Splendors of Northern India
January 12th thru 25th, 2010

India is a land that has for millennia, stifled many would-be conquerors, from Phoenician traders, Persian spice merchants, Mughals, British colonials. All have left their imprints in art, architecture, food, language and many other ways, too numerous to name.

Today, with a population of a billion people, the fascination and diversity of India still is intoxicating, baffling, bazaar and at the same time, dynamic and moving forward as an economic force to be recognized, as well as being the largest democracy in the world.

This special TunisUSA tour concentrates on northern India. Combining tour leadership by one of India's interesting and knowledgeable individuals, Suryaveer Singh, a descendant from a distinguished Rajput family of Udaipur that traces its roots to the Mewar dynasty, tour participants will experience India in the comfort of deluxe hotels, wonderful cuisine and with the personal touch that makes TunisUSA tours so rewarding.

Join us for "Splendors of Northern India". The memories will last forever...

Tuesday, January 12 - Delhi

Upon your late night arrival in Delhi, you will be met in the arrival hall after clearing immigration and customs. Porters are arranged to be responsible for your baggage, a practice that will continue through your Indian journey. You are then escorted to your hotel, The Park Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Dehli. Overnight in Delhi.

Wednesday, January 13 - Delhi

This is a city full of history, and it is a city split in two Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. Here you find dense, crowded streets with mosques, museums, and forts that tell the story of Muslim rule. It is contained within the 17th-century walled city of Shahjahanabad and centers on the main street known as Chandani Chowk.

New Delhi, on the other hand, was established as the capital of India when the British took over. Its streets are more open and contain embassies, government buildings, parks, and fountains. At its center is Connaught Place, once the commercial hub of the British Raj.

Your morning activity begins with the historical part of the city also known as Old Delhi starting with 'Shah Jehanabad' which has some dramatic remnants of the Mughal Empire in the imposing Red Fort and Jama Masjid India's largest mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jehan, creator of the Taj Mahal. You ride rickshaws through its principal street, Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk was originally renowned throughout Asia with its tree-lined canal flowing down its center. These days it's a bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques and craftsmen's workshops of goldsmiths, silversmiths, silk traders and embroiderers. Experience the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi and streets of Chandni Chowk.

Culminate the Old Delhi tour with a photo stop at Raj Ghat the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a simple memorial that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. A pretty park has been created around the memorial.

Continue on to explore the capital and drive through the boulevards of New Delhi and pass India gate which is a memorial built to the 85000 soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan battles of 1919.

At the other end of Rajpath stands the official residence of India's President, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a complex of buildings that mix Mughal and Western architectural styles. Prior to independence, this was the home of India's last viceroy, Lord Mountbatten. Close by is Sansad Bhavan, the large though less imposing parliament building.

Lunch will be arranged in a beautiful setting next to the Lodi Garden at a restaurant which epitomizes Delhi's current fashionable restaurant culture.

After lunch proceed to visit Qutab Minar, a tower of victory begun by the Slave Dynasty's founder, Qutb-ud-din-Aybak, in A.D. 1193 and completed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1368. At its base is India's first mosque, the Might of Islam Mosque, built on the foundation of a Hindu temple. It was completed in A.D. 1300.

Like the nearly contemporary slave, or Marmeluke, rulers of Egypt, slave kings of Delhi were anything but servile. The term simply indicates that they had once been held captives. In a court awash with intrigue and opportunity, India's Turkish conquistadors regarded a slave's loyalty as more dependable than that of their own kin. Purchased, rapidly promoted, eventually freed, and forever trusted, the erstwhile slave of a royal patron was ideally placed to act as either power broker or pretender. His elevated status was equally proclaimed with monuments. The Qutb Mosque boasts a tower of victory that doubles as India's, and perhaps Islam's, most massive minaret.

As the afternoon sun recedes, visit the Tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, which was commissioned by his senior wife Haji Begum, in the 16th century. This is an early example of Mughal architecture. The design elements of this tomb - a squat building lighted by high arched entrances topped by a protuberant dome and surrounded by formal gardens, were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal.

Tonight a welcome to India dinner is hosted in a private home. The group will meet with guests from the local community who have excelled in various occupations and businesses . Overnight in Delhi. (B, L, D)

Thursday, January 14 - Delhi/Varanasi

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for Jet Airways flight 9W 723 to Varanasi which departs Delhi at 10:40 a.m. and arrives in Varanasi at 11:50 a.m. Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will transfer to your hotel, a beautiful park like setting of quiet and green, a contrast to the city around you.

Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, has attracted devotees for millennia. The banks of the river Ganges teems with masses of humanity, as the rich and the poor, the families and the sanyasis (renouncer) dip in the river's holy water in an effort to achieve purity. The temple bells and chanting priests manifest the faith of the congregations that seek to make peace between the gods and one's inner soul.

En-route to the hotel visit the buried city of Sarnath., where the Buddha, arrived after attaining Sambodhi (enlightenment) and preached his first sermon, all is Sorrow. Ultimately his teaching laid down the path to the cure of worldly sorrow. This is known in the Buddhist world as the turning of the religious wheel (dharma - chakra pravartana) Sarnath remained an active center of Buddhism till the end of the 12th century AD. Centers of Buddhist learning arose in the temples and monasteries at Sarnath and many sects and sub sects of Buddhism flourished here. Sarnath and Varanasi were plundered by Muslim invaders at the end of the twelfth century and razed to the ground.

After visiting Sarnath, continue on to the Taj Ganges,

Later in the afternoon, we head towards the river seated in trishaws. Our convoy pedals through the heart of the city and its colorful markets as we make our way to the most sacred of rivers, the Ganges. You will be accompanied by Krishna a noted scholar on Hinduism, who will explain its rituals, traditions and customs associated with this ancient religion.

Arriving at the banks of the river at dusk, we are in time to witness the ancient Hindu ceremonial ritual called `Aarti' conducted by the Hindu Brahmin priest class.

Friday, January 15 - Varanasi/Khajuraho

Early morning return to the river at sunrise. The banks are alive with the multitude of worshippers who come to immerse themselves as they face the rising sun. This form of worship is better known as `Surya Namaskar' which translates into greeting the Sun.

The river is an intimate part of the Hindu psyche and a life-sustaining metaphor of the complex Hindu world. Through history, its life giving waters nurtured civilization on the Gangetic plain and developed the epic poems and texts of Hinduism. The mountain, plain and river are the real protagonists and metaphors of India's life, flowing unbroken from the ancient past into the present. Happy is he who makes a pilgrimage to the Ganges, but thrice happy is he whose soul ebbs away at its sacred stream and whose body becomes a prey to the flames at the sacred banks. You return to your hotel for breakfast. Later this morning, check out and transfer to the airport for the Jet Airways flight to Khajuraho. Jet Airways flight 9W 723 to Khajuraho departs Varanasi at 12.25 p.m. and arrives in Khajuraho at 1.05 p.m. You will be transferred to your hotel, providing you an opportunity to refresh yourself before embarking on your tour of Khajuraho.

Khajuraho - the Temples of Khajuraho are dedicated to life, love, joy and are perfection in craftsmanship. Life in every form and mood has been captured in stone, testifying to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the candelas Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. The temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.

The legend of the temples is a fascinating one. Hewati, the daughter of Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire.

Once the great Chandela capital, is now a quiet village of about few thousand people, in the remote interiors of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temples are a brilliant example of medieval Indian architecture.

After lunch, proceed on your own to visit the Eastern & Western Group of Temples.

Later in the evening, visit the son-et-lumiere show at the Western group temple complex, which tells the history of Khajuraho temples with sound and light or enjoy Indian folk dances at Kandaria Gram. Dinner and overnight in Khajuraho. (B,D)

Saturday, January 16 - Khajuraho - Agra via Orcha & Jhansi

After breakfast, check out and drive to Orcha, a scenic, 3 ½ hour drive. Once the capital city of the Bundelas, Orcha was founded in 1531 and remained the capital of a powerful Rajput kingdom until 1783. Orcha (hidden place) is now just a village, set among a wonderful complex of well preserved palaces and temples. The main palaces were protected inside fortified walls on an island in the Betwa River.

Following lunch, you visit the beautiful 17th century palaces which includes the Impressive Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal Palace. Also visit the 16th century Ram Raja temple with its soaring spires, originally a palace.

Later transfer to the Jhansi railway station, approximately 45 minutes away, to board India's flag ship train, the Shatabdi express to Agra. Train departs Jhansi at 5:55 p.m. and arrives in Agra at 8.10 p.m. A light snack is served on board.

On arrival in Agra, transfer to your beautiful hotel, where dinner will be enjoyed amidst a setting of splendor. Overnight in Agra. (B,L, D)

Sunday, January 17 - Agra

Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. The city began to grow in 1504 when the Sultan of Delhi, Sikander Lodhi moved his capital here to keep a check on the warring factions of his empire. Agra's greatest days arrived during the reign of Akbar the Great (1556 - 1605), with the construction of the Agra fort.

Following breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal, with its incredible lacy white grandeur, is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a "tear on the face of eternity." In memory of his wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan planned and built this most extravagant and incomparable monument to his love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close-up detail that is really astounding. At sunset, the monument appears to change its hue; tinted by the glow of the setting sun.

Continue on to pursue Emperor Akbar visiting the Agra Fort. Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, the fort was built by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jahangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosque and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions.

You return to your hotel for lunch. For the afternoon, you have the option of enjoying the Amarvilas spa, an attraction in itself, or you could visit Kohinoor, the erstwhile jewelers to the Mughal Court featured in National Geographic and one of the marble inlay factories steeped in this decorative art culture

Your evening is free to relax in the salubrious surroundings of The Oberoi - Amarvilas and its pool.

Late evening enjoy the Taj at sunset sitting in the balcony of your room which has a spectacular view of the Taj. The monument appears to change its hue as it is tinted by the glow of the setting sun.

This evening, we will have a guest speaker to talk about " The Great Moghuls". Overnight in Agra. (B, D)

Monday, January 18 - Agra/Jaipur

Following breakfast, you depart your hotel and drive approximately 1 ½ hours to the red sandstone of Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. According to legend, Emperor Akbar, having no male heir made a pilgrimage to the town of Sikri to seek the blessings of the revered saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint assured Akbar he would have three sons and when his prophecy was fulfilled the king was so overwhelmed that he built a city at Sikri. Politically astute and remarkably broadminded for his time, India's greatest emperor successfully addressed the Hindu-Moslem divide by marrying a Hindu princess whilst also combining their distinctive architectural styles finely exampled at this World Heritage Site. The city lived between A.D. 1571 up to 1585 and then became a ghost town, abandoned, possibly due to complexities with the water systems

Lunch will be arranged at the 'Bagh' at Bharatpur , some 30 minutes drive from Fatehpur Sikri. After lunch continue on to Jaipur, a drive of approximately 4 hours, through scenic India countryside. Upon your arrival to Jaipur, you check into your hotel, the Rambagh Palace.

Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a kaleidoscope of characters from printers and porters to artist and antique dealers present a colorful tableau of this exhilarating city. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. A scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty, for in the sprawling barren plains beneath Amer the former capital; he gave India its first planned city which has remained unique in two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made a haven and it became a center of commerce and religion.

Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenellated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition.

Your evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner and the beautiful setting of your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, January 19 - Jaipur

This morning, you ascend the Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated in jeeps, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family ) with its exquisite marble carving and silver door.

Following lunch at The Raj Palace, explore the pink city, and stop by Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds. Part of a huge complex, it overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the goings-on in the bazaar and the streets. This explains the 900-plus niches. The building itself resembles the crown atop Lord Krishna's head. It offers superb views of the city including the many old palaces and houses painted pink, the color of hospitality, for the 1853 visit of Prince Albert.

Continue on to visit The City Palace located in the center of town, covers one seventh of its area, and is surrounded by a high wall. It differs from conventional Rajput fort palaces in its separation of the palace from its fortifications, perhaps modeled on Mughal architectural style with its main building scattered in a fortified campus.

The royal family occupies a portion of this palace, while other areas have been converted into museums. View their vast collection of textiles and costumes, an array of armory, miniature paintings, and carpets, the finest of which was displayed at the "Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era" exhibit in at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art (1997-1998)

Another of the city's highlights is the open-air royal observatory, Jantar Mantar. Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, loved mathematics and science, and he sent emissaries to the court of Mirza Beg in Samarkand to examine an observatory he had built there in 1425. Spending much of his time studying astronomy, Jai Singh constructed masonry observatories at Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura and most impressive, Jantar Mantar at Jaipur, completed in 1734.

In addition to the monuments, Jaipur has a variety of attractions and some of these such as the markets are probably best explored individually. Transport will be arranged to take you through the hustle and bustle with shopping ranging from blue pottery to jewelry and textiles. Prior to dinner, a discussion on Jaipur and its importance and relevance in today's India with a few locals and your Tour Director. Dinner and overnight in Jaipur. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, January 20 - Jaipur /Udaipur

Early morning, check out and transfer to the airport for the Jet Airways flight 9W 709, which departs Jaipur at 7:00 a.m. and arrives Udaipur at 7:45 a.m. Upon arrival in Udaipur, transfer to The Trident hotel, Udaipur.

After breakfast, you drive to The city of Udaipur or the city of `sunrise' combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. The legendary Ranas or kings of this state traced their ancestry back to the sun! It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue lake Pichola and is regarded as the most romantic spot in India. On little islands in the lake, from the waters edge, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake, stands the massive palace of the Maharana.

Upon arrival in Udaipur, visit the City Palace and its museum across the lake. Also visit the Crystal Gallery at the Shiv Niwas Palace which houses the crystal collection specially commissioned by the House of Mewar. Following lunch independently, you explore the colorful narrow by lanes of the city, stopping by a local studio of miniature painting artists, who have helped keep alive this fine tradition.

Later in the evening, a little before sunset, embark on the Boat cruising around Lake Pichola with it's majestic backdrop of the City Palace and Jag Mandir Island. Enjoy beautiful views of the forts and palaces of Udaipur which are lit up after dusk, While cruising the lake, we will have an informal chat on the Maharajas and their opulence.

Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Udaipur. (B, D)

Thursday, January 21 - Udaipur

Following breakfast, proceed to visit the ancient temple at Eklingji and Nagda.

This small pilgrimage town of Eklingji is set in a deep ravine that contains Eklingji Lake. The white - marble temple of Eklinga has a two-storey mandapa to Lord Shiva. This is the royal temple of Mewars, as Lord Shiva is their family deity. The temple was first built in 734 AD and was rebuilt again in the 15th century. The temple is known for its silver door and screen and there is a Nandi built of silver that faces the black marble statue of Lord Shiva.

Continue on to visit Nagda. It offers a cluster of Temples that have intricate stone carvings and are in close proximity to a lotus pond.

Later in the evening we will have a Gala Dinner at the Jag Mandir Island resort, located on Lake Pichola.

Dinner and overnight in Udaipur. (B,L,D)

Friday, January 22 - Ranakpur/Jodhpur

Following breakfast, you embark on a picturesque drive of approximately 2 hours to Ranakpur, where you visit the Jain temple complex. Situated in the remote and peaceful Aravali valley. Most famous of the Ranakpur temples is the Adinath temple which has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars - no two of which are alike. Among the five holy Jain sites, this is one of the best Jain temple complexes in the country. Lunch will be arranged at the near by, Maharani Bagh orchard retreat belonging to the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

Following your lunch, you drive to Jodhpur, some 3 hours away. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan `Rathores'. Jodhpur certainly has one of the country's most spectacular fortress and palace complexes. It was from here that those baggie tight horse riding trousers `jodhpurs' took their name.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, transfer to your hotel where your evening is at leisure. For those who wish, you can visit the colorful markets of Jodhpur and the downtown area. Transportation and your guide will be available. Overnight in Jodhpur. (B, L)

Saturday, January 23 - Jodhpur /Manvaar

After breakfast, proceed to visit the `impregnable' Meherangarh Fort which remained the royal residence until the Umaid Bhawan was completed in 1943. Started in 1459 it sprawls along the top of a steep escarpment with walls up to 36 meters high and 21 meters wide towering above the plains. The museum section has a well documented collection of the Maharajahs private art and miniature paintings. There's a wonderful display of palanquins and the well preserved Hall of Public Audience and Sheesh Mahal trace the legendary opulence of the Maharajahs of India.

Continue on to visit the Jaswant Thada, the graceful cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (1873 - 95) and those of the other maharajas of Jodhpur who died in this century. Explore the colorful markets of Jodhpur. For the shoppers, there are plenty of stores selling products from handicrafts to antiques. Return to hotel for lunch.

Following lunch, drive west into the desert countryside towards the principality of Manvaar. Kanwar Moti Singh, scion of the fiefdom of Manwar, meets you at Manvaar Resort. Later he drives you around in a jeep to meet some of the tribes and villages most of whom would be curious about you, probably as you would be of them. There are weavers, potters, dyers and shepherd communities and the handsome Bishnoi tribe, famous as the earliest environmentalists. Rural India forms a major part of the country, the people and its essence. Your jeep safari winds its way to the Royal Jodhpur camp erected atop the Manvaar sand dunes.

Over tea, a brief orientation of the camp and its surroundings is conducted.

Later, embark on individual camels and enjoy a short safari as the spectacular desert sunset casts an orange hue over the dunes.

Cocktails are served atop a selected dune fenced with desert mashaals or flaming torches. Gypsy dancers and musicians, from this region electrify the atmosphere. Kanwar Moti Singh the local chieftain speaks about life in the desert, its people and their way of life.

Freshly prepared desert specialities are served in `thaalis' (huge silver plates) placed on `bajots' (low tables) together with breads, lentils and bar-be-qued meats. An enchanting evening that ends with a special visual and audible treat! Dinner and overnight at the Royal Camp in the Thar Desert. (B, D)

Sunday, January 24 - Manvaar/Jodhpur/Delhi

Bed tea and coffee is served at dawn in individual tents. Depart the camp for Khichan in the Thar Desert by jeep. At Khichan there are thousands of wild Demoiselle cranes who arrive in the winter and are fed and protected by the local tribes. Return to the Camp for breakfast en route visiting some beautiful red stand stone Havelis (Merchant Mansions)

Mid morning, check out and drive to Jodhpur, approximately 2 hours , where you board your Jet Airways flight 9W 3312 for Delhi. Flight departs Jodhpur at 2 p.m. and arrives in Delhi at 3:20 p.m. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel, The Oberoi, with the rest of the day at leisure. You may enjoy the amenities of your hotel, do more independent exploring of Delhi...the choices are yours and your guide and TunisUSA will help provide suggestions.

Your farewell dinner will be in a very nice setting, after which, you check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B, D)

Monday, January 25 - Depart Delhi

International flight departs Delhi in the early hours.

Leading this special tour will be Suryaveer Singh. "Sonny", as he is fondly known, hails from a very distinguished Rajput family of Udaipur that traces its roots to the Mewar dynasty. A former India cricket star, Sonny holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from prestigious Indian universities. Sonny brings insight, personality and an intellectual level that contributes greatly to this very special tour of northern India.