Enchanting North India
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ENCHANTING NORTH INDIA Forts, Palaces and Rural Villages Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan are an intoxicating mix that will inspire the imagination and make for a truly memorable adventure. India’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’ is the jewel in India’s crown and an extraordinary way to open your senses to an ancient land of many cultures. Enchanting India is the ideal itinerary for first timers to explore the classic attractions of India. Enjoy the energy and history of India’s capital city, marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal, and experience the colour and pageantry of royal Rajasthan. Forts, palaces and bustling bazaars mix with quiet moments of rural life in a timeless landscape. Enchanting North India | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Delhi Old Delhi by rickshaw, minarets, and historic sites 03-04 Agra The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort 05-06 Jaipur Lavish palaces and bustling bazaars 07 Bhainsrogarh Experience princely heritage 08-09 Udaipur Rajput palaces, lakes, and quiet lanes 10-11 Narlai Village life and temple trek 12-13 Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort, Blue City heritage walk 14 Jodhpur Departure www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01-02 Getting into India New Delhi You are welcomed at the airport on arrival and escorted to your hotel. The next day get a taste of the tremendous vitality and diversity of the capital. Travel the winding streets of Old Delhi by rickshaw and visit India’s largest mosque. See the famous Qutab Minar, the magnificent monument built by conquering Mughal leaders, now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Gandhi Museum showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the acts of devotion at the Sikh Temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 4 Day 03-04 The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort Agra On Day 3, marvel at the Bahai’ Lotus Temple in South Delhi then head out to Agra by private car. Explore Emperor Abkar’s Agra Fort, a grand monument with colossal double walls rising over 60 feet. Inside, explore the splendid mosques and palaces of red sandstone and white marble. Marvel at your first sunset view of the Tam Mahal from the Mehtab Bagh garden complex across the river. In the early morning of Day 3, take in the mesmerizing views of the Taj Mahal at sunrise – the marble monument to love reflecting rose and gold tints. Enjoy a heritage walk in Agra’s back lanes to see traditional artisans at work. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 5 Day 05-06 City of arts & architecture Jaipur On the drive to Jaipur on Day 5, see the abandoned World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, a peaceful 16th C walled city filled with courts and palaces and the spectacular Abhaneri Step Well with 11 levels of zigzagging steps to the water-filled basin; a 10thC engineering and geometric wonder. Spend all of Day 6 in the pink city, visit the magnificent Amber Fort with its exquisite decorations, see the elegant Rajput City Palace, visit a block print textile studio, and dive into the colourful bazaars. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 6 Day 07 Royal vibes, Rajasthani Style Bhainsrogarh Head into rural Rajasthan toward Bundi to visit the crumbling but deeply evocative Garh palace complex and the town’s famed stepwells, a geometric marvel. The fascinating old town is a labyrinth of laneways and colourful blue-washed buildings. Stop at the 10thC Badoli Temples to see the exquisitely carved stonework. Enjoy a stay at one of India’s very best heritage hotels, a romantic rambling palace with a spectacular view. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 7 Day 08-09 City of Lakes Udaipur Continue by road to the lovely lakeside city of Udaipur. Take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola for first views of the glistening white palace. On Day 9 visit the interior of the magnificent City Palace, a massive complex of buildings overlooking the lakes, explore the picturesque lanes of lined with colourful palaces and delve into the bustling bazaars. Udaipur has a quieter vibe, lending itself perfectly to independent exploration. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 8 Day 10-11 Village Life Narlai Continue by road on Day 10, stopping to marvel at the 1444 carved marble pillars at the Ranakpur Jain Temple set in the forest. Relax in a restored royal hunting lodge tucked away in the scenic Aravali hills. When you arrive, take a walk in the village. On Day 11, explore the tranquil countryside and feel the authentic rural Rajasthan. Feeling energetic? climb to the top of Elephant hill and see the cave temple. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 9 Day 12-13 Deep Blue Jodhpur Day 12 starts with a colourful drive through Rajasthani villages – there’s always lots to look at on the road from decorated vehicles to meandering cows. In Jodhpur, take an evening walk with a heritage guide in the seductive old city. On Day 13, marvel at the towering Meherangarh Fort, the inspiration for Kipling’s The Jungle Book, dive into the Sadar Market for fabrics, bangles, spices, and crafts, and stroll the peaceful Mandore Gardens with its abandoned temples and rock terraces. Meals: Breakfast Day 14 International Departure Or Extend your Trip to visit Varanasi www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 10 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 11 nights • Breakfast daily • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle • All activities with your private guide as per itinerary • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • India Visa • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 11 ACCOMMODATION City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate Delhi 2 N Leela Delhi Trident Taj Mahal Agra 2 N Amar Vilas ITC Mughal Trident / Taj convention Jaipur 2 N Oberoi Raj Vilas Jai Mahal Palace Rajputana / Trident Bhainsrogarh 1 N Bhainsrogarh Fort Bhainsrogarh Fort Bhainsrogarh Fort Udaipur 2 N Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Rohit House Ajit Bhawan Narlai 2 N Rawla Narlai Rawla Narlai Rawla Narlai Jodhpur 2 N The Leela Devi Garh Trident / Fateh Garh www.alaya-travels.com Enchanting North India | 12.