GEMS OF INDIA 2006,   including the annual Pushkar Fair

Duration : 23 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orcha - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Samode - Pushkar - Jodphur - Rohet - Udaipur - Delhi - USA

21 Oct Group departure from Los Angeles via Thai International or Singapore Airline, (If you book your air independently let us know so we can arrange meeting and transfer to hotel. Oct 23 - Arrival into Delhi After passing the immigration and customs formalities you will be met by our representative to transfer you to the Taj Palace Hotel 24 Oct - Delhi Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India; and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. (Red fort is closed on Monday) Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar. drive along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and end the tour With a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. 25 Oct - Delhi / Varanasi This morning take flight to Varanasi the Hindu city Varanasi stands on the banks of the holy river Ganges, a city of more than a thousand temples and shrines. It is here that millions of Hindus come to wash away their sins; where the great Gautam Buddha first preached 25 centuries ago; where Asia largest residential university was founded and is still a centre for art and learning. Varanasi's principle attraction is a long string of bathing ghats, which line the river. Pilgrims belonging to all religions/castes come to this sacred place to wash away their sins. Renowned for it's silk saris and carpets, Varanasi draws huge crowds of people who throng the shops to buy the famous Benarasi sarees. Sightseeing in Varanasi includes a visit to the Ghats, Vishwanath Temple, if time permits, we will visit Mother Theresa center in Varanasi Overnight at hotel Taj Ganges 26 Oct - Varanasi/Khajuraho Early morning we leave for the ghats to enjoy a boat ride, at that time we Honor the raising of Suria (the sun) we will have the opportunity to take many pictures and experience the spiritually of the Hindu world because Varanasi is the most holy place for the Hindus. We will return to the hotel for breakfast. Later we leave for a half-day tour of Sarnath enroute visiting some of the city temple. Sarnath is known as the place where Buddha delivers his first sermon after he received enlightenment Later we will depart on our flight to Khajuraho Overnight at hotel Chandela or similar. 27 Oct - Khajuraho/Orcha The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a tribute to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every conceivable form has been captured and immortalized in stone. Architecturally they are unique, being very different from the temple prototype of their period. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha), with further additions in the more developed temples. Three geographical divisions group the temples: western, eastern and southern. Sightseeing in Khajuraho includes a visit to: Western Group: Kandariya Mahadeo, Lakshmana Temple etc. Eastern Group: Parasvanath Temple, Adinath Temple etc Breakfast at Hotel. Later we will leave for half-day tour of the temples of Khajuraho, then we will return to hotel to get ready to continue to Orcha Orcha A beautiful city that is located 160 Km of Khajuraho. We will enjoy this small city of that region where they still keep all their traditions. Many tourists that visit India have not discovered this place. Our hotel will be the Orcha resort. 28 Oct - Orcha / Agra This morning we will visit Orcha with all the activities that a city can give us, great for pictures. Later we will transfer to the train station to board our train to Agra. Our hotel will be the Muhal Sheraton. 29 Oct - Agra Breakfast at hotel, and then we will leave for half-day tour of the Taj Mahal . TheTaj Mahal, the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj complex comprises a forecourt, a lofty entrance, a charming formal Mughal garden with canals and a central courtyard with a series of fountains, the tomb proper, and an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportions and rich pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least 22 years (1631-1653) to build.. Agra Fort which lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town; Akbar built his citadel it over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style, it has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Overnight hotel Mughal Sheraton 30 Oct - Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur Breakfast at hotel. Later check out and drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri: 30kms.from Agra into the barren west is Fatehpur Sikri, which still echoes a great victory whisper in its ruins. Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard imagine to what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world Jaipur the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the Eighteen century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In spite of growing into bustling metropolis, it still retains it's a character and history a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity. Long called the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces exquisite temples and lush gardens. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes a visit to the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Amber Fort Palace etc. Our hotel will be the Jai Mahal Palace or Rambagh Palace 31 Oct - Jaipur Today we will visit the Ambar Palace Ambar is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort place. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh II, Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Tonight we are invited to have dinner at the home of Mr. Barath Bandari This dinner will be prepare strictly under the Jain rituals 01 Nov. - This morning we will visit the Hawa Mahal, Jantar mantar and City Palace Hawa Mahal The ornamental façade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur, its five-story structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Jantar Mantar This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments are still in use. City Palace A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum This afternoon we will visit the downtown area and will stroll around the Bazaars, great opportunity to buy spices and local specialties. 02 Nov. - Jaipur/Samode Today we will continue our journey to Samode Upon arrival to Samode we will check in at Samode Palace hotel. Visit the Samode Palace, among the magnificent edifices that adorn the region of Rajasthan. Nestled picturesquely amid rugged hills, the palace stands apart in serene splendor. The quiet luxury offers a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment. Stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflect the skill of master craftsmen. Overnight at Samode palace. 03 Nov - Samode - Pushkar (180 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive) After Breakfast at hotel drive to Pushkar. The day free to explore the Pushkar fair. The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environs of Pushkar town. Devotees throng to its Ghats to bathe and cleanse their sins in the sacred Pushkar Lake to attain a place in heaven. We will stay two nights at the Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace 04 Nov - Pushkar Day free to Explore Pushkar Fair. Overnight at hotel Jagat Niwas Palace 05 Nov Pushkar-Jodhpur (310 Kms, 6-7 Hrs drive) Breakfast at hotel, later in morning drive to Jodhpur. On arrival check in to hotel Taj Hari Mahal. Jodhpur Once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, is now the second largest city of Rajastan. Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur gradually grew around the towering Mehrangarh Fort built as a stronghold on the advice of a sage. The pride and joy of Jodhpur - the temples, monuments and gardens depict a multi - faceted grandeur. The city was situated on the ancient silk - route that linked Central Asia to northern India, as a result of which Jodhpur became a major trading center and is still the leading trade center for cattle, camels, wood, salt and agricultural crops. The beauty and imagination that have gone into the making of this exquisite city proclaim the life - springs of creative genius that appear incongruent with the harshness of this land and its climate. Overnight at Hotel 06 Nov - Jodhpur / Rohet Breakfast at Hotel, later in morning leave for half-day city tour of Jodhpur. Sightseeing in Jodhpur includes a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mandore, and Mahamandir etc. MEHRANGARH FORT The invincible Rao Jodha built this impregnable fort on a steep hill - one of the best in India, with charmingly latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and porches. Every part of the fort has a special appeal, the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana all contribute to the special ambience of the fort JASWANT THADA Close to the fort complex lies this 19th century cenotaph, built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are also displayed at Jaswant Thada. Later we will proceed to a village safari by Jeep. We will be visiting the Vish-nui, group that respects and lives by twenty-nine rules including the protection of any living creatures in any level of expression Dinner and overnight at Rohet 07 Nov - Rohet/ Udaipur After breakfast we will continue to romantic, wistful and serene Udaipur, a city built around shimmering, clear blue water lakes, which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. The famous lake palaces that seem to emerge from the placid Lake Pichola, whisper the memories of a bygone era. Built in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, the city of Udaipur is assimilated around three lakes - Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. The city was the last capital of Mewar, and remained so till the state was merged with the Republic of India in 1947.en route we wwill visit Ranakpur, A visit to the famous Jain Temple, Dating back to the 15th century, 200 pillars, none of which are alike support its 29 halls. The temple abunds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Arrival to our hotel Swiv Niwas Palace 08 Nov - Udaipur/Delhi Breakfast at hotel. Later we will leave for half day city tour, sightseeing In Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, this is an enormous edifice, 30.4 meters high and 224 meters in length (which were later additions) The palace stands on a low ridge all along the shore of the Lake Pichola The entrance is through Hathi Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple the paintings, mosaics, intricate carved chartries and of course, the architecturally brilliant façade all Contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience. SAHELION KI BARI The Garden of the Maids of honor was constructed for forty-eight young Ladies in waiting who were sent to the royal house as a part of the lavish dowry. This garden is well laid cut with extensive lawns and shady walks. The sprawling flower lined parks hung the shores of the second mayor Lake of Udaipur, Faleh Sagar. BHARATIYA LOK KALA MANDAL A museum of folk art, it has a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, and folk musical instrument on display of special interest is the section on tribal art Early this afternoon we will depart from Udaipur to Delhi A short flight will take us again to the capital of India Delhi where we will be met by our representative and transfer us from the domestic terminal to the International terminal to take our flight to take us home, leaving this enigmatic land of India with our heart full of beautiful experiences and great memories. If you wish to take the extension to Davigar, Mumbai and one night in Singapore or Bangkok depending of the carrier that we will take the schedule will be as follows. Nov 09 - Delhi/USA You will depart for home very early in the morning and leaving behind a land that was eager to have you as a visitor with open arms. POST OPTIONAL TOUR  09 Nov - Davigar/Udaipur/Mumbai Early this morning we will leave to take our flight that will take us To Mumbai, upon arrival we will be met my our representative and Transfer to the Taj Mahal hotel, This afternoon we will have a complete tour of Mumbai, that will include Crawfort Market, the Prince of Wales museum, the House was Mohatma Ghandi just to stay each time that he will visit Mumbai, also we will be visiting the hanging gardens and the towers of silence. 10 Nov - Mumbai/USA This morning we will leave on our private boat to the Island of Elephanta, where we will have the opportunity to see the most Beautiful sculptures that depict the main Gods in Hinduism it is One of the highlights of the city. On our return we will have a farewell lunch at our hotel to say good Bye to our friends. The balance of the afternoon and early evening will be free for us to Get ready for our journey home. 11 Nov Early morning our flight will leave for destination to the USA we will have the opportunity to stop for one overnight in Singapore or Bangkok, depends of the airline that we will use as the main International carrier. 12 Nov - USA Today we will depart from our last gate city for our flight to the USA Although the flight is around 14 hours we will arrive in Los Angeles The same day, returning with great memories of this great land call INDIA. THE GEMS OF INDIA, GUIDED BY ALBA HOLLEMAN INCLUDING THE PUSHKAR ANNUAL FAIR This program begins and finish in Delhi,if you take the opetional tour will begin in Delhi and finish in Mumbai The cost includes Hotels and Palaces five stars or the best in the area Double occupancy per room American breakfast every day Transportation on air condition bus All the entrances fees and taxes required at the historical monuments Local guides on each city Train ticket executive class from Jhansi to Agra All the tourist attractions mentioned on the itinerary like entry to the Ambar Palace on elephant back, Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Photographic safari in Jodhpur Visit and dinner at Mr. Bandari's home Many surprises that will help us be a part of the enjoy and beauty of INDIA Lunches and dinners mentioned on the itinerary. Tip for airport and hotel porters (base on a one bag per person) During our excursions mineral water for your convenience Alba Holleman is sharing with you her love and admiration for INDIA, which she obtained during her twenty consecutives years of frequent visits to this great land. The cost does not includes International air tickets from Los Angeles to India. Domestic airfare within India. Meals do not mentioned on itinerary Tip for driver and local guides Personal expenses like laundry, mini bar, and tickets for videos or cameras required in tourist local sites. Deposit of $300 is required upon reservation; Full payment 60 days before departure If cancelled before 60 days before departure you will have your money back less $300 Before 30 days departure time you will have returned 50% and within 30 days no returned For International airfare tickets will have to be purchase 60 days before departure. Tickets are not refundable and will be subject to airline regulations; domestic tickets within India will have to be purchase before 45 days before departure and are not refundable. This tour is done by Blossom Holidays, Jaipur, India e-mail : blossomholidays@tantramail.com. Contact in California Alba Holleman, P.O. Box 6832, Ventura, CA 93006 Phone 805 644 9989, Fax 805 644 0478, Pager 805 532 7694, e-mail: travelwithalba@aol.com