Incredible India overwhelms visitors with an intoxicating mix of exotic culture, unfamiliar history and equally magnificent landscapes and architecture. This land assaults every sense with an intense pot-pourri of experiences. It’s immersive. It’s ecstatic. It’s a great choice if you want to visit somewhere truly unique and different. India offers a different aspect of her personality – exotic, extravagant, elegant, eclectic - to each traveller to the country.
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There is so much discover and a great place to start to discover this fascinating country is at the immersive website www.incredibleindia.org which has wonderful photography and video as well as a depth of content.
The different facets of the jewel that is India draw visitors for many reasons. Some come to discover the history that dates back 5000 years – leaving fascinating stories written in the stones of Hindu Temples, fabulous Mughal monuments or fantastic palaces of Maharajahs.
Others are drawn by the spirituality of a culture that spawned 4 major world religions - the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain religions all originated in India and have shaped its future ever since. Linked to this mysticism is India’s culture of wellness. For instance, imagine visiting an ashram in Rishikesh, home to a 2000-year-old Vishnu Shrine and also the "Yoga capital of the world". It’s an ideal destination, not only for pilgrims, but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, yoga and other ancient practices.
For the adventurous, Rishikesh is also the starting point for trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. India merges stunning scenery with the opportunity for unique adventure – whether you are drawn by sports such as white water rafting or trekking in the Himalayas. India’s rich wildlife viewing also provides opportunities for wildlife safaris (you might see the rare Indian Rhino) and to visit tiger sanctuaries.
Most people visit the “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on their first visit to India.
Delhi
Delhi is one of the oldest cities in the world, yet the extraordinary progress India is making towards modernization is also apparent. This interweaving blend of old and new worlds makes for a fascinating visit. New Delhi has gracious colonial buildings built by the British and the foundation stone of the city was laid by George V, Emperor of India in 1911. New Delhi is considered the masterpiece of British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Stately and historic, Delhi boasts an array of historical sites including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is the Red Fort - the ultimate symbol of Mughal power in India, with its 60 foot high watchtowers and massive battlement walls stretching over 2.5 kms. The second is Hamayun’s Tomb, which is considered to be the prototype for the Taj Mahal. It is the tomb of the second Mughal Emperor, Hamayun, and was built by his wife. And Qutub Minar, India's tallest minaret and a miracle of architectural achievement in its time, is made of red sandstone and marble and inscribed with verses from the Qur'an.
Delhi also provides the visitor with the opportunity to learn about how modern India achieved independence and to glimpse the extraordinary life of Ghandi, the father of the nation. Ghandi Smriti was Ghandi’s last home in 1947-1948 and shows his footprints to the exact spot where he was shot and killed by an assassin. His study and his bedroom in a colonial bungalow were simple rooms and his few possessions are still in place.
Agra
Agra is an ancient city that came into the limelight during the reign of the Mughals. It is famous for one of the Seven New Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. The Taj is a monument of such incredible elegance that it is considered synonymous with beauty itself.
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal to be the final resting place of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died bearing their 14th child. Ultimately, it is a testament to love and devotion. They lie here side by side – together forever in endless love. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agra’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site is its own Red Fort built by Akbar, the 3rd Mughal Emperor between 1565 to 1573.
Jaipur
Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” because in 1876 the whole city was painted pink to welcome Edward, Prince of Wales.
The Maharajas of Jaipur had incredible wealth and Jaipur was designed in 1727 as Asia’s first planned city. The Maharajas created a lake for the city and built an island palace. Jaipur’s famous Palace of the Wind has a beautiful frontage with 365 windows - but it's a mere façade to allow women of the Islamic court to view the city's street life unobserved.
The Amber Fort is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in this country that seems to have an endless supply of them. The fort itself was constructed 1588-1710 and includes The Hall of Public Audiences is an elegant colonnaded space with views down to the exquisite gardens on an island in the lake below the ramparts. And the Maharajah’s Mirrored Palace is fabulous – the Maharajah imported countless mirrors to India at huge expense to beautify the ceiling with glass inlaid panels and mirrors. The mirrors are of convex shape and designed with coloured foil and paint so they glitter brightly under candle light.
For over 35 years Insight Vacations has been known as the provider of some of the world’s finest escorted tours. They are particularly regarded as experts in touring Europe - with tours covering 43 countries they offer more European nations than any other any operator. They are also the leading escorted tour operator in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as offering tours in North America, North Africa, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Now they offer the same legendary high standards and perfectly planned touring itineraries to guests travelling to India.
You can be confident that Insight will bring you quality hotels, luxury transport and the most in-depth local knowledge. Enjoy unique escorted vacations, with signature business class travel, expert Tour Directors and hand picked hotels in the best locations.
Insight’s Classical India Tour provides a journey into the mysterious and enigmatic, full of strange fascination - from the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the splendid Taj Mahal, to the spiritual presence of Hindu holy men and the world's only official living goddess.
Chris experienced this tour himself and you can read more about it in his blog and on his Pinterest Board.
Here is the detail of the itinerary – it is a perfect tour if it is your first visit and you are looking for an introduction to India.
Classical India Tour
Day 1 Your Journey Begins
Board your flight (not included).
Day 2 Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot of Old and New
Welcome to India! On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you are greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.
Hotel: Le Méridien, Delhi
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Day 3 Delhi Sightseeing
After a restful night's sleep, ride by rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, visit the Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. See the Qutub Minar and drive along the Rajpath past the India Gate and Parliament House to visit the Tomb of Humayun. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Le Méridien, Delhi
Buffet Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Day 4 Kathmandu, Gateway to Mountains, Monasteries & Temples
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight to Nepal - a mystical country nestled in the folds of the Himalayas. Relax at your exquisite, centrally located hotel.
Hotel: Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Durbar Square and Holy Shrines
This morning, explore Durbar Square and the ancient Royal Palace complex, laced with a myriad of temples, courtyards, statues and home to the Kumari (the living Goddess). On the outskirts of town visit Swayambhunath, the most ancient and enigmatic of the valley's holy shrines. Continue to Patan to visit to the sky piercing temple of Teleju, Statue of Yogendra Malla and Tibetan Handicraft Centre.
Hotel: Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Magnificent Temples and Splendid Stupas
If weather permits the following morning, maybe take an optional flight over Mt Everest? Later, view Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati, one of the holiest Hindu shrines. Continue to Bodhnath, a colossal stupa, and Nepal's most important Buddhist site. Round off your sightseeing with a visit the ancient capital of Bhadgaon, the main square containing innumerable temples and architectural showpieces.
Hotel: Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Varanasi, the oldest Living City in the World
This morning, relax and take advantage of some of the facilities in your 5 star hotel before being transferred to the airport for the flight to India's holy city of Varanasi. This evening take in a special spiritual experience as you witness the holy Hindu Aarti ceremony at the riverside steps of the Ganges.
Hotel: The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Varanasi
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Ganges and City Sightseeing
Early in the morning, enjoy tea or coffee at the hotel before embarking on a boat cruise to witness the scenes of devotion on Ganges River. Return to the hotel for breakfast followed by a brief city tour visiting some famous temples. Your adventure continues at nearby Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha preached his first sermon. Visit the museum which rates among the most important in India.
Hotel: The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Varanasi
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 The Spectacular Carvings & Erotic Sculptures of Khajuraho
For those who wish, there's an early morning yoga session at the Ganges Ghats (if possible) where the air is filled with spirituality. Later board a short flight to Khajuraho, where you enjoy a tour of one of India's ‘seven wonders' - the medieval Hindu and Jain temples, celebrated world wide for their intricate and erotic carvings. Tonight, why not witness the Sound and Light show?
Hotel: Radisson, Khajuraho
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Orchha - Agra
After breakfast, en-route to Jhansi, visit the citadel at Orchha, containing grand 16th Century palaces and temples. Afterwards, transfer to the train station in Jhansi and board the Shatabdi Express to Agra.
Hotel: ITC Mughal - Luxury Collection, Agra
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 Agra & the Taj Mahal
After breakfast, Agra's fine heritage is revealed. Appreciate the flawless marble symmetry of the exquisite Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved wife. Move on to the impressive Agra Fort to explore the palatial Royal Pavilions and gardens. This afternoon you are free to explore this vibrant city. Another option is to attend a spectacular stage musical production which follows the ‘Saga of Love' that inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Hotel: ITC Mughal - Luxury Collection, Agra
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 Jaipur, the 'Pink City'
Set off this morning for the ancient Mughul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city full of architectural wonder. Afterwards, drive to the ‘Pink City' of Jaipur where there is time to freshen up. Later, visit a private estate for a sunset elephant safari. Board your elephant's cushioned seat for the trek through the forest, past village hamlets and fields to the camp where high tea awaits.
Hotel: Fairmont, Jaipur
Buffet Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 13 Jaipur Sightseeing
This morning, ascend by jeep to the Amber Fort, it's royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Back in Jaipur, see the ‘Hawa Mahal' (The Palace of Winds) and visit the city Palace Museum and royal observatory. At this evening's Celebration Dinner enjoy drinks and authentic cuisine.
Hotel: Fairmont, Jaipur
Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Day 14 Depart Jaipur-Delhi
Your tour draws to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Delhi Airport at 17:00.
Buffet Breakfast