Diwali, Festival of Lights - 8 days :-
Every year on the dark nights of Diwali the sound of firecrackers announces the celebration of India’s favourite festival. Homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared and thousands of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. Join us this year to celebrate Diwali – the festival of light on a tour of India’s famed golden triangle.
Day 1: Delhi
Saturday 10 November 2012. Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Delhi, included transfer to hotel. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight - Delhi
Day 2: Old Delhi
This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more. Tonight, we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Day 3: Jaipur - the Pink City!
Delhi - Jaipur. Today, we drive to Jaipur. Affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. We enjoy a tour of the City Palace, (watch out for snake charmers that dot our route) and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 4: Diwali lights up Jaipur
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofy hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon, on our Balloon Over Jaipur Bolt-on. Then we travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput concoction which hugs the hill on which it was built and overlooks the hot plains below. We’ll ascend the road leading to the palace in princely style, aboard Indian elephants, - subject to regulations/availability as the elephants are limited to the number of trips that can make up the fort each day. Arriving at the top we'll tour the fort’s well-preserved interior and grounds. Afternoon at leisure.
This evening we will celebrate Diwali at Birla Temple, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, named after the Birlas, the family who constructed the temple in 1988. Standing at the foot of the Moti Doongri, now a palace but once a great fortress. Birla Temple is an architectural marvel with spectacular white marble carvings of idols and Hindu Gods and spacious gardens to roam. The main idols of the temple are Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. The temple also has many small shrines devoted to various Hindu Gods and Goddesses and the three marble domes of the temple are representative of the three major religions of the country.
Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. The five day celebration commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his fourteen years of exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, overwhelmed with joy illuminated the kingdom with earthen oil lamps and set firecrackers ablaze to welcome the return of their king
Today, Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil signifying the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Believing in good luck and good fortune associated with the events most Indian business communities choose to begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.
The evening commences with the Lakshmi Puja Ceremony conducted by the temple priests where worship and offerings of food and money are given to Lakshmi the goddess of wealth (by those who wish to attain it or preserve it) and oil lamps are lit to light up her path into your pocket or to your home. The goddess also likes all things to be clean and tidy, in some homes the household broom may also receive a special offering on such an auspicious day.
Later we sit down to a vegetarian dinner at a local rooftop restaurant. As firecrackers light the balmy, autumn night sky we too continue to celebrate Diwali with, and alongside the colourful and high spirited people of Rajasthan. Overnight - Jaipur (B, D)
Day 5: Village Life
Jaipur - Bharatpur via Abhaneri and Peharsar. Our first stop is Chand Baori, a famous 9th century stepwell in the village of Abhaneri. Then we travel to the small rural village of Perharsar, where we walk the backstreets discovering local life, traditions and (if open) visit the village school where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme. Here, we’ll also visit a charming haveli which boasts a small courtyard, lawned gardens and rustic ‘shabby chic’ appeal carefully being restored to glory. After hotel check in at Bharatpur and time to freshen up we visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle rickshaw ride through the park. Overnight - Bharatpur (B, D)
Day 6: Taj Mahal
Bharatpur - Agra. En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Overnight - Agra (B)
Day 7: Onward to Delhi
Agra - Delhi. After breakfast we return to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Day 8: Delhi
Saturday 17th Nov 2012. Our tour concludes after breakfast. Goodbye India! Included departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
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