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Jairus Mausx7365
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Shannon Garbe
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- Day 1 ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIA Hello, Mumbai Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history--now India's premier seaport and home to the "Bollywood" movie industry.
- Day 2 MUMBAI Magical Join your Local Guide for an orientation tour of some of the city's famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L)Please note: Host services are provided in and Varanasi. You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Delhi.
- Day 3 MUMBAI-VARANASI Packed Lunches & Loyal Pilgrimages Today, witness Mumbai's tiffin lunch box delivery system. Later this afternoon, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLUNCH BOX HEROES Each weekday dabbawalas (box carriers) deliver thousands of home-cooked lunches to people at work. Using a simple coding system of colors, numbers, and letters, deliveries are made with nearly 100% accuracy. Watch and learn about this fascinating process starting at Churchgate Station where the dabbawalas transfer the boxes onto local trains for distribution. Ride on one of the trains to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and see the boxes being sorted for final delivery.
- Day 4 VARANASI Sacred Rituals Near dawn, join your Local Guide and board a boat to watch a meaningful religious ritual--the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, practicing yoga or meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Early this evening, experience the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT FIRE & WATER Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river's edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float "diyas" (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
- Day 5 VARANASI-DELHI Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (B)
- Day 6 DELHI Delights Today's sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb, and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs--from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
- Day 7 DELHI-AGRA Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
- Day 8 AGRA Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Rise early for a bucket-list visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.
- Day 9 AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)
- Day 10 RANTHAMBORE AREA The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on today's guided game drives via small-capacity vehicles perfect for your group.
- Day 11 RANTHAMBORE AREA-JAIPUR Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the "Pink City" ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (B,L)
- Day 12 JAIPUR Jewels of Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEPROMISING FUTURES Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan," built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Your small group is invited to visit the home of a local noble family to share a home-prepared dinner. You'll also learn the art of sari-and-turban tying in the beloved tradition of India.
- Day 13 JAIPUR-DELHI Homeward Bound Fly back to Delhi this morning and prepare for your journey home. (B)
- Day 14 DELHI Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Name: Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Mumbai & Varanasi
Brand: Globus
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Mumbai
End City: Delhi
Notes: In the interest of safety and ensuring wildlife well being, cell phones are banned in several national parks and tiger reserves across India--including Ranthambore National Park. Before your game drives, you will be required to leave your phone at the hotel. Personal cameras are still permitted. Your Tour Director will also have a camera and can take photos on your behalf if you are not carrying your own.
Meals: Breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
