North India with Village Safari
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Introduction
Far Horizon takes you to North India and gives you an overview of the exotic and multi-faceted landscape that is India. From Delhi, the bustling capital of India set amidst the backdrop of ancient monuments, to the romantic Taj Mahal in Agra – India offers you a host of not-to-be missed experiences. Far Horizon Tours, offers much more than just a glimpse into this fascinating blend of history and rich cultural traditions. It offers you the opportunity to experience the rich culture of India. The home hosted meals in Jaipur with a noble family in their heritage house and a visit to a colonial bungalow in Agra gives an enriching insight into the Indian family system and traditions. Visit the Clement Village Retreat and meet the colorful Meena tribe of Rajasthan to experience the Living Cultures of India. At Ranthambore see the wildlife of India in its natural habitat. We will take you down the Ganges and you can watch the beautiful 'aarti' being conducted on the banks of one of the most revered rivers of India. All-in-all, a fascinating journey!
Tour Highlights
- Rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including the iconic Taj Mahal
- Visit Royal Grand Palaces, Forts and Havelis of Rajasthan
- Thrill of seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Ranthambore National Park
- Interaction with the Meena tribal people of Rajasthan
- Experience of staying at the Village retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life
- Home hosted dinner with the local family
- Sunrise and sunset boat ride on the River Ganges
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Agra
The Majesty of the TajAgra is the city of the Taj Mahal, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra. There are also many other buildings and tombs from Agra's days of glory as the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Gadoli, Aravali Hills
The Classical Indian Village in the Golden TriangleSet in the heart of India and nestled amidst the Aravalis, Gadoli village is located in the rural countryside of Rajasthan. One can easily move around on camels or by camel carts. Marvel at the beautiful scenery and potentially spot some of the desert wildlife. The vibrant culture and rich heritage of this place draws innumerable tourists from across the globe.Tucked away within a valley inside the Aravali Hills, home to the community of Meena Tribals, the joy and spirit of rustic life is palpable on the lively faces of the village folks.
Ranthambore
The Great Wildlife Adventure
Jaipur
The Pink CityJaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Varanasi
Sacred, Soulful and SpectacularVaranasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi
Delhi
On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).
Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.
Thereafter, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship)- Bangla Sahib. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.
Conclude the day by visiting the Delhi's most striking monument, the Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 3
Delhi – Agra by road: Approx. 232 Km / 147 Miles / 4 Hrs. drive
Agra
After breakfast, depart for Agra.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel and thereafter proceed to visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son - in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.
This evening, savor a travel highlight as you embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 laborers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.
Lunch & dinner on own
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 4
Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Gadoli: Approx. 170 Km / 105 Miles / 4 Hrs. drive
Gadoli, Aravali Hills
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Gadoli.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
From here we proceed to our next destination- Gadoli which will offer you an unforgettable village experience and a welcome break from the regular tourist visits to monuments, museums and markets and the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities.
Enjoy the camel cart safari to visit a charming village and meet its friendly people who are eager to share their life experiences with you.
Overnight at the Clement Village Retreat (B, L, D)
- Day 5 Gadoli – Ranthambore : Approx. 160 Km / 99 Miles / 4 Hrs. drive
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Day 6
Ranthambore
Ranthambore
On today’s morning and afternoon game drives, we’re sure to see more game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed). One of India’s best known national parks, Ranthambore belongs to India’s ground-breaking Project Tiger, dedicated to preserving and protecting the once plentiful Royal Bengal tigers that roamed the land here.
The park’s varied landscape of beautiful lakes, lush grasslands, deep ravines, wooded valleys, and open scrub also features picturesque ruins of old fortifications and the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 7
Ranthambore - Jaipur: Approx. 160 Km / 99 Miles / 4 Hrs. drive
Jaipur
Today we proceed to Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan which is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
This evening, we will take you to the home of an Indian family which will host you for dinner where you will learn what it is like to cook, serve and eat like a Rajasthani. You will relish and cherish every moment of this culinary expedition.
Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
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Day 8
Jaipur
Jaipur
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur including a visit to the Amber Fort and a photo stop at the Palace of the Winds, the Hawa Mahal in the morning.
Visit Amber Fort a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Rajput architecture. We tour the unoccupied citadel this morning, to admire the fresco-covered portal, the impressive room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
We continue on to Jantar Mantar, the incredible open-air Royal Observatory (ca. 1728) housing oversized astronomical instruments and a UNESCO World Heritage site; and City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur, built in the shape of the city itself and now converted to a museum that houses the rulers’ magnificent art collections.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 9
Jaipur – Varanasi by flight
Varanasi
After breakfast, transfer to Jaipur airport to connect with the flight to Varanasi.
Our representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Late afternoon, take a boat ride on the holy River Ganges where you will witness the beautiful and captivating 'Aarti' ceremony’ at twilight. ‘Aarti’ is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, in which wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor are offered to one or more deities. An absolute must see in Varanasi, the evening Aarti is conducted every day at sunset by priests, worshiping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 10
Varanasi
Varanasi
Rise early this morning and take a boat ride on the Ganges past the ghats. Here, pilgrims gather on the steps that lead down to the river to bathe in the waters of the sacred river, as the city begins to come alive, in the magical misty light of dawn.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later this afternoon visit Sarnath, this is one of the four holy Buddhist sites and an exceedingly tranquil place. It is the place where the enlightened Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa- built in 500 CE to commemorate Buddha's activities in this location. (Sarnath museum remains closed every Friday)
Overnight at the hotel (B)
- Day 11 Varanasi – Delhi by flight & Departure
