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Perhaps no
other city capital in the world is so steeped in history &
legend as the Indian Capital. Like a magnet, it drew the Mongols,
Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals & finally th British.
Archaeological surveys reveal Delhi to be about 2900 years old,
when it was called 'Indraprastha'. The ruins of this city are
still visible in the 'Purana Quila' (Old Fort). From 9th century
BC to the 11th century, Hinduism rose to its cultural peak, interrupted
only by the invasion of Alexander the great, in 326 BC. The various
Hindu kings that ruled between this time provided, writes, FA
Hien, the Chinese traveller, economic, social & religious
prosperity to this kingdom. This serene government changed with
the arrival of the Muslim invaders. The Mahmud of Ghazni was attracted
by the Golden images, jewellery & general riches of Hindu
temples & ransacked Delhi, Mathura, Kanouj & Somnath,
year after year. The silk route spreading from the Mediterranean
to China was his object of plunder.
Delhi fell to Muslim rule, eventually, in 1192 AD, when the Hindu
Rajput king was defeated & The Delhi Sultanate came into being.
Such armies as invaded India were Turks, Afghans & Persian
mercenaries. A victory tower was erected.
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Qutab
Minar |
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Qutab-uddin
Aibak, a general of Muhammad Gouri, began the construction
in 1199AD; to celebrate the victory of Islam over the 'infidel'
Hindus. A corresponding structure in Seville, or the Giralda
Tower, delimits the spread of the faith of one God, from West
to the East.
The Sultans of Delhi ultimately perished to the superior war
machinery of the Mughals in 1526, when Babar the Turk &
descendent of Temurlaine occupied Delhi. |
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Jama
Masjid |
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Is the
largest Mosque in India & the last great architectural
work of Shah Jahan, built to dwarf all other mosques. It is
also very elegant. The largest gate was reserved for the royal
family, who every Friday, came to pray along with the masses.
The red sandstone & white marble enhance the beauty of
the mosque. |
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Chandni
Chowk |
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Old Delhi's
principal street is Chandani Chowk. It retains much of its
earlier magic though a very busy commercial centre. Craftsmen
workshops, hotels, mosques & temples, gold & silver
smiths, silk traders, ivory workers, are all found at work. |
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Sis
Ganj Gurdwara |
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The Sikh
temple marks the place where the Sikh 9th Guru (lord), Teg
Bahadur was beheaded for raising the flag of revolt against
the oppressions of the Mughal kings & Muslim clergy. |
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India
Gate |
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In
memory of the unknown soldiers who died fighting in the First
World War. |
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Walking
tour of Old Delhi (half day) |
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The walking
tour of old Delhi begins from the Red Fort area, passes the
Jain temple & the Dariba, the silversmith's market. It
continues down the Chandani Chowk, past Sis Ganj Gurdwara,
down oarsmen's street - home to boatmen who pleid their boats
on the river Jamuna - past the gates of Fatehpuri Mosque.
The tour ends at the Jama Masjid. |
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New
Delhi Tour (half day) |
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The tour
includes visit to the India Gate, the President's Palace,
the Connaught Place & finally ends at the Qutab Minar. |
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The
Golden Temple |
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The Mecca
of the Sikhs is a place just as benign as a fairyland. The
temple, with its recitation of religious hymns, is a must
for any visitor to North India. The only temple in the world
which is completely covered with Gold. The interiors are also
beautifully carved in gold. |
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Beating
of retreat ceremony |
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This
is a regular ceremony conducted at the borders of India &
Pakistan - the two armies eye-ball to eye-ball. The flags
are lowered amongst chanting of patriotic slogans on both
sides. This is the only ceremony of its kind in the world. |
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The 600-year-old
city, lying 200km south east of Delhi, on the banks of river Yamuna,
has been the capital of Mughal kings & an epitome of Mughal
architecture.
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The
Taj Mahal |
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Is one
of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. It has to be seen
to be appreciated. Built as a monument to sacrosanct love,
by Shah Jehan, Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost
all angles. |
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The
Agra Fort |
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This
colossal 17th century fort is immense both in size & beauty.
The citadel consists of marble palaces, ornate alcoves &
terrace pavilions. |
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Tomb
of Itmad-ud-daullah |
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The mini
Taj Mahal built in memory of the Mughal queen's father, Ghyas
Beg, a Persian by origin & a minister in Jahangir empire.
The mosaic work on the walls equals Taj Mahal itself. |
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Benares the
holy city of the Hindus has been in existence since 2700 years,
when the Babylonian civilization was at its peak. Buddha came
to Benares in the year 500 BC. Like Delhi, it was the target of
successive Muslim invasions and looting. It is centre of Hindu
culture, learning & craftsmanship. The various Ghats on the
river Ganges are best visited by a boat. The evening 'aarti' on
the Ganges is a memorable sight. The Sadhus, with their chillum
afford great excitement. The burning ghat is a must see for any
European traveller. Benares is famous for its silk, brassware
& embroideries.
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Dawn
Ghat Boat Rides |
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Take
an early morning boat ride along the river Ganges & see
the famous bathing Ghats, the stone steps where pilgrims ritually
cleanse themselves. |
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Sarnath
(half day) |
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Ten kilometers
from Varanasi lies the site of Sarnath, where it is said Buddha
preached his first sermon. Pilgrims travel from around the
world to Sarnath & there are monastries constructed by
Buddhists from several countries including China, Burma, Tibet
& Japan. |
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Gwalior history
dates back to 800 AD. On top of the hill is the resplendent fort,
commented upon by Babur, Tamerlaine's descendant as "the
jewel in India's crown" and praised as 'the noblest specimen
of Hindu architecture in Northern India'. Your tour takes you
to the Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, the temple of Sasbahu & tomb
of Mohammad Ghaus, noted for it's sandstone screen work.
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The
Fort |
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The sight
& sound programme held each evening is a powerful comment
on the history of medieval India,; the voice belongs to actor
Amitabh Bacchan. |
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Jai
Vilas Palace |
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This
beautiful palace, houses two of the world's biggest chandeliers.
It also houses the dinner train of the maharaja that spilled
all its content on lady Reading the then Viceriene! |
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Western
Group Temples |
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The sculptures
of erotic images cut in stone are celebrations of the human
love. The exterior of the temples are covered with erotic
carvings from bottom to top. Floral motifs, sea creatures,
elephants and loving couples surrounded by nymphs are shown
as attendants of gods or idealisation of women, themselves,
in daily activities. The best example is with a loving couple,
the taut elastic tension of flesh is well caught in the figure
of a woman whose back is arched over a man's waist, her face
twisted to meet his. There is a delicate crease of skin under
her breasts as she twists round. The firm fullness of her
lover's limbs is also very graceful. |
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The many princely
states, forts, magnificent palaces, now converted to heritage
hotels, make Rajasthan an ideal location for a holiday. The impact
is increased by the wilderness of desert & terrain. The chivalry,
bravery & the customary elegance of the Rajput warrior has
left an indelible mark on this land.
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Jaipur |
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The Kushwaha
princes founded the city in 1727AD. It makes one corner of
the golden triangle. It has retained it's reputation as one
of the foremost cities in India, planned & executed in
a manner that draws appreciation from the modern town planners.
Jaipur is also known as the 'Pink City', because many buildings
are still painted in pink, the traditional colour of welcome
which was was originally introduced to honour the visit of
Prince Albert in 1856.
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Amber
Fort |
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You
can excess this monument on the back of an elephant,
just as the medieval royalty. The Sheesh Mahal (Glass
room), enhances the beauty of the bed room where the
maharajas cohabited with their queens. |
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City
Palace |
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A
marvellous structures, which houses the museum of rare
arts. |
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Old
Observatory |
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The instruments measure with great accuracy the movement
of constellations, stars, time & seasons. It is
a marvel in astronomy when the sciences were still developing
in the year 1728. |
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Chokhi
Dhani |
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A village fare that represents life of rural Rajasthan,
like a magician at work, an oil press, folk dances (you
can participate in it with your loved one!). |
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Oriental
Bazaars |
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Jaipur is well known worldwide for its gems & jewellery.
Walking through these markets is so amusing. The markets
are colourful to the extreme. |
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Udaipur |
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Is regarded
by many foreigners as one of the most romantic, it is situated
in a valley in the Arravallis hills. It is also an oasis of
lakes & greenery within an arid region. As capital of
the old Mewar state, it was the only Rajput stronghold to
uphold it's Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion.
From late 16th century, an era of comparative peace, brought
about a rennaisance in the arts & encouraged construction
of beautiful palaces around the lake Pichola. The lake itself
is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake
Palace and the Jag mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal Prince,
Shah Jehan, the creator of Taj Mahal.
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Lake
Pichola |
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This
huge lake is fun boating in & in the centre of it
is the famous Lake Palace Hotel. You can reach this
hotel by only going on a boat. |
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City
Palace |
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This
large palace is built on the banks of lake Pichola &
is one of the best kept palaces in North-West India.
It houses the museum & is a bewitching place to
visit. |
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Crystal
Gallery |
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This gallery houses the biggest collection of crystal
artefacts, in the world. Every item of household can
be seen in this gallery & a cup of coffee with the
old Rajput military officer, enhances the charm of this
place, overlooking the lake & Lake palace hotel. |
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Car
Garage |
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This royal garage houses maharaja's vintage cars &
include several Rolls Royce & some very rare cars. |
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Mount
Abu |
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The hill
station, within a desert is very interesting.
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Delwara
Temples |
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These
Temples are a must see for any visitor decorated as
it is with beautiful sculpture & carving work. |
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Ranakpur |
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Built
in 1367, these are one of the best-known Jain temples. The
complex ornamentation demonstrates the western Indian style
in full flower. Contains an extraordinary complex array
of pillars & balconies, intricately decorated with depictions
of Jain saints, narrative scenes.
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Rohetgarh
Palace |
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A very
nice hotel set in a Rajasthani village. Is a wonderful place
to relax & be at peace. The palace belongs to the Thakur
Sahib (feudal lord) of Rohet.
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Opium
Ceremony |
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The
visitor is taken inside the village. They are then shown
the elaborate ceremony of medieval times when the Rajput
warriors, before going to battle, in yellow dresses
- colour of sacrifice in Hinduism - partook of the opium
& prayed to Lord Shankar to give the strength of
resolution. |
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Jodhpur |
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Sits
on the edge of the Thar desert & is completely dominated
by the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur has been a commercial hub
of the silk route & the businessmen of this place, known
as Marwaris, flourished on trade of silk, opium, spices, carpets
etc. These business houses hold some of the biggest trades
in modern India. Jodhpur is well known for the Marwar breed
of horses & kite flying, in which festival, the maharaja
also participates & distributes rewards to the winners.
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Mehrangarh
Fort |
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This
fort was never conquered by any invader. In 1657 maharaja
Jaswant Singh was not allowed to enter this fort by
his own maharanis, as he had fled the scene of battle
at Agra fighting Aurangzeb, bringing disrepute to the
Rajput honour. However, he made amends for his disgrace
& became an implacable enemy of the Mughal emperors.
His marble cenotaph is located at the foot of Mehrangarh
fort. |
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Jaisalmer |
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The strategic
position occupied on the camel train route between India &
central Asia, centuries ago, Jaisalmer conjures up the spirit
of those medieval times, even today.
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Patrician
Houses |
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Belong
to the various trading houses of Marwaris, beautiful
in architecture. |
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Khuri
Sand Dunes |
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A
camel ride to the sunset point in the desert and sand
dunes, followed by dance is a very rewarding experience. |
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Bikaner |
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The Gajner
Palace, the hunting pavilion of the maharaja is a place to
stay at. It is situated on the banks of the lake abounding
with wildlife. Very enchanting place. The other attraction
of Bikaner is the Camel Breeding Farm & Fort Junagarh.
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Khimsar |
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The fort
hotel is a place to simply get lost in. The dinner laid out
in the dimly lit 16th century ruins of this fort is an experience
never to be forgotten. Be entertained by the maharani of this
place to enrich your holiday. On the day of your arrival,
you shall be offered tea on the high ramparts of Khimsar,
from where you can see the sunset & the return of Shepherds
with their flock of sheep is a mesmerizing sight.
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Khimsar
Dunes Village |
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This
village nestles amidst sand dunes that seem to roll into eternity.
Fortunately excess is only by Jeep, camel or horse. It is
truly remote rural & romantic!
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Samode |
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Samode
hotels are luxury heritage hotels in India's most exquisite
and remote settings. Each property is enhanced by its unique
surroundings and expands horizons for travelers while respecting
local ways of life.
The Samode Hotels are family run hotels offering personalized
service and attention to detail that makes the welcome warm
and the stay unforgettable.
In Rajasthan
Samode Hotels has 3 world class luxury hotels, as different
as there location each property upholds the Samode commitment
to integrate the highest international standards of hospitality
with indigenous culture, designs and materials. Here guests
experience India's rich history and majesty as if they are
among the first to travel these extraordinary historical lands.
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The dense
forests of the Corbett National park, supports some 100 species
of trees including Haldu, Dhak, Sal, Bargad, Rohini, Tendu, etc.
This vast variety explains the fact that out of some 1300 species
of Birds found in India, almost 500 species are concentrated in
this park, making it a birder's paradise. Some of these birds,
which are on the list of highly endangered species, like the Ferruginous
Pochard, Spot-Billed Eagle Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Wood Snipe, Long
Billed Plover, Black-Bellied Tern, Palla's Fish Eagle, Pallied
Harrier, Imperial Eagle, Red-Necked Falcon, find their final
refuge in the Corbett National Park. Of aquatic life, we have
the Mahaseer, a tough game fish along with the trout, Gharial
(Indian Alligator) & the Crocodile, in the rivers of Ramganga,
Kosi & Mundal.
Writing of the fishing exploits of Jim Corbett & Lord Hailey,
in the biographical work Carpet sahib, "One of their favourite
spots, however, was on the Ramganga river west of Ramnagar &
south of Kanda, where Jim had shot a man-eater in 1932.
The Ramganga was fast flowing and, in the spring when the water
was low before the beginning of the thaw in the mountains, the
fishing was superb. Their favourite sport was Mahaseer but they
also fished for trout. Not only was the fishing good, so was the
scenery and the wildlife. Tigers and leopards were commonplace.
The rivers were well stocked with muggers and otters, and the
bird life was immensely rich and varied."
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