Explore Northern India With Photographer Frances Litman October 20 to November 3 2014

India is a country that stimulates the senses with its unique smells of incense, cacophony of extraordinary sounds, succulent cuisine and visual wealth of ancient architecture. There is a no more riveting travel destination on Earth! Join Frances as she travels through Northern India to experience the vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, royal cities, colourful people, delectable cuisine, rich cultures and spellbinding festivities. You will experience the incredible sights of the camel fair and the diverse wildlife of Ranthambore National Tiger Preserve, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas! Experience this incredible destination through the eyes of a Master Photogapher.

Your package includes:  Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary  Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary by private air conditioned motor coach  Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in itinerary  Cooking demonstration at Nita Mehta Cooking School  2 Jeep safaris at Ranthambore National Park  Elephant ride at Amber Fort  Boat ride on Pichola

Price per person land only US $3,599 based on two sharing and minimum of 10 passengers. Limited to a maximum of 12) Not included: Entrance visa, domestic flights (currently US $499 Subject to increase as we get closer to departure), personal expenses, international airfare and taxes, meals not specified, tipping. Single supplement US $999 Private transfers are available at an additional cost for those not arriving at the same time as the group. Hold your space with a US $600 non-refundable deposit.

To book contact your Travel Advisor or call: (250)480-0008 or Toll free: 866-544-0008 Email: [email protected] 1197 Palmer Rd Victoria BC V8P-2H5 BC Reg. 63139 www.nichetravel.ca

*Frances is a Master photographer (MPA) with 20 years of experience, an accredited international photography judge, speaker, Laughter Yoga instructor and former newspaper journalist. Her unbridled enthusiasm, love for people, photography and art guarantees an uplifting and educational experience for all.

Day 1 TUE 21 Oct 14 Arrive Dehli (B,L,D) Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clasped together. After immigration and customs we are transferred to our hotel. Morning is free for rest. (Note: This is based on flight arriving at 01:15 am) Later today we start our tour of New Delhi. We visit the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and the Birla House - The Former Residence of . We visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament. Later we take a quick tour of Old Delhi by Rickshaw ride, drive past the Red Fort and Mosque. We enjoy our welcome dinner at Chor Bizarre Restaurant.

Day 2 WED 22 Oct 14 Dehli (B,L,D) Today we visit the Nita Mehta cooking school for a cooking demonstration and lunch with amazing Indian dishes. Nita is India’s most celebrated cookbook author, who not only founded the largest publishing house of Cookbooks in India but is also the force behind a successful chain of Cooking Academies. She has authored more than 300 books and her book "Flavours of INDIAN COOKING" won the Best Asian Cookbook Award at the Versailles (Paris) World Cookbook Fair.

After the cooking demonstration we will visit some of the interesting stores and shopping districts of Delhi.

Day 3 THU 23 Oct 14 Dehli – Varanasi (B,L,D) Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we leave for Sarnath the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers.

This evening we go to the banks of the Ganges after sunset to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout . Thousands of Hindus and tourists flock to the , particularly in the pilgrimage town of Varanasi.

Today is the Hindu Diwali festival so we will enjoy Satvik Thali dinner at Varuna Restaurant.

Day 4: FRI 24 Oct 14 Varanasi: (B,L,D) Early this morning we experience a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrims and priests fill the riverbanks for a holy dip and various other rituals. This is an incredible experience which is completely different from anything else you may have seen anywhere in the world.

Later we explore Varanasi which is famous for its many temples. We begin with the Bharat Mata Temple which houses a big relief map of India made from marble along with other temples including the Mosque of Mughal Emperor, . The city is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where these authenic silk sarees are still being weaved.

Tonight we will have palm reading with a local Astrologer/ palm reader who will suggest the best gem stones for you based the reading. We can find these in as Jaipur is famous for Gems and Jewels and is India's finest center for stone cutting and polishing.

Day 5: SAT 25 Oct 14 Varanasi-Agra: (B,L,D) Today we fly to Agra. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, in the later years of his life, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortune. In the evening we enjoy Dinner at Only Restaurant.

Day 6: SUN 26 Oct 14 Agra: (B,L,D) At sunrise we visit one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, often called Baby Taj. A highly ornate edifice, this mausoleum is considered as the imminent precursor to the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. We next visit some of the local factories famous for inlay work on marble and witness the complex art of inlaying precious and semi-precious stones on the world famous Marble.

Day 7: MON 27 Oct 14 Agra– Ranthambore (B,L,D) A short drive gets us to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty.

From here we drive to Bharatpur and enjoy lunch at Laxmi Niwas Palace. After lunch we drive to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern . Two rivers flow through the Ranthambore National Park - the in the South and the in the North. Six man-made and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. On arrival in Ranthambore, we check into our Hotel and the rest of the day is free.

Day 8: TUE 28 Oct 14 Ranthambore: (B,L,D) Early morning we take a jeep safari through the National Park. On our journey we will see various indigenous animals such as: Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and hopefully Tiger! Other habitants of the Park include the Muntjac, Jungle Cat, Ratel, Hyena, Porcupine, the Rhesus Macaque and the black-faced Langur. About 150 species of birds are also found here. Ranthambore is famous for the spectacular Royal Bengal Tigers and spotting the big cat in her natural habitat is a great experience. We will take a second jeep safari through the park in afternoon.

Day 9: WED 29 Oct 14 Ranthambore–Jaipur: (B,L,D) In the morning after breakfast we drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan. On arrival we check into our hotel. Overnight: Ramada (2 Nights)

Day 10: THU 30 Oct 14 Jaipur: (B,L,D) Early this morning we visit the flower market. This is an amazing sight! We then have an elephant ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we visit the famous Anokhi Museum for its textiles. We return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colorful bazaar. We see the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. We visit some of the centers where we see how gems are cut and polished. The remainder of the day is free for shopping and other personal activities. In the evening we have dinner at the Diggi Palace and enjoy a Cultural Dance performance.

Day 11: FRI 31 Oct 14 Jaipur – Pushkar (B,L,D) After breakfast, we leave for a countryside drive to Pushkar. A small bewitching town in the state of Rajasthan, Pushkar is like a beautiful mirage on the edge of the desert, with temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk colored buildings clustering around its holy lake, which is said to have appeared when dropped a lotus flower. It's an important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of (Spiritual men). In the afternoon we take a city tour of Pushkar and see the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Later we enjoy . The annual fair in Pushkar is serious business for villagers who spend days travelling across the desert to Pushkar hoping to turn camels into much needed cash. The Pushkar Lake is holy to the Hindus and religious ceremonies are performed simultaneously as camels are being traded. The night at the fairground takes on a Carnival atmosphere. The Ferris wheel attracts line ups of giggling Rajput women in their richly coloured saris and sparkling bangles that stretch from wrist to shoulder. Roadside vendors sell pots, pans, bangles, saris, belts and other items. Campfires dot the dark desert like bright stars as the evening meal is prepared. We experience Henna tattoo application on our hands done by a local woman. Overnight: Royal Safari Camp - Pushkar (1 Night)

Day 12: SAT 01 Nov 14 Pushkar / Deogarh: (B,L,D) This morning is free to enjoy the Pushkar fair & explore the fair ground. For those who wish, the best way to view the fair is by camel. After lunch we drive to Deogarh. On arrival we check in at a 17th century Castle. The Deogarh Mahal stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its graying battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight. The rest of the day is free. Overnight: Deogarh Mahal (1 Night)

Day 13: SUN 02 Nov 14 Deogarh –Udaipur (B,L,D) After breakfast we drive to Udaipur and check in our hotel. Later in the afternoon we enjoy beautiful boat ride on Lake Pichhola and visit Jag Mandir palace which is a marvel built in red sandstone with a marble dome. It was a refuge for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor . In the evening we enjoy dinner at Raj Bagh restaurant. Overnight: Ramada Resort (2 Nights)

Day 14: MON 03 Nov 14 Udaipur (B,L,D) This morning we start our tour with Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of Maids. Next we visit , Jagdish Temple and the City Palace. The palace has several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. From City Palace we can see the most memorable part of Udaipur lake palace, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola. This afternoon is free for personal activities.

Day 15: TUE 04 Nov 14 Udaipur-Delhi-Home (B,L,D) Udaipur- Delhi flight AI 472, Departure: 16:05 Hrs, Arrival: 17:25 Hrs Morning at leisure. Lunch at Hotel. This afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. In Delhi we enjoy our farewell dinner. After a memorable journey through incredible India, we are transferred to the airport for our departure home.