Colourful traditional clothing of Rajasthan - by David Craig

Rajasthan Deserts, Castles and Palaces

November 4 - 24, 2015

21 Days • 54 Meals

Escorted by Janet Williams

FINAL

ITINER

ARY

India has long fascinated world travellers for its immense diversity. All of the world’s religions - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian - live in relative harmony. Untold wealth shares the land with abject poverty. Modern industry and commerce contrast with traditional lifestyles that are unchanged from centuries past. Modern cars and trucks contrast with ox carts and camel trains. This very special journey has been designed to display this diversity, stretching as it does from the capital, Delhi, to the Holy city of Varanasi and then across the plains of Rajasthan to one of the world's most forbidding deserts. This tour features a wonderful blend of modern and ancient, deluxe hotels and heritage properties that display the long traditions of Indian hospitality. Stay in restored palaces as well as a desert camp, sample home cooked food and the cuisine served to Rajasthani royalty. This is a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyles of both rural and urban India and to appreciate the diverse religious culture that is India. The journey is designed for adventurous travellers, who are willing to accept and to appreciate the cultural differences that they will encounter. Group will be strictly limited to 26 persons - be sure to enrol early.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Old Delhi, with its history, forts, and markets plus New Delhi, the planned capital

Peaceful Sarnath where the Buddha first taught

Sunrise cruise on the Holy River Ganges

Attend evening Aarti Services by the Ganges

The exotic and erotic temples of Khajuraho

The magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise plus Agra fort

The ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri

Lunch in Surabhi Restaurant in Jaipur

Attend a Bollywood movie in Raj Mandir Theatre

Dinner with local family in Jaipur

Ride an elephant to the fortress of Amber Palace

Cruise to the Lake Palace on Lake Pichola, Udaipur

Visit the Temple of Ranakpur with its 1444 carved marble pillars

Royal Dinner in Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur

Jeep Safari in Manvaar visiting tribal villages

Overnight in a camp in the Thar Desert

Camel Ride at Jaisalmer (if you choose)

Dinner and cultural Dance Performance in Chomu

Stay in heritage and palace hotels in Rajasthan

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy direct flights to/from India on Air Canada plus domestic flights in India

Accommodations in carefully selected deluxe and first class resorts plus traditional palace and heritage hotels as indicated or similar

All 54 meals in India (shown as B - Breakfast, L - Lunch and D - Dinner) plus in flight meals

Services of our Canadian tour escort plus a professional English speaking tour guide in India

All gratuities and taxes for included services including all current air taxes & fees

India visa fee for Canadian passport holders

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Airport transfer in Canada or equivalent value

TOUR ESCORT

Janet Williams will be leading this exciting journey to Rajasthan. Janet recently retired after 35 years in the teaching profession, most recently as a Vice Principal. According to Janet, being a tour escort is her perfect retirement activity! It combines her passion for travel and love of new experiences and cultures with the enjoyment of sharing all of this with passengers from all across Canada. She has done extensive personal travelling and has also lead successful trips on our behalf to many parts of the world, including Myanmar, China, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, India, Bhutan, Egypt, Tunisia, Madagascar, South America and many parts of Europe. She is looking forward to returning to India and sharing this wonderful travel experience with you!

Janet with a young vendor during her travels through Myanmar

November 4, Wednesday Depart Canada Group members depart for overnight flights to Delhi.

November 5, Thursday Delhi Upon arrival at Delhi in the evening, we are met and escorted to our Hotel where we will be greeted in the traditional Indian style. Kempinski Ambience Hotel (2 nights)

November 6, Friday Old Delhi Relax this morning as we adjust to the new time zone. Our tour of Old Delhi will begin with a visit to the chaotic laneways and shops of Chandni Chowk Bazaar followed by the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan. In complete contrast to Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Red Fort which dominates Old Delhi, was built in the 17

th Century by Shah

Jahan, only to be plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and British soldiers. BLD

November 7, Saturday New Delhi / Varanasi This morning we explore the planned city of New Delhi, visiting Qutab Minar, a towering stone monument built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. Nearby is Humayun's Tomb, a wonderful example of Mughal architecture. Passing through the planned capital, we shall view India Gate, the Presidential Palace and Parliament. This afternoon fly to Varanasi, the holiest city in India, set on the banks of the River Ganges. The Taj Gateway Hotel (2 nights) BLD

November 8, Sunday Varanasi / Sarnath By tradition all devout Hindus must come to the Ganges. At sunrise we cruise on the River Ganges to see the pilgrims perform their religious rituals, then stroll amongst the myriad of temples and shrines that line the shore. Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) and drive past Benaras Hindu University. Later visit Sarnath, where the Buddha taught after his enlightenment. Enjoy the tranquil setting, the massive Stupas and the small Archeological Museum. Back in Varanasi this evening we witness the sacred Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) on the banks of the river. Oil lamps are floated on the river as hundreds of devotees pray and chant on the Ghats. BLD

November 9, Monday Varanasi / Khajuraho Enjoy a leisurely morning before we fly to Khajuraho, known as the City of the Gods, and spend the afternoon visiting the exotic and sometimes erotic temples of the Chandela Kings, containing exquisite temple carvings depicting both every day and religious life of the 10

th/11

th

Centuries. Khajuraho Radisson Jass Hotel (1 night) BLD

November 10, Tuesday Khajuraho / Jhansi / Agra Drive through rural India, visiting the medieval temple town of Orchha. Here we find 16

th and 17

th Century palaces and

temples built by the Bundela rulers; most in pristine condition. Early this evening, we reach Jhansi where we board the Taj Express for our journey to Agra and the fabled Taj Mahal. Trident Agra Hotel (2 nights) BLD

November 11, Wednesday Taj Mahal / Agra At sunrise, we visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for the mortal remains of his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This architectural masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the 20,000 craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and the 17 years it took to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. In the

afternoon we take a tonga ride (horse carriage) to Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 & 1573, highlighting the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. Enjoy a magical view of the Taj Mahal from Itmad-ud daulah, another beautiful Mughal tomb, across the River Yamuna. This evening there will be an option to attend Mohabbat, a play about love and the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era. BLD

November 12, Thursday Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted just 14 years later. This 'Ghost City' speaks of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy lunch at the Bagh in Bharatpur before we continue to Jaipur.

Jaipur Hilton Hotel (2 nights) BLD

November 13, Friday Jaipur Ride an elephant (subject to availability) to the fortress of Amber Palace, known for its many delightful rooms including the Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal. Pause for photos at the elegantly carved Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. After lunch at Surabhi Restaurant (with a visit to the Turban Museum) we will explore the Maharaja's City Palace, with exhibits dedicated to weaponry, textiles and costumes and the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world. A walk through the busy markets will bring us to the Raj Mandir, an art deco theatre and symbol of modern Jaipur, where we shall see a Bollywood Movie. This evening we have a special treat, dinner with a local family, an opportunity to understand the living traditions of modern India. BLD

November 14, Saturday Jaipur / Pushkar This morning we depart Jaipur travelling south to Pushkar, home to the only Bramha Temple in the world and the annual camel festival. The city, one of the oldest in India is home to three wonderful temples all dating from the 10th Century, is set on the shores of the Lake Pushkar. This afternoon we will explore the village, the temples and the lake. Ananta Spa & Resort (1 night) BLD

November 15, Sunday Pushkar / Udaipur This morning we continue our journey south to India’s most romantic city, Udaipur, known for its lakes, temples and palaces. Cradled in the hills of the Aravalli Range, and surrounding Lake Pichola, Udaipur evokes a sense of romance and history., with grand palaces and gardens. Lalit-Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel (2 nights) BLD

November 16, Monday Udaipur Overlooking Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a maze of grand apartments, courtyards and balconies as well a museums. Nearby is the Jagdish Temple, noted for its sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. The Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens or the Garden of Maids was built under the express guidance of Maharana Sangram Singh II for the 48 maids who accompanied the Maharana’s wife as dowry. Saving the best for last we take a cruise on Lake Pichola, surrounded by hills clad with palaces and temples. In its heart is Jag Mandir, the Lake Palace. BLD

November 17, Tuesday Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur The Temple of Ranakpur, built in the 15

th Century is one of

the five holiest places for Jains with over 1444 hand carved marble pillars, each unique and exquisite. One pillar, carved from a single stone has 108 snake heads and

CT RATING 3.5 - Challenging: India offers opportunities to experience different cultures but also requires a special

understanding from those willing to experience the

differences. Travel conditions will be more difficult than in

most destinations, sometimes facilities will be limited, and

standards will differ from those in Canada. Road traffic and conditions can be relatively chaotic and this tour includes

long travel days. This tour features very comfortable first

class and heritage hotels. While food will satisfy Canadian

travellers (most meals will be buffets), members may find

some dishes spicy. Due to the physical and cultural demands,

all members should be in good physical health and capable

of handling themselves and their luggage, if needed.

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only* ............................................................... $4,585

Toronto ...................................................................... $6,195

Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $6,295

Halifax ....................................................................... $6,395

Winnipeg ................................................................... $6,525

St. John’s .................................................................. $6,525

Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $6,575

Edmonton / Calgary / Vancouver .............................. $6,525

Victoria ...................................................................... $6,575

Single Supplement .................................................... $1,295

Land Only* price includes all internal flights - join and leave in Delhi. Prices are based on a minimum of 15 mem-bers and on rates, taxes and fees effective February, 2015. Prices are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

Note: Members will require a Visa to visit India. Cost of the Visa is included for Canadian passport holders. In some instances, individuals will be required to obtain their own Visa (with our full assistance).

The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($318 - $353pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 (from $205 - $392pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or residing outside of Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Final payment will be due August 25, 2015.

Please check our website for the most current information. To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the en-closed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit of $600 per person to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com / Web: www.craigtravel.com

REV02MAR15

bodies. We continue to Jodhpur, a desert city that centres on a massive mountain top fortress. Served in a Royal Thaal (platter), dinner will be a symphony of culinary specialties of Rajasthan made from the original recipes. Ranbanka Palace (Heritage) Hotel (1 night) BLD

November 18, Wed Jodhpur / Indian Thar Desert Above the city sits the Mehrangarh Fort, an impregnable fortress surrounded by 10 km of walls with soaring archways and containing a series of palaces, each decorated with carving, lattice and mirror work. Enjoy views of the old city whose dominant colour is the blue of the Brahmin caste. Other highlights include Jaswant Thada, the Clock Tower and a stroll through Sardar Market, known for its spices. In the afternoon, drive into the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert where we will overnight in a permanent camp. Manvaar is located on the dunes offering a rare opportunity to experience desert life, culture, wildlife and beauty. The evening is highlighted by local folk music and kalbelia dances while we enjoy dinner under the stars. Thar Oasis Deluxe Camp (1 night) BLD November 19, Thursday Indian Thar Desert / Jaisalmer Be sure to rise early to enjoy the desert sunrise. Enjoy a jeep safari to visit tribal villages, see desert wildlife, watch local craftsmen at work and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Relax and enjoy the panorama of life on the desert as we drive to Jaisalmer, one of the most impressive castle cities in the world. Its golden crenulated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved havelis (private mansions) is sure to impress. Fort Rajwada Hotel (2 nights) BLD November 20, Friday Jaisalmer The Golden Fort, rising as it does from the desert, encloses Haveli decorated with delicate jali (lattice worked screens) and elegant flora carved doors, and elaborately carved Jain temples. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort, visiting a number of the ornate haveli, explore the local bazaars and venture outside the walls to the oasis of Gadi Sagar. Later we venture out into the desert for a camel ride through the enormous dunes and the surrealistic landscape carved by the wind and sand. BLD

November 21, Saturday Jaisalmer / Bikaner A long morning drive brings us to Bikaner, a true desert market town where the principal transport is provided by camels and where caravans rested on their journeys across the desert. Encircled by imposing battlements, the town is dominated by Junagarh Fort, known for its exquisite stone carvings palaces. This afternoon we shall visit the fort and a camel breeding farm, possibly the only one in central Asia. Laxmi Niwas Palace Hotel (1 night) BLD

November 22, Sunday Bikaner / Chomu Following a free morning in Bikaner, we continue to Chomu, a 300 year old fortified palace now converted into a heritage hotel. Enjoy a traditional dance performance followed by dinner. Chomu Palace (Heritage) Hotel (1 night) BLD

November 23, Monday Chomu / Delhi Experience the colourful markets and the lifestyle of Rajasthan as we explore the palace and its grounds. After lunch we will drive into Delhi. Following dinner at the JW

Marriott Hotel we proceed to the airport and check in with Air Canada for our direct overnight flight to Canada. BLD

November 24, Tuesday Delhi / Canada Departing very early this morning we fly to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.