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.

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 International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

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.

Reach 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’.

Morning & afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions for ‘Optional programs & arrange).

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 two 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 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 Delhi, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's 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 & 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.

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

One of the finest examples of the precision, grandeur & finesse of Mughal architecture & now enduring symbol of political authority in India, Lal Quila or the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, between 1638 & 1648. The red sandstone used in its massive outer wall gave it the name “Lal Quila” or the Red Fort. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor & the Capital of the empire till Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal Emperor was deposed by the British in 1857. 

Relive the history as you enjoy the 1 hour + Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of Red Fort. Learn how the Fort became one of the most important landmarks in Delhi, 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. It traces the history of the Mughal Empire in India, outlining their glory & the eventful causes for their downfall. Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the audio-visual show within the sandstone walls of the Fort.

Projectors illuminate different parts of the Fort. The terraces are set up in the garden & the different parts of the Palace are spread out before your eyes. A bit kitschy all the same.

The enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi.  Let yourself be carried away by the fairy-tale atmosphere of this luminous music show, sublimating the already dreamlike aspect of the place retracing the history of the city. Not only will you see the Fort in a different light (literally), you will also get an idea of the city’s heritage.

The narration begins from the construction of the Red Fort in 1638 & culminates with the attainment of independence in 1947. During the narrative, the different structures are illuminated in different colours of light to depict the portrayal of a certain character of event in history.

Sitting under the open Delhi sky, viewing these century old structures framed by the fast flowing of traffic of modern Delhi on its modern roads in the background & listening to the history of India being story-told by a commanding voice of a famous Bollywood icon in an informative tone is truly an enriching & fulfilling experience.

Scenes & situations from history such as festivals, coronations, intimate personal drama, marriages, wars, important meetings are creatively orally enacted / play-read & are interspersed with great music depicting that era.

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 'thief’s 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.

Overnight.  D

After breakfast, you will meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 09.00 am & embark on a 6 hour sightseeing tour of Delhi.

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) amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

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

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets & bustling markets.

Honk-honk-beeeep! Welcome to Old Delhi. Love or hate it, it is impossible to ignore. Whether you make it your base, or just dip into it for shopping sprees or to see the Red Fort, you will be hard pushed to ever forget your time in this wonderfully chaotic & fabulously photogenic corner of the city.

You will be sharing its hectic streets and alleys with carts & cycle-rickshaws, with cows and monkeys, with shoppers & with beggars, with street-food sellers & market traders, and with cars, vans, scooters & auto-rickshaws; watch your back - honk-honk-beeeep!

Visit the Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. 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.

All the riches of India twinkle in Delhi's emporiums, so if you are regretting not buying that handmade kathputli (puppet) you saw in Rajasthan or that Madhubani painting you loved in Bihar, fear not; chances are you will be able to find one here too.

New Delhi's emporiums are multi-floor, gift-filled markets that are perfect for a last-minute souvenir binge before you fly home. Old Delhi's famously frenetic street bazaars, meanwhile, contain a mind-boggling array of clothes, slippers, shawls, handicrafts, food, electronics & more – even if you are not buying anything, they are a joy to visit (& photograph).

Post lunch you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later, and is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after the British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate - the 42 meter 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 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 meters Qutub Minar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival & rise of Islam in India. 

Return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, depart for Jaipur.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Enthralling, historical Jaipur is the capital of India’s most flamboyant state of Rajasthan. A romantic realm of resplendent Palaces, mighty Fortresses & regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts.

Rajasthan is literally the Land of the Kings. It is home to the chivalrous Rajputs, and its battle-scarred heritage is ingrained with pride & tradition. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste & fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, most of them realized that to maintain their wealth & authority locally, it was expedient & street-smart to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors & also the British Raj that followed.

The upper echelons of this medieval society built magnificent Palaces & Forts, big-ticket attractions today. Powerful Forts loom from mountain tops, their battle-scarred ramparts still defying long-dead enemies. Spiked doors that once held war elephants at bay open onto the twisting approaches to the Palaces within. Austere & practical on the outside gives way to fantasy & opulence once safely inside. Carved marble & stone, fountains & coloured glass decorate the halls of business & rooms of pleasure.

All across, there are numerous forgotten Forts & lovingly restored Palaces, including Jaisalmer's fairy-tale desert outpost, Amber's honey-hued fort-palace & Jodhpur's imposing Mehrangarh to name just a few. Many of which are now sumptuous Hotels & impressive Museums.

The intensity & spectrum of colour in Rajasthan is impossible to ignore. The rainbow of fire-engine red turbans & emerald green & canary yellow saris is simply dazzling. Little wonder so many fashion designers find their inspiration & raw materials in this state.

In addition, stunning handicrafts & fine arts were developed & nurtured through the patronage of the Maharajas. Village life remains steeped in tradition but, just like the rest of India, the pace of change is accelerating. Turbaned men still barter for decorated camels - they just relay the successful deal home via a smartphone.

Easier to catch on a camera are the bright hues of Rajasthan's many festivals: from garishly decorated camels in Pushkar, or painted elephants in Jaipur, to the rainbow explosions of Diwali & Holi, celebrated across the region. The lucky visitor might even see a flash of orange while tiger-spotting in Ranthambhore National Park.

No other region in the country assembles these many paradoxes as does this desert state, by far the most colourful region in India. Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible Forts, magnificent Palaces & waves of sand dunes & serene lakes.

The famous & popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit is a traveller’s survey of Indian icons. The triangle usually kicks off at the daunting mega-metropolis of Delhi, with its majestic Mughal heritage. It then angles to Agra, where the world’s most famous Tomb - the Taj Mahal, defines the city with its exquisite proportions. The triangle is completed at Jaipur - a city with some of the most colourful bazaars in India.

Fortified Opulance | Land of Kings | Celebration of Colour

Known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings, the bustling capital 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 & a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this Emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. The ‘pink’ colour scheme did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert.

The city’s colourful, chaotic streets ebb & flow with a heady brew of old & new. Careering buses dodge dawdling camels, leisurely cycle-rickshaws frustrate swarms of motorbikes & everywhere, buzzing auto-rickshaws watch for easy prey. In the midst of this cacophony & mayhem, the splendours of Jaipur’s majestic past are islands of relative calm evoking a different pace & another world. Once you have slept in a Palace, explored a medieval Fort or swayed on a camel, you will want to experience more.

Jaipur, a romantic realm of resplendent Palaces, mighty Fortresses & regal Maharajahs, offers a dazzling immersion into the riches of traditional India. Since its foundation in 1727, royal family & nobles of Jaipur had been patronizing various craftsmen & artisans in Pink City. Many of these traditions continue to this day, making the modern day Jaipur a place to witness India’s rich Art & Craft. Traditional methods are still used to produce valuable & highly prized items.

Around, 03.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & proceed to Jaipur Polo Grounds for an exciting event, high on the tourist calendar.

Elephants are the Royal animals of India & hold a special place in Indian culture. In ancient times, elephants were the transport mediums for kings & royal families. They also took part in the wars between the Kings. Today also, Elephants are often used in marriage ceremonies, processions, traditional occasions, etc. Elephants add to the aura of Temples & bestow blessings on the devoted.

Given the importance of the elephant in the socio-cultural milieu of the state of Rajasthan, guests can rest assured that they are in for some great Indian festivities & fun in Jaipur at this major draw for the tourists. Last spring, the famous Travel Photographer Charles Freger travelled to Jaipur to capture the Elephants in their glory -bright with paint, bangles & drapes. ...

The Elephant has vast significance in Indian traditions & Hindu mythology. It is believed to be one of the 9 Navratnas or gems that came out of the ocean during the stir of the ocean by Gods & demons in their quest for immortality. The Elephant-headed deity Ganesh (or Ganesha) literally ‘the lord of the people’ is the foremost of all Gods in Hinduism; the patron of intellectuals, remover of obstacles & the God of beginnings.  

The Elephant Festival has been celebrated since ancient times as a traditional event of the Jaipur culture. In the olden days when Kings were organizing the festival, they were allowing the Elephants to fight with each other to acknowledge the strongest one. After the relentless intervention of animal rights groups, this component was officially cancelled by the government in 2012.

A typically eccentric riot of colour, noise & tradition, it honours Elephants. As this festival is celebrated in conjunction with Holi - the day before - the Elephants are beautified by their Mahouts (riders / care-takers). Intricate traditional Indian motifs are then painted on their trunks, foreheads & feet.

After giving their Elephants a thorough bath, the Mahouts take great care to decorate the Elephants, painting with floral motifs & adorning them from tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. Even their skin & toenails are painted, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

They are adorned with traditional Rajasthani embroidered clothe coverings, velvets rugs, parasols & silver jewellery. Ear danglers & coloured brocade scarves adorn their ears & necks respectively. Their tusks too get jewelled up by adorning them with glittering gold & silver bracelets & rings; while foreheads are beautified with royal looking head-plates & bells adorn the ankles.

Mahouts too bask into the sunshine of the festivities by perking up themselves in traditional colourful Rajasthani attire of brocade jackets & royal turbans & ornaments.

The Festival commences at around 04.00 pm with an impressive ceremonial procession of the lovingly painted & tastefully attired majestic animals. The pageant includes lancers on horses, chariots, camels, cannons & palanquins, dancers & musicians but of course, center of attraction is the big guy. The echoing sound of the bankiya (trumpet) fills the atmosphere.

The Elephants - all females - enter the ground thumping to the loud sound of Nagadas.  Groomed to perfection, glittering in gold, row upon row of Elephants catwalk before an enthralled audience.

In keeping with the practice of the Holi, coloured dyes are thrown on the audience by the Mahouts, who also bang & blow percussion musical instruments.

The Elephants engage in races, elephant dances, a tug-of-war in which a single animal inevitably pulls 19 men & women over into a heap. Live performances by musicians & dancers accompany the festivities, as do other animals including camels & horses.

The game of Polo forms the highlight of the festival. Dressed in saffron & red turbans, the teams try to score goals with long sticks & a plastic football.

Finally, the tourists are invited to mount the Elephants & play Holi. Participants dance with great vigor & the excitement rises to a crescendo by the time it all ends in the evening.  

If you are lucky, you ‘might’ come across some of the current royals who still live in the City Palace. They are known to come out on some occasions.

And finally, the 4 hour festivities end & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

The night before the full moon, on the eve of Holi, crowds of people gather together & light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves & twigs of the winter. If there is one near the hotel, we will arrange for you to go & see.

Today is the raison-de-etre for this particular journey - Holi & that too, in Jaipur with a touch of royalty.

The festival of Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It heralds the end of winter and marks the advent of spring & people celebrate it joyously with a splash of color. It is the most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, observed all over India, especially the North.

On this day, people come out wearing pure white clothes & gather in a common place where they play Holi with gay abandon. The magic of playing with color, which begins early in the morning, continues through the day.

Morning, meet a local family who will be your host for the day in your Holi extravaganza.

The whole country goes wild in a celebration. People throng the streets, smearing each other with bright

colored powder or squirting colored water on all within reach.

Of all India’s religious celebrations, Holi is the one that tends to attract the most attention outside the country. Happy images of people plastering each other with colour powders & pigments, symbolising the triumph of good over evil & the traditional start of the harvest season, convey an atmosphere of unfettered joy & abandon that is a-typical of a country whose rituals are generally characterised by restraint & decorum. ‘This is India letting its hair down’, the pictures proclaim ‘the sub-continental equivalent of a Thai New Year water-throwing party & beach rave all rolled into one’.

The reality on the ground, however, can be a far cry from any of the above - for foreigners in particular. Holi is marked in different ways by different segments of the population, but for its duration social norms are turned on their head & one has to be very careful when venturing out in the streets.

Dating back throughout the centuries, Holi is one of the most vibrant festivals in the Hindu calendar. A spring festival that essentially celebrates the triumph of good over evil, coinciding with the end of winter & the beginning of a new season, it is treated as a time to give thanks for a good harvest. It is also considered a time to come together & end any conflicts you might have in your relationships with others. This festival is a kaleidoscope of colours, celebrated across the country or rather across the globe.

Every year, the streets of India become a riot of colour & frivolity as people across the country celebrate Holi. In recent years, with the influx of Indian expats, Holi has become popular in countries across the globe as a fun event that brings people together by celebrating unity & harmony. Even though the celebratory rituals vary in different parts of the country, the essential message is the same - victory of good over evil. The bonfire lit on the eve of Holi is said to cleanse the surrounding atmosphere.

As nature blooms in a celebration of color, the Indians come out wearing pure white clothes, gather in a common place & play Holi with gay abandon with friends, neighbors, relatives, rubbing gulal & throwing colored water on each other (& strangers too, who are okay with it). Earlier, the colored powders used for playing Holi used to be made from flowers, roots & herbs that worked as softener for the winter-dried skin but now synthetic ingredients are used.  

The magic of playing with color, which begins early in the morning, continues through the day. Traditional delicacies are prepared in advance & served. The spring air is still cool, the water cold, but revelers make a special traditional intoxicant punch mixed in milk, called Bhang (a potent cannabis preparation) which, adds to the festivities.

Dressed in your white kurta pajama, get ready to be showered in all the colors of the rainbow as you spray each other with dry & wet rainbow-colored organic powders - all part of the fun of Holi!

First, we will start with a toned-down version of Holi with your hosts - a nice, courteous affair where you put colors around the cheeks of family members, offer sweets & blow colors into the air.

The niceties stop afterwards & we prepare for war, a colorful war! People throw colored water with pichkaari (a traditional device to spray colored water from a distance keeping oneself safe), gubbare (balloons filled with water to throw on others from a distance) & put gulal (colored powder) at each other & make merry. Singing & dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.

Once you are all painted in colors, exhausted (trust us it is exhausting) & feeling hungry, you can enjoy the delicious home-cooked meal prepared by your host, sit with the family, enjoy the talks & argue over who won the battle of colors. You will be served with traditional special festive homemade specialties like Gujiya & Mathri along with soft beverages.

After this long fun-filled exciting day, return to your room for a refreshing bath.

Around, 03.30 pm, meet the Tour-guide & proceed on a 2 hour ‘walking tour’ of the non-touristic places. Explore Jaipur like locals do. 

Take a stroll inside little known lanes of the Walled City, where the old ways of life continue uninterrupted. Explore bustling craft bazaar & walk through bustling markets loaded with selling colourful traditional dresses, turban makers, jewellery spices & flowers & perfumes. Observe local artisans in their workshops - jewellers & silversmiths, gold & silver foil makers & bangle makers, gem stone traders.

There are Vendors selling delicious Indian sweets & savoury delicacies. Sample a large variety of Indian snacks like Samosa & Kachories. Those with a sweet tooth, can try some local sweets of Jaipur like Mal Pua & Rabri

Visit a 150 year old private residence to join the family for a cup of tea in their beautifully decorated drawing room & experience Indian hospitality to learn about the rich art traditions of this fascinating city. You will also visit a deserted historic Haveli bedecked with superb frescos narrating the silent story of its once glorious past.

The ‘walk’ concludes & you return to the hotel.

Later in the evening, meet the Tour-guide & proceed to Birla Mandir.

A highly-regarded pilgrimage point for the Hindus, Birla Mandir (or Lakshmi Narayan Temple) considered as one of the finest Temples in India, is one of many, built by the billionaire Birla family in 1988. The land on which this Temple stands was given to the Birla’s by the Maharaja of Jaipur for a mere token of 1 rupee.

The first Temple to be built by the Birla family was the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Delhi in 1939.

Surrounded by manicured lawns, lush gardens, colourful flowers on all sides, the sprawling elegant white marble Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is devoted to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi & is visited by thousands of devotees every day.

Although built using modern technology, designed to be lofty & spacious, suitable for congregational worship or discourses, it very loosely conformed to the Nagara style.

A symbol of tranquility in pristine white, the Mandir stands majestically with the backdrop of a hilly landscape. Built entirely with white marble, the architecture reflects a modern style with traces of the traditional features one would find in a Temple with the walls & the pillars adorned with intricate carvings depicting quotes from scriptures, mythological events, symbols, figurines of gods, goddesses & accompanying Hindu symbols.

The entrance is adorned by an image of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped foremost in all Hindu religious festivals. Just outside the main building, there is another smaller Temple with the idol of Lord Shiva in white marble & gold.

Outside the main Temple structure, there are stained glass windows that have been beautifully adorned with Hindu mythology scenes.

Inside the main building, there are 2 exquisite standing idols - a work of art - of Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi, adorned with gorgeous dresses & ornaments with the auspicious Hindu symbol Om in the background on the wall. Front of the idols, there is a marble railing to keep the devotees at a distance & to create space for the priest to offer the prayers. There are painted stained glass windows on both sides which look breath-taking beautifully when sunlight passes through them.

The ceiling displays intricate craftsmanship. Doors are embellished with strikingly beautiful carvings in gold. The main entrance - an arch with intricate jaali work design - is flanked by marble pillars with splendid engravings.

This Temple is different from others & believes in equality of all religions & is a melange of all the philosophies & religious teachings passed down to mankind since ages, celebrating the cultural & religious diversity of India. The 3 domes on the building symbolise the secularism prevalent in India & represent the 3 religions that originated in this country.

The Temple has beautiful drawings & carvings all around. The walls covered with drawings, quotes from holy books like Bhagvad Gita & sayings from well-known preachers & holy men, have a lot to offer to the people who believe in mythology & the preaching of our wise ancestors. You will find figures of several saints from other religions, historians & philosophers existing side by side with those from the Hindu religion. The teachings of Buddha, the work of legendary teachers like Socrates & Confucius are featured.

A broad white marble walkway encircling the main Temple is used by people to take a stroll around the lawns, after paying homage inside. Since the Mandir is located at an elevation on the hills, you can see some parts of the city as well from here.

At night, the Temple looks ethereal with the moonlight reflecting off the white marble domes & casting a magical effect. Several dome lights are placed strategically. Visitors in the evening make it a point to spend time sitting on the stairs to admire the beauty & serenity of the surroundings.

The ground floor of the temple has several shops that sell idols of gods, goddesses & local handicrafts. There is also a Museum that showcases ancestral artifacts belonging to the founder Birla family.

Experience the rhythm of the soulful Aarti to make all your stress wash away.

The prayer ceremony is a fundamental part of Hindu culture. Representing the elements of fire, earth, water & air as well as the senses, the priest has a tray with a diya (lamp), offerings of food, water, flowers, incense & a small bell. 

An 'Aarti lamp' is passed around a deity & is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that particular God. In doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity which is then passed around the people when the priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. The ceremony ends with everyone sharing the ‘prasad’ which was been offered to the Gods.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for optional activities).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & proceed for a 6 hour tour of the ‘pink’ city.

At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort, (where you went yesterday).

Drive to the majestic historic fort-palace - Amber Fort perched on a hillock among the massive Aravalli Hills in the town of Amer, on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Ascent to the Fort will be atop an elephant, as the royals used to do in the older days.

Set in a picturesque background, the construction of this splendid Fort was started in 1592, by Raja Man Singh I, commander-in-chief of the Mughal army during Akbar's reign & certainly one the greatest General of medieval India. It was completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its foreboding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal & Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

The magnificent pale yellow, pink, red sandstone & white marble Fort overlooking Maota Lake, was initially a Palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort. It was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. The royal Palace is divided into 4 main sections, each with its own courtyard.

Whether you walk or ride an elephant, you will enter the Fort through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which leads to the Jaleb Chowk (main courtyard), where returning armies would display their war booty to the populace - women could view this area from the veiled windows of the Palace.

From Jaleb Chowk, an imposing stairway leads up to the main Palace, but first it is worth taking the steps just to the right, which leads to the small Siladevi Temple, with its gorgeous silver doors featuring repousse (raised relief) work. Heading back to the main stairway will take you up to the 2^nd courtyard & the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which has a double row of columns, each topped by a capital in the shape of an elephant & latticed galleries above.

The Maharaja’s apartments were located around the 3^rd courtyard - you enter through the fabulous Ganesh Pol, decorated with beautiful frescoed arches. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is noted for its inlaid panels & multi-mirrored ceiling. Carved marble relief panels around the hall are fascinatingly delicate & quirky, depicting cartoonlike insects & sinuous flowers.

Opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door & a channel that once carried cooling water right through the room. From here, visitors can enjoy fine views from the ramparts over picturesque Maota Lake below.

The Zenana (secluded women’s quarters) surrounds the 4^th courtyard. The rooms were designed so that the Maharaja could embark on his nocturnal visits to his wives’ & concubines’ respective chambers without the others knowing, as the chambers are independent but open onto a common corridor.

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.

After spending 2 hours, exploring the Fort, you will drive back to the city & continue the sightseeing.

At the center of its stately street grid stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex from where the Maharaja reigned.

With gardens, courtyards & Museums, part of it is still a royal residence where the current descendent lives with his family in Sawai Jai Singh's 7 storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"). If you see the royal flag flying, it means the Maharaja is in town.

Conceived & designed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the Palace sprawling over one-seventh of the area in the walled city, is a fine fusion of Rajput, Mughal & European styles although the Palace was designed to Vaastushastra treatise.

One of the most important architectural landmarks in the city, the Complex features numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways & temples. The Palace also houses various structures such as, solid marble Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), Shri Govind Dev Temple & the City Palace Museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers & many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Some of the famous richly decorated entrances are the 'Udai Pol', 'Jaleb Chowk', 'Tripolia Gate' & 'Virendra Pol' whose walls & gates designed in Mughal style, are adorned with various murals, lattice & mirrors.

After spending 2 hours inside, continue on to 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 & other astronomical events. There are plenty of Observatories all over the world, but Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest ever built.

Maharaja Jai Singh II was a great scholar & an avid astrologer. He studied philosophy, astrology, architecture & religion in various schools & was also well versed with universal mathematical concepts such as Euclid's Clements, Ptolemy's Syntaxes & the Master works of Aryabhatta.

The Universe & the Cosmos have always been of interest to man & it was this interest that compelled the Maharaja to build 5 different Observatories around North India. Jantar Mantar is the common name given to all 5 magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjian, Varanasi & Mathura, combining religion, science & art.

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the 5 Observatories & also houses the world's largest sundial. The Observatory consists of 14 major geometric devices for measuring time, tracking constellations & even for, observing the orbits around the sun. The 'Jantar Mantar' at Jaipur, being the biggest conservatory in the country, houses various instruments that offer precise measurements of time, the azimuth, declination of the sun & the positions of constellations, along with several other astronomical phenomena but it was fully functional for only a very short period.

The Jantar Mantar houses various architectural & astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians & architects around the world.

Drive by 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.

End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli & the local Bazaar.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or perhaps go for one of the optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, & make arrangements).

Early morning, Check-out & depart for Agra.

Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent fortified ancient city with red sandstone architecture & intricate carvings, perched atop a rocky ridge, west of Agra. It was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 & 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar who created it as a city of victory.

It is a veritable fairy tale city & 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. He had visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, he built his new capital here, including a stunning Mosque, still in use today & 4 Palaces, one for each of his favorite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim & one a Christian (though Hindu villagers in Sikri dispute these claims). Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years, he selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious.

He experimented both with architecture & art and built a walled city in about 15 years, expressing his ideals & vision. One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour, the culmination of Hindu & Muslim architecture, the inner citadel is immaculately preserved.

Today, it is a deserted, phantom city & the sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. The finest well-preserved monuments within, are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, & the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). 3 of its walled sides are still intact & enclosed Palaces, Harems, buildings, Courts & a Mosque.

The Mosque here is said to be a copy of the Mosque in Mecca displaying designs derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture & its grand entrance is with 52 steps leading up to a red sandstone 54 meters high archway - Buland Darwaza - that has 2 Persian inscriptions.

North of the Mosque is the Dargah of the great Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, built in 1570 with one of the finest lattice work, where childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with 3 sons when he came here. Akbar’s favorite minister Birbal too had his house here. Since he was a Hindu, the architecture of Birbal’s house is different than the usual Mughal buildings.

Akbar, the founder of the faith Din-e-Ilahi also constructed Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur Sikri which was used for religious congregations. The Panch Mahal, a 5 storey palatial structure was for the ladies & the Naubat Khana that had drummers announce the entry of the Emperor were other unique structures.

Despite the lavish architecture & careful planning, it had to be abandoned in 1585 because the lake that supplied water to the city dried up. The red-sandstone palace walls are at their most atmospheric & photogenic near sunset.

Spend a few hours exploring the complex & in time, continue on to Agra.

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

There are very few cities in the world that can match the rich history & heritage of this city.

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.

The earliest citation for Agra comes from the mythological era, where the epic Mahabharata refer Agra as ‘Agravana’ meaning paradise in Sanskrit or ‘border of the forest’. ‘Ptolemy’, the famous 2^nd century A.D. geographer, was the first person who referred Agra with its modern name. Right from the epic Mahabharata to the Mughal Dynasty, Agra has been monumental & has played a significant role in shaping India’s history.

The modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi, ruler of Lodi dynasty in 16^th century who built many structures including forts, step wells, mosques etc in Agra. He moved his capital from Delhi to Agra & after his death, his son ruled the city for 9 years. Later, Sher Shah Suri ruled Agra. But it was when Shah Jahan descended the Mughal throne & the made capital of the Mughal Empire, that the city reached the zenith of architectural beauty.

Under the Mughal reign, ruled by greats like Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, etc. it was called Akbarabad & their love for architecture, Persian gardens on the banks of the Yamuna & monuments & Mausoleums & art & culture added a new dimension to Agra’s personality, considered as Agra’s golden age. What also shaped Agra’s culture were the different religions that were born & flourished here. From Din-i-Ilahi to the Radhaswami Faith, these beliefs had followers from Akbar’s time. Runukta of Hinduism & Shauripur of Jainism too have their links to Agra.

It was after the decline of the Mughal Empire & during the reign of the Marathas that Akbarabad became Agra. By 1803, it came under the British Raj that remained strong for most part until India gained independence in 1947.

At 06.30 pm, you will be transferred to the famous theater complex - Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center for an amazing audio-visual treat.

Evening is spent enjoying the 1.5 hour Mohabbat The Taj show which depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan (creator of the Taj Mahal) & his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

It is a dance drama extravaganza, replicating Taj’s story.

You will be blown away by the creative dance, music & songs performed by over 80 talented artists through innovative dance sequences accompanied by a dramatic light & sound show with the 12’ x 12’ Taj Mahal replica in the background.

Learn how the love between the Emperor Shah Jahan & his wife Mumtaz inspired the Taj as well as the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. You will not only be touched by the beautiful story but also feel the life-like experience of the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal court.

The Show ends & you will proceed to a famous restaurant which traces its lineage right back to the Mughals.

Come back to the hotel.  

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for a 8 hour sightseeing of Agra, visiting some of the UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments dotted in & around the city.

With so many prominent rulers having ruled the city, in the mid 16^th century & earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style & of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain including 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The splendour of Agra remains undiminished & monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles.

First stop will be the massive Agra Fort. Of course, with the Taj Mahal overshadowing everything else one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India

Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone & marble UNESCO World Heritage listed Fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.

Built by Emperor Akbar with the help of 4,000 workers who toiled for 8 years to finish its construction in 1573, the Fort is made of red sandstone.  The Fort has been prominent during the Mughal reign & was the seat of the Mughal Empire. Even though Akbar built it, during the rule of Shah Jahan, he renovated it by adding marble work & converting the raw red sandstone structure to a Palace. Years later, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in the same Fort at Mussalman Burj.

It has 4 large entry gates of which the Delhi Gate was used for the King’s formal entry. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne & met foreign ambassadors & rulers of friendly kingdoms. At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions.

Some of the major attractions are the Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Jehangir’s Palace & Khas Mahal. Also ensconced within is the picture-perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Drive to Sikandra, a mainly residential area known for the Mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar & his wife, Mariam.  

A perfect symbol of Mughal architecture, this outstanding sandstone & marble 17^th century Tomb commemorates the greatest of the Mughal emperors. The building is inlaid with white marble at the heart of a sprawling, Charbagh-style garden filled with deer. Mariam's Tomb was once a 1400s pleasure pavilion & it retains traces of its original paintings.

The huge courtyard is entered through a stunning gateway decorated with 3 storey minarets at each corner & built of red sandstone strikingly inlaid with white, yellow & blue-marble geometric & floral patterns. The interior vestibule of the Tomb is stunningly decorated with painted alabaster, creating a contrast to the plain inner Tomb. The unusual upper pavilions are closed.

The Mausoleum design & location was selected by Akbar himself but finished by his son, Jehangir, in 1613.

Akbar was one of the greatest Emperors in the history of India. However, during the reign of His great-grandson, Aurangzeb, the rebellious Jats under the leadership of Raja Ram Jat, ransacked the intricate Tomb, plundered & looted all the beautiful gold, jewels, silver & carpets, whilst destroying other things. He even, in order to avenge his father Gokula's death, dragged out Akbar's bones & burned them in retaliation. He was later sentenced to death by Aurangzeb. The Tomb suffered a lot, until extensive repair was carried out by the British under Lord Curzon.

Spend an hour before hopping in the vehicle & driving to the Taj Mahal. The Tour-guide will plan the arrival to offer you the opportunity to catch the mesmerizing views at sunset (if possible).

It was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. 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, the white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal whose Tomb rests right under the central dome of the monument. It took 22 years & over 20,000 workers to be complete & was designed & planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance & perfect symmetry, which is why it looks the same from all four sides. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens & some of the best intricate inlay work ever seen adding a touch of magnificence to the structure. Shah Jahan spent his last years imprisoned by his son in the Agra Fort gazing at his creation & after his death, he was buried inside the Taj Mahal next to his wife.

Poet Rabindranath Tagore described it as 'a teardrop on the cheek of eternity'; Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure'; while its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan, said it made 'the sun & the moon shed tears from their eyes'. The white marble monument is an architectural marvel with fine detailing, on the south bank of the Yamuna River. Verses from the Holy Quran are inscribed on it & gemstones adorn its walls.

Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World & the only one in India doesn’t stop from wrong stories floating around the Taj Mahal. Ones like the it was also to be built in black marble or that Shah Jahan dismembered the arms of the artisans who built the monument are pretty common but not really true.

But one fascinating story that Agra was not the first choice to build the Taj Mahal has more traction & history. Yes, the world famous monument was originally planned to be constructed in Madhya Pradesh in Burhanpur because Mumtaz Mahal passed away there. Shah Jahan had even marked out the site along the Tapti River where it was to be built but the plan was shelved when the area was unable to supply enough white marble that was required for its construction. And so, Agra got its iconic immortal monument that we call the Taj Mahal.

Depending on the time, noting the closing time at the monuments, the Tour-guide may take you to another landmark, out of many. Akbar’s Mausoleum, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-ud-Daulah (nicknamed the Baby Taj), Kinari Bazaar.

Visitors are caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone & white marble, narrow alleys, quaint buggies & that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its heritage most conspicuously.

Day is not over yet. We have another interesting experience lined up for you.

Visit a typical village near the Taj to get a feel of real India.

Proceed to Kachhpura Village adjacent to Taj across the river Yamuna where Mughal History has been written in edicts of stone. The riverside lined with the residences of Nobility was the artery, the very lifeline, which fostered the development of Mughal Agra.

A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village. The guests are accorded a traditional welcome with an Aarti by the village girls, followed by singing & garlanding.

A walk through Kachhpura village takes you through the various smaller monuments of the Mughal Era amidst rural settings intertwined with the communities, along with stunning view of the Taj.

See Humayun’s Mosque which is designed differently from the usual Mughal architecture style. It has one deep narrow, great central compartment entered by a high arch & domed in the center with one recess in its weak wall. At each side of this central compartment, the building is lower & broken up into the smaller chambers. Within the compound there are several sandstones engraved graves associated with the Mughals.

The Moonlight garden (Mehtab Bagh) was probably planned to view Taj in the moonlight when its beauty is mirrored in the River Yamuna & the river reflects back new colors on the Taj. The garden has excellent architecture & irrigation methodology. Mehtab Bagh also provides a brilliant opportunity to shoot the Taj from different angles.

Kachhpura village was originally the property of the King of Kachh, Raja Maan Singh, who also owned the lands on which Taj Mahal stands. According to the Shahjahan-Nama, Emperor Shahjahan compensated Raja Maan Singh with 4 huge Palaces to acquire the site for building the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Kachhpura provides an insight into the local culture & rural life of the region.

The streets are adorned with brightly coloured small houses with elaborate doorway & niches which were used for lighting the house with candles or diyas historically. The walls are painted with Sanjhi art associated with the Braj culture of the region done using natural colours like terracotta, lime etc.

The central courtyard (old Panchayat Platform used traditionally as a community space) of the village is a major attraction of the village. The courtyard offers a view of activities taking place in/ around the village information centre: - Street Theater/ local Folk Dances, Henna Tattoo making along with a display of artifacts made by the community. The village school situated near courtyard is also a major attraction for visitors.

Glimpses of traditional lifestyle of the villagers can be seen through few elders smoking hookah, craftsmen making shoes. There is a local village gym, visit to a typical community household (living area, cooking area, religious area, etc).

High Tea (not included - extra payment) can be arranged on the terrace of a house providing incredible views of the Taj which is a mesmerizing & unforgettable experience. The visitors can also try the local cuisine served in traditional style with community (not included - extra payment).

During the walk, you can stop & talk to the locals busy with their livelihood. Agra is one of the major exporters of Shoes worldwide, so leather shoe making is a cottage industry (the villagers work for big Factories).

Women groups are involved in making cloth bags, hand fans from waste, local musical instrument & toys which can be bought as souvenirs from the stall near the central courtyard.

You can see Potters working on their clay & you try your hand in spinning to make small earthen ware, if you want.

Traditional folk art can also be experienced as you pass by the local temple humming with religious songs. You may even catch a Street play or a community dance by the girls in the village.

The youth from the community, trained as tour facilitator, provide both historical facts & anecdotes as they do all the explaining as you walk by the street art paintings (sanji art) on the walls done by community girls under the youth program.

One can also visit the village school situated near the courtyard.

Walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset.

Hop on the waiting car & drive back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir to this land of contradiction, warm Indian hospitality & incomparable heritage & go home.

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Morning, depart for Delhi.

On reaching by late afternoon, Check-in at the hotel for 3 hours We will provide a room for Wash & Change only. (if the departure time is late evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the 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.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

We sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this multi-ethnic kaleidoscope that 1.2 billion people call home on your next visit. So you see, you have much more to discover if you come to incredible India ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

If there is time for you to explore some more, we will provide a car with our compliments, to help you make the most of your free time, before being transferred to Terminal? - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for the flight back home.  B 

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