Best of India with Tracy Lewis

Overview

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Deadline for reservation: July 31, 2017

Day 1: Depart USA 

• Your exotic journey to India & Nepal begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2: Arrive Delhi

2 nights Shangri-La Eros Hotel, Delhi. 

• Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representatives and transfer to your hotel

Day 3: Old & New Delhi 

Breakfast & dinner. 

• Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
• Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque

Full Day Itinerary: After buffet breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi, a city truly full of fascinating contrasts, where by day, temples are packed with the devout, and by night, hotel discos are packed with the affluent. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. Popularly known as the Birla Temple for the noted industrialist family which built it, Laxmi Naryan Temple was one of the first major Hindu places of worship that allowed the lower caste Harijans (untouchables) inside after Mahatma Gandhi made entry of Harijans one of the conditions for inaugurating the temple. 

Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River. Drive past the Red Fort and continue by bicycle rickshaw to the Jama Masjid, site of an exquisite mosque in red sandstone and marble. Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers, it is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world. 

This afternoon you will visit New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Whereas the walled old city is all tradition in all its facets, New Delhi is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Your tour to New Delhi begins with a visit to the Qutub Minar, the 234 foot high tower made of sandstone, known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan and the tallest stone tower in India and a wonderful example of Indo-Islamic architecture, complete with terra-cotta frills. At its foot lies the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, the first Muslim mosque in India erected in the 12th century on the site of a Hindu temple, from materials salvaged from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain shrines. Continue to the India Gate, a monument built by Edwin Lutyens to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I and the Afghan Wars, and then proceed to the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will enjoy sumptuous Indian food. 

Day 4: Delhi & Jaipur

2 nights Trident Jaipur. Breakfast. 

• After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaipur
• Upon arrival, check into your centrally located hotel
• The afternoon is at leisure for independent activities 

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, board your touring coach for Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City because it was built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. This capital of the state of Rajasthan is a land of beauty, color and paradox. Here you find invincible forts and magnificent palaces and gardens, waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. Your hotel is centrally located for strolling, sightseeing and shopping. After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the colorful streets and bazaars, where you can enjoy the colorful display of women's dresses and turbans of men, adding to the sense of timeless charm and wonder of this lovely and fascinating city.

Day 5: Jaipur 

Breakfast & dinner. 

• Visit the ancient capital of Amber, en route stop at the Palace of Winds
• Afternoon city tour of Jaipur
• This evening, join a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur

Full Day Itinerary: This morning visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En route, stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Famous for its beehive like structure, the Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, carefully and painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs, which served as an elaborate latticed facade behind which the cloistered ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. 

Continue to the Amber Fort, begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent wall paintings and some inlaid with precious stones and mirrors. In the Sheesh Mahal ("Hall of Mirrors"), a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors lighting up the entire room. 

This afternoon, return to the city of Jaipur. Highlights of this afternoon's touring include the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The City Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armor, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. 

Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. The observatory instruments are in most cases huge structures, built on such scale so that accuracy of readings can be obtained. The samrat yantra, for instance, which is a sundial, can be used to tell the time to an accuracy of about a minute. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur held exclusively for Friendly Planet.

Day 6: Jaipur, Abhaneri Village & Agra

2 nights Trident Agra or similar. Breakfast.

• Visit Abhaneri Village and see the Chand Baori stepwell
• Continue to Agra and proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, depart for Abhaneri Village, a popular stop along the Agra-Jaipur road for the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple. The Chand Baori is perhaps the region’s most visited stepwell and is one of the largest and deepest in all of India. These stepwells were created to harvest rain water and also provided the locals a place to cool off during the hottest summer months as the temperature is a few degrees cooler at the bottom of the well than at its surface.

After some exploration, continue to Agra, site of the world's most famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal. There are many wonderful monuments in Agra, such as the massive but elegant Agra Fort and the Itimad-ud-daulah's tomb, but the greatest of all is the Taj Mahal, considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Arrive in Agra and proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in. 

Day 7: Agra 

Breakfast. 

• Sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal
• Visit to the Agra Fort
• Afternoon excursions in the local marble and leather markets
• Evening high tea with a local family

Full Day Itinerary: This morning you'll rise early to enjoy an awesome view of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This incredible place is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built in the mid-17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for buffet breakfast. 

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations and yet another example of impressive Mughal architecture. The present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. You will also visit the Hall of Public Audience and Royal Pavilions. 

This afternoon, lose yourself in the local marble and leather markets where you should do your best to bargain for the marble products and high quality leather wallets, shoes and belts. Be sure to visit the "Petra Dura Workshop" where you'll find beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine quality marble inlay pieces. 

This evening, you are a guest for High Tea. This special treat, arranged exclusively for Friendly Planet's Best of India travelers, provides an opportunity to meet and interact with an Indian family and get to know something about life in India. 

Day 8: Agra, Jhansi, Orchha & Khajuraho

1 night Hotel Chandela or Radisson Khajuraho. Breakfast.

• Transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express for Jhansi
• Enjoy a visit to Orchha, picturesquely located on a bend along the Betwa River
• Continue by touring coach to Khajuraho

Full Day Itinerary: After an early breakfast, transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express (air-conditioned cars) for Jhansi. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive the short distance to Orchha, picturesquely located on a bend along the Betwa River. This gorgeous medieval city, whose stone palaces and temples were built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries, retain much of their pristine perfection despite the passage of hundreds of years. Among the abandoned structures in the temple complex, the beauty of the Jehangir Mahal, built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir in 17th, stands in sharp contrast to another structure in the same complex, the Raj Mahal, an earlier building adorned by colorful murals. A trail through the maze of intricate stairways leading to numerous turrets is an experience in itself.

After your visit at Orchha, continue by touring coach to Khajuraho, the great temple complex discovered in 1838 that was built between 950 and 1050 A.D. by the Chandela dynasty, who claim descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love. Most of the temples of the north were destroyed by invaders, but Khajuraho escaped and stands today as an island of beauty. Check into your deluxe, centrally located hotel and enjoy the balance of the day to explore at your leisure.

Day 9: Khajuraho & Varanasi 

2 nights The Gateway Hotel, Varanasi. Breakfast. 

• Morning tour of Khajuraho
• Transfer to the airport for short flight to Varanasi 

Full Day Itinerary: Your morning tour of Khajuraho focuses on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. The majority of the temples were constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the 85 original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition and remarkably beautiful in design and architecture, including the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai Temples which you will visit during your tour. 

Next, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Varanasi, the religious heart of Hindu India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The city gets its inherent charm from its location on west side of the Holy Ganges, where bathing ghats are always bustling with life at any given time of the day. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention Varanasi's existence as long as 3000 years ago. It is probably the oldest inhabited city in India, and one of the world's most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, and many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. This evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at the Assi Ghat. This ceremony celebrates the religious significance and history of Varanasi; replete with tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots.

Day 10: Varanasi 

Breakfast. 

• Early morning cruise on the river Ganges
• City tour of Varanasi
• Afternoon visit to Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists

Full Day Itinerary: This morning at dawn, have a cup of tea or coffee in the lobby before you depart for an unforgettable experience on a cruise on the river Ganges, stopping at the most important of the bathing ghats. From your boat, you will witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims, which follow centuries' old tradition and belief that those who die in Varanasi or whose mortal remains are immersed in the holy Ganges, will be incarnated to human life in the next birth. The riverfront, in the early morning, is a spiritually uplifting sight that you will long remember as a highlight of your India tour. 

After your early morning tour of the bathing ghats, return to your hotel for a buffet breakfast. Later, board your touring coach for a visit to the city of Varanasi, including a visit to Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. Continue to Banares Hindu University, considered to be the largest residential university in Asia. Within the university campus, Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Kendra (Museum) are well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, drive to Sarnath, located nearby north of Varanasi, which is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. During the 6th century C, Siddarth Gautama, who became known as Buddha, the "Awakened One" gave his first sermon. Return to Varanasi. 

Day 11: Varanasi & Delhi

Breakfast. 

• Afternoon departure from Varanasi to Delhi
• Arrive in Delhi and check-in for your onward flight to the U.S.

Full Day Itinerary: This afternoon you will be met by our representative at your hotel, who will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi remain inside the airport terminal and check-in for your departure flight from Delhi to the U.S. Your flight departs in the early morning of December 9th. Arrive back in the U.S. later that morning.

Nepal Extension

Take advantage of your already included airfare and add an optional extension to mysterious Nepal. The Nepal Extension includes 1 night in Delhi, round trip flights from Delhi to Kathmandu, 3 nights in Kathmandu with a full touring program including a special visit to the Bamboo School, transfers, buffet breakfast daily and a farewell dinner and performance. Passengers taking the Nepal Extension will return to the U.S. 4 days later than the return dates shown. Note: Due to the earthquake in April 2015, many of Nepal's stupas and other sites are under ongoing renovations. 

Day 11: Varanasi & Delhi

1 night Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. Breakfast. 

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi
• Check into your hotel and get some rest before the next leg of your journey

Day 12: Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal

3 nights Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. Breakfast.

• Transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
• You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel
• Welcome drink will be served on arrival at your hotel
• Later, visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas

Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Upon exiting the terminal you will be met and transferred to your hotel and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath which is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa. Around the stupa a number of monasteries have sprung up including one that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.

Day 13: Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath

Breakfast.

• Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
• After breakfast, travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
• In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’

Full Day Itinerary: This morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. The official name of the city is Lalitpur, meaning city of fine art. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, curios shops and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then go to Patan Durbar Square where you will see the sky piercing temple of Taleju.

In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, make a stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple" which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples. Situated on top of a high hill where legendary Manjushri discovered the lotus growing in the ancient Kathmandu Valley Lake, Swoyambhunath commands a superb view of the valley below. 

Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover, $199 (purchased locally). Early this morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional Mt. Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas, weather permitting. This optional excursion must be purchased locally. 

Day 14: Kathmandu & Bhaktapur

Breakfast & dinner. 

• Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
• In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance

Full Day Itinerary: In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple and statues of the kings of Nepal. 

In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari temple, Taleju temple, Shiv Parvati temple, and Kal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, you will discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds and smells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance. 

Day 15: Kathmandu & Depart Delhi 

Breakfast. 

• Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi
• Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you board your overnight return flight to the USA 

Day 16: Arrive USA

• Your memorable journey ends today when you arrive in the USA 

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about India? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Nepal? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.