Indian Paintings (14 Nights / 15 Days)     

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi. After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met at the airport and transferred to a hotel (check in at noon).

In the afternoon visit the National Museum which houses a fine collection of exhibits from every part of the country. Pottery from The Indus Valley civilization, dating back to 2,000 BC, early specimens of copper and bronze, Buddhist sculpture from the remote stupas of South India, exquisite ivory carvings in the Greco-Roman style from North India, Chola bronzes from the South, terra-cotta figures, reliefs narrating scenes from the Mahabharata, a fine collection of miniature paintings from the Rajput and Pahari Schools, priceless antiquities from Central Asia and pre-Colombian art and textiles gifted to the museum form part of the collection. The National Gallery of Modern Art near India Gate has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures by India's leading artists. Among the exhibits are works by Amrita Shergil, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy and Y D Shukla Artists from various Schools such as the Bombay, Bengal, Avadh, Patna, Sikkim and Thanjavur are also well represented. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: In Delhi

After breakfast take a tour of India's capital. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers. Sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Connaught Circus is the commercial hub of New Delhi.. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. One of Delhi's most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutb Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Delhi To Khajuraho

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Khajuraho. You are transferred to the hotel. Khajuraho is renowned the world over for its fine temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Only 22 of the original 85 temples survive today. The most popular theme is woman: reflective, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict gods in cosmic evolution, griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt and the several emotions of man - fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: In Khajuraho

After breakfast spend the day visiting the magnificent temples. The western group, contained within a fenced enclosure, is well maintained as a park. The large Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples, dating from 930-950 AD. It is also one of the best preserved, with a full five-part floor plan and four subsidiary shrines. The Vahara Temple, dedicated to Vishnu's boar incarnation (Vahara avatar) faces the Matangesvara Temple and has a huge solid and intricately carved figure of the boar incarnation, dating from around 900 AD. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is not only the largest but also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Build between 1025 and 1050 AD, it represents Chandela at its finest. The temple is small and mainly ruined. However, it houses one of Khajuraho's best sculptures - a fine sardula figure caressing a lion. The Devi Jagadamba Temple was probably originally dedicated to Vishnu, but later changed to Parvati and then Kali. The Chitragupta Temple is unique in being dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The Matangesvara Temple, standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, is not within the fenced enclose, because it is still in everyday use, unlike all the old temples.

The eastern group consists of an interesting complex of Jain temples in the walled enclosure and a group of four temples scattered through the small village of Khajuraho. Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples and also the finest in Khajuraho, noted for the exceptional skill and precision of its construction and for the beauty of its sculptures. The Adinath Temple has fine carvings on its three bands of sculptures. The Shanti Nath Temple is a relatively modern one, built about a century ago, but it contains many components from older temples around Khajuraho. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Jhansi To Agra

After breakfast depart on the 5-hour drive to Jhansi. En route, visit Orchha. Founded by the Bundela king, Rudhra Pratap, it is a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing even today as it must have done in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built. The countryside undulates gently between riverine plains and rolling forest-clad hills and the landscape is dotted with palaces and temples, a fortress and cenotaphs. The architecture is a synthesis of traditional Hindu, hybrid Indo-Saracenic and ornate Mughal. One of the finest sights is the view of the cenotaphs from across the Betwa River.

Continue on the 30-minute drive to Jhansi railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: In Agra

After breakfast visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna river, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Agra's bazaars and craftsmen's ateliers where you can watch and ancient art of marble inlay work.. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Agra To Jaipur

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Jaipur. En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which 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. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed.

On arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: In Jaipur

After breakfast visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km 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, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Experience the thrill of riding up to the fort on gaily decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago. In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. 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 armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious building, elaborate and fanciful, built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate.

There is time to wander through the colourful bazaars, a veritable collector's paradise where you can watch ancient craft forms. Meenakari or enameling delicate patterns of birds and flowers fired in glowing red, deep green, peacock blue and white; the gold jewel is then given further sparkle with emeralds, rubies, white sapphires and dangling pearls. In tiny ateliers you can see the age-old tie-dye methods of cloth printing, with yard upon yard of vivid turquoise, ochre and crimson cloth unfolding. Jaipur is also renowned for its fine blue pottery. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Jaipur To Mandawa

After breakfast depart on the 165-km drive to Mandawa, through Shekhavati country, a treasure house of old havelis (mansions) with finely carved and painted balconies, depicting old modes of Rajasthani life, historic events and family celebrations.

The town of Mandawa lies in the heart of Shekhavati. As you approach it, Mandawa emerges from the sand like a mirage. Wind your way through two imposing gateways up to Mandawa Castle. The handsome rugged fort of Mandawa was built in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, who also founded the town of Nawalgarh.

In the afternoon you an wander through the streets to admire the mansions of the Goenkas, Sarafs, Ladias and Chokhanis with their imposing gateways and elaborate frescoes. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Tie and dye fabrics flutter in the breeze, skilled hands craft colourful bangles in lac and cobblers make leather shoes embroidered with gold thread. There is time to explore the castle and its museum, which houses ancestral costumes, weapons and an impressive collection of coins. In the evening relax and enjoy the view of the village at sunset from one of the terraces. Overnight at Mandawa Castle.

Day 10: Around Mandawa

After breakfast spend the day exploring some of the ancient settlements of Shekhavati. Fatehpur, a town once ruled by Muslim nawabs, offers some of the best frescoes on the Devra and Singhania Havelis,(mansions) as well as the Bhartia Havelis, which are adorned with mirrorwork on their entrances and Japanese tiles patterned with Mount Fuji ! Churu, with its imposing 18th-century fort and large painted Havelis, is the next destination. Continue on to Bissau, which has one of the most beautifully painted chhatris (cenotaphs) near a massive fort. Mahansar has the single most exquisite room painted in gold, which was once a showroom for a family of goldsmiths. Return to Mandawa in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Mandawa To Jaipur

After breakfast return to Jaipur. En route stop at Samode, a delightful palace built by Jai Singh II's finance minister. The grand staircase leads to rooms elaborately decorated with murals set between panels of fine mirror work. The magnificent Durbar hall has delicate paintings and quantities of gilding. For its dramatic setting, Samode Palace was chosen as the major location for the filming of 'The Far Pavilions'. On arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur To Kishangarh

After breakfast depart on the 111-km (3-hour) drive to Kishangarh, a small princely state founded by Kishan Singh in 1603. On arrival check in at the Roopangarh Fort, a beautiful heritage hotel, which has a fine collection of 18th century miniatures. Kishangarh is renowned for its school of miniature painting noted for faces with sharp features and elongated almond-shaped eyes; local artists continue the tradition. There is time to visit the Fort Palace, which has walls decorated with fine murals and the temple, which houses a very fine collection of miniatures. Overnight at Roopangarh Fort.

Day 13: Kishangarh To Bundi

After breakfast depart on the 188 km (5-hour) drive to Bundi. On arrival check in at the hotel.

In the afternoon explore the town, which takes its name from the bindo nal - the narrow passage between the rugged hills. The Taragarh (Star fort) crowning the top of the hill was completed in 1354. There are huge water reservoirs inside the fort hewn out of solid rock, strong battlements and bastions, the biggest one called Bhim Burj on which the famous cannon Garbh Ganjam is mounted. Below the fort, hugging the hill, is the big pile of the Bundi Palace. It is one of the purest examples of Rajput architecture. The main entrance is the Hazari Pol, where a guard of a thousand troops used to be quartered and the Naubat Khana where ceremonial music was played. The inner courtyard is entered through the Hathia Pol, a tall portal surmounted by stone elephants so typical of this area.

The living apartments were built in 1660 and have beautiful wall paintings of the famous Bundi school. Some of the best examples of Bundi wall paintings can be seen in an open quadrangle with cloistered galleries running round it. Depiction of the Ras Leela and other mythology, gods and goddesses, processions, court life and beautiful damsels abound. The dominant colour is blue-green. On one side is a small dark chamber with wall paintings in bright pigments, which can be seen only with the help of a torch-light or flare. Overnight at Haveli Braj Bhushanjee.

Day 14: Bundi To Udaipur

After breakfast depart on the 266 km (6-hour) drive to Udaipur. En route, visit Chittorgarh, the ancient capital of Mewar State, which represents the origin or Rajput courage. Its ruins today speak eloquently of the deeds of the past. The foundations of the fort are ascribed traditionally to the 7th century and it remained the capital till 1567. The glory of Chittorgarh is the Tower of Victory, set up in the middle of the 15th century by Rana Khumba to commemorate his triumph over the Moslem kings of Gujarat and Malwa. Chittorgarh was sacked three times - in the beginning of the 14th century, in 1534 and finally by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Each time, the people, led by the ladies of the royal household, chose to immolest themselves, rather than surrender.

On arrival in Udaipur check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: In Udaipur

After breakfast sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks.

The town is dominated by Lake Pichola. The steel blue waters of the lake, artificially created in the 14th century, reflect the white phantom Jag Nivas Palace, now the Lake Palace hotel which was built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers, and Jag Mandir said to be built by Maharana Karan Singh for his friend Prince Khurram, who was later to become emperor Shah Jehan. Huge seamless stone slabs of translucent thinness where used. The rooms were embellished with inlaid stones - onyx, jade, carnelian, jasper and agate. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Udaipur To Delhi And Home

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Connect with the onward flight home.