India Tours: North India Women's Tour - The Spirit of the Indian Women

Here's a peek into the lives of benevolent Indian women. Known for their selflessness, Indian women have been an inspiration for many, to the extent that they get worshipped as the goddess of power, knowledge and wealth in many parts of the country. With this small group tour, you will get inside the minds and hearts of these women. From the humble widows of Varanasi to the passionate goddesses of Khajuraho to the woman behind the existence of the Taj, find out what makes them so feminine yet so strong. So, with this journey, let's celebrate the spirit of Indian woman!

India Tour Length: 15 days

Day 1: Friday, February 24, 2012 - Arrive Delhi

After arriving in Delhi, clear customs. Step into the receiving area where you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. On arrival, check into The Manor hotel.

Delhi is a dynamic city where the past co-exists with the present. Ruled by many dynasties, the city has rich architecture which is reflected in its monuments. The diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character.
Delhi has been built, destroyed and rebuilt a whopping seven times. It witnessed many important events in Indian history, and today, it is the capital of India.

Hotel: Manor Hotel

Day 2: Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Delhi

After breakfast, drive to Delhi University to meet a women scholar/lecturer who will speak on the ‘Role of Women with the Change in Society’. You will also get a chance to interact with the students and exchange views on the role of women.

Afterwards, we will set off on a tour of Old Delhi including:

Jama Masjid – A magnificent architectural gift by Emperor Shah Jahan. It is built of red sandstone and white marble and was completed in 1658. This is India's largest mosque and its courtyard can hold 25,000 people. This mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets. One can also climb to the top of the minarets for a bird’s eye view of Delhi.
Visitors are requested to remove their shoes before entering the mosque and must be properly dressed, no shorts or sleeveless shirts.

Chandni Chowk – Enjoy cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk (Silver Street). Once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jahan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, it is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers.

A drive past the Red Fort - Built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jahan, this was the seat of the Mughal Empire. It is a huge red sandstone fort, housing within its precincts imposing palaces and impressive public buildings.

After lunch, set off on a tour of New Delhi including:

Qutub Minar - One of Delhi’s most visited and most striking monuments is the 72-meter (230 feet) high Qutub Minar which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. It is a victory tower built by the slave king, Qutubuddin Aibak, and later completed by his successor, Iltutmish. The construction of Qutub Minar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century.  Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower, covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran, adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. To Qutbuddin, the tower marked the eastern extremity of the Islamic faith, casting the shadow of God over east and west.
From here, drive past the Government buildings including India Gate, Parliament House and the President’s Residence.

India Gate - This modern memorial arch was built in homage to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I and whose names are inscribed on it. India Gate is referred to in history as an All India War Memorial, an eternal flame - Amar Jawan Jyoti has been lit to honor the Unknown Soldiers.

Parliament House - An impressive circular colonnaded building, 171 meters/561 feet in diameter, it houses the Indian Parliament.

Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formerly the Vice Regal Palace, Rashtrapati Bhawan is currently the residence of the President of India.

This evening you will be taken to a specialty restaurant “Gun Powder” for your Welcome dinner.

Hotel: Manor (B, L, D)

Day 3: Sunday, February 26, 2012- Delhi - Varanasi (Fly)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your Indian Airline flight IC-406 to Varanasi. Depart Delhi at 10.30 am and arrive in Varanasi at 11.45 am.

On arrival in Varanasi, you will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Check into the Gateway Hotel Ganges.
Varanasi is the religious capital of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. Known as Kashi in the 7th century BC, it constitutes a microcosm of Indian life. The town is one inextricable maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array no less than 2,000 temples and shrines. For the Hindus, Varanasi is the cosmic center of the Universe and there are innumerable temples here. Mark Twain rightly said, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".

In the evening, experience the ceremonial evening AARTI performed at the Ghats of Ganges.
Our group leader will speak to you on the importance of “Religion and Women”.

Hotel: Gateway Hotel Ganges (B, L, D)

Day 4: Monday, February 27, 2012 - Varanasi

Rise early this morning to enjoy a boat ride down the River Ganges at dawn – this is an experience to remember. Our group leader will speak to you on ‘Spirituality and Women’.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, continue with the city tour including, Banaras Hindu University followed by an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath. Here, in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan). On the day before his death, Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. The Emperor Ashoka who spread Lord Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC and erected a stupa here.

Chaukhandi Stupa is the first monument one encounters as one enters Sarnath. It is a lofty mound of brick work whose square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower. It is said to be originally built by Emperor Ashoka.

Dhammek Stupa - The most remarkable structure at Sarnath is the cylindrical Dhamek stupa, 28 mts. in diameter at the base and 43.6 mts. in height, built partly of stone and partly of brick. The stone facing the lower part is adorned with delicate floral carvings of Gupta origin.

Sarnath Museum has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. Considered amongst the finest specimens of Buddhist art, these have been housed at the museum, adjacent to the site.

Late afternoon, proceed for a brief temple tour including the Durga Mata temple. Afterwards, visit and experience one of the Widow Homes in Varanasi.  

Our group leader will speak to you on ‘The Position of Women in a Patriarchal Family’.

Hotel: Gateway Hotel Ganges (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - Varanasi – Khajuraho (Fly)

Enjoy breakfast at leisure and transfer to the airport to board your Indian Airline flight IC 406 to Khajuraho. Depart Varanasi at 12.25 pm and arrive in Khajuraho at 13.15 pm.

Khajuraho is the city of world famous temples, known for their erotic sculptures on the walls. In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex holds a unique place. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput Kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. These remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity and to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.

On arrival in Khajuraho, you will be met and transferred to the Chandela hotel.

In the evening set off to experience the light and sound show followed by dinner.

Hotel: Chandela Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Khajuraho

After breakfast, visit the temples in Khajuraho which are divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern. The Western group is certainly the best known because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 m high. Though the four temples that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures.

Our group leader will speak to you on the topic “Sensuality of Indian Women”.

Evening enjoy a private classical dance show performance exclusively for you followed by dinner.

Hotel: Chandela Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7: Thursday, March 1, 2012 - Khajuraho – Orchha - Jhansi (Drive 113 miles/4 hours) – Agra (Train)

After breakfast, drive to Jhansi and enroute visit Orchha.

Orchha's fort complex, the entrance of which is a multi-arched bridge, has three impressive palaces placed in an open quadrangle. The first of these is the Jehangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century, to mark the occasion of Emperor Jehangir's visit to the city. Fragile chhatries and ornate trellis work heighten the effect of artistic richness. The Raj Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah, the religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. A trail through the network of stairways, leading to the turrets, is an amazing experience. The interiors boast of intricate murals, depicting various religious themes. The Rai Praveen Mahal was built for the famous musician-poetess paramour of King Indramani, Rai Praveen, as a mark of admiration by Emperor Akbar.

If time permits, visit the most intriguing temple, the Laxminarayan Temple. The interior contains the most exquisite of Orchha’s wall paintings. These murals cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects. They are in an excellent state of preservation with the colors retaining their original vibrant quality. This temple sports an interesting fusion of fort and temple architecture.

Later, you will be driven and assisted to the railway station to board your train 12001 Shatabdi Express to Agra in the air conditioned CHAIR CAR. Depart Jhansi at 17.55 pm and arrive in Agra at 20.25 pm.

On arrival in Agra you will be received and transferred to the Trident hotel.

Hotel: Trident Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8: Friday, March 2, 2012 - Agra

Today, enjoy your breakfast at leisure.
 
Lunch will be arranged at a local popular restaurant followed by sightseeing tour of Agra.

Visit Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar in the year 1565. Constructed with red sandstone, it reflects the fineness of Mughal architecture, which is clearly visible in the ornate interiors of the Jehangir Mahal (Jehangir's Palace), Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Deewan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience).

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir's court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah was the father of Nur Jahan who was married to Emperor Jehangir. Nur Jahan undertook the project to build his mausoleum. Itmad-ud daulah stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. The first tomb in India built entirely in white marble, is a nonesuch of the glorious pietra dura decoration depicting cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. This double storied marble tomb is replete with mosaic and inlaid with semi-precious stones. This is a perfectly proportioned marble mausoleum.

Hotel: Trident Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9: Saturday, March 3, 2012 – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (Drive 147 miles/5 hours)

Early morning view the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The postcard picture of the Taj Mahal does not adequately convey the legend, the poetry and the romance that Rabindranath Tagore calls "a teardrop on the cheek of time". The Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace on which rests the famous dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within the dome lies the jewel inlaid cenotaph of the queen. So exquisite is the workmanship that the Taj has been described as "having been designed by giants and finished by jewelers". The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A garden by the Yamuna River was selected as the site for the construction of the tomb. Work on the mausoleum began in 1631. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Our group leader will speak to you on the ‘King’s Love for his Queen’.

Return to hotel for breakfast and drive to Jaipur. En route, visit the imperial 'ghost city' of Fatehpur Sikri built of sandstone by Emperor Akbar.

Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, was the glorious but short lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles.

Capital of Rajasthan – known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur means "the city of victory". Jaipur is one of the best planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great Astronomer-King Jai Singh II in 1727. This colorful city is enriched with royal tradition & culture, attractive monuments, forts and palaces.

In the evening, you will visit one of the Noble families “Mandawa” where you will visit the Indian kitchen and experience the cooking demo of a few Indian recipes followed by group dinner.    

Hotel: Alsisar Haveli (B, L, D)

Day 10: Sunday, March 4, 2012 – Jaipur

After breakfast, embark on a full day city tour of Jaipur. Start by visiting the 16th century Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride up to the fort's ramparts, just like the royals did. The fort encloses superb palaces and a marble temple dedicated to the goddess of death, Kali.

Amber, the capital of India for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, lies 11 km/6.8 mi north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles.  The earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work and a shimmering Hall of Mirrors. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air-conditioning. 

We will also visit The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (AMHP) opened in 2005 as an attempt to focus on the existent tradition of hand block printing throughout India and especially within the local regions of Jaipur, Sanganer and Bagru. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of printed textiles. It is a venue for the lay person or scholar to study different facets of the craft and develop a greater appreciation of block printing. Above all the museum is a place for the practitioners themselves to enjoy their work with renewed enthusiasm.

In the afternoon, explore the city of Jaipur.

The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory.

The Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. The most well known of Jaipur's buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside. The palace is a façade, which is fifty feet/15meters in height and a mere one foot/30.5 cms in width. The screen allowed the ladies of the palace to have views of the market place below and of the royal processions.

Hotel: Alsisar Haveli (B, L, D)

Day 11: Monday, March 5, 2012 - Jaipur – Nimaj (Drive 144 miles/ 4.5 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Nimaj. On arrival, check into Nimaj Palace. Lunch will be arranged at the hotel.

Afternoon proceed for a tour of the tribal settlements and hamlets of the surrounding village area.

Gala dinner is organized, in the heart of the palace. Enjoy a lavish dinner while folk dancers and musicians entertain you. The grand finale are fireworks.

Hotel: Alsisar Haveli (B, L, D)

Day 12: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - Nimaj – Kumbhalgarh (Drive 93 miles/ 3 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Kumbhalgarh. On arrival, check into Aoudi hotel. Lunch will be arranged at the hotel.

Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali ranges, the formidable medieval citadel, Kumbalgarh, stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 m/6280 ft above sea level, the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh.

This afternoon, proceed for a tour of Kumbalgarh Fort.

It is one of the best examples of defensive architecture and the most important fortresses of the Maharanas of Mewar. The fort has a number of palaces, temples and monuments. It is encompassed by a 36 km/22.5 mi long wall, seven majestic gates and seven ramparts. Most of the ruins in Kumbalgarh are of the Jain temples of various periods.

The most picturesque of the palace is the ‘Badal Mahal’ or the palace of the cloud. It offers a superb bird’s eye view of the countryside surrounding the fort as well as of other ruins within the fort. The Fateh Prakash palace upstairs has a durbar hall, decorated with lime plaster and paintings, a zanana covered with floral and faunal paintings and a Ganesh temple in the courtyard.

Hotel: The Aoudi (B, L, D)

Day 13: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Kumbhalgarh – Ranakpur - Udaipur (Drive 75 miles/ 3 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temples.

Ranakpur is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali. There are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared halls and appropriate domes supported by over 400 columns. There are 1,444 columns in all, which are intricately carved. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 ft/14 m are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs/238 lbs whose sound echoes in the entire complex range.

Today’s lunch will be arranged at a local popular restaurant followed by visit to SADHNA.

Sadhna - A Women’s Handicraft Enterprise was registered under the Mutual Benefit Trust in 2004. It began as an income generation project under Seva Mandir, a developmental organization in Udaipur, Rajasthan in 1988. The project was started with the aim of providing an alternative means of livelihood and income augmentation for the women of rural, tribal and urban slums of the Udaipur region. Having started with a small group of 15 women who were trained in the skill of appliqué and embroidery, today the Sadhna family has grown to 625 women artisans. All the women artisans are owner members of the organization. They have their representation at various levels of decision making of the organization. They are also share holders of the annual surplus that is generated by the company.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Hotel: Karohi Haveli (B, L, D)

Day 14: Thursday, March 8, 2012 - Udaipur (Holi Festival)
Breakfast is at hotel. Today, enjoy the fervent festival of color, “HOLI” 

Holi is one of the major festivals of India and is the most vibrant of all. The joy of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word 'Holi' draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people. It also celebrates the arrival of spring, a season of joy and hope.

It is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes at the end of February or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships.

Holi celebration begins with lighting up of a bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each others' faces and cheer up saying, "bura na maano Holi hai". Holi also gives a wonderful chance to send blessings and love to dear ones wrapped in a special Holi gift.

This evening is very special as you are visiting the BEDLA family to know about ‘The Taste of Mewar’.

From smoked meat to gourd kheer, a former nobleman and his wife dig deep into their legacy to popularize recipes that have delighted generations of royal and democratic patrons.

Hotel: Karohi Haveli (B, L, D)

Day 15: Friday, March 9, 2012 -Udaipur – Delhi (Fly) Depart
After breakfast enjoy half day sightseeing of Udaipur city.

We first visit the Jagdish temple which is noted for its elephant - motif carving.
Maharana Jagat Singh built this temple between 1628 and 1653. The temple is a three storied structure. It has 50 pillars each in the first and second stories and is one of the largest and most popular Vishnu temples in north India. The interior of the temple has exquisite carvings and is supplemented with prominent friezes. The temple has several smaller shrines in its four corners that are dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shiva, the Sun God and Goddess Shakti.

Later, explore the City Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world which stands on the bank of Lake Pichola. It is a massive series of palaces built at different times commencing from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" (now the world famous Lake Palace Hotel). Maharana Udai Singh established his new capital, Udaipur in 1559 when he built the small City Palace on an overlooking ridge. Other buildings and structures soon mushroomed around the palace. Successive Maharanas added to the marble and granite palace of Udai Singh, making the City Palace a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture.

Today’s lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant.

Return to the Hotel.

On time transfer to the airport to board your Jet Airways flight 9W- 2628 to Delhi. Depart Udaipur at 15.35 pm and arrive Delhi at 17.10 pm.

On arrival in Delhi, the group will be transferred to a restaurants for a farewell dinner.

Rooms are available for wash and change.

Within time, you will be transferred to the International airport to board your flight back home. (B, L, D)

 

End of the tour

 

Summary of hotels used

 

Costs:
Total cost: $3995 (credit card) and $3865 (check)
Single Supplement: $1245 (credit card) and $1205 (check)

Deposit: $1000 to secure place on the trip.
Final Payment: Due on January 12, 2012

Quote includes: Hotels, all meals, English women guide accompanying entire trip, sightseeing and all domestic transportation.
Quote does not include: International airfare, personal items, beverages, tips and cancellation insurance which is highly recommended.

SPECIAL: If booked by October 15th, there is a $200 discount per person.

Important Note: Baggage allowance is 44 lbs for domestic flights.

For questions, contact Susan Geringer at 203-216-7106 and 877-255-7438 or susan@geringerglobaltravel.com

Please make checks payable to:
Geringer Global Travel
395 Greens Farms Rd
Westport, Connecticut 06880