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India Tour for Women
Itinerary dates: October 16th – October 30th
Tour Leader – Beth Whitman
This 15-day women-only tour focuses on North India’s highlights including the Taj Mahal, the ghats of Varanasi, Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair. We’ll visit Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaisalmer, Jodphur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur.
See a sample list of hotels.
Watch this video of Varanasi.
View Beth’s photos of India.
See Beth’s recommended books on India.
Day 1, October 16th -Â Delhi
Meet in Delhi at pre-arranged hotel. Rest and relax early in the day and we’ll meet for an early lunch at the hotel. Afterward, we proceed to Red Fort in Old Delhi.
Old Delhi has much of its old charm intact despite recent changes. There are many monuments and places to visit in this area. We may visit the Red Fort, which is a monument of red sandstone built by Shahjahan to crown his new capital. If time permits, we’ll also see Diwan-i-am and Diwan-e-khas, which were places for public hearings where the king would grant an audience to both commoners and nobility.
Betel nut vendor in Chandni Chowk
After departing the Red Fort, we will take a cycle rickshaw down Chandni Chowk, a boulevard extending from the Red Fort to Fatehpur Masjid. One of the most chaotic markets in the world, this area has witnessed much history unfold in its serpentine alleys. The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the quelling of bloody wars and the celebration of royal weddings. It was also home to the great Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib whose poetry reflects the character and uniqueness of dilli culture. His house, Ghalib ki Haveli can be visited by tourists and snippets of his poetry enjoyed.
The food on offer in the area is quite unparalleled and the paranthe waali galli (or the alley of Indian breads) is a must visit. The Jama Masjid is another architectural marvel built by Shahjahan and is the country’s largest mosque. In the lanes outside it one can find such gastronomical delights that rival the Mughal courts themselves.
Saris laying out to dry
We will then return to the Red Fort to see the Sound and Light show, which depicts the history of Delhi from Mughal times to when the British controlled India. We will then enjoy dinner and a cultural program depicting the diverse cultures of India. Overnight at hotel.
Note – Delhi has been the center of wealth and power dating back to mythical origins. The records of the first city called Hastinapur and Indraprasth, are mentioned in the Hindu mythology scriptures, Mahabharata. Historically, Delhi has been home to nine cities at different points in history starting from 1153 and was built by Prithviraj Chauhan, the Hindu king. The 8th city was built by Shahjahan, the great Mughal, and the final and 9th one by the British, when they decided to shift their capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
Children at a park near Varanasi
Day 2, October 17th – Delhi
After breakfast, we will do more sightseeing in Delhi, visiting and driving past modern day landmarks with many opportunities for photography. The day may include:
Rashtrapati Bhavan – Lutyen’s architectural masterpiece in the heart of the city and now the residence of the President of India. This modest mansion has 340 rooms, 35 lobbies and 37 fountains. From here an imperial Rajpath (Kingsway) leads towards India Gate, built in the memory of the thousands of Indian soldiers who died overseas during World War I.
Parliament House – The Parliament of India (or Sansad) is the federal and supreme legislative body of India. This building symbolizes the democratic values of modern India.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Humayun’s Tomb – The second in line of great Mughals, this was commissioned by Humayun’s senior widow and the mother of emperor Akbar, nine years after Humayun’s death. This is a World Heritage Monument and also the site for Sufi music concerts.
Shrine – Across the road from the tomb is the shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, one of the most prominent saints of India’s Sufi movement. The dargah, where the saint lies buried, has changed little since medieval times. Built on the ruins of Qila Rai Pithora, it marks the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
Qutub Minar – This is a 238 foot high victory tower, built by Aibak in 1193. The tower sends a regal salute to air travelers as their plane descends into Delhi. The Qutub Minar complex has other monuments including an iron pillar dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. It is one of the unsolved mysteries of the ancient world as this pillar, made of 99.72% iron, has never rusted despite being exposed to the ferocity of the Indian monsoon for nearly 15 centuries. And, as legend goes, if one can fully encircle their arms around the pillar then your wish will come true!
On this day we will also enjoy Diwali celebrations including puja, gambling, fireworks, music and dinner!
Bride-to-be having henna applied to her hands
Day 3, October 18th – Delhi-Varanasi
We’ll have a leisurely breakfast and then take time to walk around Delhi.
Connaught Place, designed by Robert Russel is the commercial center and heart of New Delhi. With its spacious vaulted arches and columned shopping arcades, it’s now a thriving commercial hub with up-market restaurants, boutiques and handicraft emporiums.
We’ll visit Jantar Mantar which is a great masterpiece of Indian architecture that shows the scientific acumen of ancient India. The esoteric structures corroborate many astronomical phenomenons and are even used by modern day scholars to determine position of astral bodies. Built in 1710, during the period generally known as the dark age of Indian history, this awe-inspiring melting pot of astronomy and related architecture is a must see for every tourist to Delhi.
Lunch will be served at the hotel and then there will be leisure time until evening. We will then proceed to the railway station to board the overnight train to the ancient spiritual city of Varanasi.
In the evening, we will get to travel on the Indian railway, which is an institution in itself. The first train in India became operational on December 22, 1851. Soon after, various independent kingdoms built their own rail systems.
Day 4 , October 19th -Â Varanasi
In the morning, we will arrive in Varanasi, one of the most spiritual cities in India. Once known as Benares, this is a historical city, is very sacred to Hindus and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the Ganges River at sunrise against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.
Sadhu in Varanasi
We experience Varanasi by meandering through its narrow alleys and taking in the sights, sounds and smells it has to offer. We also observe the rituals of life and death being carried out at the ghats. Witnessing the fervor of the religious beliefs can be a moving experience.
On this day, we will visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the ghats and even the Ganges River, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. We will attend the aatri, the evening prayer.
Varanasi is also a city with a rich Indian classical music tradition. It has produced the greatest Indian clarinet (Shehnai) player the world has heard. Varanasi is also famous for it’s silk industry. This city produces the most amazing and rich silk saris. Thus, we will spend the evening shopping. We will then have dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 5, October 2oth -Â Varanasi – Delhi
Ghats – A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims. The riverside in Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these. We will spend the early morning viewing the ghats in a chartered boat – the best way to fully take these in.
After breakfast, we will visit an ashram, or lodge, for widows. Those wanting to donate and spend some time here may do so. This promises to be a richly rewarding experience as we learn about a side of India that isn’t necessarily flattering. Widows are often ostracized from their families and villages and are forced to live on the streets or be taken into by one of these ashrams.
We then fly to Delhi, check in at our hotel, have dinner and overnight.
Beautiful women in saris
Day 6, October 21st – Delhi – Jailsalmer
After breakfast, there will be some leisure time in Delhi. Later in the day, we’ll take a flight to Jaisalmer which is in the Thar Desert, in the northwest part of Rajasthan.
After arrival, we’ll get adventurous and check into a desert camp located among the sand dunes. During the evening, we’ll take camel rides and enjoy the colorful folk culture of the area.
Sand Dunes – The most picturesque dunes are located about 25 miles from Jaisalmer. Wind-caressed slopes are marked with ripples creating an enchanting mirage, a visual illusion of extraordinary splendor. Occasionally you can see the dunes shifting with the strong desert winds, which is an astonishing feat of nature. Watching the sunrise and sunset on the dunes is an unforgettable spectacle.
Jaisalmer – This “Golden City” is located on the westernmost frontier of India and is in close proximity to the Thar Desert. We’ll take part in a desert safari in the sand dunes and visit the following:
Jaisalmer Fort – One of the most magnificent attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the Sonar Kila due to the yellow stone it was built out of. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal–all interconnected behind the seven-storied façade. Small stairs take you from one court to another with superb jail screens shading interiors from the fierce heat and desert wind. The Rang Mahal has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. Music and dance soirees were held here for royal ladies. From the balconies you get a terrific view of the mammoth ramparts below guarding the small city. Balconies at the Gaj Mahal are also breathtakingly beautiful. The fort contains one third of the city’s population within the small houses on the narrow lanes, making it a living fort. Many houses provide budget accommodation to visitors as well as curio shops.
Havelis of Jaisalmer – Havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be seen and admired at an unhurried pace. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture and are a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh Haveli, at the eastern end of the city, is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wildflower, blossoms at the top. Patwon Ki Haveli is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer’s legendary architectural wealth, with its intricate stone carvings and delicately chiseled balconies.
A mural found on the gate of a home
Day 7, October 22nd – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Jodhpur which is is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar Desert. It is also known as the Blue City, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture and a booming handicrafts industry all add up to make this historic city worth a visit. We’ll be visiting the following:
Mehrangarh Fort – This is the largest fort in all of Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha’s new capital – hence the name, Jodhpur – the city has grown around it and in the 500 years that have passed, the fort has never been taken by force. It’s easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150-meter hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges. A number of people are employed here and they add to the flavor by dressing in period costumes and playing traditional instruments.
Mandore – This is located about 4 miles outside the city in Marwar (the ancient capital before Jodhpur was built) and is an area known for its terraced rock gardens and architecture.
Bishnoi Village Safari – Living outside of the main city, Bishnois are a community of people that protect wildlife and the environment. During the safari, the guide will take us around the Bishnoi villages in a jeep and there we will see deer, blackbuck and chinkara roaming around the huts, playing with the children and the village people feeding them.
Day 8, October 23rd – Jodhpur – Udaipur
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Udaipur, the capital of the former princely state of Mewar. It is a beautiful city and is famous for its lakes and palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty. A current tourist favorite, it was a backdrop for numerous movies including the James Bond flick Octopussy. Udaipur is referred to as the “Venice of the East” and the “Most Romantic City of India”, not without reason. Tourists flock to this enchanting old and modern town in the heart of the Aravali Mountains. It has a rich history and visitors swear by the romantic sunsets in the backdrop of its lakes.
Lakes – There are three interconnected lakes within the town – Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichhola Lake and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake. Pichhola is home to one of the most romantic hotels of the world, the Lake Palace Hotel. Most of the sights center on Lake Pichola and can be seen on foot, such as the Monsoon Palace which provides a nice view of the sunset.
The City Palace Complex is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Udaipur. This massive royal complex has earned the distinction of being the largest marble palace in the world. Famous for the Nouchouki Palace, Mor Chowk, Zenana Mahal, Moti Mahal and other enchanting palaces, fountains, pavilions, durbar halls and shrines that form an integral part of the magnificent City Palace.
On this day, we will have dinner at a restaurant which is on the banks of the lake with the lighted backdrop of the palaces.
Day 9, October 24th – Udaipur
On this day, we’ll visit numerous sites around Udaipur.
Saheliyon ki Bari- Saheliyon ki Bari – This recreates regal grandeur as we walk along marble pathways flanked by life-size marble sculptures of elephants and lions spurting water into exotic water pools. Saheliyon ki Bari or the “garden of maids” was designed and built under the guidance of Maharana Sangram Singh II for 48 maids who accompanied the Maharana’s wife as dowry. We will visit this stunning pleasure garden and be enveloped in the charm and romance of a bygone era.
In the evening, there’ll be an opportunity for shopping around the town’s many shops.
Day 10, October 25th – Pushkar
After breakfast, we will drive to Pushkar.
Another of India’s holiest cities, Pushkar is famous for its annual camel fair, but is also worth a visit other times of the year. The semi-circular Pushkar Lake is believed to be extremely holy and has 52 bathing ghats or steps along its banks. Devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake and pray at the nearby temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma Temple in India and is situated along foothills which add to its beauty. Five rivers, Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi, Nanda and Saraswati flow here and make the place more beautiful and feel more serene.
The Pushkar Camel Fair will just be getting into swing when we arrive. There will be ample opportunity to people-watch and admire the camels that are brought from around the country to be traded.
Pushkar Lake – Anything even remotely related to Pushkar Lake has a halo of sacredness and divinity. Legend has it that a dip in its waters cleanses all your sins and is the surest way to achieve salvation from the cycles of life. Circled by some five hundred odd temples, the lake has 52 ghats, which connect the temples to the water. These ghats were constructed by the rulers of the different erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan and some of them are aptly named after the states.
Day 11, October 26th – Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan was built by Sawai Jai Singh in the eighteenth century. It is also called the “Pink City” in reference to its distinctly colored buildings which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from the repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876. Here, we’ll be visiting the following:
Amber Fort – This massive fort-palace complex built in hybrid Hindu-Muslim style dates back to Raja Man Singh and was the royal palace of the Kachwahas from around 1600 to 1727. The name has nothing to do with the rather pretty pastel yellow color. Instead, the fort is named after the town of Amber, in turn named after the goddess Amba. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands upon thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceiling.
Nahargarh Fort – The smallest of the three forts, this is notable primarily for excellent views over Man Sagar lake and the vast sprawl of Jaipur. Portions of the movie Rang De Basanti was shot at this fort.
Elephant at the Amber Fort
Day 12, October 27th – Jaipur
While in this city, we will visit the following:
City Palace – This is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City. It was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private Audience houses the two largest silver vessels in the world, which are duly mentioned in the Guinness book), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons).
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Breeze) – This was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Singh as part of City Palace. It was an extension of the Zenana (women) chamber. Its purpose was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It is a five-story high red sandstone structure complete with over 950 windows. The breeze (or hawa, in Hindi) circulates through these windows giving the palace its name.
Jaipur is famous for its shopping and there will be ample time for this.
In the afternoon, we will take the train to Agra. Upon arrival, we’ll check into hotel and have dinner.
Day 13, October 28th – Agra
Agra, a small city in Northern India, was founded by Sikandar Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, in the 16th century. It was at its height when it served as the capital of the the Mughal rulers of India at the peak of their empire, from 1526 to 1658. They built many monumental buildings in the Mughal architectural style, a distinctive mix of Indian and Islamic styles, and Agra has some of the finest examples. We will be visiting the following:
Taj Mahal – This “monument of love” is actually a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal whose very name means “Ornament of the Palace”. The Taj is one of the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tombs in the world, one of the masterpieces of Indian Muslim architecture and one of the great world heritage sites. Tagore called it “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity”. Even though it’s one of the most photographed monuments in the world, actually seeing it is still awe-inspiring. One must appreciate the passion that was behind its construction to fully appreciate its beauty.
Agra Fort – Originally built by Rajput rulers of Agra, this fort was rebuilt by the emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan and served as a model for the Red Fort in Delhi. Agra Fort, built of red sandstone that Shahjahan had added to, was the very place he was imprisoned in during his old age. It has a view of the Taj on a clear day.
We proceed by train to Delhi. Upon arrival, we’ll check into hotel.
Day 14, October 29th – Delhi
We’ll have a final day in Delhi with a trip to many cottage industry shops and the opportunity for final sightseeing and shopping. We’ll also schedule a cultural activity, either a concert or dance performance.
Day 15, October 30th Depart Delhi
Some may choose to catch a flight early in the day while others may depart later in the day, week or next month! This will be a flexible final day and any final activities will depend on the group’s interest and energy level.
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Price includes: Transportation, hotel, accommodation and meals.
See a sample list of hotels.
Price does not include flights to Delhi, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks) or beverages other than water, and tips.
Please make payable and send check to:
Beth Whitman
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
You may also pay by credit card (through Paypal).
Final payment is due August 31st, 2009.
About Beth
Your tour leader, Beth Whitman, has been traveling the world for more than twenty years and has a deep respect for cultures and the environment. She is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick series of guides including The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo, For Women Traveling to India and is the publisher of Traveling with Kids. She is also the publisher of www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com.
Related links:
Beth’s India Photo Gallery
Bhutan Buddhism Tour (co-ed) Fall 2009
Varanasi Video