India: History and Culture

DAY 1: NEW DELHI
Arrival in New Delhi. Reception by the local representative and transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast. Upon arrival, guests are provided with a non-alcoholic beverage.

Delhi, or New Delhi, is the capital of India and an important gateway to the country. It is a metropolis that combines the old and the modern.


DAY 2: NEW DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel and private full-day tour, with guide in Spanish. Visit fascinating Old Delhi for a cultural immersion in this beautiful historic city. Rickshaw ride, passing through the narrow streets discovering the fusion of current traditions and the heritage that were built there. Visit the main temple of Sikhism in Delhi: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, which was originally a palace and has a peculiar golden dome. During the temple visit, opportunity to participate in the preparation of food in the community kitchen. Then, visit the Gandhi Smriti museum (closed on Mondays), dedicated to the Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi.

Visit to the Humayun Tomb, which is part of a complex of buildings considered by UNESCO as one of India's World Heritage Sites, one of the first examples of Mughal architectural art.

Shopping stop at Khan Market, with a variety of stores. Free time at one of the restaurants or coffee shops.

Return to the hotel via Rajpath Avenue, where the India Gate monument, the Parliament and the embassy area are located.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Morning yoga session to learn healing and strengthening techniques through the revitalization of body and soul energies.
  
  
  

DAY 3: NEW DELHI - AGRA
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, ground transfer to Agra, taking 3 to 4 hours.

Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel for accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Agra was the capital of India during the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this period, the city became one of the main centers of art, science, commerce, and culture.

In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort, a World Heritage Site, considered the most important fort in India, strategically located along a curve in the Yamuna River and the place where the emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived.


DAY 4: AGRA - ABHANERI - JAIPUR In
the morning, visit the famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), one of the seven wonders of the world, located in a protected area. The monument was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. Its construction began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, employing the labor of more than 20,000 artisans. During the visit, stop for a photo in front of the Taj Mahal, wearing Indian costumes.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Then, land transfer to Jaipur, on a journey of approximately 5 hours.

On the way, stop in Abhaneri to visit Chand Baori, a well hidden in the middle of its corridors and staircases.

Continuation to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan province, is renowned for its handicrafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics, and stone carvings. It's one of the best examples of a planned city in North India. Accommodation for 3 nights, with breakfast.

Visit to the Birla Temple and opportunity to participate in an Aarti ceremony (Hindu ritual of lights).


DAY 5: JAIPUR
After breakfast, stop for photos at Panna Meena Ka Kund, followed by a visit to Amber Fort (about 11 km from Jaipur). High above the city, the palace is inside a huge complex filled with halls, gardens, pavilions, and temples. The ascent to the fort will be done by jeep. During the tour, a blessing ceremony will be held at the Amber Fort Temple performed by a Hindu priest, as well as an opportunity to shop, get a henna tattoo, or participate in a block printing experience.

Rest of the day free for independent activities.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Visit the Galta Ji Hindu temple.
  
  
  

DAY 6: JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a walk to the City Palace, which is currently a public museum and there is a strong mix of traditional Rajastani and Mughal culture. The museum has a collection of royal clothing, carpets, an arsenal of weapons, miniature paintings depicting court scenes, battle scenes, and processions. Another point that will be visited is Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Jaipur rickshaw tour.
• Visit the Rajput family home, to learn about the rich culture and traditions that are prevalent throughout Rajasthan.
  
  
  

DAY 7: JAIPUR/Udaipur
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, transfer to Jaipur airport for boarding a flight to Udaipur (not included). Upon disembarkation, reception and private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, regular boat ride (subject to minimum water level) through the waters of Lake Pichola to observe the city's monuments.

One of the most romantic cities in India, Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East for its lakes, in a complete contrast to the Rajasthan desert.


DAY 8: Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Tour of Udaipur with a private guide in Spanish to discover the city's most impressive buildings, such as the City Palace, made of marble and granite and overlooking Lake Pichola, the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 AD, where you can see sculpted and adorned figures, and the Sahelion-ki-Bari, the so-called “Garden of the Maidens”, with its 4 pools and kiosks carved with mythological figures and animals.

Rest of the day free.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Afternoon tea to observe the sunset on the terrace of the Fateh Prakash Palace;
• Culinary experience served by a royal Bedla family, including dinner (excluding drinks).
  
  
  

DAY 9: Udaipur /Varanasi
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Varanasi (not included).

Varanasi, India's sacred city, also called Kashi and Benaras, is renowned for its high-quality silks, 'paan' and the Hindu University of Benares. Considered one of the oldest cities in the world, attracting visitors who desire an encounter with the divine, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities for Hindus.

In the evening, an opportunity to attend a traditional Aarti offering ceremony, on the banks of the Ganges River.


DAY 10: VARANASI
Early in the morning, departure for a boat ride along the Ganges River, with a private guide in Spanish, where Hindu pilgrims perform rituals along the steps. At sunrise, the faithful bathe in the river to wash away their sins. Then, visit the main attractions of the historic city of Varanasi, to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, and the Bharat Mata Mandir, opened by Gandhi and known for his marble carved map of India.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, visit the great Sarnate Buddhist Center, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Sarnath museum houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures.

Rest of the day free.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• After returning to the hotel, yoga classes with a professional instructor.
  
  
  

DAY 11: VARANASI/NEW DELHI
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Transfer to Varanasi airport.