Treasures of the Maharajas: Cultures, Temples and Traditions in the Land of the Raj

Treasures of the Maharajas: Cultures, Temples and Traditions in the Land of Raj March 14- 31 Main Tour

with Varanasi/ Sacred River Extension March 31- April 3, 2016 DELHI – AGRA – BHARATPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR – RANTHAMBORE – SAMODE – JAIPUR – AJMER – PUSHKAR – JODHPUR – OSIAN – UDAIPUR – DELHI EXTENSION: DELHI- VARANASI- DELHI

$3890* Main Tour

$690* Varanasi/ Sacred River Extension

DAY 01: Mar 14, 2016 / Mon: DEPART CHICAGO BY (OPTIONAL) FLIGHT # AI 126 AT 1:50 PM (Suggested air routing. International airfare is not included in the tour price) DAY 02: Mar 15, 2016 / Tue: Arrive Delhi AT 3:10 PM [D] Arrive at INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL Airport in Delhi. On completion of Immigration & Customs Clearances and baggage collection, transfer to the hotel. Relax until Dinner. Evening at leisure.

New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern.

Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is the travel hub of Northern India.

DAY 03: Mar 16, 2016 / Wed: Delhi [BLD] After breakfast, morning is free to rest or join some of us who will stroll the neighborhood around the hotel absorbing the first sights and sounds of this fascinating city.

Over lunch, meet your tour leader and tour escort-guide for orientation and briefing about tour program. Later, proceed for half day sightseeing of New Delhi. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun–a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. Humayun’s Tomb - built by the order of Humayun's widow, Hamida Banu Begum, starting in 1562-1570 AD. It was the first garden tomb built in India. The stunning structure is built with red sandstone, with white and black marble used largely in the borders.

Next we visit the interfaith Bahai Temple, also called Lotus Temple, as it is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's Temples built around the world. Set among the lush landscaped gardens, Bahai Temple was completed in 1986. The structure is made up of pure white marble. The Iranian architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate. Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable monuments of Bahai Faith and has been nominated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue to the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft. The iron pillar has withstood the ravages of time and without rust after 1500 years. This is another significant UNESCO Site.

Next we see the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the President's Residence–formerly the Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings–an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. From India Gate we will walk on the Rajpath flanked by ponds and gardens.

Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant (The Hiatus or similar).

Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc. Treasures of the Maharajas

DAY 04: Mar 17, 2016 / Thu: Old Delhi [BLD] After breakfast, we walk to the Metro Station at Central Secretariat to catch the Train to Chawri Bazar Metro Station and from there walk through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk market area to savor the ambience of an oriental bazaar. This was once the shopping avenue for Mughal royalty and is the oldest marketplace of the city. We then visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India which was built between the years 1644-1658 AD, during the reign of Emperor Shahjahan.

Proceed to the magnificent Red Fort–a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 AD when he shifted his capital here from Agra. India's history is also closely linked with this Fort. It was here that the British deposed the last Mughal Ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, marking the end of the three century Mughal Rule. Later, we visit Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial at Raj Ghat where the “Father of the Nation” was cremated.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant (Lazeez Affair or similar). We return to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure, but you will want to join Steve and Claudia for an optional tour to Akshardham Temple.

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~ OPTIONAL TOUR TO AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE ~ At around 3 pm we leave to visit the Akshardham Temple. The main building at the center of the complex is a 141ft high monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the SthapatyaShastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India.

Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11ft high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the gurus of the sect. The building itself is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and features no steel or concrete. Its height and location on the banks of the Yamuna make its presence felt from afar, and carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and deities covering its surfaces from top to bottom, leave most visitors in awe. Enjoy the exhibition show followed by boat ride.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Leather Belts and Belt Pouches, Leather Bags, Leather Pouches, Cell Phones and Cameras are not allowed inside the Temple.

DAY 05: Mar 18, 2016 / Fri: Delhi – Agra (204 Kms / Approx. drive 4 hours) [BLD] After an early breakfast, check-out will be at 8 am, we drive to Agra – a magical place where successive Mughal Emperors have left their architectural imprints culminating with the magnificent Taj Mahal, and creating one of ancient India’s greatest centers of art and culture.

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The medieval city, Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506 AD. It was the Mughal reign that marked the beginning of the golden age in Agra. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Shah Jahan later shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad in 1649 AD. On arrival in Agra, we visit the Agra Fort, stretching almost 2.5 km alongside the Yamuna River. The Fort’s colossal double walls rise 20m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference and are surrounded by a moat.

The lofty battlements of the Agra Fort cast its protective shadow over the far stretching mansions of nobles and princes built along the riverfront.

Agra Fort: The Fort was built by Akbar in 1565 AD and further developed by successive generations. This well-preserved fortress built of red-sandstone dominates at the bend of the River Yamuna and provides a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal. We will view the vineyards and the rose garden, from where the perfumed rose water was pumped directly to the emperor’s chambers! It is said that Akbar enjoyed playing chess here. This well-preserved fortress is a reminder of the glorious yet sorrowful reign of the Mogul Emperors. The interior boasts of many grand buildings which include the Royal Pavilions, the Diwan-e-Am [hall of public audience] and Diwan-e-khas [hall of private audience] reserved for other Kings and Dignitaries.

After lunch at local restaurant (Pinch of Spice or similar) we will check-in at the hotel.

Later we enjoy the Mughal Heritage Kachhpura Village walk with high tea.

A narrow bridle path through agricultural fields near Mehtab Bagh takes us into the ancient village of Kachhpura and Humayun’s Mosque. Learn about the paintings on the walls (sanji art) done by community girls under the youth program.

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Humayun’s Mosque is an unusual monument inside the village. It differs from other mosques built by Mughals, with its deep narrow, great central riser or compartment entered through a high arch and domed in the center with one recess in its weak wall. At each side of this central compartment the building is lower and divided into the smaller chambers.

The central courtyard of the village is a major attraction of Kachhpura. The courtyard was redesigned to allow a variety of activities to take place in and around the information center: For instance, there is street theater and henna tattoo making. One can also visit the village school situated near the courtyard. Our walk ends in Mehtab Bagh where we will have a marvelous view of the Taj Mahal as the sun sets.

Mehtab Bagh, is a Garden complex, situated on the East Bank of the Yamuna River (the opposite bank from the Taj Mahal). It is known as “The Moonlight Garden”. This park was originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks long before the Taj was conceived. It fell into disrepair and became little more than a mound of sand. To protect the Taj from the erosive effects of sand blown across the river, the park was reconstructed and is now one the best places from which to view this most famous mausoleum. The gardens in the Taj are perfectly aligned with the ones here, and the view of the Taj from the fountain directly in front of the entrance gate is very special.

DAY 06: Mar 19, 2016 / Sat: Agra – Bharatpur (60 Kms / Approx. drive 2 hours) [BLD] Early morning, at around 6 am, we will visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, resplendently gilded as it is bathed in the first rays of the sun: The colors change constantly, with the sun’s position on the horizon. Taj is mesmerizing! Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna at the northern end of formal gardens. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of a thousand elephants was used to transport the material.

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The world famous Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'.

After having an unforgettable experience of the beautiful Taj Mahal, we will be back to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast before driving on to Bharatpur. En route we will visit Fatehpur.

We continue to visit adjoining Fatehpur— famous for its Buland Darwaza (Towering Gate) and Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah—the holy tomb of a famous Sufi saint who blessed Akbar with his only offspring, who later became the Mughal Emperor Jehangir.

Our luxurious hotel for the night will be in Bharatpur.

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DAY 07: Mar 20, 2016 / Sun: Bharatpur – Sawaimadhopur (by Train) & Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore (10 Kms / Approx. drive 15 minutes) [BLD] After breakfast visit the Bird Sanctuary by cycle rickshaw. Keoladeo Ghana National Park occupies an area of 29sq km. was initially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur in the 19th century as he desired to save his town from calamitous floods. The dam he built created Bharatpur Lake. The Forrest and Lake area served as a hunting preserve for the Maharaja before it became a National Park in 1982.

This Park is considered one of the best places in the world to view 350 species of birds, including the highly endangered migrating Siberian Cranes.

These cranes are known to migrate to just two destinations in winters: Iran and Bharatpur. They arrive in December and stay until early March.

Other visiting species of special interest include Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Ibises, Egrets, Eagles, Hawks, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails and Pipits.

After lunch we transfer to Baratpur Railway Station to board the train for Sawai Madhopur.

Depart Bharatpur: Express Train Arrive Sawai Madhopur:

at 1550 Hrs. (3:50 PM) by Jan Shatabdi at 1800 Hrs. (6:00 PM)

Note: The group can travel by Train with hand baggage only, the main luggage will be transported by bus.

From Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, we will have a 10km-15 min drive to our hotel at Ranthambore National Park.

Rest of the evening is at leisure.

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DAY 08: Mar 21, 2016 / Mon: In Ranthambore [BLD] Early Morning at 7 AM and in the Afternoon at 2 PM we will go on safari to explore the wildlife. We will travel by open cantor wagon accompanied by a park naturalist guide. Ranthambore National Park spans an area of about 400 sq km. The Tigers are easier to spot in Ranthambore than in other National Parks in India.

However sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Ranthambore reserve does support a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers, India's National Animal. Other wild species seen in the park include: leopards, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, porcupine, wild boar, sloth bear, marsh crocodile, langur, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, sambar (Asiatic stag) and nilgai [blue bull]. The langur is the only primate found in Ranthambore National Park and is abundant. Ranthambore is also home a large number of migratory birds. Some of the most popular are the great Indian horned owl, eagles, parakeets, spoonbills, kingfishers, partridge, quail, storks, owls, geese and ducks. But the most common bird in Ranthambore is the peacock which is a National Bird of India.

DAY 09: Mar 22, 2016 / Tue: Ranthambore – Samode (209 Kms. / Approx. drive 5 hours) [BLD] After breakfast we check-out at 8 am for country drive to Samode. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit the Samode Palace.

Samode is located 40 km from the historic city of Jaipur in the western Indian state of Rajasthan in the hills of the Aravalli Range.

“It is the beginning of many journeys. It welcomes you into a legacy of quiet magnificence, an elegant and regal way of life, into the warmth of a family and people renowned for their refined hospitality. As history weaves itself around you, the community comes alive. A vivid natural and aesthetic beauty silently greets you at every turn, while you continue to be pampered in a delightful mix of old-world courtesies, sophisticated style and international facilities. You will believe that you are naturally born to this and believe you are at home.”

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The royal family has caringly restored the ancestral properties and these are now exclusive hotels and resorts. While the world visits Samode, Samode continues to live its own life right outside the gates of Samode Palace, in Samode Village, in the countryside and in other villages and fields near Samode. There is a quiet simplicity in the stark landscape with its slim paths winding between fields of cauliflower and golden mustard, a few hardy trees, an endless clear view that leads up to the fortressed hills and clear sky.

The magnificence of the imposing Samode Palace, the lavish green extravaganza of Samode Bagh, and the buzzing, noisy, colorful city of Jaipur where Samode Haveli resides, lie in mesmerizing contrast to the desert setting.

Exclusive and discreet, Samode Palace has been host to celebrities, royalty, artists, and the discriminating traveler. A splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The 475-year-old palace is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode hotels - a magical hospitality and rare courtesy.

Samode Palace will work its magic on you.

We will let all these impressions steep and go on a camel ride this evening.

DAY 10: Mar 23, 2016 / Wed: Samode – Jaipur (45 Kms / Approx. drive 1 hour) [BLD] Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting the magnificent Amber Fort. We will ascend up the hill "Maharaja-like" on Elephant back.

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Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort- Palace. The rugged, timeravaged walls of the Fort may look more stark than beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals.

Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En–route to Amber Fort, we will have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal–(Palace of Winds).

Continue drive to Jaipur, check-in followed by lunch at the hotel.

Jaipur is the state capital of Rajasthan and popularly known as the Pink City. It is steeped in history and culture. Here, the past comes alive in ornate temples, broad avenues, gardens, Magnificent Forts and Palaces are blushed pink, and Maharajas once lived there.

Our afternoon city tour begins with a visit of the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal Residence. Part of it is now converted to a museum, but a portion is still used by the Royal Family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the Palace covers almost one-seventh of the city. One of the major attractions is the Armoury Museum with an impressive array of weaponry: pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The Royal Families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later we will visit the Jantar Mantar, near the gate of city palace. It is the world’s largest observatory crafted from sandstone and marble. Many of the 17 large instruments are still in working condition.

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This evening, we will visit the Chokhi Dhani. This typical Rajasthani Theme Village will give you a complete Rajasthani experience. It will introduce you to traditional life, cuisine and culture. We will enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner at the village while we enjoy Folk Music and Rajasthani Dances. [Note: It is a vegetarian meal that is served on a platter (Thali) family style. As is the tradition, the guests will be seated on a ground.]

DAY 11: Mar 24, 2016 / Thu: In Jaipur [BLD] Enjoy the colorful festival of HOLI at the home of a local family including a home hosted traditional meal. HOLI celebrates the coming of spring. During this Hindu festival, people throw color on each other and celebrate the brotherhood of mankind.

Evening, you can explore the city on your own and visit colorful bazaars.

The fabulous bazaars of Jaipur are famous for jewelry, printed silks and cotton and shoes and are surely a treasure-trove for shoppers.

BL & Dinner with local family in their home in Jaipur.

DAY 12: Mar 25, 2016 / Fri: Jaipur – Ajmer – Pushkar (146 Kms. / Approx. drive 2 ½ hours) [BLD] After breakfast we check-out at 9 am and drive up the Aravalli Mountains to Ajmer which is India's most important pilgrimage center for people from many faiths. The shrine is second only to Mecca or “Madenah” for the Muslims of south Asia. Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. It is a pilgrimage center for the shrine of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km), an ancient Hindu pilgrimage city, famous for the temple of Brahma.

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We will visit the mausoleum of Moinuddin Chishti (1141 - 1236) – also known as Gharīb Nawāz (Benefactor of the Poor). He was an Imam, Islamic scholar and philosopher.

After the visit, drive to Pushkar.

Pushkar, situated 14 km northwest of Ajmer at an average elevation of 510 m, is one of the five sacred Dhams for devout Hindus. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. It has more than 400 temples including the only temple in India dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. We will Visit Pushkar Lake and the only Brahma temple anywhere.

Buffet Lunch at local restaurant in Pushkar

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DAY 13: Mar 26, 2016 / Sati: Pushakr – Jodhpur (186 Kms. / Approx. drive 3 ½ hours) [BLD] After breakfast, check-out and drive to Jodhpur, popularly known as “Blue City”. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

JODHPUR – The bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan.

It is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort on top of a sheer rock ridge. Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore Clan, founded the city in 1459 AD and it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely State, known as Marwar.

Rajasthan is steeped in history and culture.

Here, the past come alive in magnificent Fortresses and Palaces, where Maharajas lived.

In the evening, we will visit clock Tower market followed by a `tuk-tuk’ ride through the local markets.

Jodhpur is famous for cotton `durees’ (rugs). Stop by Rawat Sweets a local shop famous for `lassi’ (butter milk) & `payaz ki kachauri’ (big nugget, deep fried & filled with finely cut onions & spices & herbs).

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DAY 14: Mar 27, 2016 / Sun: In Jodhpur [BLD] After breakfast, proceed for full day city tour visiting the 5-km long Meherangarh Fort situated on a 125-mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jarokha’s" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendor and glamour of a bygone era. Later, visit the Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The tour culminates with a visit to the Museum housed in the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, probably the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world – set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco style of that time.

After 15 years in construction, the 347room palace was finally completed in 1943 – and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur Royal Family since. It also houses a Palace hotel.

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DAY 15: Mar 28, 2016 / Mon: Jodhpur – Osian (66 Kms / Approx. drive 1 ½ hours) [BLD] After breakfast morning free. Post lunch at the hotel, drive to Osian, on arrival check-in at The Camel Camp.

Osian Camp: http://www.camelcamposian.com/

With expansive views of the vast desert on one side and the intricate temples of Osian on the other, this camp, the first of its kind in India, offers easy access to the local desert villages. Venturing out on camel one can meet the proud local tribes, the Bishnois and Bhils, potters and weavers and shepherds in their natural surroundings, not to mention the desert wildlife such as blue bulls, gazelles, foxes, peacocks and partridges. The camp nestled in the dunes is owned by Reggie Singh, grandson of Maharaj Ratan Singh of Jodhpur. Enjoy your evening with folk entertainment and a semiformal candle lit dinner.

DAY 16: Mar 29, 2016 / Tue: Osiyan – Udaipur (350 Kms / Approx. drive 7 hours) [BLD] Early breakfast and check-out at 8 am to get us on the road to Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Ranakpur Temples.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and enlarged through the 19th century, Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public.

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The Fort has the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China and is the second largest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh Fort.

Ranakpur is situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali Hills, built in the 15th century. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The main temple in the complex is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, built in 1439.

Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike.

We will also visit the Surya temple and other Jain temples a little distance away.

Lunch in Ranakpur then continue the drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Udaipur is a city built around shimmering, clear blue-water lakes that reflect the green of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. The fabled Lake Palace seems to emerge from the peaceful Lake Pichola and shares whispered memories of tradition and glory. It was built in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh, who claimed to be a descendent of Sri Ram, hero of the ‘Ramayana’. The city of Udaipur is gathered around three Lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. It was the last capital of autonomous Mewar and remained so, until the state was merged with the Republic of India in 1947.

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DAY 17: Mar 30, 2016 / Wed: In Udaipur [BLD] After breakfast, at 8:30am, our guided tour will take us to the CITY PALACE built in 1725 AD. It is one of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, and now a museum, royal residence and luxury hotel.

This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; JAGDISH TEMPLE built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the center of the old city.

FATEH SAGAR LAKE was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. The lake was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the rains destroyed the dam. We will also visit the Sahelion-ki- Bari (the Garden for the Maids of Honor), an ornamental pleasure garden with fountains and marble kiosks. The garden island in the middle of the lake is called Nehru Park and has a great cafe.

Lunch at local restaurant (1559 AD or Upre Restaurant) In the evening, we will take a boat ride on 4 km long and 3 km wide Lake Pichola. It is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and offers spectacular views of the city. We will land on Jag Mandir Island to visit the exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion.

Dinner at local restaurant at Bagore Ki Haveli.

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DAY 18: Mar 31, 2016 / Thu: Udaipur – Delhi – Varanasi by Flight [B] After an extremely early breakfast, we check-out at 5:30 am and transfer to Udaipur Airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Depart Udaipur: Arrive Delhi:

at 0745 Hrs at 0925 Hrs.

by Flight # 9W 2634 (Jet Airways)

You will have a day room at Holiday Inn Airport until 10 pm 10 pm Transfer to Airport for (Optional) international flight.

VARANASI POST TOUR OPTION DAY 18: Mar 31, 2016 / Thu: Udaipur – Delhi – Varanasi by Flight [BLD]

After our extremely early breakfast, we check-out at 5:30 am and transfer to Udaipur Airport to board the flight for Delhi. 

Considering the early morning flight schedules, hotel will serve a cold breakfast of Fruits / Boiled Eggs / morning Bakery and Tea / Coffee at the coffee shop between 5-6 am.

Depart Udaipur: Arrive Delhi:

at 0745 Hrs at 0925 Hrs.

by Flight # 9W 2634 (Jet Airways)

at 1045 Hrs at 1210 Hrs.

by Flight # 9W 2423 (Jet Airways)

CONNECTION Depart Delhi: Arrive Varanasi:

Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport, we will be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

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Varanasi also known as Benares or Kashi is a place on the holy River Ganga. It is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Varanasi is also known as the favorite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges. The city has been a cultural center of North India for thousands of years, and predates most of the major world religions. The water of Ganga originates in the mountains of Nepal and flows towards the large plains of north-east. In the plains of Allahabad water of Yamuna blends with the Ganga. Here at this sacred confluence “Triveni Sangam” invisible Saraswati joins her force with the two mighty Rivers. For this reason, multitudes of pilgrims pay homage to the combined sacred waters in Varanasi before they flow towards the mouth of Bay of Bengal.

Lunch at the hotel and afternoon at leisure.

In the evening around sunset, we will enjoy a rickshaw ride in the old part of the city followed by boat ride on the River Ganges to have a panoramic view as we witness the “Ganga Aarti” [Aarti Ceremony] at one of the Ghats (Steps) on the banks of River Ganges.

You will hear the singing of hymns, see the votive lighting and experience the deep religious fervor that’s created by the divine atmosphere.

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DAY 19: Apr 01, 2016 / Fri: In Varanasi [BLD] Early this morning around 6am, at sunrise, we will re-visit the Ghats (Steps) and experience another boat ride to witness devout Hindus beginning their day by offering prayers to the holy river and the sun.

The riverfront seen from a boat, early in the morning, is a spiritually uplifting experience. The hushed murmuring ancient Sanskrit Shlokas [hymns] are raised in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. This religious city is crowded with temples. The labyrinth of streets with throngs of people is exciting and enticing. At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you excellent views of these activities.

Your soul will remember sunrise on the Ganges!

We return to hotel for breakfast.

Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc. Treasures of the Maharajas

After breakfast, we tour Varanasi with our local guide. We will see Kashi Vishwanath Temple (one of the names of Lord Shiva) from the outside since Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises of this temple.

The Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, patron deity of Varanasi, was originally constructed by Rani Ahillya Bai Holkar in 1776 AD. The temple was rebuilt in the 18th century; its gold plating on the "shikharas" was a gift from a Sikh King, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Proceed to the Durga Temple, another important temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18th century, in the Nagara style of architecture. It has five Shikharas (spires), which commences from the bottom and converges to the top. Locally, the temple is known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large number of monkeys in the vicinity. Continue on to Tulsi Manas Mandir, built in 1964, devoted to Lord Rama and is believed to have been built on the site where the saintpoet Tulsi Das resided and wrote the epic Ram Charit Manas. The text is engraved on the walls of the temple.

Next, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble; drive past the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia, covering an area of approximately 2,000 acres. It was a gifted by the former Maharaja of Varanasi, who was a scholar of Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy. The institution attracts students from India and abroad, as it is a center of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music.

After lunch, we will travel to Sarnath. This is the fabled place that bears testimony to its great past. This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism. The remains date back to the 3rd Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts. We will visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum. The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pillar. The Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back Lions has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India.

We will then visit the Mahabodhi Buddha temple and walk in the Deer Park.

Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc. Treasures of the Maharajas

DAY 20: Apr 02, 2016 / Sat: Varanasi – Delhi - Flight # AI 405: 4:45 PM / 6:05 PM [BLD] After breakfast, day at leisure. Check-out at 12:00 Noon and have lunch at hotel. Post lunch, assist with Departure Transfer to Varanasi Airport to board the Flight to Delhi.

Depart Varanasi: at 1645 Hrs Arrive Delhi: at 1805 Hrs.

by Flight # AI 405 (Air India)

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, we will transfer to hotel for day use and dinner before return transfer to airport for international flight. (Rooms for Day use purpose from 6:00pm to 10:00 pm only)

DAY 21: Apr 03, 2016 / Sun: FINAL DEPARTURE DELHI BY FLIGHT # AI 127 AT 2:00 AM In time transfer to airport to connect to (optional) Flight to Chicago for your destination in USA.

* Price based per person/ double occupancy for land arrangements and domestic air based on 12 travelers group size. All meals included. International air optional.

See Tour Conditions and Tour Registration for more features and information.

Call or email Steve Carr for more information:

Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc. 8 N. Loomis St. Naperville, IL 60450 Phone (630) 878-8594 Fax (630) 527-0192 steveRcarr@aol.com steve@meximayan.com

Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc. Treasures of the Maharajas