India - Reassuringly Unexpected! Journey of a lifetime…

Overview

Specially customized program alluring your senses

Overview

“This is indeed India; the land of dreams and romance of tigers and elephants, the country of a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions, cradle of the human race, mother of history, grandmother of legend, the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.”

Mark Twain, Famous Explorer, Following the Equator 1897

India - a veritable wonderland of color, contrast and incomprehensible mystery! It is into this alluring kaleidoscope that takes travelers accustomed to their luxuries and comforts and gently delivers this world in palatable layers of luscious, exotic experience. From the overwhelming crowds on the streets, through the many sounds and scents of the market, you’re drawn towards the awe-inspiring silence within the age-old palace. One cannot travel through India and remain a spectator without being swept away by the experience time and again.

Let your eyes wander as India offers reflection. Experiencing India is like watching a movie. You can lean back and relax while allowing the experience to unfold, or you can climb to the edge of your seat and marvel at every last detail of this fascinating wonderland!

Synopsis of the Program

There is no other country which juxtaposes old cultures and post-modern groups almost at the same time and space. On one hand, India is an economic superpower; the Maharajas of yore have yielded place to some of the wealthiest tycoons of the world. The country has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in aeronautical and space technologies and has become the hub of Information technology owing to its vast pool of English-knowing technical manpower. On the other hand, rural India is the India of age-old patterns where tradition is the principal dynamic of society, where outsiders come and go but life continues, often without much change hence India is a mysteriously diverse.

A land like no other, she offers countless eye-opening features and heart pumping adventures. This complete journey through North India covers Delhi, Agra and rural gems of Rajasthan leaving no stone unturned. Explore the areas that are off the beaten track and offer a more in depth experience of the destination for those with an eager interest in the Indian way of life. You will witness much more than forts and palaces, to local rural markets and amazing drives with your private driver through astonishing scenery.

The journey begins with a flight to Delhi. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your land markclassic hotel, Imperial. The first day in India will begin as per your convenience. You will choose from the al-carte experiences with a flexible private guide at your disposal. The Welcome dinner will arranged at one of the most exotic restaurants in the city.

Next morning take the Shatabdi Express to Agra (the fastest train in India). You’ll explore the city with your guide and visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. Later drive to Chambal which is superb at offering a mix of wildlife and the chance to see India at its most authentic. Your next stop is Ramathra Fort, one of the best historic forts of Rajasthan; it is now a boutique private retreat. Enjoy the peace and tranquility amidst countless things to see and do.

Continue overland on a little known off-road link between Ramathra and Ranthambore National Park which takes you through the buffer areas giving you a fantastic introduction to the wildlife of the park. Stay at one of the chic hotel called Khem Villas. Enjoy game drives by Jeeps (twice daily) to see the wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Further continue to the majestic Pink City of Jaipur. Here you will stay at boutique palatial hotel called Samode Palace which is located close to Jaipur.

Explore the colorful capital of Rajasthan including the famous Amber Fort and City palace, before winding your way through the markets with your guide. From Jaipur we head into rural Rajasthan. You will stay at Chhatra Sagar, a stunning luxury camp located at one of the most beautiful locations in Rajasthan. Thejourney continues further to Mihirgarh, a private epitome of luxury. This will be your base to explore he Blue city of Jodhpur including the impressive Mehrangarh Fort.

You reach your final destination, the “Lake City” of Udaipur. Also known as Venice of the east, it is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Boasting of some fairy tale palaces and vintage museums, you will stay at the world famous Taj Lake Palace hotel. Udaipur is ideally connected. You will take a flight back either to Delhi or Bombay for your onward journey back home

 

 

Day 1

Arrive into Delhi

Highlights of the day:
  • Special welcome reception at airport, just after the immigrations (Special insider access)
  • Transfer to hotel in a Vintage Ambassador Black & Yellow cab
  • Stay at iconic colonial era Imperial hotel
Today night you will be welcomed into Delhi today. A member of our concierge team will meet you just after the immigrations near the conveyor belt with your name signage and assist you to the main arrival hall. You will be introduced to your English speaking escort and escorted to your hotel (50 min drive-approx.) in a specially done classic Vintage Ambassador Black & Yellow cab (the Austin Morris). Your stay: The Imperial (5 star luxury, heritage): Located in the center of New Delhi, The Imperial is asplendid reminder of the city’s colonial past. All rooms and suites are designed in a combination of Art Deco and traditional English styles, and the hotel’s main lobby has an impressive collection of colonial-era Indian art. The hotel offers great dining options including other amenities: complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, outdoor pool, and a great Spa. Depending on the flight timing, we can further customize this day! Meals: none Stay Overnight

Day 2

Delhi

Highlights of the day: - Explore the city in your style and at your own pace. Plan yourself, a day of indulgence or leisure - Choose from host of activities and choice of transport including a Luxury Mercedes or BMW car - Welcome meal at an exotic restaurant - A champagne tour of Imperial hotel with family member who owns this hotel (Special insider access) Leisurely after breakfast, you’re English speaking tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to discuss about the day. He will be at your disposal as you are introduced through the experiences and al carte activities as you are independent to explore the city in your style and at your own pace. You willdecide your comfort level based on which the vehicle will be provided. It could be a Tuk Tuk or local Delhi Metro or Indian made Toyota Innova car or a true luxury indulgence: Mercedes or BMW car. Plan yourself, a day of indulgence or leisure: Atulyam Tours recommendations are: Antique Anecdotes: Tour of Old Delhi (04 hours duration): Starting at the Red Fort you’ll take a cycle rickshaw through the maze of narrow lanes that make up the bazaars of Old Delhi. Continuing on foot, your guide will bring the city to life as you visit the spice markets and the vast Jama Masjid (mosque) that dominates Chandni Chowk OR. Lutyens calling (01 hour 30 min duration): Visit New Delhi tosee the colonial architecture that defined the British era in India. For those seeking some adventure, explore the attractions of Lutyens Delhi through self-driven Segway ride OR. Go Shutter crazy! An interesting photography experience: Delhi is a photographers dream. Mystical, fascinating and diverse, pursue your vision, giving life to your photographs having fun on a truly amazing experience of a life time as you capture the great historical remnants or markets or people OR The essential Delhi (Qutab Minar + Humayun Tomb)- (04 hour duration): Visit Qutab Minar complex - the tallest tower in worldfor centuries, erected by first Islamic rulers of India and still the most imposing, artistically carved and engraved sandstone pillar anywhere! Continue to Humayun's Tomb built in 1562 and designed by a Persian architect. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 OR Walk down the ages (03 hour duration): Delhi Museum Safari: Visit National museum (Closed on Monday and national holidays) to discover amazing curios and relics from the pastpreserved in their original forms from ancient civilizations OR Diversity in Faith (03 hour duration): Places of Worship:Catch the spiritual fervor at some of Delhi's most popular sites of worship, on a tour led by your expert guide. Visit a popular Hindu & Sikh Temple OR The Art Trail (03 hour duration): An introduction to the variousschools, influences and movements in Indian Art. Visit NationalMuseum of Modern Art (Closed on Monday and national holidays) OR Retail therapy (04 hour duration): If you would prefer to do some shopping, we will arrange for ourpersonal shopper show you the best spots in Delhi OR Corridors of Power (03 hour duration): Accompanied by aMember of Parliament, enjoy a visit to Parliament museum (Corridors of power to World’s largest democracy) - Subject to prior permissions (Closed on Sunday, Monday and national holidays) OR Walk & Talk (03 hour duration): Accompanied by an eminenta celebrity, enjoy an interesting walk culminating with hi-tea athistorical Delhi Gymkhana Club. He/she will share an insightinto present India and talk on various subjects OR Golf on a Medieval Carpet (04 hour duration): Arrangements will be made for morning or afternoon golf at the historical Delhi Golf Club - punctuated by medieval monuments and home to hundreds of different kinds of tree & bird species OR The Human Touch (02 hours duration): We support non-government development organization working on issues affecting the urban and rural poor, with a special focus on children and women. Visit one of these projects to understand the work done and people involved OR The Chai Story (03 hour duration): Get an introduction to theworld of Indian tea. Start with a tea appreciation and tasting workshop, conducted at an indoor venue and led by a knowledgeable expert who will explain the interesting story of tea and its history in India. The more adventurous can also try masala chai at a roadside tea stall OR The half day tour of Akshardham Temple Swaminarayam (04 hour duration): Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhiepitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and happiness. It brilliantly showcases the essence of ancient Indian architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages (Closed on Monday). For lunch, we recommend either a nice boutique restaurant like Olives (Continental) or a relaxing lunch at The Imperial hotel. Evening explore the fascinating collection of art and colonial memorabilia accompanied by afamily member from the owners family at The Imperial hotel. It will culminate with champagne orperhaps combined with tea or a G&T on the lawn. A private welcome dinner will be arranged for you in the evening at highly acclaimed and award winning Bukhara Restaurant at ITC Maurya (serving North Eastern Frontier Province Cuisine - similar to Indian)or Le Cirque, one of hotel’s outstanding restaurants at Leela Palace or Spice Route at The Imperial which serves exceptional (Southeast Asian cuisine). Meals: Breakfast Stay Overnight