India Photography Adventure Hosted By Brian Smith

Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.

Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.

You will be greeted by an Explore India representative at the airport and escorted to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After your breakfast at the hotel you will start the morning tour by exploring 17th Century Old Delhi, visit the Jama Mosque the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then proceed to Qutab Minar, located in South Delhi. This magnificent monument in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. Built in the early 13th century, the surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.

In the afternoon you will visit another UNESCO World heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow Baiga Begum in 1569-70, 14 years after his death at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.
Later in the evening, we invite you to enjoy dinner in the heart of Connaught Place – one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi. The main commercial area of the new city, during the time of the British Raj, its environs occupy a place of pride in the city and are counted among the top heritage structures in New Delhi. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyens’ Delhi with a prominent Central Business District.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi’s airport to board your flight to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the “Golden City,” it’s distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja’s Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.

In the evening you will go on the highly anticipated and memorable camel Safari on Sam Sand Dunes – The village of Sam is Jaisalmer’s nearest real Sahara-like desert. The best place to see the sunrise and sunset on the picturesque sand dunes. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage and are a delight to witness. Various cultural programs are organized against the backdrop of these fascinating dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to really experience the magic of the desert.

After breakfast, you will go on a city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit Jaisalmer Fort, the main attraction of this picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, the ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Continue on to Gadsisar Lake, a rainwater lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and temples are festooned all around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for boating.
You will also visit Jaisalmer’s most intricately carved havelis or mansions – Salim Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, this haveli belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. Yellow stone that is covered with intricate carvings, elaborate balcony and beautiful blue cupola roofs characterize Salim Singh ki Haveli. Patwon-ki-Haveli, the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having a ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight. Round off the tour with a walk through the narrow cobbled street.

After breakfast, we will drive to Jodhpur, along the way you will experience the country with camel carts trucks, cows, and buffalos. Jodhpur is a historic city whose origins date back to the year 1459 AD. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri for the many Brahmins that live there. On arrival check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon we will check-in to our rooms and have time to relax. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy an auto-rickshaw ride and visit the market around the Clock Tower area on foot, Jodhpur’s busiest marketplace.

After breakfast, we will start with a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 meters and spread over an area of 5 square km. The fort crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum, many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. For over five centuries Mehrangarh has been the headquarters of the senior branch of the Rajput clan known as the Rathore.
Next, visit Umaid Bhawan Palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 – 1942) and also named after him. This exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used in it. It is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco architecture of the 30s.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour and discover the history and heritage of Jodhpur. We will stroll through the lanes of Jodhpur, known as the Blue City, where forts, palaces, temples, and havelis have been painted in vivid shades of blue. You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals, who no doubt will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands

After breakfast drive to the quiet desert town of Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is a favoured destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. At a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.

This afternoon we will visit the local market of Pushkar and along the way, we will also visit the most important temple of Lord Brahma, this can be identified by its red spire and by the image of Hans (the swan considered sacred to Lord Brahma). This temple is built with marble and is decorated with silver coins.

This evening dinner will be at the campsite followed by Rajasthani traditional dance.

After breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur. The origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter through the old city walls where we are greeted with peaceful pink-coloured buildings that can be seen from every turn. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II. Visit the famous Hindu Temple in the Pink City of Jaipur.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic dining experience with Rajasthani traditional dance and music.

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort by jeep. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

Visit the City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Jantar Mantar is the largest and the best-preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory, consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal is the ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” and is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The five-story structure features sandstone plastered pink with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built-in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

After breakfast, you will drive to Agra, along the way we will visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest stepwells in the world built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri. Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through.
After lunch continues driving to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel.

Agra, a city famous for the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, is one of the world’s most recognized cities for one of the world’s most recognized monuments.
Arrive and check-in at your hotel. You are free to spend the afternoon as you wish, free time for you to enjoy your own personal activities.

In the late afternoon enjoy the spectacular sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an open space garden situated in between the Yamuna River.

live musical performance. This is an option for those who would like to watch an amazing 75- minute live show. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century and depicts the saga of love and is a memorable journey into history. It is a series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife. It also highlights the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era as well as the hardships of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the most breathtaking work of craftsmanship in the world, the Taj Mahal.

It will be an early morning as we start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most highly revered masterpieces in the world. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques.

In the afternoon we will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble that is native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to connect to your flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi – the religious capital of Hinduism formerly known as Banaras during the British Raj. This is one of the world’s most ancient cultures and oldest living cities of India and home to one of the worlds’ most time-honoured and mysterious cultures dating back 5000 years. Its present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Assi.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the early evening, you will take a close look at the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by thousands of devout Hindus. You will hear the prayers being chanted, the rhythmic drumming filling the air, and the bells from temples across the Holy Ganges.

This you will leave for a boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. You will watch the sunrise on the riverfront from a boat; this can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Life on the Ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river and the wide landscapes throughout have fascinated visitors from all over the world.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided excursion to Sarnath a center of Buddhist learning and the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park and set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the holiest sites as it is believed that in this place the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from the 16th century BC to the 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum. At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent India’s national emblem.

This evening experience the uniqueness of the city with the Walking tour of Varanasi, which focuses on protecting the heritage, beauty and unchanged lifestyles from centuries ago. This aspect of the city, which is hidden and not many people get to see, will be yours to explore. The history behind all these treasures has been contributed and innovated by the great saints, poets, literary figures and musicians of the city. So many wonderful structures express the past and present civilization, beyond anybody’s imagination. This phenomenon is the key to India’s successful co-existence.

Breakfast at hotel In time you are transferred to Varanasi airport to board your flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel close to airport.

Departure to International airport for your flight home.
You will be transferred in due time to the international airport to connect to your flight home.