Amazing India

Amazing India
December 4-15, 2016
From $3299
For Jewish Singles in their 30s, 40s

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Join Jewish Singles from North America and beyond and let us amaze you as your incredible journey to India unfolds. We begin in the big, chaotic capital city that is New Delhi. Riding a rickshaw through Old Delhi, you’ll get the sense and the feel of India as it was centuries ago. Next, we escape to the sandcastles of the desert where we’ll find India’s grand palaces and forts that are centuries old. Here, you’ll learn about the times of the Taj and the life of a Raj. We’ll ride jeeps to the Amber Fort and participate in a sunrise yoga class with our own private yogi. After, we visit one of the architectural masterpieces of the world, the Taj Mahal, where you will not only be transfixed on the artistic gem, but on the love story that inspired it. Finally, our tour will take us to the spiritual city of Varanasi, the religious center of Hinduism. Here, on the banks of the Ganges River, you’ll witness the holiness and mystique that this 3,000 year old city is known for. Our amazing tour of India will speak to you and touch your mind, body and spirit.

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Day 1 – Sunday, December 4 – Arrive New Delhi, India

After your overnight flight, arrive in Delhi, India late this evening. Upon arrival, meet our Amazing Journeys representative who will greet you and transfer you to our hotel where you can relax and enjoy a good nights sleep.

Welcome to India’s capital city. Contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone era as shown in its many monuments still stand. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It was a magnet which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again, rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.

Day 2 – Monday, December 5 – New and Old Delhi

After a hearty breakfast consisting of Indian and Western specialties, we begin with an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation where we will meet our local Indian tour manager as well as other members of our group.

After, we’ll depart for our combined tour to Old Delhi and New Delhi. First, it’s off to Old Delhi where we’ll experience a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes and narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the market district. It’s an amazing ride! We’ll next see Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Bengala Sehib, A temple of the Sikh religion.

India is also famous for its film industry known as “Bollywood” as well as for their music and dance. This afternoon you will learn to dance Bollywood style at our Amazing Journeys workshop! Later, we’ll join together for a group dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Tuesday, December 6 – Delhi – Udaipur

This morning we visit Qutab Minar which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world and is a UNESCO monument.

Next we’ll have a photo stop at the India Gate War Memorial and drive past Rastrapathi Bhawan, the palatial President’s House and Parliament House.

Later, we fly to Udaipur, in the desert state of Rajasthan. Set amidst the Aravalli hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is a beautiful city regarded as one of the most romantic in India. Presenting an enchanting image of marble palaces, placid lakes, attractive gardens and green hills, it has been called “the Venice of the East”. It was founded in 1568 as a traditionally planned, fortified city full of palaces and temples. The city also became a center for the performing arts, painting and crafts. Enjoy our serene hotel perched on a hillside overlooking the Aravalli mountain range. This historic hotel will rejuvenate your soul. (B,D)

Flight to Udaipur: 1 hour

Day 4 – Wednesday, December 7 – Udaipur

We begin with an early morning yoga session led by local expert. After breakfast, we’ll explore this lovely city. The amazing City Palace will be etched in your memory for years to come. It is the largest palace complex in India, blending Rajput and Mughal architecture. We’ll visit the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu after its construction in the 17th century, and Sahelion-ki-Baari where you’ll see the garden for the Maids of Honour. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, fringed with hills, palaces, ghats, and temples; and offering spectacular views of the city.

This afternoon, visit Mahila Mandal School and Hostel, a unique girls school primarily serving the tribal and underprivileged members of Udaipur and the surrounding areas. Spend some time with these girls as we learn about their home and school. We will ask you to bring a few supplies or other useful items from home.

Tonight, join us outside on the exquisite patio of our “palace” for an exclusive Amazing Journeys cocktail party. (B)

Day 5 – Thursday, December 8 – Udaipur – Jaipur

After breakfast, we drive to Jaipur, the City of Victory, founded in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honor of a visit by Prince Albert.

In the evening, come together for a home-hosted dinner where we will have an opportunity to learn more about Indian family life, their culture and values. You’ll dress like the locals complete with sari, bangles, a bindi and henna tattoos for the women and “kurta pajamas” for the men. (B, L, D)

Driving time Udaipur – Jaipur: approximately 7 hours

Day 6 – Friday, December 9 – Jaipur

After breakfast, visit one of the highlights of your visit to India. The Amber Fort is India’s former seat of power. Ride a jeep to the top of the hill as we ascent the fort. After enjoying the fort, we will return to the city to have lunch at local restaurant, followed by some free time to enjoy some local shops as Jaipur is the paradise of shoppers. Later, join us for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat. This evening, we’ll learn the art of making “naan”, Indian bread before we sit down to dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Saturday, December 10 – Jaipur

This morning, we’ll see many exciting sights such as Hawa Mahal, home to the former Maharaja with its façade including 953 windows. This makes for a perfect photo stop. We’ll see the City Palace, Maharaja’s palace covering one seventh of the area of the city of Jaipur. We’ll go to Janter-Manter, an incredible astronomical Observatory, built in 1726. Finally, you’ll be amazed by our walk through the buzzing local markets, filled with the scent of colorful flowers, the aroma of fresh spices and a look at how locals do their day-to-day shopping. This afternoon is free to enjoy our hotel, the spa or shopping in the local markets. (B)

Day 8 – Sunday, December 11 – Jaipur – Agra

This morning we will leave Jaipur behind, on our drive to Agra. The ambiance of Agra is still associated with the Mughal period. The Mughals, besides being great rulers, were also great builders and they reserved their best architectural wonders for Agra. There are many wonderful monuments here and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before entering the city of Agra, we will stop at Fatehpur-Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Kingdom. (B, L)

Driving time Jaipur – Agra: approximately 6 hours

Day 9 – Monday, December 12 – Agra

At sunrise, we arrive at the entrance to Taj Mahal by Tonga, a horse and carriage, as was done centuries ago. The colors are so vivid at this time of day and the photos you’ll take will be amazing. This is one of the highlights of any trip to India. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. The Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian design. We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast.

Later, visit Agra Fort, built in the 16th century. This fortress is made of red sandstone and known as the Red Fort of Agra. It encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax.

In the evening, join us for a local experience as we take a “tuk-tuk” ride in the bustling markets of Agra and view the Taj Mahal from across the river. Here, you will see a different perspective of this striking masterpiece. (B)

Day 10 – Tuesday, December 13 – Agra – Delhi – Varanasi

After an early breakfast, we drive to Delhi then board our flight for Varanasi. Varanasi, the city of Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, is one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities. With its temples, over a hundred ghats and labyrinth of streets, the city cannot be described, only experienced. “To visit the Ganga at Varanasi is to truly touch the soul of India.” Also called Benares or Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world’s most ancient, a contemporary of Babylon, Nineveh and Thebes. Hindu devotional movements flourished here, and it is still the chief center of Sanskrit learning in Northern India. The city is also famous for silk weaving. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our beautiful hotel.

This evening, experience the Ghats to see the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular illuminated sight where hundreds throng to the ghats to participate in this ceremony. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. Nighttime on the Ganges River will be a sight etched into your mind forever and you’ll understand the world just a little better. (B, L)

Driving time Agra – Delhi: approximately 4.5 hours, Flight from Delhi to Varanasi: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Day 11 – Wednesday, December 14 – Varanasi

Before sunrise, we’ll take you for a boat ride along the Ghats on the Holy River Ganges. At sunrise, the Hindu faithful flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. It is said that ‘To die in Varanasi is to end the Hindu cycle of re-birth’ thereby making it a popular place to end one’s life. In addition, you will see the locals participate in yoga, laundry and praying. Morning is an entirely different scene on the Ganges, so different from what you will have experienced the night before. After sunrise, we’ll visit some of the temples in the surrounding area.

We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast and later, head out for a tour to Varanasi. Our tour will include Bharat Kala Bhavan, within the sprawling grounds of Benaras Hindu University and housing an outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles.

Tonight, have your birth date, birth time and city of your birth available as our private astrologer will teach you about your numbers and what it means.

Later, we’ll come together for an Amazing Journeys Farewell and dinner. (B, D)

Day 12 – Thursday, December 15 – Varanasi – New Delhi – Tour Ends

This morning, we travel to Sarnath ruins, where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha, gave his first sermon on a quiet grove in the 6th century BC.

This afternoon, we’ll board our flight back to Delhi and the end of our tour. At our airport hotel, we will have rooms reserved until your departure late tonight or in the wee hours of the morning. Later this evening, transfer to the airport to board your flight to home. (B)

Flight from Varanasi to Delhi: 1.5 hours

Day 13 – Friday, December 16 – Depart New Delhi – Tour Ends

Your flight home will leave either late evening on December 15 or very early in the morning on December 16.

The hotels for this program are the following:
Night 1 & 2 The Lalit, Delhi
Night 3 & 4 The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur
Night 5 – 7 The Lalit Jaipur, Jaipur
Night 8 & 9 Hotel Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Agra
Night 10 & 11 Taj Gateway, Varanasi
Night 12 Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi International Airport, Delhi

Please Note:
1) Alternate hotels may be utilized.
2) Due to flight departure schedules early on Day 13, a few day rooms have been reserved for the group at the Pride Plaza Aerocity at the New Delhi Airport.
3) For taking photos inside attractions, the Indian Government charges a camera and/or video fee of approximately $25 USD/$60 USD respectively (total for the entire trip). Our local Tour Manager will collect these fees at the beginning of the tour and pay the government accordingly.
4) Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program.
5) This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
6) The order of this tour may change.

"There is no other group with such consistent warmth, pervasive spirit, and caring leadership with whom I’d rather spend a memorable vacation."

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