Colorful India

 DAY 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, you will be met by our Guest ambassador. After meet & greet you will be transferred to your hotel where you will check in for your stay.

Rest of the evening at leisure to relax and unwind. 

Day 2:  Mumbai 

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed on a specially curated full-day “Queer Tour”. Queer’s Day Out is a unique experience – which includes a full day of flirting with various aspects that frame Queer lives of persons in the city. It will start with the question ‘What makes Bombay Queer?’ and will involve journeys to various spots across South Bombay to find the answer, while experiencing the dynamic Queer culture of Bombay. Or as Queer folk here call it— Bomgay!

Mumbai was bought by Catherine of Braganza of Portugal as dowry to her marriage with Charles II of England. Mumbai is India’s most vibrant city, the largest port, and the hub of trade and finance. The ebullience of her spirit, captured by the throbbing beat of Bollywood, draws millions here to realize their dream. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing colonies.

Also visit a lovely Irani cafe which was a hub for Queer folx through the late nineteenth century and continues to retain remnants of its Queer past. We try to understand what made spaces attractive for Queer folx, even when they were not designated spaces for Queers. We also explore the act of coming out. The act of ‘coming out’ is a pivotal part of every Queer person’s life journey. But, what is our understanding of ‘being out’ and does the same practice exist everywhere?

Queer is Fashion, fashion is queer: The understanding of the Queer culture of a place is incomplete if one doesn’t understand how Queer locals respond to fashion. We take you to a place where middle-class Queer folx from in and around the city come to pick up things that they would be too shy to shop from a store near their house! You will get to know about how caste and class are subverted with fashion, how gender is challenged, and how Queerness is performed—all on a shoestring budget!

Day 3:  Mumbai – Udaipur 

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur, transfer to the hotel.

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus – laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city’s inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthral the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain – it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola, add to the magic of Udaipur.

Rest of the evening at leisure. 

Day 4:  In Udaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the City Palace Museum – grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers, Jagdish Temple – built in 1651 AD. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari – the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.

You will also have time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.

Early this evening enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. (Boat ride depending upon the water level of the lake)

Day 5: Udaipur – Jaipur 

This morning transfer to the airport for flight to Jaipur.

Flight details:

Indigo 6E 7403            Depart Udaipur 0820 hrs | Arrive Jaipur 0920 hrs.

On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Jaipur is known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.

Later in the afternoon, proceed to visit the local markets of Jaipur.

Jaipur- a shopper’s Paradise: Although most tourists visit Jaipur to view its grand monuments, nonetheless there are as many who come to shop. And indeed a shopper’s paradise it is. The list of things available is endless, but the more popular items on the agenda of visitor to the city are jewellery, textiles and saris, good made of marble, wood, stone, lac, clay, metal and leather. The city has for long, been a traditional centre of the finest of jewellery bedecked with both precious and semi-precious stones, enamelling of gold in green, red and white, the favourite colours of the Mughals, which was introduced Raja Man Singh. The city is known the world over for diamond and emerald cutting. Apart from jewellery, handicrafts like papier mache and carved furniture, are also extremely popular as also is the glazed blue pottery, an art that was imported from ground Persia. Blue pottery is made from ground quartz stone.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for a half day excursion to inspiring Amber Fort, 11 Kms form Jaipur.  Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom which was never conquered. 

Later proceed for a private tour of City Palace

Visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and

Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and craft structure in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of some of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated in the in the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madho Singh built the palace in the nineteenth century. It was used as a reception centre for the visiting personage. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (ruled 1750-68).

This evening enjoy Cooking demo & dinner with a local family. The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘The guest is truly your god’ are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honoured if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meagre food with guest. And of importance is the Indian woman’s pride that she will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.

Day 7: Jaipur to Agra 

This morning enjoy Jaipur by dawn experience. This experience allows witnessing how the locals of Jaipur start their day. The guests get delighted to interact with locals while visiting some early morning flower and vegetable markets, walking through some famous narrow alleys of the city which have famous age-old chaiwala, pakorewala, etc. who have been selling these snacks for the last 90-100 years.

Guests also get an opportunity to participate in morning prayers at the Hindu temple where hundreds of devotees from all walks of life sing with devotion and offer their heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna and in the end experience the highlight of the tour by tasting traditional snacks from the best and age-old food Joints of Jaipur.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Check out and drive to Agra. Enroute visit Abhaneri stepwells.

Abhaneri is a small-town village, situated at 95 km from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra Road. The place is popular for the amazing ‘Baoris’ (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by the King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name. In the present day, this city of brightness is in ruins; still, it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for ‘Baoris’, which are the unique invention of the natives for harvesting rainwater.  Amongst the other step wells, Chand Baori is the most popular one. This colossal step well is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India’s deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes.

Continue to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

 At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce, and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great.  The city’s origins are dim, but Akbar’s grandfather Babur is credited with Agra’s founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jahan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

Later proceed for Life in a local village walk: A 1-2-hour walk exploring the village and meeting the villagers who live in the shadow of the Taj Mahal.

This is a walk initiated by the NGO CURE together with USAID to benefit the local communities surrounding the Taj Mahal.  It is a wonderful, unique and interactive experience which gives a rare ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse of the world’s most famous tourist attraction. Take a walk through Kachhpura Village which is in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the village boys. He will show you the lesser known heritage monuments of Humayun’s Mosque and Gyaraha Sidi, and walk you through this historic settlement where you can meet its people, and discover their way of life as agriculturists next to the Taj.  Enjoy tea and pakoras on the roof top of a village house overlooking the monument and see how creating this experience has benefited the local community. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlit Garden which has exceptional views of the Taj Mahal. The money generated from this tour is used to put sanitation in the village, educate women and provide initiatives for children. 

Day 8 : Agra to Delhi 

Wake up early morning today to visit the Taj Mahal during the Sunrise.

That magnificent monument of love – The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.  Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

After visit return to your hotel. Post breakfast check out and proceed for a visit to Agra Fort. Visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. 

It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.

After visit you will be driven to Delhi. Upon arrival check in at your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel

Delhi is a curious mix – of the traditional and the modern. Prepare to be charmed by the seamless intermingling of the old and the new. Monuments that have stood witness to the rise and fall of empires stand harmoniously with new-age restaurants and bars that offer a variety of world cuisines. Delhi’s recorded history dates back, to over 1500 BC, and each kingdom that ruled over the city left an indelible mark on it.

Day 9: Delhi

After light breakfast proceed for a culinary walk to uncover city’s queer history in Old Delhi.

This tour delves into the hidden history of monuments influenced by queer and trans figures during the Mughal era across Jama Masjid and Chandini Chowk. It shares the remarkable tales of khwaja siras, trans people who served in the Mughal royal court, and includes a visit to the dargah of a queer Sufi mystic from the late 17th Century. The tour also covers narratives from the homoerotic Urdu ghazal tradition of the 18th Century and beyond. The tour ends with culinary delights like tea and desi ghee jalebi at Dariba Kalan.

Enjoy a orientation tour of New Delhi. Lutyens’s New Delhi. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920’s – it’s a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi’s eight cities – New Delhi. Lutyens designed an “Imperial City” having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.

Later, enjoy shopping tour of high-fashion boutiques in the city accompanied by a personal fashion consultant.

Evening at leisure. 

Day 10: Depart Delhi

 Your morning is at leisure followed by transfer to the airport for your onward journey. 

 

LOCATION	NUMBER OF NIGHTS	ACCOMMODATION
Mumbai	2	Trident Nariman Point Premier room
Udaipur	2	Fateh Garh Renaissance room
Jaipur	2	Royal Heritage Haveli Heritage Premium suite
Agra	1	Double Tree by Hilton Guest room
Delhi	2	The Claridges Cabana room