northern india 11 days … swaminarayan sanstha (baps) followers worldwide. the temple has 234...

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Days 1/2: Delhi Arrive in Delhi, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Day 3: Delhi - Art & Architecture Full day tour of Old and New Delhi including the Jama Masjid Mosque, a rickshaw ride through the market in Old Delhi and India Gate, Raj Ghat/ Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Museum and Qutab Minar in New Delhi. Start the tour with a visit to the great Jama Masjid- the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. Next take an exciting rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old mar- ketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan & drive past Red Fort and continue our tour, now driving to New Delhi. Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. An eternal flame is lit. Opposite Raj Ghat is the Ghandi Memorial Museum. We will stop for lunch at a traditional North Indian Restaurant. Afterwards drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. President's House built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-Gen- eral of British India.. Next visit the National Museum (Monday Closed), which has a good collection of Indian bronze, terracotta and wood sculptures dating back to the Mauryan period (2nd-3rd century BC), exhibits from the Vijayanagar period in south India, miniature and mural paintings, and costumes of the various tribal peoples. Afterwards, a quick visit to the Archeological Sur- vey of India office, which is next door. Publications available here cover all the main sites in India. Culminate the day at Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud- din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Dinner The Sattvik Restaurant. (B,L,D) Day 4: Delhi – Spiritual Acvies Start the tour with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple. The soaring spire of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple domi- nates the urbane skyline of Central Delhi. About 1.5 km west of Con- naught Place, this garish, modern, Orissan styled temple was erected by industrialist B.D.Birla in 1938 and was inaugrated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes especially untouchables would be allowed in. The temple enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon, the presiding deity being Narayan (Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu trinity) and his consort Lak- shmi, the Goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The revered shrine, nestling in the heart of the city, is as famous for its sanctity as for its architecture. Portraying an alluring blend of cream and red, the sacred shrine also affords a curious medley of Hindu mythology and ancient Indian architecture. The exterior is of white marble and red sandstone with tall curved towers. Next we visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - Langar of the Gurudwara , also known as “the Kitchen of the Sikh Temple.” From here drive to HUMAYUN’S TOMB located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal archi- tecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome. Further drive to Lotus Temple (Mon- day Closed) - one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. The Temple looks like a Lotus Flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The Temple has no restric- tions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The place provides immaculate environment for medi- tation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since then the temple has received rec- ognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most vis- ited monuments in India. The credit for building this beautiful structure goes to the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba from Canada. Culminate the day at to the enormous Akshardham Temple Complex (Mon- day Closed) that depicts the Hindu mythology and Indian culture. Build over an area of 100 acres on the banks of the Yamuna River, it took more than 2 years for construction and cost around Rs.2 billion, funded by mil- lions of Bochasanvasi Aksharpurush- ottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) followers worldwide. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. Besides the Swamina- rayan temple, the complex consists of a monument to World Peace, exhi- bition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain, surrounded by a garden. Dinner at Hotel (B,L,D) Day 5: Delhi – Jaipur (240 km) After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Lunch enroute. Afternoon browse market. In the evening, drive to visit Chokhi Dhani. It is an ethnic resort with folk village ambiance which serves Rajast- hani delicacies. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and various activities here. (B,L,D) Day 6: Jaipur Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Amber is the name of the ancient kingdom of Jaipur as well as the name of its ancient capital, before it was shifted to Jaipur, situated 7 miles away. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century. Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by the wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th century, it was expanded by Raja Mannish in the late 16th century. The rugged exterior belies a beautiful and delicate inte- rior. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs. Afternoon, a city tour including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the Jantar Mantar Astro- nomical Observatory. Later drive to Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (Sunday Closed), Jaipur which was set up in 1975. It is a formally registered soci- ety in India. It is a non-governmental, Northern India 11 Days www.teachbytravel.com/brenner2018 non-religious, non-sectarian, non- regional, non-political society, for helping the physically challenged, particularly the financially weak among them. BMVSS is the largest organization, for the handicapped in the world in terms of fitment of artificial limbs and cali- pers etc., to the handicapped. BMVSS, being a social organiza- tion engaged in humanitarian work, provides all the artificial limbs, cali- pers, crutches, ambulatory aids like wheelchairs, hand paddled tricycles and other aids and appliances totally free of charge to the physically chal- lenged.the Bear Rescue facility. 10 million people in India are suffering from loco-motor disabilities. This is out of the total population of 1 Billion in India. Fitment of Artificial limbs and calipers and other aids and appli- ances, therefore, has to be further augmented on a large scale. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D) Day 7: Jaipur - Ranthambhor (145 km / 4hrs) Today depart to Ranthambore. Situ- ated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranth- ambore National Park. Six manmade lakes are the central focus of the park and many perennial streams criss- cross the entire park. The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and criss- crossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest sud- denly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Rantham- bore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typi- cally dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Croco- dile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

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Page 1: Northern India 11 Days … Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) followers worldwide. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. Besides the Swamina- rayan temple, the

Days 1/2: DelhiArrive in Delhi, and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Day 3: Delhi - Art & ArchitectureFull day tour of Old and New Delhi including the Jama Masjid Mosque, a rickshaw ride through the market in Old Delhi and India Gate, Raj Ghat/Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Museum and Qutab Minar in New Delhi.Start the tour with a visit to the great Jama Masjid- the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. Next take an exciting rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old mar-ketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan & drive past Red Fort and continue our tour, now driving to New Delhi. Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. An eternal flame is lit. Opposite Raj Ghat is the Ghandi Memorial Museum.We will stop for lunch at a traditional North Indian Restaurant.Afterwards drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. President's House built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-Gen-eral of British India..Next visit the National Museum (Monday Closed), which has a good collection of Indian bronze, terracotta and wood sculptures dating back to the Mauryan period (2nd-3rd century BC), exhibits from the Vijayanagar period in south India, miniature and mural paintings, and costumes of the various tribal peoples. Afterwards, a quick visit to the Archeological Sur-vey of India office, which is next door. Publications available here cover all the main sites in India.Culminate the day at Qutub Minar,

built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture.Dinner The Sattvik Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Delhi – Spiritual ActivitiesStart the tour with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple. The soaring spire of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple domi-nates the urbane skyline of Central Delhi. About 1.5 km west of Con-naught Place, this garish, modern, Orissan styled temple was erected by industrialist B.D.Birla in 1938 and was inaugrated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes especially untouchables would be allowed in. The temple enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon, the presiding deity being Narayan (Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu trinity) and his consort Lak-shmi, the Goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The revered shrine, nestling in the heart of the city, is as famous for its sanctity as for its architecture. Portraying an alluring blend of cream and red, the sacred shrine also affords a curious medley of Hindu mythology and ancient Indian architecture. The exterior is of white marble and red sandstone with tall curved towers.Next we visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - Langar of the Gurudwara , also known as “the Kitchen of the Sikh Temple.”From here drive to HUMAYUN’S TOMB located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal archi-tecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.Further drive to Lotus Temple (Mon-day Closed) - one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. The Temple looks like a Lotus Flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The Temple has no restric-tions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The place provides immaculate environment for medi-tation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since

then the temple has received rec-ognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most vis-ited monuments in India. The credit for building this beautiful structure goes to the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba from Canada.Culminate the day at to the enormous Akshardham Temple Complex (Mon-day Closed) that depicts the Hindu mythology and Indian culture. Build over an area of 100 acres on the banks of the Yamuna River, it took more than 2 years for construction and cost around Rs.2 billion, funded by mil-lions of Bochasanvasi Aksharpurush-ottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) followers worldwide. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. Besides the Swamina-rayan temple, the complex consists of a monument to World Peace, exhi-bition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain, surrounded by a garden. Dinner at Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Delhi – Jaipur (240 km)After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Lunch enroute. Afternoon browse market. In the evening, drive to visit Chokhi Dhani. It is an ethnic resort with folk village ambiance which serves Rajast-hani delicacies. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and various activities here. (B,L,D)

Day 6: JaipurMorning excursion to Amber Fort. Amber is the name of the ancient kingdom of Jaipur as well as the name of its ancient capital, before it was shifted to Jaipur, situated 7 miles away. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century. Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by the wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th century, it was expanded by Raja Mannish in the late 16th century. The rugged exterior belies a beautiful and delicate inte-rior. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs.Afternoon, a city tour including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the Jantar Mantar Astro-nomical Observatory.Later drive to Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (Sunday Closed), Jaipur which was set up in 1975. It is a formally registered soci-ety in India. It is a non-governmental,

Northern India 11 Dayswww.teachbytravel.com/brenner2018

non-religious, non-sectarian, non-regional, non-political society, for helping the physically challenged, particularly the financially weak among them. BMVSS is the largest organization, for the handicapped in the world in terms of fitment of artificial limbs and cali-pers etc., to the handicapped. BMVSS, being a social organiza-tion engaged in humanitarian work, provides all the artificial limbs, cali-pers, crutches, ambulatory aids like wheelchairs, hand paddled tricycles and other aids and appliances totally free of charge to the physically chal-lenged.the Bear Rescue facility.10 million people in India are suffering from loco-motor disabilities. This is out of the total population of 1 Billion in India. Fitment of Artificial limbs and calipers and other aids and appli-ances, therefore, has to be further augmented on a large scale. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Jaipur - Ranthambhor (145 km / 4hrs) Today depart to Ranthambore. Situ-ated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranth-ambore National Park. Six manmade lakes are the central focus of the park and many perennial streams criss-cross the entire park.

The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and criss-crossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest sud-denly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Rantham-bore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typi-cally dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Croco-dile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

Page 2: Northern India 11 Days … Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) followers worldwide. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. Besides the Swamina- rayan temple, the

For the wildlife savvy, Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary today offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. Apart from the Tiger it has a large numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a variety of birds. On arrival check into hotel. After lunch enjoy jungle safari at the Ran-thambore Tiger Reserve. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Ranthambhor Morning & afternoon jungle safaris. Lunch & dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Ranthambhor – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (280 km / 6hrs)After breakfast drive to Agra, Lunch enroute at midway restaurant. Enroute visit Fatephur Sikri. Built in 1571, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the world's most perfect ghost cities and a marvel of design and construction. It is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevail-ing Hindu-Islamic trends. Fatehpur (town of victory) Sikri was built by Akbar, the third and greatest of the

Great Moguls. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled.

The town was erected after a holy man, Sheikh Salim Chisti, decreed the births of three sons to Akbar after all his children had died in infancy. There are three sections to the City: The Royal Palace (notable for the Emperor's throne), the outside of the Royal Palace and the Jami Masjid (the location of the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in bril-liant white marble). The centerpiece of this remarkable monument is the Jewel House of the Diwan I Khas. Architecturally extraordinary, the four doorways lead into a single-story room where a huge central pil-lar supports a seat reached by mid-air walkways. Upon arrival in Agra, check in hotel. Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Agra At sunrise, we take our Tonga (Horse Carriage) to the visit incredible archi-tectural excellence of Taj Mahal (Fri-day closed), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife

Mumtaz Mahal. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. Later we will drive to Sikandra Fort - the mausoleum of Akbar. Akbar himself started con-struction of this beautiful monument. This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain themes. Sikandra is named after Sikandar lodi, the Delhi ruler who was in power from 1488 to 1517. Next to visit a centre for exquisite art of setting semiprecious stones in mar-ble known as "Parchin kari" was first introduced in India in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. For centuries this traditional art has been handed down from one genera-tion to another within the families of the great master craftsmen, who gave the world the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Northern India 11 Dayswww.teachbytravel.com/brenner2018

Afternoon, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by Noor Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in mem-ory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Before Taj Mahal was built, its rough design was already standing in the form of Itmad ud Daulah's Tomb. In the evening to Mehtab bagh a Mughal era garden that is being estored, just behind the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna, one the best places from which to view the great mausoleum. The gardens in the Taj are perfectly aligned with the ones here, and the view of the Taj from the fountain directly in front of the entrance gate is a special one. Dinner at Pinch of Spice (B,L,D).

Day 11: Agra – Delhi (4hrs) - Depart Morning at leisure. Drive to Delhi lunch enroute. Rooms are reserved for you for Wash and Change at the Hotel Classic Diploma near airport. Dinner at hotel, mid night transfer to International airport for flight KL 872 ETD 03:40 am on May 24. (B,L,D)

Highlights: Round-trip Airfare, Meals per Itinerary, Full Time Tour Manager, All arrival/departure transfers and land transport in A/C Vehicle/Coach as per Itinerary, Professional English Speaking Local Guides during sightseeing. Monument entrance, Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, Tonga (horse cart) ride in Agra, Entrance to Park and 3 Canter Safaris with naturalist, Elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur, Bottled water in the vehicle (2 liter bottles per day per person)

Overnights:3 nights Delhi at Justa Greater Kailash *** 2 nights Agra Agra at Crystal Sarovar Premier ****2 nights Ranthambore at Ranthambore Regency ****2 nights Jaipur at Ramada ****

NO Adult Fees

NO Membership Fees

NO ‘Undetermined’ Fees

NO Surprises

Group Organizer:Dr. John Brenner

Departure City:Washington, DullesTransportation to/from Dulles airport not included

Departure Date:May 13, 2018

Prices*:$2,914 based on 20+

$2,964 based on 15-19

Two-to-a-Room Accommodations

Tourist Visa = approx. $75 (not included in price)Optional Travel Insurance = $179 (up to age 35) - $199 (up to age 59) (not included in price)

*Prices based on total number of travelers. A deposit of $495 is due with appli-cation. Final payment is due by January 15, 2018 (Unless on TBT Budget Plan which extends to March 15, 2018). All prices are subject to TBT 2017/18 Terms and Conditions. A valid passport and Visa are required to travel.