The Adventure Begins

Day 01, 19.10.12: Arrive Delhi, meet & transfer to hotel Hyatt Regency. (B)

Day 02, 20.10.12: Delhi. (BD)

Late morning we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we experience a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

We will continue by driving to the Qutub Minar. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the founder of Slave Dynasty and later completed by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. The soaring tower of Qutab Minar of Delhi is made out of brick tile and sandstones. Qutub Minar is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.

Today, Qutub Minar is an eminent member of the World Heritage Site community and survived the ravages of time impressively. Qutub Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden, which is a much favored leisure pad for Delhi locals. You will be able to experience visiting around the gardens and inside the tower.

Qutub Minar at Delhi is a 5 storied tower. Each tower of the famous Qutub Minar has unique designs. This structure was hit by lightening twice and because of that substained major damage in the structure. However, during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the king repaired the damage. But again during the reign of emperor Feroze Shah Tughlaq, the top storey of the Qutub Minar was destroyed. The king repaired the floor and elevated the Qutub Minar to another level. Thus we see an interesting mix in architectural styles.

The base of the Qutub Minar at Delhi measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The first 3 stories of the Qutub Minar have different designs. While the base has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second storey is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has only angular flutings. The balconies projecting out of the Delhi Qutub Minar heightens the beauty of the Minar.

Dinner at Chic Fish.

We will be enjoying a dinner at the Chic Fish this is the only speciality Tandoori Chicken and Fish restaurant in Delhi. Situated in Malviya Nagar (South Delhi). This restaurant is fresh, authentic and offers superbly cooked North Indian Tandoori cuisine. This is a restaurant of high review and their service is personalized. The two brothers Rajesh and Manoj guided by their Father Mr.Jagdish are a delight. One must try their most popular options the Fish Tikka, Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) Tikka and the Dhania Adraki (Cilantro and Ginger) Chicken. Team it up with a portion of Dal Makhni (lentil) and Lachcha Paratha (Indian bread) for a truly delightful meal.

Day 03, 21.10.12: Delhi - Agra (240 km / 5hrs) / Hotel Trident. (BD)

After an early breakfast we will be heading to Agra which is home to one of the most incredible architectural excellence the Taj Mahal it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. We will also visit the Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. We will then overnight at Trident.

Day 04, 22.10.12: Drive Fatehphur Sikri-Bharatpur-Jaipur (260 km / 6hrs) Hotel Trident. (BD)

After breakfast we will drive 60 km to Fatephur Sikri, built in 1571, one of the world's most perfect ghost cities and a marvel of design and construction. It is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu-Islamic trends. Fatehpur (town of victory) Sikri was built by Akbar, the third and greatest of the Great Moguls. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled.

The town was erected after a holy man, Sheikh Salim Chisti, decreed the births of three sons to Akbar after all his children had died in infancy. There are three sections to the City: The Royal Palace (notable for the Emperor's throne), the outside of the Royal Palace and the Jami Masjid (the location of the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in brilliant white marble). The centerpiece of this remarkable monument is the Jewel House of the Diwan I Khas. Architecturally extraordinary, the four doorways lead into a single-story room where a huge central pillar supports a seat reached by mid-air walkways. We will continue our drive to Jaipur.

Day 05, 23.10.12: Jaipur. Hotel Trident (BD)

Morning drive to Amber, the name of the ancient kingdom of Jaipur and also the name of its ancient capital, situated 7 miles away. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century. Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by the wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th century, it was expanded by Raja Mannish in the late 16th century. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs.

Afternoon city tour including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar Observatory, bazaars.

Known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743). It has 7 gates into the city--one for each of the 7 planets (which was the number of planets known at the time of the city’s founding). At the heart of Jaipur is its City Palace which houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, Mughal carpets, costumes and textiles, arms and weapons, royal buggies, chariots and palanquins and a remarkable carriage -the indiraviman - that was drawn by four elephants.

At the center is Chandra Mahal, the seven-tiered moon palace where the present Maharaja still resides. The City Palace complex also contains the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Just outside the gateway of the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the Yantralaya of Sawai Jai Singh II, the last great classical astronomer in India. The modernistic structures known as Yantras are the unique creations of this astronomer-king, designed by him and built by experts to observe the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars. This is the largest of five observatories founded by the astronomer-king in various parts of the country. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is Jaipur's most-photographed building, a honeycomb palace with 953 latticed windows overlooking the bazaar and busy streets of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by the poet-king Pratap Singh, this extraordinary building was used by purdah-bound women to watch the grand processions that were a regular feature of the city.

Dinner at Surbhi. Surabhi is a heritage restaurant in a over 300-year-old palace in Jaipur. The heart of the restaurant is the Durbar Hall, which is the main seating area. Having a meal there is just like having it in the Diwan-e-am of Amber Fort or City Palace. With original marble pillars, the Hall is the third largest in Jaipur after Amber and City Palace.

One of the unique features of the hall is the carving on the 280-year-old pillars whose designs are left unfinished. The Haveli is one of the oldest in Jaipur.

They lavish Rajasthani menu which includes demos / lectures on food and cooking is served from the frying pan cooked directly in front of the guests. Tandoor is located outside so that the Indian bread and tandoori items are served hot.

Browse their extensive library of coffee-table books on Rajasthan and India. You will also have the opportunity to visit the world’s largest collection of turbans with lecture / demonstration on history and how they tie them.

Day 06, 24.10.12: Jaipur - Delhi (260 km / 5 hrs) / Hotel Hyatt Regency. (BD)

Morning: Ngo visit in Gurgaon, Education, School and Masala Centre (We will experience the life of the slumdog and how one group of Women are changing it for others). We as a group have donated to the organization and will sit down for tea to have the opportunity to hear how they are changing India as women. We will then continue to head back to Delhi.

Day 07, 25.10.12: Delhi – Chandigarh - Taragarh (240 km) / Taragarh Palace. (BLD)

Take the Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh and then travel by surface to Taragarh.

Taragarh is a picturesque residential estate nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The property belongs to the royal family of the erstwhile Princely state of Jammu & Kashmir.

The hotel features stunning décor that exudes a classy ambience. The rooms are decorated with old colonial furniture; wide facades and teak paneled dining halls.

Located at an altitude of 3,400 feet above sea level, the palace is at the foot of the Dhauladhar Mountains, offering a splendid view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Its location at one of India’s coveted hill stations making the destination a must visit.

Day 8,9 & 10 -- 26.10.12 till 28.10.12: Taragarh. Taragarh Palace (BLD)

When we arrive into the Himalayas to fish we have the opportunity to work with local women and teach them the art of fishing. The future economics can be impacted by our group giving back to an area that has potential for economic growth. Educating and equipping women allows them to have a possible opportunity to bring to that region a new industry that will allow for future growth. You will be involved in making one small change to this region an impact that is so desperately needed.

We will have 3 full days of fishing and teaching in Lamba Dug and the Uhl rivers near Barot which is 40 km away from Taragarh. We leave each day after breakfast with packed lunches and return in time for dinner and overnight at the Taragarh Palace.

About 5 Km stretch of road that follows the river has some fantastic fishing spots. These rivers are famous for Wild Browns and Rainbow Trout. This opportunity is something that has never been experienced before by women and we will be the leaders in making a difference to this region.

Day 11, 29.10.12: Taragarh - Dharamsala / Asia Health Resort (BD)

From there, we drive (60 / 1.5 Hr) to Norbulinka Institute, which is a major centre for Buddhist teaching and practical work. Named after the summer residence of the Seventh Dalai Lama, it was set up to ensure the survival of the Tibetan Buddhism cultural heritage. Over 100 students learn a variety of crafts in wood, metal, silk and thangka painting. The temple has a 4.5 meter (15 foot) high gilded statue of The Buddha and over 1000 painted images. En route we will visit the Offices of the Tibet Government in Exile, Museum of Buddhist Artifacts, Medicine and Astrology.

From here it is onward to the capital of the Tibetan Gov’t in Exile and the home to HH The Dalai Lama of Tibet. After checking into your hotel Surya we will have a short walking tour of the town, visit the main prayer wheel. The Namgyal Monastery, which houses the Buddhist School of Dialectics, also known as the "Tsuglagkhang" (cathedral) is opposite the Dalai Lama's residence. It resembles the centre of a similar one in Lhasa. Inside are large gilded bronze statues of the Buddha and it is a good place to chat with the monks. Next to the Tsuglagkhang is the Kalachakra Temple with modern murals of mandalas - protectors of the Dharma, as well as Buddhist masters, with the central image being of the Shakhyamuni. Sand Mandalas are constructed throughout the year. This temple is particularly important as it practices Kalachakra Tantra, which is instrumental in bringing about world peace and harmony. If the Dalai Lama is in Dharamsala he leads the prayers on special occasions. The evening is free to explore the bustling Tibetan market, its monastery and Tibetan life in Mc Leod Ganj or upper Dharamsala.

Day 12, 30.10.12: Early morning drive Dharamsala - Amritsar (180 km/approx 5 hrs). Hotel Country Inn & Suites (BD)

Afternoon witness the religious traditions of the Sikhs at the Golden Temple. This will include both a guided tour by one of the Sikh priests as well as time for individuals to stroll independently and reflect/meditate. The temple complex is a community where pilgrims travel for days from all over and are offered shelter and food for free. The whole operation is run by volunteers and is truly amazing to witness the efficiency by which thousands are feed each day and also inspiring, as elsewhere in India, to see the devotion of the people to their faith. We will have opportunity to volunteer in the kitchen. Voluntary service is one of the main paths of Sikhism. Everyone is contributing in some way or the other at the shrine; chopping veggies, cleaning utensils, making chhappatis, cooking daal, serving, cleaning, offering water, participating in ongoing maintenance and repair. Everyone is giving back to humanity by way of selfless service. We return to wash and change and then drive for dinner at Surjeets Food Palza. Surjeet is the founder of the very special Amritsari Fried Fish and Cream Fish. It is the most famous food place for Tawa (hot plate cooking) and Tandoori (clay oven) Fish and Chicken.

Amritsar is also the capital of spices and clothes and juttis (ladies and gents embroidered footware). You will have an opportunity to walk through the main Bazaar (market) that surrounds the Golden Temple.

Day 13, 31.10.12: Transfer to airport for flight 9W7150 dep. 1205 / arr. 1305 or IT4309 dep. 1650 arr. 1810 to Delhi, transfer to Ashok Country Resort near airport for wash/change, after dinner transfer to International airport for flight to home