Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Asia sticks to you. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries. Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Asia as you have always imagined it. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air & the heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.

And India is an incredibly varied & exciting vacation destination, pulsating with a spectacular mix of people, traditions & landscapes. With an intoxicatingly rich history, which has spawned a number of exquisite Palaces, Temples & monuments, your journey through this mind-stirring country will blaze in your memory long after you have left its shores.  Come, discover India with us….

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome. With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Delhi, one of the world’s greatest Megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street, Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

 If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Delhi, the Capital of Kingdoms & Empires is now a sprawling Metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges 2 different worlds.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata had their Capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Old Delhi, once the Capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis & formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues & imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several Rulers & many Empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed & then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's Rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers & then as creators.

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least 8 historical Delhis, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day Citadel that is dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history & you will be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila & Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent Tombs of eminent historical figures & visiting the still-vibrant Temples, Mosques & Shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of Empires & magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai & Amir Khusro to present day Writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating Museums & Art Galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places & bustling markets.

And how can we forget the indomitable Delhi cuisine & street food.

As the Capital city of one of the most delicious country's on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the subcontinent: Breakfast on South Indian idly; lunch on Punjabi kulchas; then, come evening, dine on rich Mughlai curries. But don't forget to leave room for some Dilli-ka-Chaat, Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks; try sizzling kebabs for starters, then munch on aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on jalebi (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon kheer (rice pudding).

Evening, be ready for an interesting experience, reliving the centuries old history.

In time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep up at 06.00 pm for transfer to the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, more popularly known as Lal Quila.

Relive the history as you feast your eyes & ears, enjoying the magical effects created during the 1 hour + Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of Red Fort. Learn how the Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of Kingdoms, eminent Rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color. The enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi.

After the Show ends, get ready to enjoy authentic Indian delicacies & proceed to the popular Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

Designed to look like a thief's market, this dining room serves dishes from around the country.

"Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience - great decor, distinct ambience enhanced by assorted Hindi, '50's music, wondrous cocktails, superlative food, charming 'Old World' service" - The Economic Times.

Every city in India has its own special 'Chor Bazaar' which translates as 'thieves market'. All kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the Owners). This being our inspiration & to celebrate the eclecticism of India in all its exuberant irreverence, the Owners coined the name with a pun on the word bazaar & 'Chor Bizarre' was born. Having created an atmosphere that provides a unique setting for truly authentic & inspired cuisine, Chor Bizarre has been one of India's most celebrated restaurants since 1990.

Return to the hotel.

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Delhi with its Old & New parts - each with its specific charm & glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval & modern cultures at the same time & space. Today, you will explore the Capital of India in a full-day tour - including buildings of early Turkish structure to Mughal buildings to Lutyen's Delhi.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley (Ferraris & Lamborghinis are for the evenings or weekends) amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets & bustling markets. Visit the famous Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. It was the residence of succeeding Mughal Emperors for about 200 years. Also see Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 and reputed to be largest mosque in Asia. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors.

A visit to Delhi without paying homage to the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi is not possible. Raj Ghat was built to honour the memory of Gandhi & this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

Post lunch you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later, is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after the British Architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate -

the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers), Viceroy’s Palace which is now Presidential residence, Parliament House- the govt. headquarters & many other buildings in that area. You will be stopping at India Gate & driving by the President Palace & Parliament. 

Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith & then drive on to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 72.5 meter Qutub Minar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival & rise of Islam in India.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

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board the superfast air-conditioned train for Agra.

On arrival at the Agra Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & transferred to the hotel.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra.

Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendour of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid 16^th century & earlier 17^th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity & it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain. The splendour of Agra remains undiminished, from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles.

Check-in & relax for a while before meeting the Tour-guide in the lobby who will take you back in time & help you to visualise the life in the bygone era illustrated by the majestic citadels & the serene Taj Mahal.

One knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders!

One knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

One knows The Taj as a legend of eternal love of an Emperor for his favourite Queen!!!

Well, ‘The Taj’ has distinctions much beyond just these! Therefore, ‘The Taj’, surely, deserves your visit once and more!!!

Start the tour with a visit to the Taj.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Probably for Taj Mahal, the axiom is just the other way round. The Taj is the beauty personified! The Taj displays its different moods through its varied shades. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines & the intermediary variants during different hours of the day & during different seasons in a year.

Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Mausoleum was completed in 1653, it took 22 years to be completed & was designed, and planned by Persian Architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance & perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens & some of the best inlay work ever seen.   Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’s beauty has to be seen to be believed. A visit there is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told.

The Taj will keep you indulged with thoughts superimposing your sight & would make you feel the presence of Shah Jahan, the ‘maker’ & Mumtaz Mahal, the ‘reason’. As you breathlessly continue staring at ‘The Taj’, you would sense them standing beside you!

Walk along the pathway beside the reflecting pool with fountains upto the Mausoleum crafted in soft & pure marble & jewelled with semi-precious stones, where in the serenity of paradise rests the Queen in peace with her King. Come to unfold the pages from the past to churn the charm out of its mystique & enrich your imagination about this marvel of an epic in stone, The Taj!

After spending a couple of hours, drive to the 16^th century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra, situated on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Famed Mughal emperor Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone & a moat. This powerful Fortress encompasses within its 2.5 km long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale Palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace & the Khas Mahal, built later by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; & 2 very beautiful Mosques.

Last stop would be the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the 'Baby Taj' because of the architectural similarities. It showcases intricate latticework & carvings on marble to produce stunning marble screens. The delicate pietradura work done on the walls of this serene marble Mausoleum with its 4 minarets set in the midst of a char bagh style garden is believed to have inspired the inlay work done on the Taj Mahal that was constructed on similar lines, though on an extremely grand scale.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day free to relax or to explore the Agra’s rich heritage of handicrafts in its markets or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

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Early morning, depart for Sawai Madhopur, famous for the Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary which is said to have the India’s friendliest Tigers & also considered to be the best place in the world to photograph the Tiger in its natural habitat, also a wonderful place for bird watching.

Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri.  The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his Capital & Palace in the late 16^th century is an exhilarating experience.

It a veritable fairy-tale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it is not hard to imagine what the Court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. It was Akbar's Capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture & art and built a city expressing his ideals & vision.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner Citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal & the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour & is said to be a copy of the Mosque in Mecca & has designs derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Entrance to this Mosque is through the Buland Darwaza which was built in Gujrat & is 54 meters high. To the North of the Mosque is the Dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti, built in 1570. Here, childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with 3 sons when he came here. The lattice work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found anywhere.

The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place worth visiting. Visit Jama Masjid ; Buland Darwaza; Palace of Jodha Bai ; Birbal Bhavan & Panch Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu & Muslim architecture.

Continue on to Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest & most renowned National Park in Northern India, best known for its large Tiger population. Being considered as one of the famous former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife Photographers & lovers in this destination. It is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat & Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. The Park's deciduous forests are characteristic examples of the type of jungle found in Central India. Other major wild animals include leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear & chital. The Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of trees & plants, birds & reptiles, as well as one of the largest banyan trees in India.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure to relax or for Optional activities if you have time (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

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At dawn, you will be met by the Ranger & proceed for a 3 hour game viewing in the Park in a Canter (an open top vehicle).

Return to the lodge in time for lunch.

Later around dusk, proceed to the jungle again to enjoy another round of game viewing.

Come back to the hotel.

Morning free (you may want yet another optional - extra payment, game drive if you wish).

In time, Check-out & depart for Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent Palaces, mighty Fortresses & regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India.

Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste & fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth & authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal Emperors & also the British Raj that followed. The bustling Rajasthan Capital, Jaipur, takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this Emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink colour in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements).

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Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour tour of the ‘pink’ city.

First stop will be the majestic Amber Fort where the accent to the Fort situated on a tall hillock, is on an elephant.

Perched on a hill some 11 km from Jaipur, and nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. Set in a picturesque background, the splendid Amber Fort was built in 1600 by Raja Man Singh, Commander-in-Chief of the Mughal army during Akbar's reign & certainly one the greatest general of medieval India. The Fort was initially a Palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort. The Fort is constructed of red sandstone & white marble overlooking Maotha Lake & was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha Rulers.

The most magnificent sight inside is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands of tiny intricate mirrors would light the entire room.

Return to the city & visit City Palace.

Conceived and designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, it is a fine blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the Palace complex has numerous buildings, Courtyards, impressive Gateways & Temples. The Palace houses Sawai Jai Singh's 7 storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family.

You will drive by Hawa Mahal. Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its 5 storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows & balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts.

Visit Jantar Mantar, the royal Astronomical Observatory built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 to measure movement of the stars & planets, time, altitude and other astronomical events. End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and the local Bazaar.

In time, you would be transferred to Jaipur Railway Station for your journey back to Delhi. The Journeys rep will settle you in your reserved Seats.

On arrival at New Delhi Station, you would be welcomed by the Journeys Rep & transferred to the hotel.

Please stay on the Platform, right next to the Carriage exit door (the Station is very crowded at all times & the Rep will know the Carriage # you were in. If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 20 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

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Alas, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say au revoir to incredible India & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing & moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India's color, variety, ethos & senses also its power, vitality & grandeur...!!  An India like no other. Friendly, warm, welcoming & uniquely your own.

We sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this multi-ethnic kaleidoscope that 1.2 billion people call home & The Journeys would be there to make it happen.

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal3 -Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for your onward journey.  B

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