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Rajasthan is a northern Indian state bordering Pakistan. Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region. In its capital, Jaipur (the “Pink City”), are the 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal, a former cloister for royal women, fronted by a 5-story pink-sandstone screen. Amer Fort, atop a nearby hill, was built by a Rajput prince in the early 1600s.

PLACES COVERED  Delhi-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Jaipur
DURATION OF TRIP  16 NIGHTS/17 DAYS
MINIMUM  REQUIRED  2 PAX
 ACCOMMODATION  BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION PICKUP Delhi/DROP Delhi
RETURN TIME Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey
WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing,  sunscreen.
BASIC INCLUSION
17Night Accommodation as per tour plan
1 Overnight Journey in Train from Agra/Varanasi
One flight Journey from Varanasi/Delhi
Local guide in jaipur /Agra/Varanasi
Bed and Breakfast
Private Car From arrival till Departure
BASIC EXCLUSION
Entrance Tickets To monuments
Gratuity Recommended
Meals Unless specified
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1

Day-01- Arrive Delhi

Our tour representative will pick you from airport in Delhi, later you will be transfer to the hotel, overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

2

Day-02- Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast start s sightseeing tour of Delhi visit:

Red Fort:-Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. (*Red Fort remains closed on every Monday)

Jamia Masjid:-Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi.

QutubMinar:-QutabMinar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer.

Lotus Temple:-The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it’s shaped like a lotus flower. It’s particularly pretty at night, when it’s attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. Everybody is welcome to worship there.

Humayun’s Tomb:-If you think Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the TajMahal in Agra, that’s because it was the inspiration for the TajMahal’s creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up with an extensive period of construction all over the country.

India Gate:-The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer’s evening.

Laxmi Narayan Temple:-Built in 1938 by the Industrialist G.D. Birla, it is one of the major temples in Delhi and is located near Connought Place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her consort Narayana. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the stipulation that people of all castes shall be allowed to enter the temple.

Stay overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

3

Day-3: Delhi – Bikaner

Morning after breakfast drive to Bikaner. Upon Arrival check-in to the hotel, overnight stay in Bikaner.

4

Day-4: Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel to proceed to Jaisalmer but before leave Bikaner visit some exiting places in Bikaner there imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs.

Later proceed to Jaisalmer, upon arrival in Jaisalmer check-in to the hotel, overnight stay.

5

Day-5: Jaisalmer (Overnight Desert Safari)

After breakfast, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. We will visit the magnificent Jaisalmer fort, known as Golden fort. It is one of the only living forts in India. Further, we will see the palaces, havelis and temples inside the fort. You can have great views of Jaisalmer town from the terrace of the fort.
Later will go out for an excursion to Sand Dunes to enjoy overnight camel safari during sunset in the vast sandy desert. overnight stay in the tent on desert and enjoy your evening with Rajashtani folk music and dances.

Overnight stay in Camps in Desert’s Jaisalmer.

6

Day-6: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Morning after breakfast check out from “THAR DESERT” Later drive to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur & check in Hotel. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

7

Day-7: Jodhpur Tour

Morning after breakfast explore Jodhpur and visit:

Mehrangarh Fort:-It is one among the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands magnificently 400 feet above the city. RaoJodha constructed the fort in 1459 AD. Though the attempt to construct the fort was started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed. Hence, you could find that the style of architecture represents various periods.

Jaswant Thada:-JaswantThada was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the Second in the year 1899. This is close to Mehrangarh Fort. The tranquility of the marble construction is enchanting. The carvings are intricate. Inside JaswantThada, you will find the portraits of the Rathore rulers. The grounds of JaswantThada consist of a stunning multilevel garden, intricately carved gazebos and a pond.

UmmaidBhawan Palace:-Construction of UmaidBhawan Palace Museum was started in the year 1929 and it was completed in 1943.
The palace is situated on the highest point in the city. The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace boasts of a combination of Indian and European style of architecture.

Later back to the hotel, overnight stay in Jodhpur.

8

Day-8: Jodhpur – Udaipur

After breakfast proceed to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur check-in to the hotel, later visit to the Lake Pichola. Later back to hotel overnight stay.

9

Day-9: Udaipur City Tour

Morning City tour of Udaipur, one of India’s most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens “Sahelion-ki-bari” and the Folk Art Museum, to view the interesting collection of puppets & paintings. You shall be given enough Leisure time for individual activities.

Overnight at the hotel.

10

Day-10: Udaipur to Jaipur

Morning after breakfast leave for the Jaipur the capital city of Rajashtan state and it is also called the pink city of Rajsthan. Upon arrival in Jaipur check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay.

11

Day-11:-Jaipur City Tour

After breakfast start city tour of this famous pink city and visit:

Amer Fort:-The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.

JalMahal:-On the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress.

HawaMahal:-built in 1799, by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below.

JantarMantar:-built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time, which is subject to daily corrections.

City Palace:-situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles.

Albert Hall Museum:- situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.

Evening free for Shopping in Jaipur. Later drive back to hotel.

Later drive back to hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

12

Day-12: Jaipur / Agra

After breakfast proceed to Agra en route visit:

FatehpurSikri:-Built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. FatehpurSikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture and it was built using red sandstone. For around 10 years, the city remained the capital of Mughal Empire. The city has a 6-kilometer long wall on three sides and there are towers and gates.

Later proceed to Agra. On arrival check in Hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel in Agra.

13

Day-13:- Agra / Varanasi (By Train)

After breakfast start a sightseeing tour of Agra visit:

TajMahal:-You cannot think of Agra without thinking of TajMahal. Or, you might not have thought of Agra were it not for the monument of love. TajMahal, the white marble beauty was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, MumtazMahal. The monument stands proof for the brilliance of Mughal architecture.

Agra Fort :-You would regret if you miss Agra Fort during your visit to Agra. The 16th century monument is yet another proof of the architectural brilliance of Mughals. This is situated near the gardens of the world famous TajMahal. Called the Red Fort of Agra, you will be awe inspired by the powerful fortress. The fortress comprises many palaces namely, Jahangir Palace, KhasMahal and so on.

Itmad-ud-Daulah:-India’s first tomb to be made completely out of marble, Itmad-Ud-Daulah signals the beginning of new era in Mughal architecture. Until then, it was buildings of red sandstone. It was constructed during Jahangir’s period. The 21-meter high tomb was constructed in memory of MirzaGhiyas, who was the father-in-law of Jahangir.

Evening transfer to Train station for Train to Varanasi. Stay overnight in Aircon sleeper Train.

14

Day-14:- Arrived Varanasi

Early Morning on arrival Varanasi Train Station meet and greet our representative later transfer to Hotel afternoon start a sightseeing tour of Varanasi visit:

Annapoorna Devi Temple:-Annapurna or Annapoorna is the Hindu Goddess of nourishment. Anna means food and grains. Purna means full, complete and perfect. She is form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The most well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna is in Varanasi, U.P., India. Adjacent to the Sanctum of the Goddess is the KasiViswanath temple.

AssiGhat:-AsiGhat, the Ghat located at the confluence of Assi River and the holy Ganges, is the southernmost Ghat in Kashi. The Ghat is renowned for a spectacular and large Shiva Lingam placed under a Peepal Tree. This is a favorite spot for Hindu devotees to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva after taking holy dip in the river. This religiously important place got its reference in many puranas, including MatsyaPurana, KurmaPurana, Agni Purana and Padma Purana.

DashaswamedhGhat:-DashaswamedhGhat, a much acclaimed religious spot, is a very favorite among the Hindu devotees and is considered as the main Ghat. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed his victorious Dasa_Ashwamedha (ten-horses) sacrifice in this spot. Legends claim that a similar kind of ten horse sacrifice was done here in the second century by Bhara Shiva Naga rulers.

KashiVishwanathTemple :-KashiVishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest Place of Hindus (and center of earth in Hindu Cosmology) where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage and if possible pour the remains (ashes) of cremated ancestors here on the River Ganges.

Evening visit Ganga Aarti. Stay overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

15

Day-15:- Varanasi – Sarnath Excursion trip

After breakfast proceed to Sarnath visit:

Sarnath is the main place to visit while on tour around Varanasi. A much sacred pilgrimage and tourist spot in country. Sarnath is only 10 km away from Varanasi. It is one of the four most significant Buddhist pilgrimage places in India; Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha first covey his lecture after attaining “nirvana”.

Sarnath Buddhist Temple:-There are a number of twentieth century Buddhist temples in Sarnath. Many of these Buddhist temples at Sarnath are built and maintained by monks from Tibet, China and Japan but the main Buddhist temple is the MulagandhakutiVihar. The main shrine (vihara), called the Mulagandakuti, is said to be located at the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits to Sarnath.

Sarnath Museum:-Sarnath has yielded a rich collection of sculptures, artifacts and edifices comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images and other ancient remains. To house all the findings and excavations at Sarnath, the Archaeological Survey of India established a site Museum at Sarnath. Finest specimens of Buddhist art and other important remains have been housed at the museum.

Pillars of Ashoka:-The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the northern Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed by the Mauryan king Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE. Originally, there must have been many pillars but only nineteen survive with inscriptions. Many are preserved in a fragmentary state.

Evening free visit Local Markets and small temples. Stay overnight at Hotel in Varanasi.

16

Day-16:- Varanasi/Delhi (By Fly)

Day is free for personal activities. Afternoon transfer to airport in Varanasi to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi representative will pick you and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Delhi Hotel.

17

Day-17:- Delhi Departure Transfer to Onward destination

Today after breakfast transfer you to airport in Delhi for onward destination.

PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE  PLEASE EMAIL

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General Inclusion:

For India:-

  • A safe and comfortable air-conditioned Private car with driver, all inclusive. (Fuel for Bus, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, and driver’s food and lodging).
  • The car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sight see as you want.
  • A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
  • Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
  • Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast
  • Guided tour in each city by English speaking tour guide.
  • Flight Varanasi/Delhi
  • Train Agra/Varanasi by 02AC Coach
  • Sightseeing Tours in All Cities
  • Boat Ride in Varanasi
  • Jeep Ride in Jaipur
  • Overnight Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
  • Sarnath Excursion Trip in Varanasi

General Exclusion:

  • Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Any monument entrance tickets
  • Personal equipment and clothing
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VISA INFORMATION

OVERVIEW

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.

The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.

The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.

ONLINE VISA APPLICATION

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through online application link. Or can apply by typing the URL: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ in the address bar of web browser, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. In either case, no hand written application form will be accepted by any of the Indian Mission/ Post, where-ever online Visa facility has been implemented. The application form completed in all respect and submitted succesfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post in absence of IVAC, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be refered at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions. If you have already applied online for Indian Visa online and want to know the status of your application,

VISA CATEGORIES

Government of India issues the following visas: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa. Please follow the link for details on Visa Provision and supporting documents

VISA PROCESSING TIME

Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the online visa application.

Guidelines/procedure to upload a digital photograph

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

Format – JPEG

Size

Minimum 10 KB

Maximum 300 KB

The height and width of the Photo must be equal.

Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.

Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.

Background should be plain light colored or white background.

No shadows on the face or on the background.

Without borders.

Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

FEE FOR INDIAN VISA

The visa fee depends upon the type of applied for and duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; Basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non-refundable even if the visa application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment methods.

VISA PROVISION

Sl. No. Type of Visa Period for which granted Entry – Single (S), Multiple (M), Double Documents required with application Extendable in India
1 Tourist 180 days M No
2 Transit 15 days S/ Double Return/ onward journey ticket No
3 Business 5 years M Documents to prove bonafide purpose (Company’s letter etc.) Yes
4 Employment 1 year/ period of contract M Proof of employment (appointment document), terms and conditions Yes
5 Student Period of course/ 5 years M Proof of admission in Indian Institution Yes
6 Foreigners of Indian Origin 5 years M Proof of being of Indian Origin Yes

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. Online application form:

This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.

Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.

Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.

Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.

Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.

Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.

  1. Appointment Scheduling:

Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.

Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission

  1. Process for filling up online application form:

Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.

Applicant visits the above mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab “Select Mission”.

Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.

After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate a Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.

System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: “Select ‘Yes’ if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or ‘No’ if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.”

If the applicant response is “No”, then it is requested by the applicant to take the print out of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.

If the response from applicant is “yes” then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:

Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission

Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type

E Payment using service provider’s payment system

In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.

Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India

India’s culture is among the world,s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.

Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior.  Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”.

However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.

Language

India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.

Religion

India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.

About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”

Food

When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.

Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.

Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India’s population is vegetarian.

Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.

Architecture and art

The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.

India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country’s movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing.

Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.

Clothing

Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.

Customs and celebrations

The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.

Weather

India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That’s when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.

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  • International flights are not included and need to be purchased separately.
  • Domestic flights are included as noted in the itinerary & their inclusions.
  • Tipping and gratuities (Guides/Driver) are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$5-10 per person, per day is the industry. standard).
  • The check-in baggage limit for domestic flights is 15 kgs and the cabin baggage limit for domestic *
  • flights is 7 kgs. Excess baggage, if any, is not included in the package.