By Shelley Seale
The Best India Tours
Exotic India is a dream destination for many. The diversity of the country and its cultures, peoples, food, customs and experiences make it a truly unique place to visit, like nowhere else on the planet. Tour operators and options are nearly limitless and overwhelming. And booking tours and travel from overseas is often complicated and confusing.
Classic India - Delhi to Varanasi
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
Classic India is the perfect tour for the first-time visitor to India. Arrival in Delhi provides the best port of entry and exit as it is central and well connected. From there, this luxury tour by Amber Tours provides accommodations in luxury hotels such as the Oberoi or Taj Mahal hotels, or five-star properties such as the Shangrila or Claridges.
In Delhi, visit all of the Old Delhi historical sites such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid Mosque; then take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk market and Kinari Bazaar, where you might shop for exotic spices or handcrafted goods. You will also visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, the India Gate and Presidential Palace, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. At the end of the day, approaching sunset, depart from the ancient sites to visit Akshardham Temple, otherwise known as the Lotus Temple - Delhi's latest and most opulent temple. It is amazing at dusk.
Varanasi and Agra
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
From Delhi the tour continues to Varanasi by air, where you will visit temples and ashrams, and witness the spectacular sunset fire prayers at the banks of the Ganges River. "Varanassi was one of the most interesting places that I have been in the world," says Robert Meute, owner of Blue Globe Getaways and an India tour specialist who often books Amber Tours for clients. "I was mesmerized by the ceremony of putting down and waking up the river that takes place every night."
From Varanasi you will fly back to Delhi and continue to Agra by road. There you will stay at Oberoi's Amarvilas, one of the most beautiful hotels only 600 meters from the amazing Taj Mahal, which you will visit in its glory at sunrise and sunset. The guided visit of Agra also includes a visit to Itmadullah's Tomb, the Agra Fort and local bazaars.
Ranthambore Tiger Park to Jaipur and Jodhpur
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
From Agra, Classic India continues by train to Ranthambore National Park, the first park under the "Project Tiger" initiative which has increased the tiger population in the park. You might also see leopards, bears or alligators, along with beautiful topography on the lakes and rivers with the fortress of Ranthambore as a backdrop. A naturalist will lead the game viewing.
The tour continues on to the gorgeous pink city of Jaipur, where you will visit the city palace, observatory and Palace of Winds. The tour also includes an elephant ride to the Amber Fort. Jaipur is a great city for shopping for precious stones, silks or home furnishings. From pink Jaipur, continue on to the blue city of Jodhpur, where you can see the Royal Cenotaphs and the Mehrangarth Fort at sunset. The fort is built on a perpendicular cliff and gives the impression of constantly guarding the city. Jodhpur is famous for its antique furniture stores and traditional Dhurri factories.
Udaipur, the Floating Palace city
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
The last stop on the classic India tour is the beautiful lake city of Udaipur. Fly to Udaipur from Jodhpur and stay at the incredible Oberoi Udaivilas or Lake Palace Hotel, an exquisite white marble palace that seems to float majestically on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Take a boat ride on the lake to visit the Jagdish Temple, and take in the beautiful sound and light show at the City Palace.
Classic India provides a comprehensive visit to some of India's most beautiful and historic places.
For more information
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
Other amazing tours of India include combination tours of North and South India, where you can visit amazing sites such as on the itinerary just described, in addition to the exquisite southern destinations of Kerala, Goa or Chennai. The tours arranged by Blue Globe Getaways are magical, because they often include hidden wonderful experiences like a meal in a private home, being able to witness a special prayer ceremony, or a visit to a private art collection.
For more information about any of these tours, or other travel needs for India, contact Robert Meute at 512-651-3061 or blueglobegetaways@gmail.com.
About the Author:
Shelley Seale is a professional writer, editor and graphic designer in Austin, Texas. She has written for National Geographic, Globe Pequot Press, "The Seattle Times," "Washington Magazine," Travel Intelligence and Andrew Harper Traveler among others. She has been writing professionally since 1990.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of Amber Tours
