Wellness tour to India incl.
Agra 2020

© 2019 Copyright Soul of Africa Safari Company

Trip Duration - 15 days

The Experience

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this multi-faceted landscape that is India. From Delhi, the bustling capital of India to Rajasthan, the land of kings synonymous with heroism, royalty and honour. We visit the famous pink city of Jaipur, immerse ourselves in small towns. Take a camel ride in a tiny village to meet the colourful Meena tribe.

Enjoy mystical and spiritual experiences in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the 11th century BC. The scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganga at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Enjoy spectacular scenery on a Toy Train ride through the mountains. Visit the home of the Dalai Lama high in the mountains of the lower Himalayas and experience Tibetan culture. Sunrise visit the Taj Mahal.

Trip highlights

• Camel and Desert Safari

• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi

• Jeep ride to Amber Fort

• Folk Dances

• Dine with a noble family in Jaipur

• Yoga

• Heritage Walking Tour

• Aarti ceremony on the Ganges

• Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges

• Spectacular Toy Train journey through the Lower Himalayas.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 01 / ARRIVE DELHI 

Welcome to India!! Upon arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be provided assistance followed by transfer to the hotel. On arrival at the hotel, you will be welcomed traditionally with Aarti and Tikka (a Hindu Ritual where young women put vermillion on your forehead welcomes you with a platter of auspicious items). After this ritual, you shall be provided with a non-alcoholic beverage and keys shall be handed over to you to relax in your rooms. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 02 / DELHI JAIPUR FLIGHT THEN DRIVE TO DERA VILLAGE RETREAT

DISTANCE 110 KMS & DRIVING TIME 02 HOURS

After breakfast, tour briefing by the staff followed by transfer to Delhi airport for flight for Jaipur.

Upon arrival at Jaipur airport, you will be met and transferred to Dera Village. Evening at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 03 /  DERA VILLAGE RETREAT

After breakfast, bird watching begins right at home as the resort is surrounded by large trees and is home to many local birds. Enjoy a Jeep safari  to meet the colourful Meena tribe of Rajasthan and explore rural life. Return back to the hotel for Lunch.

After lunch, enjoy a camel ride. In this secluded vale, you get thrown back in time as you travel on camel carts to sleepy villages where time seems to standstill. As the ‘ship of the desert’ gently pulls the cart along unpaved, sandy paths, there is a gentle, undulating rhythm in its movement.

In the evening, enjoy folk dances– The Chari and Bhavai dances. Both dance forms demand extreme dexterity from the ladies who perform them.The Chari, a dance performed to welcome guests, is very fast-paced as the dancer's whirl with burning pots on their heads! In the Bhavai, the ladies balance 8 or 9 pitchers on their heads, even as they dance in perfect rhythm. It is interesting to note that this dance has evolved from the lifestyle of women in the local community, as they have to carry multiple pitchers over their heads for long distances to fetch drinking water. After the performance, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 04 /  DERA VILLAGE RETREAT – JAIPUR

DISTANCE 110 KMS  & DRIVING TIME 02 HOURS

After an early breakfast, commence drive to Jaipur. The capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur owes its name to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The City sits on a dry lakebed in a dry and arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenelated walls. Jaipur is also known for shopping  (fabric, gems, jewellery and handicrafts).  Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Normal check in to the hotel 1200 hrs. Early check is subject at the time of check-in. after quick wash and change, enjoy a city tour of Jaipur.

Afternoon heritage walk of Jaipur with English speaking guide: These walks have been planned in a way that they allow you to get a glimpse into the enchanting city and its charmingly chaotic life. Every lane in the walled city has something interesting to offer and these walks take you into some of the important blocks or chowkris like Modikhana, Vishverwarji, GhatDarwaza and TopkahanaDesh. During the walks we have an opportunity of close interaction with people belonging to different artisan communities.

Enjoy a home hosted meal with a noble family in their heritage house. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05 /   JAIPUR

Early morning Yoga in Central Park

After breakfast, commence drive to Amber Fort, Amber is a town with an area of 4 square Kms located 11 Kms from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. At Amber Fort, enjoy a Jeep ride while going up the fort. On the way back stop at Hawa Mahal for outside visit & quick photo stop. it is an extraordinary pink-painted, delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city.

Visit the magnificent City Palace; which is a series of palaces and other buildings, built in the 18th century with a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices of the Museum Trust. Proceed to the Jantar Mantar observatory, built between 1728 and 1734 to house precise instruments for measuring “the harmony of heavens.” See the Samrat Yantra (sundial), Dhruva Yantra (which locates the polestar and the 12 zodiac signs).

In the evening you can explore the local colourful Bazaars to enjoy some shopping experience; you will find very interesting souvenirs that you can take for your friends and family.   Visit Bollywood Dance Club / Studio. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Program for previous visitors to Jaipur:

In the morning you will meet your welcoming host Shalini at her home and walk to the local street market for a private tour. Here, you will learn about basic Indian ingredients and local, seasonal produce. As you explore the market with Shalini, you’ll pick up a few ingredients for your cooking lesson. After your market tour, join Shalini and her mother in law in their Jaipur kitchen and learn to cook traditional vegetarian Rajasthani dishes that you will be enjoying together after the class.  

Afternoon Have a henna tattoo session.

Supplement : AUD / 50 Per Person

DAY 06 /  JAIPUR – VARANASI ( FLIGHT)

Varanasi is the oldest living city in the history of mankind. The city is acknowledged as the cultural capital of the oriental part of the globe. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival check in to the hotel, overnight at the hotel.

DAY 07 / VARANASI

Early morning enjoy an inspiring and beautiful Sunrise boat ride along the river’s edge to view the temples and the ancient rituals of the thousands of pilgrims who worship here daily. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges. Bear testimony to the ancient living heritage of thousands of years. Take a long boat ride along the bathing Ghats and later disembark to walk through the ancient narrow lane of Varanasi witnessing the pilgrims going for worship to the GOLDEN TEMPLE after they have taken a cleanse from the  Holy Dip in the River Ganga.

After the boat ride return back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast have a half-day city tour with driver and vehicle. Places to visit include…

• Mother India Temple

• Durga Temple

• SankatMochan Temple

• Birla Temple

• Banaras Hindu University

Have an excursion to Sarnath. Just 13 kilometers from Varanasi is Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum. The main Places to see are…

• Asoka's  pillar

• The ruins of the Mulagandhakuti

• Dharmek Stupa

Further to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara with its beautiful wall paintings and behind it the Deer Park.

Later old city and Evening Aarti tour –drive to the old city by car and take a late afternoon walk in the old city, walking through the famous narrow lanes to witness the Burning Ghat and take a Boatto view the beautiful, captivating Aarti ceremony from the Ganges River from 0630 to 0730 PM.

 Return to hotel after walking back through the old city which is by now lit up. Return back to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 8 /  VARANASI – CHANDIGARH FLIGHTVIA DELHI and DRIVE TO KASAULI

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Chandigarh. Upon arrival at Chandigarh airport, you will be met and driven to Kasauli, a small hill town full of quaint relics of the British Raj. Situated about 1950 meters above sea level and nestling in the Shivaliks . It is almost midway between the major cities of Chandigarh and Shimla . Directly below Kasauli is the spread of the vast plains of Punjab and Haryana which as darkness falls unroll a gorgeous carpet of twinkling lights. At 3647 meters the snow capped peaks of ChoorChandini powerfully dominate the lower hills.

Upon arrival check into the hotel, Evening yoga session. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9/  KASAULI – DHRAMPUR TOY TRAIN TO SHIMLA  [HIMALAYAN QUEEN (TOY TRAIN) 13:47HRS / 17:20HRS]

Morning yoga session

After breakfast, Morning is free for explore local bazaar. At around 1200 hrs commence drive to Dharampur railway station to board the Himalayan Queen (Toy Train) to Shimla which takes 03 hrs & 30 minutes. It is a fabulous experience to journey on this toy train, which was built up by British at the time of British Raj in India.  

Upon arrival at Shimla railway station, you will met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10/  SHIMLA

After breakfast half day sightseeing around Shimla. Shimla is one of India's most spectacular hill stations, Shimla is called the Queen of Hills. It is situated at 2,130 meters above sea level. In 1819, the British made it their camp due to its perfect weather and it was declared summer capital of British India. Shimla is named after its local Goddess Shyamala. Its green valleys, the beauty of its trees, pine, oak and deodar and its beautiful weather in summer attract the tourists throughout the year.  

• Indian Institute of Advanced Study (Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, former "Viceregal Lodge", built 1888.

• Jakhoo Hill

• The Glen

• Summer Hill

• Chadwick Falls

• Rest of the time day free for individual activities…    

In the evening walk down to the mall, the main promenade that runs along the ridge – a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal point, a large open square with a view of the town – a favourite rendezvous for visitors and local people. Evening return back to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 11/ SHIMLA – DHARMSHALA

After breakfast, commence drive to famous hill station Dharmshala, through the Dhauldhar Range with its lush vegetation & trees. Dharamshala is a city in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama's residence and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile) are in Dharamshala. Here you will experience Tibetan influence and culture. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening at leisure or enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12/ DHARMSHALA

Morning Yoga session: Meditations practiced are from the spiritual traditions of: Tibetan Buddhism; Buddhism; Sufism; Tantra; Yoga; Gurdjieff fourth way school; Osho and Shiva. These Meditations include Active and Sitting down Meditations that are based on simple techniques drawn from the rich spiritual traditions that exist in India and designed for our modern world. These meditations will be presided over by experts and are specially designed to help your inner self rejuvenate and be relaxed.

After breakfast full day local visit around the Dharmshala. Mcleodganj -The village of McLeodGanj lying in the upper reaches is known worldwide for the presence of the Tenzin Gyatso. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama established the Tibetan exile administration in May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) after the Indian hill station of Mussoorie.

The places of visits are...

• Holiness Dalai lama / Museum

• NorbuLingka Institution & Monastery 

• TCL exile Tibetan school

• Bhagsu Nag Temple New Settlement

Evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13/ DHARAMSHALA – DELHI/ AGRA

DISTANCE 240 AND DRIVING TIME IS 04 HOURS

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be provided assistance & driven to Agra.

Upon arrival check into the hotel , after quick wash and change we will tour Agra Red Fort which is actually the original Red Fort. Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. The fort was the main residence of the emperors of Mughal Dynasty, when Agra used to be the capital city. Afterwards it was occupied by the British.

Sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 14/ AGRA – DELHI

Sunrise visit to the Monument of Love - Taj Mahal the monument to the story of love - Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz, it is emblematic of the emperor’s deep love for his wife and the grief he experienced at her passing. The architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmed Lahauri and the design is a representative of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles of architecture. It took 21 years for the Taj Mahal to be constructed (from 1632 to 1652) with over 20,000 labourers working night and day.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check out from the hotel & commence drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi , have city tour of Delhi. The tour shall take you to Old Delhi where you shall visit the Jama Masjid which is 350-year-old Mosque. From there, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of old market seeing colourful markets bustling with crowds. The ride shall end at Red Fort for a quick photo stop from outside. Visit, drive past India Gate, Government Building lining the Janpath area. After visit , drive towards to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 15/ DELHI – DEPARTURE 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the international airport for onward journey.

TOUR ENDS.