Festivals of India

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Festivals

of India Feb 25—Mar 8, 2010 / Oct 31—Nov 11, 2010 / Nov 15—27, 2010 • 12-day exploration of the cultural heritage, wildlife, and contemporary life of India • Discover Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi • Celebrate one of India’s enchanting festivals Taj Mahal, Agra


The three itineraries for this trip vary slightly. The February departure includes the Elephant and Holi Festivals on Days 4 and 5. The October departure described below includes Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Day 5. The November departure is 13 days and includes an extra night in Pushkar during the Camel Fair. Please visit www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com for more detailed information.

Itinerary : 12 Days Rajasthani women, sorting chili peppers

India captivates—from its exquisitely carved fortresses and temples to the colorful bustle of everyday life. Celebrate its rich cultural heritage on a journey to the evocative cities of Rajasthan and the fascinating spiritual center of Varanasi. Explore Keoladeo Ghana National Park by rickshaw on the lookout for rare birds, observe ancient rituals on the Ganges River, and experience India’s vibrant festivals. David Silverberg

Geographer David Scott Silverberg has received National Geographic research grants for his work on the Indian subcontinent. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, has served as executive director for research at EarthWatch, and has helped launch AmeriCorps’s environmental programs. During the past 20 years, David has worked in northern India, investigating the geological and physical development of the region. He currently spends several months there each year.

Trip Highlights

• Attend some of India’s most colorful and lively festivals. • Watch the rising and setting sun transform the glorious Taj Mahal. • Experience village life in Bharatpur and spot wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Witness timeless Hindu ceremonies as you cruise past sacred sites that line the banks of the Ganges River.

Days 1 & 2 U.S./Delhi, India Depart on an overnight flight, arriving in Delhi the next evening. Day 3 Delhi After a morning at leisure, set out into New Delhi. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture, and the looming sandstone tower of Qutb Minar. (B,L,D) Day 4 Delhi/Jaipur (Elephant Festival) Fly to the “pink city” of Jaipur, named after its buildings of soft rose-colored stucco. Spend the morning at the Amber Fort, a majestic fortresspalace decorated with intricate paintings and mosaics. In the late afternoon, experience the annual Elephant Festival, where ornately decorated elephants stroll by in graceful processions. Oberoi Rajvilas (B,L,D)

Day 5 Jaipur (Holi Festival) Today, immerse yourself in the celebrations of Holi, the spring Festival of Colors. Travel into the countryside for a special dinner with folk entertainment tonight. Oberoi Rajvilas (B,L,D)

To reserve your space today, call toll free: 1-888-966-8687. Reserve online at www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

Day 6 Jaipur/Bharatpur Encounter Rajasthani grandeur at the City Palace where rare manuscripts, swords, and paintings are on display. At the 17th-century astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar, view a


the Mughal Empire. During an afternoon at leisure, stroll the gardens of our hotel, or take a dip in the pool. Return to the Taj Mahal late in the afternoon to experience the monument at sunset. The Oberoi 90-foot sundial, and then admire the elaborate facade of the Palace of Winds. Then travel to Bharatpur and check into our hotel. Tonight, enjoy a private dance performance. The Bagh (B,L,D) Day 7 Keoladeo Ghana National Park/Agra Travel by rickshaw through the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site harboring more than 400 species of birds. Search for wildlife and birds, including kingfishers and various species of cranes. Later, venture into the village to meet locals and experience daily life in India. After lunch, continue to Agra, stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved 16th-century Mughal capital of Emperor Akbar. Settle into the deluxe Oberoi Amarvilas, where all rooms overlook the extraordinary Taj Mahal—considered the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The Oberoi Amarvilas (B,L,D) Day 8 Agra Rise early to witness dawn’s first light wash over the Taj Mahal. After breakfast, explore Agra Fort’s maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers, which bring to life the story of

Amarvilas (B,L,D)

Day 9 Agra/Delhi/Varanasi Drive to Delhi this morning and fly to the holy city of Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital. Settle into our hotel and embark on a city tour this afternoon. The Gateway Hotel Ganges (B,L,D)

Day 10 Varanasi Cruise the Ganges River aboard wooden rowboats to view pilgrims bathing, offering morning prayers, and performing religious rituals. At the venerated Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, see the symbol of India—the ancient stone Lion Capital of Ashoka. Observe the mystical evening prayer ritual, or aarti, on the mighty Ganges. Tonight’s extraordinary farewell dinner takes place in a palace resplendent with candles and flowers, overlooking the river set aglow with lanterns. The Gateway Hotel Ganges (B,L,D)

Days 11 & 12 Varanasi/ Delhi/U.S. After a free morning in Varanasi, fly to Delhi. Relax in day rooms before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight, arriving home the next day. Radisson Airport Hotel (B,L,D)

Note: Itinerary details and pricing are subject to change and may vary slightly. Please call 1-888-966-8687 for updated information.

Expedition Cost

Prices are per person, double occupancy. Feb and Oct (12 days): $8,995 Single room, add $4,495. Nov (13 days): $9,395 Single room, add $4,700. The cost of the 13-day November departure is slightly higher. Please call for details. All flights within India are included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Newark and Delhi is not included and is estimated at $1,450. There is an additional Indian value-added tax of $210 per person, double occupancy and $315 per person, single occupancy.

Accommodations

Our accommodations are selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character. Below are several of the accommodations featured on this expedition.

The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra, India Just minutes from the Taj Mahal, this world-class, luxurious hotel has been designed to offer views of the Taj Mahal from every guest room. Attention to detail throughout the hotel is reflected in room design, elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, and reflection pools. The Oberoi, New Delhi New Delhi, India The elegant Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit with a blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city center, the award-winning hotel overlooks the site of Humayun’s Tomb. The hotel features extensive spa facilities, a pool, a fitness center, and five fine restaurants. Rooms include a plasma satellite television, a DVD player, and wireless Internet access, among many other amenities.

Photos: Taj Mahal © Corbis


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