Incredible India + Ganges River
January 31-February 10, 2018
Are you ready to experience India? The Golden Triangle of India is a must-see for travelers and is included in the itinerary below. A
stop at the Taj Mahal will be absolutely breathtaking. India is a destination to experience at least once in your lifetime! Beautiful hotels
and tasty food will add to an already rich tour experience. Also as an exciting addition, we have added Varanasi to this tour so that you
can experience everything that surrounds the famous Ganges River.
Tour Itinerary:
January 31 – Travel to Los Angeles and take a late night flight to India!
February 1 – Continue your flight and cross the International Date Line.
February 2 – Welcome to Delhi, India. Transfer to your hotel where you will have free time to rest and relax before dinner tonight. Delhi
is a bustling metropolis and a city of almost 17 million inhabitants. Delhi is a near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern and is
seamlessly divided into two parts – Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi is part of the city that was designed by the Mughals and New Delhi was
designed during English rule. Delhi has something for everyone ranging from forts to shopping malls, museums to temples, etc.
(Dinner)
February 3 – Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi include a visit to mosque of Friday, Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the
largest mosque in India and is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan whose best work is the Taj Mahal.
Drive past the Red Fort, an important building complex of India which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. Also visit
Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon visit New Delhi. Qutub Minar, the pride of Delhi. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic
Afghan architecture. Humayun Tomb, is the Delhi’s first Mughal mausoleum, constructed in 1564 after the death of the second Mughal
Emperor. Later drive past spectacular India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers) and the President’s House
and Government Buildings (ministry offices). Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 4 – Sit back and enjoy a drive through India to Jaipur. Along the way visit the 475 year old Samode Palace which combines
classic Mughal and Indian styles.
Upon arrival in Jaipur check-in to your hotel and then go visit a local bazaar where you will be able to stroll around and take in the
sights and smells and try your hand at bartering. Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, is the capital and largest city of the Indian
state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population
of 3.1 million. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 5 – Morning visit Amber Fort with photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). The fort is set in picturesque and rugged hills
and is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai
Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior surrounds an inner paradise with a
beautiful fusion of art and architecture.
In the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in
the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Also visit Jantar Mantar or Royal
Astronomical Observatory. This observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh
II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734.
Tonight visit the Chokhi Dhani ethnic village where dinner will be held. Showcased here is the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 6 – Leave from Jaipur going to Agra and stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri: Built during the second half of
the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some
10 years. Fatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example
of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the
evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). Upon arrival in Agra, visit the Agra Fort – the seat and the
stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Check-in to your hotel where you will overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
February 7 – Morning sightseeing of Taj Mahal: Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried from 200
miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of
his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.
Take a flight later today to Varanasi. Varanasi, also commonly known as Benaras, is the oldest living city in the world. It is situated on
the banks of holy river Ganges. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the river Ganges and the river’s religious importance.
People often refer to Varanasi as “the city of temples,” “the holy city of India,” “the religious capital of India,” “the city of lights,” “the city
of learning” and the “culture capital of India”. American writer Mark Twain wrote, “Benares (Varanasi) is older than history, older than
tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 8 – Early morning transfer to the river Ghat for a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and
witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll
transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river,
where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you.
On the way back to hotel walk through the alleys and visit Vishwanath Temple (foreigner’s entry restricted inside the temple) –
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. The original temple was destroyed by Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb which was later restored by Rani Ahilyabai of India in 18th century.
After breakfast visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
Later today you will be driven to the banks of river Ganges to experience the Aarti ceremony. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to reach banks of
river and also boat ride to get better view of the Aarti ceremony. Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light
from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 9 – Fly back to Delhi today where you will have some free time for shopping, relaxing or exploring. Overnight in
Delhi. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
February 10 – Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Arrive in Los Angeles this same evening. (Breakfast)
Your Host: Alan McKay
Alan started escorting tours when he was a senior in high school. Since that time, he has traveled with hundreds of groups all over the
world, including tours to England, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, China, and Thailand. His degree in history from Utah
State University adds richness to the tours he escorts. He and his wife, Ida Mae, live in Ogden, Utah and are the proud parents of four
sons. Alan’s love in life is to see the world with incredible people and to share his knowledge of travel with all of his groups. Come and
become one of his “travel groupies” today.
———*Complete India Tour with Airfare from Los Angeles – Double/Triple Occupancy – $2799 per person (includes tour, air and
taxes)
*Single Occupant Cost – Additional $675
*India Visa Required – We have partners that can help obtain one
*Airfare to and from Los Angeles – Call for assistance or arrange your own
*Credit Card Fee – 3.5% (only applies to final payment-pay by check to avoid it)
*Deposit Required for Reservation – $1200 per person
*Full payment due 90 days before departure.
*Cancellation charges: non-refundable after deposit is made
*Cancellation charges: non-refundable after final payment is made
Call Today!
———801-295-9568
Passports are required.
Trip protection available- ask your agent for details.
www.columbusvacations.com
Tour operated by Dick Jensen and Alan McKay Tours.