Highlights of Northern India

By:AG Staff | April-1-2009

Share |

Join AG and photographer and Society Trustee Chris Bray on this once-in-a-lifetime trip around northern India.
25 January - 13 February 2013

25 January - 13 February 2013
Cost: From AU$5195 ex. Delhi, $7195 pp single room
Who: Cox and Kings
Contact: 1300 836 764 or resevations@coxandkings.com.au

Bring home images of the vibrant colours and sights of northern India on this unique tour, hosted by photographic tutor and AGS trustee Chris Bray. Join Chris and learn the art of travel photography from an expert as he celebrates the pageantry of India's Republic Day parade in New Delhi, visits the beautiful Taj Mahal, journeys through the colourful villages of Rajasthan, searches for tigers in a famous sanctuary, and visits the holy cities of Varanasi and Amritsar. An interest in photography isn't a requirement for touring this exciting region and with local guides on hand to provide expert commentary there's something for everyone. The tour will be filled with chances to see beautiful architecture, observe wildlife and discover the rich colour of local daily life.

Tour highlights:

Witness colourful Republic Day celebrations
See the Taj Mahal
Search for tiger, leopard, and other wildlife
Visit maharajas' palaces
Observe holy sites and ceremonies
Attend the Wagah border crossing ceremony

Itinerary

Fri 25 Jan - Arrive New Delhi
We suggest that passengers fly Singapore Airlines to India. (Cost of international flights is not included in the tour cost). A group transfer will be provided to the hotel at approximately 9pm to meet the evening arrival of Singapore Airlines from Singapore. (Arrangements may be made at additional expense to transfer individual passengers at other times). Stay 3 nights at Claridges Hotel in the heart of New Delhi.

Sat 26 Jan - Republic Day in Delhi
Celebrate this important Indian public holiday by attending the early morning flag raising ceremony and military parade in Delhi's Janpath (photography not permitted). The remainder of the day is at leisure. This afternoon guests will meet tour escort, Chris Bray and learn a few tips about taking better photos. Chris will also host a welcome dinner this evening. (Includes breakfast and dinner)

Sun 27 Jan - Delhi sightseeing
Discover the contrasts between Old and New Delhi on our full day sightseeing tour. Delhi is comprised of seven ancient capitals dating from the 11th to 20th centuries. Highlights include entrance to Humayun's Tomb, Qtab Minar and the Jama Masjid. (Includes breakfast)

Mon 28 Jan - To Lucknow
Fly to Lucknow, an important city in Mughal India with its distinctive architecture and cuisine. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay 2 nights at Vivanta by Taj Hotel. (B)

Tue 29 Jan - Lucknow sightseeing
Morning sightseeing includes the Bada Imambara, a splendid architectural example of the glorious Nawabs of Oudh era. See the grand Jama Masjid mosque, and the Residency where British rulers withstood sieges lasting 87 and 61 days respectively during the Indian Mutiny in 1857. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening we include a traditional Dastarkhwan dinner in an aristocratic residence to taste the delights of Lucknowi cuisine. (B,D)

Wed 30 Jan - To Varanasi
Drive approximately 320 kms through Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi, the most holy city for India's Hindu population. We include a box lunch. Spend two nights at The Gateway Hotel Ganges. (Includes breakfast and lunch)

Thu 31 Jan - Varanasi sightseeing
Experience the amazing sights and sounds of Varanasi on a walking tour through the lanes of the old city this morning. Visit Kachauri Gali, to see the colourful food stalls and meet the vendors. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating boat ride along the Ganges to see the cremation and bathing ghats. Later, witness a fascinating 'aarti' religious ceremony. (B)

Fri 1 Feb - To Khajuraho
Fly to Khajuraho late this morning. Transfer to Radisson Hotel for a two night stay. (B)

Sat 2 Feb - Khajuraho sightseeing
Morning sightseeing includes the western and eastern groups of Hindu and Jain temples which represent the zenith of North Indian temple art and architecture. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Sun 3 Feb - To Gwalior
Drive to Orccha - once the capital of the formidable Bundela kings. Inspect the palaces and temples which retain much of their original grandeur. Later, board the Shatabdi Express for the one hour train ride from Jhansi to Gwalior. On arrival, transfer to the Usha Kiran Palace Hotel for a two night stay. (B)

Mon 4 Feb - Gwalior
Visit the magnificent fort which overlooks the city and includes interesting temples and a ruined palace. See impressive Jain rock carvings and visit the maharaja's palace and see his museum featuring a silver model railway, and massive European chandeliers. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Tue 5 Feb - To Agra
Drive to Agra. This afternoon we visit nearby Fatehpur Sikri, a Mughal city which was deserted shortly after it was built. It offers excellent opportunities to examine beautiful architectural features where Mughal and Hindu influences are combined. Return to Agra for a two night stay at the Radisson Hotel. (B)

Wed 6 Feb - Agra
Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal before dawn to see the sun rise gradually light the magnificent marble dome - an unforgettable sight. Later, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the city including a visit to the extensive Agra Fort. (B)

Thu 7 Feb - To Ranthambore
Drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most famous national parks today. Transfer to the Dev Vilas Hotel for a two night stay. (B,D)

Fri 8 Feb Ranthambore National Park
To maximise the opportunity to see tiger and other species we include morning and afternoon game drives in the company of park rangers. The extensive park is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, crocodile, mongoose, python, hyena, and many species of deer and birdlife. (B,L,D)

Sat 9 Feb - To Jaipur
Enjoy a final opportunity to search for wildlife on an early morning game drive. After lunch, depart for Jaipur by road. Transfer to the Le Meridien Hotel for a two night stay. (B,L)

Sun 10 Feb - Jaipur & Amber sightseeing
See the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) before leaving Jaipur for the nearby Amber Fort and Palace with commanding views over the surrounding terrain. Ascend the slopes on elephant back (or by jeep) to discover a palace and fortress rich in magnificent frescoes and intricately carved designs. Discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur on an afternoon walking tour through bustling lanes, past beautiful old temples, and painted havelis, before visiting Albert Hall Museum to learn about the arts, crafts and history of Rajasthan. (B)

Mon 11 Feb - To Delhi
Drive back to Delhi today for an overnight stay at Claridges Hotel. (B)

Tue 12 Feb - To Amritsar
Board a flight to Amritsar, the most holy city for the Sikh religion this morning. Drive to the Wagah crossing on the India-Pakistan border this afternoon to witness an amazing ceremony where the security guards of India and Pakistan perform the border closing and flag lowering drills with amazing precision, accompanied by the cheers of the crowd. Return to Amritsar to stay overnight at the Ista Hotel (B)

Wed 13 Feb - To Delhi
Early this morning drive to the Golden Temple to witness the holy Sikh ceremony of the opening and closing of the sacred book. Later, visit Jallainwalah Bagh where the victims of a 1919 massacre are immortalised. Drive to the airport for the afternoon flight to Delhi.
The tour ends on arrival at Delhi airport. (Passengers may connect to Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore and Australia. The cost of the international flight is not included). (B)

About Chris Bray
Chris is a trustee of the Australian Geographic Society, and chairman and fellow of the Australian and New Zealand chapter of the prestigious international Explorers' Club, which is based in New York. He is an accomplished photographer who contributes articles and photographs to Australian Geographic and other prestigious publications. His role will be to act as a travelling companion and organiser; and to host occasional, informal talks on the art of photography. It is important to realise that this is a general tour with balanced and varied sightseeing, and high standard accommodation. Participants need not necessarily have an interest in photography to enjoy the tour. The primary focus of the tour is to give Australian Geographic readers and Society members an opportunity to appreciate the highlights of northern India. Qualified local guides will be on hand to provide expert commentary covering revered religious sites, architecturally rich imperial cities of bygone eras, majestic fortresses perched on rocky outcrops, chances to observe wildlife including the elusive tiger, and the pageantry of military ceremonies, along with the rich colour of local daily life.

Tour inclusions: