In September of 2020, I will be traveling to India for the very first time. Yes, even someone as well-traveled as me has a few pins yet to be placed on their travel map!
India is a country full of incredible experiences with many often overwhelming and competing options for travel. Throughout my many years in the travel industry, I have witnessed one particular company in India do an exceptional job with my clients and the clients of my colleagues.
Zutshi Travel always goes above and beyond to ensure a safe and handheld experience for those who are nervous or new to India, while still infusing the experience with the iconic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that India is famous for. This is precisely why I have chosen Zutshi travel to arrange my inaugural trip to India and why I have the confidence to invite you to come along with me.
Now do not let the word inaugural fool you, though this is my first trip to India it is not an itinerary I plan to run regularly so this my be both your first and last chance to experience India along with me.
Over the coming three months I will be elaborating on the dimensions of my September 2020 itinerary that I am the most excited about in a three-part blog series, broken down by region. I’ll be highlighting destinations, experiences, and wow moments that will be a part of this once in a lifetime journey starting in Delhi...
Delhi to Sawai Madhopur
Escorted by our expert English speaking guide we will embark on our first full day of this incredible India tour by getting to know Delhi. Old Delhi, once known as Shahjahanabad, was established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who made it his capital. This fortified city has a glorious past and history leading through labyrinthine streets past mosques, monuments, and forts.
We will visit the iconic sites including the Red Fort and Chandini Chowk. One of the main markets of Delhi, congested Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. It is located opposite the Red Fort. Important landmarks here are the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the Birds' Hospital and the Fatehpuri Mosque. We will enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride in the bazaar.
The tour continues with New Delhi, originally built as the imperial capital of India. This part of town displays the finely carved architecture of British Raj with its wide avenues, regal buildings, grass lawns and spaciousness. We will visit iconic sights such as Humayun’s Tomb, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, India Gate, Gandhi Smriti, and Qutab Minar before retiring for the evening to enjoy a cooking class and welcome dinner at a private Indian residence.
The following day our tour continues after breakfast as we check-out from the hotel and proceed to a traditional Indian tie & dye workshop at Noida and then on to our destination for the night, Agra.
In Agra, we will experience the Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Sikandra. After settling in we will proceed to visit the Monument of Love – Taj Mahal at sunset with our expert English speaking guide. No trip to India would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Sheer poetry in marble - magnificence unrivaled, the Taj Mahal is a monumental labor of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realization of Emperor Shah Jahan's dream and one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. It took 22 years and 20,000 workers in 1631 AD to make this enchanting mausoleum on the banks of the River Yamuna.
The following morning we will proceed to visit the beautiful Taj Mahal again but this time at sunrise, again with an expert English speaking guide. Following breakfast, we will proceed to visit the Agra Fort and in the evening enjoy the “Mohabbat – e – Taj” show at Kalakriti.
The following day we depart for the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger – Sawai Madhopur. The Ranthambore forests that we will visit were the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur and it was only in 1955 that this area was declared the Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1980, it was further notified as a National Park and is famous for the largest number of Bengal Tigers in North India. Many BBC documentaries have been filmed here. While in Sawai Madhopur we will embark on a jeep ride into the jungle to view wildlife.
Can’t wait to learn more? Curious to peek at the full itinerary now? Check out the FULL ITINERARY here. Be sure to join me next month as we venture on to Jaipur, the stunning capital and architectural jewel of Rajasthan state!
-Jenny Revesz