Magnificent India - a Spiritual, Cultural and Historic Journey
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Yoga Madre International Magnificent India - A spiritual, cultural and historic journey. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP • Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges in the oldest holy city • Mesmerizing evening aarti (prayers) on the riverbank • Ancient temples and shrines, including Sarnath • Magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise and tour of old Agra • Elephants and camels at a wilderness camp • Arrival by elephant into Amber Fort in Jaipur • Train journey through stunning rural countryside • Sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola in Udaipur • Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi. February 17 – • Cooking classes and learning about masala spices • Wellness treatments drawing on India’s healing heritage March 2, 2019 • Art and artisans, silks and saris • Unique and luxurious accommodations • Yoga and meditation ITINERARY February 17 – March 2, 2019 Day 1, Delhi/Varanasi: Arrive at Delhi airport and either stay in transit or transfer to a hotel near the airport (depending February 17 on time of arrival). Flight to Varanasi. Varanasi: met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Evening: welcome dinner. Overnight BrijRama Palace Hotel (5-star) Day 2, Varanasi: Greet the rising sun from a boat on the Ganges. Afternoon: Temples and visit to Sarnath, where February 18 Buddha preached his first lessons on Nirvana. Evening: Mesmerizing drumming and chants at the Aarti (prayers) on riverbank. Overnight BrijRama Palace Hotel. Day 3, Varanasi/ Delhi/ Agra: Morning: Flight to Delhi. Afternoon: Packed lunch. Bus to Agra. Evening at leisure. February 19 Overnight at Taj Gateways, Agra (5-star) Day 4, Agra: Full day sightseeing. Taj Mahal at sunrise. Walking/rickshaw tour of old Agra ending at Mehtab Bagh for a February 20 sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river. Overnight at Taj Gateways, Agra. Day 5, Agra/Jaipur: Morning: Short drive to Fatehpur Sikri (1 hour) for sightseeing of Akbar’s Deserted Fort. Continue February 21 drive to Jaipur (3- 4 hours), a stop to see the stairwell, Chand Baori at Abhaneri. Rest of day at leisure in Jaipur. Overnight at Taj Jai Mahal Palace (5-star) Day 6, Jaipur: Morning sightseeing of Jaipur including visit to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa February 22 Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the markets in the old city. Late afternoon cooking class with local chef followed by dinner. Overnight at Jai Mahal Palace. Day 7, Jaipur: Morning sightseeing. Visit Amber Palace arriving by elephant. Afternoon: Dera Amer Wilderness Camp February 23 commune with elephants and camels. Return to Jaipur; time available for further exploration and market visit. Overnight at Taj Jai Mahal Palace Day 8, Jaipur/Deogarh: Depart Jaipur and drive towards Udaipur stopping at the small town of Deogarh (4-5 hour drive). February 24 Rest of afternoon to explore the small town on foot. Overnight at Deogarh Mahal (5-star) Day 9, Deogarh: Day exploring in and around Deogarh. A train trip on the single gauge railway with the route taking you February 25 through some stunning rural countryside. An evening jeep ride into the country can be included. Overnight at Deogarh Mahal Day 10, Deogarh/Udaipur: Depart Deogarh and drive to Udaipur (approximately 3 hours). A visit to the Kumbalgarh Fort February 26 on route. Overnight at Fateh Garh (5-star) Day 11, Udaipur: Day sightseeing in and around Udaipur, including a visit to the City Palace Museum and Jagdish February 27 Temple, Sahelyon ki Bari gardens. Cooking class at Devra with lunch. Boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset. Overnight at Fateh Garh Day 12, Udaipur/Delhi: Time in Udaipur prior to transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Met on arrival in Delhi. February 28 Overnight at The Claridges Day 13, Delhi: Full day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi to include a drive around Lutyen’s Delhi and India Gate, a visit to March 1 the Qutb Minar and a trip around the narrow lanes and streets of Old Delhi, which are best explored by bicycle Yoga Madre International 2 16 W Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre CA, Tel: 626-355-2010 Email: [email protected] • www.yogamadre.com rickshaw. Farewell dinner. Overnight at The Claridges. Day 14, Delhi Departure: Transfer from hotel to the airport for international departure flights. March 2 Registration information • Early bird registration closes September 1, 2018: $4,389 (cash or check price); $4,589 (credit card price). • Regular registration closes November 15, 2018: $4,689 (cash or check price); $4,889 (credit card price) Based on availability. • Late registration may be possible based on availability. • Rates are per person based on 14 days of shared accommodations (up to 2 people per room); single accommodations available at an additional cost and based on availability. Let us know soon. Rooms are in high demand. • Payment plans are possible, call to discuss. • Deposit of $1,250 holds your spot (due as soon as possible). For more information or to make a balance payment: Call: 626-355-2010 Email: [email protected] Ways to register: • To find registration links go to www.yogamadre.com/pilgrimage-india-2019 • To make your deposit or pay by credit card follow the link on our website. • To make your deposit or pay by check give us a call or email. Rate Includes: Rate Excludes: • All arrangements, transfers, domestic flights and • Accommodation in Delhi if you fly in early but we will be transport as per itinerary happy to help arrange. • 5-star accommodations • International flights • Breakfast, lunch and some dinners • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, • Yoga laundry, other personal expenses • Services of accompanying English speaking guide • Gratuities, insurance, visa fees, camera fees • Monument entry fees as per the itinerary • Extra costs incurred due to change of itinerary due to • Boat ride in Varanasi & Udaipur circumstances beyond our control • Elephant arrival at Amber Fort • Any services not mentioned in the itinerary • Elephant interaction/camel rides at Dera Amer • Cooking classes in Jaipur and Udaipur • Train journey from Deogarh • Local government tax (subject to change) Yoga Madre International 3 16 W Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre CA, Tel: 626-355-2010 Email: [email protected] • www.yogamadre.com Accommodation Details: unique, luxurious heritage properties Brijrama Palace, Varanasi – A converted 18h century royal palace is the most unique place to stay in Varanasi. Situated on the ghats and reached by boat it enables you a bird’s eye view of all the fascinating activities on the riverfront, whilst ensuring a comfortable stay. www.brijrama.com The Taj Gateways, Agra - Centrally located beautiful hotel. The Taj View rooms have a distant view of the Taj Mahal. https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en- in/fatehabad-road-agra/ Mahal Palace Hotel –– part of the Taj Hotel group this heritage property is a luxurious 5 star hotel with large and lush grounds. The Jiva Spa is a great oasis to experience treatments drawing on the rich and ancient wellness heritage of India. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en- in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/ Fateh Garh – is situated a little out of the town; on top of a hill it has stunning views of the Lake and Palaces as well as the surrounding countryside. Beautifully built property, which I feel is rather special in its design. Being out of the city & surrounded by farmland is a wonderful option for those looking for a bit of peace and greenery! www.fatehgarh.in Deogarh Mahal - An old favorite – the Mahal is a family run old palace with a variety of rooms and plenty of secret passages. www.deogarhmahal.com The Claridges Hotel-– a relatively small, boutique property with a great central location, swimming pool and choice of restaurants. www.claridges.com Yoga Madre International 4 16 W Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre CA, Tel: 626-355-2010 Email: [email protected] • www.yogamadre.com .