"North by Northwest"

The power center of this subcontinent for over a thousand years – Delhi has an astonishing array of imperial forts, palaces, mosques, temples and tombs - built over these thousand years almost like archaeological layers. Since the 12^th century Delhi has been the gateway to the conquest of India and has seen the rise and fall of seven major empires. Century after century of imperial powers - Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and lastly the British – had their capital here. You could be visiting the largest mosque in Asia – the Jama Masjid or the Red Fort – built of red sandstone by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal. Or maybe you prefer to walk through the sprawling gardens of the emperor Humayans magnificent tomb – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or perhaps stroll around Delhi’s centerpeice - the magnificent architectural wonder Qutub Minar – a 293 feet red sandstone and marble tower built in 1190 AD. For the shopper Delhi’s unique bazaars for fabric, crafts, antiques, carpets and jewelry are gems for the bargain hunters.

A three hour high speed air conditioned train ride brings you to Agra – the capital of the Mughal Empire and home of the Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Here you will also walk through the massive Agra Fort and the emperor Akbars capital Fatehpur Sikri.

From Agra you drive to the famed Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Your accomodation is a traditional Rajasthani mansion, or haveli, located in a small village close to the sanctuary. Next stop is the Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary – once a hunting ground for kings and emperors – hunting was banned in 1971. Today it is the finest sanctuary in the world to observe tigers in the wild. You stay in a luxury tented camp off the sanctuary.

On to Varanasi – India’s Jerusalem. One of the oldest living cities on the planet, Varanasi according to legend was founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe, which makes it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats or steps, which line the west banks of the Ganges. Here in the ambience of the setting sun you will watch “aarti” – a devotional worship ritual performed in hypnotic movements with oil lamps by priests. A truly ephemeral experience. Mark Twain said of it “…Benares…older than legend, older than tradition….older than all of these put together”

Sample Itinerary