The first stop on this wonderful trip will be at Delhi.
This capital of modern India is made up of seven ancient cites. These cities
span the period between the 11th and 20th centuries.
On your first full day you will travel by rickshaw through
Old Delhi. While on this ride some of the sights to see are The Red Fort,
Lahore Gate, and the bustling, colorful market of the old city. One of the
most memorable stops will be at the Raj Ghat. This is the impressive memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi.
The second part of the day, your tour will take you through
broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens. You will stop
at the Presidential Palace before going on to Emperor Humayun's Tomb.
After leaving Delhi your tour will head to Agra, home
of the Taj Mahal. This is the most famous monument to love. The Agra Fort
is also on today's tour and you will see the fabulous courtyards, fountains,
and gates of this hilltop citadel. Driving through the city allows views
of the local life and bazaars and hustle and bustle of everyday India.
On day 5 of your tour, there will be a drive through
the Rajasthani countryside. Here you will see woman wearing brilliantly
colored saris of the region, camels, elephants and scenes of the rural life.
Along the way, you will stop at the perfectly preserved 'ghost town', Fatehpur
Sikri. A new capital was built here by Emperor Akbar and was mysteriously
abandoned a few years later. It was a fairy tale city and its ruins are
still in pristine condition.
Wake up excited on day 6 because you will be transported
up the hill to the Amber Palace on brightly caparisoned elephants-just as
they did in the past. Sightseeing in Jaipur also will include the City Palace
Museum, with its wonderful displays of miniature paintings and traditional
Rajasthani royal costumes. Shopping is on the agenda for today since this
area is known for its embroidered fabrics, carved wooden boxes and screens,
silver jewelry and semi-precious stones. When you return to Delhi there
is another opportunity to shop for miniature paintings, silks, handicrafts
and hand made carpets.
There are 3 festivals during the year that may be of
interest to some. The first is called Pushkar Camel Fair. During the full
moon in November this event takes place in Pushkar and the surrounding sand
dunes. Nomads and camel traders will buy, sell and trade more than 25,000
camels. The second is the Elephant Festival which begins with a dazzling
parade of bejeweled elephants, camels and horses. There are also lively
folk dances, elephant races and a hilarious tug of war between elephants
and men. Number three is The Republic Day on January 26th. It is celebrated
in Delhi with a lavish parade that is watched by both citizens and visitors.
The parade starts from the Presidential residence and winds its way through
the heart of the city, ending at the historic Red Fort in Old Delhi.
For more info on traveling to India or any of the above
General Tours specials please call Gadabout Travel.
Written by Ramblin' Rose Mascarenhas of Gadabout Travel
