[ Print This Page ]
Globus
OFFER ID 1488419
Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India than this incredible Independence by Globus journey. Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar-a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the "Pink City" of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. Enjoy the I-time you crave with free time and optional excursions to experience this fascinating destination in your own way.
11 nights from $3,969 per person
Independent Spirit Of India
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIA
Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
MUMBAI-FLOWERS.jpg
Day 2 MUMBAI
• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos? at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India.
• Witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery.
• Visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
(B,L)
MUMBAI-CHHATRAPATI-SHIVAJI.jpg
Day 3 MUMBAI–VARANASI
• Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities.
(B)
VARANASI-HINDI-WOMEN.jpg
Day 4 VARANASI
• Near dawn, board a boat and watch a moving religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga, meditating, take a ritual dip and offer flowers to the river. Return to your hotel for breakfast and leisure time.
• In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River.
(B)
VARANASI-GANGES.jpg
Day 5 VARANASI–DELHI
• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city.
(B)
DELHI-CHANDNI-CHOWK.jpg
Day 6 DELHI
• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace.
• Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
(B,L)
DELHI-RED-FORT.jpg
Day 7 DELHI–AGRA
• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret constructed in the early 13th Century.
• Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship).
• After lunch, drive to Agra, a city where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.
(B,L)
DELHI-QUTUB-MINAR.jpg
Day 8 AGRA
• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.
• In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”
AGRA-TAJ-MAHAL.jpg
Day 9 AGRA–JAIPUR
• Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.”
• After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes.
• Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills.
(B,L)
JAIPUR-JANTAR-MANTAR.jpg
Day 10 JAIPUR
• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.
JAIPUR-AMBER-FORT.jpg
Day 11 JAIPUR–DELHI
• Today, drive back to Delhi.
(B)
DELHI-INDIAN-FOOD.jpg
Day 12 DELHI
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
DELHI-SPICES.jpg
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
(317) 626-0939