SHANNON SKINNER

Host, EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN TV and Travel Writer

presents

INDIA TOUR PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

SEPTEMBER 16-27, 2024

 

in partnership with Sunspots Holidays 

(TICO registration #1030981)

Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Delhi

(Optional: Delhi-Varanasi Extension post-tour)

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Detailed Itinerary

 

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Upon arrival at Delhi at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will meet our airport representative who will assist you and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight Delhi.
Hotel: The Suryaa (5 star) – 2 nights
No breakfast
Meals included: Dinner at hotel

DAY 02: DELHI

Early morning yoga session with a yoga instructor at a nearby local garden (approx. 45 mins.)

Yoga class: You will learn the essential practice of Ha-tha yoga (where Ha refers to Sun energy and Tha refers to Moon energy) and the sequence of 12 basic asanas, which leads to balancing the two energies inside the body and forcing them into the Sushumna Nadi, facilitating the awakening of the Kundalini.  The class includes warm up exercises, Surya Namaskar, Pranayama – Kapal Bhati and Anuloma-Viloma & YOG NIDRA.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Later, city tour of New and Old Delhi:  

New Delhi: Visit Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199; Humayun’s Tomb; India Gate (War Memorial Arch); and Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a modern Hindu Temple. Also, drive past President’s House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre.

Old Delhi: Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid and drive past the Red Fort and take a short cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.

 

Overnight Delhi.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 03:  DELHI – AGRA (by surface – 230 kms – 4 hours drive)

photo: Shannon Skinner

Morning drive to Agra.

Arrive Agra and check-in the hotel (see below).

Afternoon city tour of Agra:  Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb, often described as the ‘Jewel Box’ and sometimes called the ‘Baby Taj,’ is regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The tomb, built between 1622-1628, represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture, which is primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations (like the Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra), to its second phase, based on white marble and pietra dura inlay (like the Taj Mahal).

Visit Mehtab Bagh, a charbagh (a quadrilateral garden divided into parts by water channels), located to the north of the Taj Mahal complex, across the Yamuna River. It was designed as an integral part of the complex in the riverfront terrace pattern that is seen elsewhere in Agra. Garden historian, Elizabeth Moynihan, suggests the large octagonal pool in the centre of the terrace would reflect the image of the mausoleum and the garden would provide a setting to view the Taj Mahal.

Then we make a short visit to the Mother Teresa Home Missionaries of Charity, which will allow those interested to meet the nuns at the orphanage who devote their lives to the homeless children of India (this visit is optional).

This evening, enjoy the Mohhabat-the-Taj Show: a Saga of Love. It is a popular musical drama tale of the golden era of Indian medieval history.

Overnight Agra.
Hotel: Grand Mercure (4 star) – 2 nights
Meals included: breakfast at hotel in Delhi / dinner at hotel in Agra.

 

DAY 04: AGRA   

Morning visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort:

This early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The Taj Mahal was built in 1630 by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, to enshrine her mortal remains.

Later, visit the Agra Fort, a historical fort and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon Agra Heritage Walk: Get to know Agra the local way by exploring on foot the city’s hidden laneways, bustling spice market, and religious mosques and temples. Sample treats at a 200-year-old sweets shop, hop on a cycle rickshaw and discover why Hindu families dress their idols. Learn about the traditions passed down through generations and how modern-day India is reshaping itself. End on a high note with a view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna river.

Evening cooking demo and dinner with local family, and Henna painting: Learn how to make authentic Indian dishes hosted at a home stay. Discover the true flavour and medicinal properties of Indian spices. Most cooking classes are vegetarian (meat dish upon request). After the session, guests enjoy the meal with family and have their hands decorated with a henna tattoo (mehndi). Mehndi, an ancient Indian art and tradition, is an important part of Indian life. For Indian weddings, the bride and the groom, along with family members, decorate their hands and feet.

Meals included: breakfast at hotel / dinner at cooking demo.

Overnight Agra.

DAY 05: AGRA – JAIPUR (250 kms – 5 to 6 hrs drive/enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri)

Morning drive to Jaipur, enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri holds exceptional testimony to Mughal civilization, is one of the well-known UNESCO World heritage sites of India and has various historical monuments. You will visit the Jama Masjid, followed by the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the five storied Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza, a graceful monument and stupendous piece of  architecture, and is locally known as Horseshoe Gate (the highest gateway in the world). You will visit the other graceful buildings of this place, such as Ibadat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace, Naubat Khana and Birbal’s house.

Continue drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, gets its name from Maharaja Jai Singh, who built this city. Many captivating palaces are present here that have breathtaking design and architecture. In the 18th century, the Prince of Wales had visited Jaipur and the entire city was painted the colour pink; as a result, the city is fondly known as the “pink city.” The origin of Jaipur goes back more than 260 years.

Arrive Jaipur and transfer to hotel.

Overnight Jaipur.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton (4 star) – 2 nights.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 06: JAIPUR

Today, you have a full day tour of Jaipur and Amer Fort. The morning journey starts from Amer Fort, also known as Amer Palace, the earlier capital of Jaipur. You will ascend and descend the Amer Fort by jeep.

This magnificent fort was constructed in red sand-stone and marble by Raja Man Singh, and is divided into four sections, each with a courtyard. The main entrance gate is Surajpol, which has fascinating architecture. Near the Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Sila Devi. Some of the Fort’s most beautiful attractions include: Diwan-e-Aam, the hall of public audience; Diwan-e-Khas, hall of private audience; Sheesh Mahal, the palace of mirrors; and the Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mahal (Hall of Pleasure).

In Jaipur, you will visit Maharaja City Palace, a magnificent royal palace that has seven stories, as well as Jantar Mantar, the observatory. This wonderful observatory attracts mathematicians as well as astronomers from around the world. City Palace is perfect blend of three excellent styles of architecture: Mughal, Rajput and European.

Then drive past another palace, Hawa Mahal, which is popular all over world for its magnificent architecture.

Visit a handicraft factory shop and try block printing, and also experience a saree draping demonstration and opportunity to purchase the Indian traditional dress.

A tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping. Jaipur is famous for clothes, carpets, precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry, and various handicrafts made of wood, metals. It is also known for silk paintings and miniatures.

Overnight Jaipur.  

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 07: JAIPUR– JODHPUR (by surface – 7 to 8 hours)    

You will be transferred by road to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur, also known as the Sun City or Blue City, is the second largest city in Rajasthan and was the former capital of Marwar kingdom. It is named after its founder, Rao Jodha, who established this city in 1459. The city was in the route of Delhi to Gujarat and was a trading centre for copper, opium and silk. Jodhpur is known for its fairs and festivals, including Gangaur, Teej, Nag Panchmi, which are celebrated with a big pomp. Jodhpur has become an important centre for weddings and movie settings. Also, Jodhpur sweets are popular throughout India.

Overnight Jodhpur.
Hotel: Indana Palace (4 star) – 2 nights
Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 08: JODHPUR 

In the morning, you will be taken to Meherangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. It is situated on a low sandstone hill, at an altitude of 120 meters. The fort, with menacing thick walls, contains many palaces with expansive courtyards and intricate carvings. Moti Mahal, the Pearl Palace, is one of the beautiful palaces situated in the fort and was built by Raja Sur Singh. Later, you will be taken to Phool Mahal, the Palace of Flowers, built by Mahaja Abhaya Singh, and believed to be an exclusive and private chamber of pleasure.

You will visit Jaswant Thada, built in 1889, by Sardar Singh, in remembrance of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The entire structure is constructed out of thin and polished sheets of marble, which makes it beautiful when sunlight falls over it. Your visit continues to Umaid Public Gardens, which houses the Government Museum and the Umaid Bhawan Museum, with its vast collection of artifacts displaying the rich history of the region. The museum and the Umaid Palace were designed by Henry Vaughan Lanchester.

Evening Bishnoi Village safari by jeep.

Bishnoi Village: 

Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience tribal India with a visit to the Bishnoi Village of Jodhpur by jeep safari. Bishnoi Village in Jodhpur is a desert oasis and a great place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life in Rajasthan.

Bishnoi Village is scenic with its Khejri trees, exotic wildlife, and the Guda Bishnoi Lake (a natural lake). Around the Guda Bishnoi Lake, you can see numerous migratory birds like domicile cranes, as well as blackbucks (Indian antelope), and chinkaras (the Indian gazelle).

The Bishnoi villagers are worshippers of nature in all its forms, especially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land, and they make every effort to conserve the environment. As well, the Bishnoi tribals worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians.

Overnight Jodhpur.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 09:  JODHPUR – UDAIPUR  (enroute visit Ranakpur temples – 7 to 8 hrs. drive)

Today, you will drive to Udaipur, visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute.

Visit the beautiful Jain Temples of Ranakpur, from 15th century. The popular Chamukha temple of Ranakpur, made of marble, is dedicated to Adinathji, the first Tirthankara. It is composed of more than twenty halls and 1444 pillars, which are not similar. The shade and lights of this place is outstanding and is a treat to your eyes. If time permits, you could also visit the Surya Temple and the Jain Temple.

Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, or the Venice of the East, was the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, founded by Rana Udai Singh in 1559. The legendary Maharana Pratap was born in Udaipur, who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 and is remembered for his bravery. Maharana means the “Great Warrior,” and the one from Udaipur is the head of all the Rajput clans. In the 12th century, the Parihara prince of Mandore, awarded the title of Rana to the Prince of Mewar. The rulers from this dynasty are called Suryavanshis (descendants of the Sun) and have the Sun as their insignia.

Overnight Udaipur.
Hotel: Fateh Garh (5 star) – 2 nights
Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 10:  UDAIPUR

This morning, your tour starts with the City Palace, situated on the bank of Pichola Lake. This Palace was constructed by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh in 1559 A.D. Your next stop is the Jagdish Temple, built by Maharana Jagat Singh. The architecture of this temple is based on Indo-Aryan style and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is one of the biggest shrines of Udaipur. You will be taken on a drive around Fatehsagar Lake, built in 1678, by Maharana Fateh Singh. Your next stop will be at Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, located near Chetak Circle. It is one of most renowned museums of Udaipur, exhibiting the dazzling gathering of folk articles of Rajasthan. Your final destination will be at Sahelion ki Bari (Queen’s resort for her friends).

Afternoon visit Hawala Village and interact with village women, and visit farmlands and kids’ school.

Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola: Enjoy a boat cruise on Pichola Lake, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Also visit the Lake Palace located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola.

Overnight Udaipur.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 11:  UDAIPUR – DELHI by flight                 

Morning transfer to Udaipur Airport to board flight to Delhi.

Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Afternoon visit Akshardham temple: Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans construct Akshardham.

Overnight Delhi.
Hotel:  The Suryaa (5 star) – 1 night.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner

 

DAY 12: DEPART DELHI FOR HOME COUNTRY

Depart Delhi. Check-out at 1200 hrs. (noon)

Day free.

Later transfer to airport to board flight for onward journey.

Meals included: breakfast at hotel. 

Dinner at local restaurant

* Itinerary subject to change.

* Photos courtesy Services International.

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COST:

Contact Shannon for details.

The tour can only be purchased through Sunspots Holidays in Toronto TICO Registration # 1030981.

Shannon will provide you with the direct Sunspots’ phone number for bookings.

HOTELS:

Check-In time is 14:00 Hours & Check-Out time is 12:00 Hours at all hotels

CITY                               HOTEL                                                   NIGHTS

DELHI                         The Suryaa – 5 star                             02

AGRA                         Grand Mercure – 4 star                     02

JAIPUR                     Four Points by Sheraton- 4 star     02

JODHPUR                Indana Palace – 4 star                       02

UDAIPUR                 Fateh Garh – 5 star                             02

DELHI                        The Suryaa – 5 star                            01

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

The prices given above includes the following specific services:

• • Accommodations (based on double-occupancy).
  • Buffet breakfast and buffet dinner at all the hotels/local cooking demo with dinner as per the program (without drinks/alcoholic beverages).
  • Transfers/tours as per program.
  • Assistance on arrival/departure transfers at the airport.
  • Guided tours in English (in Ranakpur temples, audio guide will be provided)
  • Entrance fee at the monuments (one time visit only).
  • 02 bottles of water bottle (500 ml) will be provided during transfers and tours.
  • Delhi – short cycle e-rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
  • Delhi – yoga session with yoga mat (45 min. approx. at nearby garden close to hotel).
  • Agra – Heritage walk.
  • Agra – Mohhabbat e Taj Show in Agra.
  • Agra – cooking demo with dinner and henna painting.
  • Jaipur – ascend and descend the Amer Fort by jeep on a sharing basis.
  • Jodhpur – Bishnoi Village Safari by jeep (4 persons will share each jeep).
  • Udaipur – village walk tour.
  • Udaipur – boat ride on sharing basis (with other tourists).
  • Taxes as applicable on date.

WHAT IS *NOT* INCLUDED (ALL other expenses such as): 

• • International airfare/domestic flight fares
  • India visa/India visa fees
  • Any type of camera or photography fees
  • Tips for driver/driver assistant
  • Tips at restaurants/guide/porters
  • Lunches
  • Laundry
  • Telephone calls
  • Beverages/alcohol
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance

 

Additional cost for the airfares:

Day 11:  Udaipur to Delhi , Indigo airlines 6E- 6184 0955 HRS. / 1115 HRS.

Economy class – Instant purchase airfares @ CAD 124 per person (fares valid as of now;  fares will fluctuate; FULL NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-REROUTABLE).

– No snacks/no seat preference
– Check-in baggage allowance –15 kg per person
– Hand baggage allowance – 7 kg. per person
– Extra baggage allowance will be chargeable extra

 

Note about domestic flights:

Internal airfares/taxes/flight schedules are subject to change without any prior information.

We have no control over airline’s schedule changes or Cancellation and accept no responsibility for costs which may arise as a result of such changes/Cancellation. We act as an intermediary in the process of realizing agreement in the field of travel. We as Travel Agent act as an interface in the transactions involved with the Travel Supplier.

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OPTIONAL: TOUR EXTENSION

DELHI-VARANASI (1 night/2 days)

If you are interested in extending your trip and seeing more of India, we can offer a Varanasi extension program.

1 night stay in Varanasi / 2 days in Varanasi.

Hotel:  Madin – 4 star – 1 night

This extension is for after the above tour program is completed. You would travel by air from Delhi to Varanasi and return to Delhi. At that point, you would be on your own to explore or return home.

There is NO hotel stay in Delhi after returning from Varanasi. Guests will stay in transit at Delhi airport for home country.

For details, please contact Shannon.

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India e-Tourist Visa application online:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

*Canadians require a visa to enter India.

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About Sunspots Holidays:

Sunspots Holidays is a wholesale travel company based in Toronto. TICO registration #1030981.

Address: 150 Ferrand Drive, Ste 511, Toronto, ON, M3C 3E5. Phone: (416) 484-8144 +1 800 657-8721. Email: info@sunspotsholidays.com.

 

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