxes or entrance fees,
• Still camera or video camera fees at the various monuments and museums,
• Services not specifically stated in the itinerary,
• Personal or travel insurance, departure Taxes or Visa Handling Fees,
• Any changes you may choose to make during your tour,
• International Air,
• Any international air fare,

• Visa fee for India,
• Travel & health insurance,

• Airport taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change without notice. Any meals (other than breakfast), drinks, tips, expenses of personal nature, and,

• Anything not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” column.

THE TOUR IN GENERAL

• Total Number of Nights: 15 Nights.
• Any early check-in or late check-out will be charged additional as per the hotel policy.
• Standard Check-in at all the hotel is 1400 hour. Room requests before standard check-in time i.e. @ 1400 hour have to be pre-booked (One-night charge applicable).
• Standard Check-out at all the hotel is 1200 hour (noon). Room requests after standard check-out time i.e. @ 1200 hour (noon) have to be pre-booked (One-night charge applicable).
• All safety, hygiene & social distancing norms to be followed by our guests as per government guidelines.
• Hotel/Travel Company reserve all rights to change/modify tariff or package cost without prior notice during fair/festivals, national or international events, government meetings/conferences, any trade fair, marriages or main event. In case hotel tariff is affected by any unforeseen event then revised tariff will be applicable.
• The prices are subject to change in case of any variation of tax, currency and tariff structure.

Additional information:

E-mail: Deepak@SpiritualJourneys.net

Address: Spiritual Journeys, LLC, 262 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. USA

Call: Deepak at +1-508-358-4267