Tours in North India
'India is everything you've heard and nothing you can imagine.'
With its incredible diversity and array of amazing sacred sites, it is not possible to do justice to India in one visit. Magical Journey is offering two separate, spectacular programs that travel to the most fabulous destinations in India. Visit North India, in-depth Rajastan, and South India, the Tamil Nadu temples and Kerala.
Magical Journey to North India: Regal Rajasthan.
To be scheduled November 2013
Regal Rajasthan is an inspiring ancient land that explodes with vibrancy, color, excitement and wonder. Take this journey back in time and enter royal residences, ornately decorated mansions, and Rajasthan's renowned haveli's, mansions of rich merchants with beautifully carved facades, inner courtyards and richly decorated apartments. Marvel at engraved temples, exquisitely decorated palaces, and magnificent stone forts that encompass entire cities.
Then move back into the here and now where and tap into the true spirit of the country. Most of India's major religions are represented in Rajasthan and they are an integral part of daily life. Extraordinarily intricate Jain temples and stories of the Jain vision of the universe, Indian Islams' holiest shrines, the white marble Bahai temple, and an in-depth understanding of the Sikh religion interspersed with spell-binding stories of the Hindu gods and their temples will be shared by our two expert Indian guides. Explore feudal villages where forts command spectacular views of kingdoms and valleys. As we wander into temples and meditate in Northern India's sacred lakes, forests, desert terrain and rolling sand dunes, we have time to tune into Nature's heartbeat in this ancient land.
As you journey deeper into Rajasthan, you will arrive in romantic desert cities where you explore dusty alleys with stunning sandstone buildings, beautifully carved. Explore feudal villages where forts command spectacular views of kingdoms and valleys. Along the way, your Indian guides will captivate you with stories and facts that bring these places alive.
The Indian army has built excellent roads in the north. Enjoy comfortable travel in a luxury air-conditioned bus as you drive through diverse landscape that embraces vast expanses of desert sand where camel trains and donkeys travel. Tribal men dressed in brilliant traditional turbans and cloth move silently to reach their distant homes.
There is time to stop and photograph, or enthuse at the dazzling splashes of colorful saris the woman wear while working hard on the land. Bright color vibrations appear to make their hard day’s work feel lighter Throughout the journey you are invited to get off the bus to see yet another magical bazaar, village, food stand or slice of life. Participants can stretch their legs and will be offered many opportunities to walk upon the land or around forts and small towns each day. Interaction with the local people will bring everyone closer to understanding and appreciating their unique life style. Old palace hotels, lodges, and stunning luxury tents are chosen to enhance your experience. They are unique, radiate atmosphere and cultural charm, and offer comfort with private bathrooms. They have access to the countryside, gardens and nature wherever possible. Individuals can practice their yoga, take advantage of Ayurvedic massages, or go for long walks in the late afternoons. Enjoy the contrast of lakes and forests filled with animals in their natural habitat. Gaze at the stars and brilliantly lit skies and enjoy the pleasant evening weather while listening to haunting sounds of Indian flutes, music and dance.
On this special journey, two special Indian guides will accompany us. Sanjay is without doubt one of the most extraordinary and inspiring guides we have ever worked with. Because of his in-depth knowledge, his stories, his humor, his classical dance training, his spirituality, and his assistance to our guests during the last South Indian program, we have arranged for him to return with us to North India. In addition, this group is fortunate to have a second North India guide, a specialist in the magical places we will visit. It is a rare treat to have two inspiring and intelligent English-speaking guides with us for this program.
