Dream Trip to India

From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun drenched coastal villages of the south, India unfolds like an ancient tapestry. At times threadbare and fading, the land stretches from desert dunes and scattered slums to the rich embroidery of ancient, jewelled palaces, and the majestic domes of forgotten empires.

Since the first civilisations rose on the banks of the Indus River almost 5,000 years ago, India has given birth to Buddhism and Hinduism, been touched by the Empire of Alexander the Great, seen the ancient empires of the Mauryas and Guptas rise and fall, and has traded with Pharaohs and Caesars.

An invasion by the white Huns scattered its people until the sweeping hand of Islam saw new kingdoms rise, heralding the era of the Sultans. Defeat came again as the Mogul Emperors marched over the mountains and into the Punjab. The decline of the Mogul Empire gave way to the Marathas, who consolidated control of India just in time for the arrival of the British. The sun finally set on the British Empire as India reclaimed independence in 1947, heralding a new age of democracy.

India is a feast for the senses; where the air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and dancers trail frenetic melodies in colourful silk saris. Its cooks compose dishes from a palette of exotic spices that may leave a lingering taste of saffron or aniseed. In India's cities, the stench of slum living competes with the cacophony of seemingly endless traffic and a myriad of other textures, colours and movements all jostling for your attention.

Delhi

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque.

This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slum, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights.

With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colourful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings.

While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for travelling to the hill stations of the North.

Varanasi

One of the ancient seats of learning in India, Varanasi is situated between Delhi and Kolkata at a bend in the sacred Ganges River. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on nature of God.

For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges.

Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural centre of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.

Udaipur

Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar and has great pride in being the only one of the seven major Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest lasting of all the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of Jaipur. The city is centred around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace.

Jaipur

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here; in 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveller; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favourite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.

Dream Trip Itinerary
India

Day One
FLIGHT FROM THE U.S. TO DELHI
Arrive at the airport in Delhi. Meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: Imperial Hotel
This property is an ideal place for those who want to explore the rich culture and heritage of India's history.

Location
Situated on the prestigious Queen's Way, in Janpath, the Imperial Hotel is just a stone's throw away from Connaught Place, fashionable shopping market and premium business district of New Delhi. The hotel is only a 30-minute drive from the international airport.

Rooms
Overlooking verdant gardens, the accommodation units are comfortable, pleasant and equipped with all the facilities and conveniences that a discerning business or leisure traveller would expect.

Restaurant
You can dine at any of the onsite restaurants that serve Asian, Indian, French as well as Italian cuisine, in a very comfortable and relaxed setting. Overlooking the Imperial lawns, the bar is an ideal place for enjoying a refreshing drink and for meeting friends.

General
For corporate events, the hotel offers luxurious and well-appointed rooms with an impeccable setting, ideal for organising conferences, seminars, private get-togethers and small dinner parties. At leisure, you can have a bracing dip in the swimming pool after a tiring workout at the gymnasium.

Day Two
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the opulent Red Fort; Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling market. Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi includes a drive along the city's wide boulevards; see the impressive government buildings, lovely parks and gardens. Visit Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Parliament House.

Day Three
Transfer to the airport or railway station to board your flight/train to your next city Flight Delhi to Varanasi. Arrive at the airport in Varanasi; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Day Four
Rise before dawn for a boat ride on the holy River Ganges. Here, you'll observe devout Hindus performing their early morning rituals on the steps ("ghats") of the sacred river. Afternoon city tour of Varanasi, religious center of the Hindus. Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Temple, the Durga Temple and the Tulsi Manas Temple.

16 May
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Flight Varanasi to Delhi (Jet Airways #724 240pm - 400pm on request)
Arrival in Delhi with private car transfer to Imperial Hotel. (This is a forced overnight due to flight and train schedules)
HOTEL: Imperial Hotel

17 May
Transfer to Delhi Airport
Flight Delhi to Udaipur (Jet Airways #3317 1125am - 105pm requested)
Arrive at the airport in Udaipur; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
HOTEL: Grand Laximi

18 May
Morning sightseeing includes a visit to the City Palace with its sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers. Continue to Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 A.D., and the Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, displaying the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces. Afternoon at leisure.

19 May
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Flight Udaipur to Jaipur (Jet Airways #3301 810am - 915am on request)
Arrive Jaipur by flight or train; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.
HOTEL: Rajputana Sheraton

20 May
Morning visit to Amber Fort, a superb example of classic Rajput architecture, with its ornate terraces and ramparts. The interior has many royal halls and wall paintings. Afternoon tour begins with the Maharaja's City Palace and its Armoury Museum which houses an array of weapons. Continue to the Jantar Mantor, which is the largest stone marble-crafted observatory in the world.

21 May
After breakfast enjoy a private car transfer thru the Rajasthan countryside to Agra. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, an epic poem in red sandstone built by Emperor Akbar ashis capital. Arrive in Agra; check into your hotel.
HOTEL: Taj View (Taj Facing Room)

22 May
sightseeing includes impressive Agra Fort and the Bazaar. Continue to the astounding Taj Mahal, built by the Emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial to his wife.
Evening Shatabadi Express train from Agra to Delhi (840pm - 1105pm). Transfer to a Delhi airport area hotel.
HOTEL: TBA

23 May
Transfer to airport for departure flight on own.