Affordable Nature
India

The vast lands of India beckon you to explore their ancient temples, exotic cultures and magnificent wild tigers. Traverse ancient alleyways by camel, dip your fingers in holy rivers and lakes, and roam the former hunting grounds of royals for the elusive and majestic tiger. Fascinating 'Old' and 'New' Delhi, ancient city of Varanasi on the holy Ganges River, Khajuraho's erotic temples of the Chandelas, the medieval townships of Orchaa and Fatehppur Sikri, sacred town of Pushkar, royal history of Jaipur, Agra and the mighty Taj Mahal, and the famed tiger reserve, Ranthambhore National Park - experience all of this while soaking in the country's rich heritage - affordable never seemed so alluring!

Days 1/2/3 - New York/Delhi
Board your overnight flight to Delhi, where upon arrival the next evening, you are escorted to your hotel. Next morning, tour the city beginning in 'Old Delhi,' surrounded by crumbling city walls and a labyrinth of streets crowded with rickshaws. Respectfully view the black marble memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. See the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, completed in 1656 A.D. and the red sandstone fortress of the Red Fort. Marvel at the India Gate, the architecture of Humayun's Tomb and the soaring tower of Qutab Minar. Your colonial inspired hotel is the perfect introduction to the textures and colors of this exotic country. TAJ AMBASSADOR HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B)

Days 4 - Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world dating back 3,500 years and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindu, home to the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath and one of only 12 shrines in India to Lord Shiva. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon about enlightenment and tread in his footsteps while taking a stroll in Deer Park. Gaze at the Dhamekha Stupa - a majestic structure wit beautifully carved stonework. Tour the Archeological Museum and the Mahabodhi Buddha Temple. Watch the Hindu ritual of aarti performed at sundown. Elegant accomodations set amidst 40 verdant acres are your tranquil haven. TAJ GANGES. (B)

Days 5/6 - Varanasi/Khajuraho
Greet the day with an early morning boat cruise on one of the most sacred sites - the holy river Ganges, Hindus believe bathing in the river will remit their sins, and that dying in the city circumvents rebirth - cremation ceremonies along the river are numerous. Afterwards, see the Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga and Tulsi Manas Temple. Walk along the ancient alleyway of Vishwanathji Ki Gali, home to beautiful temples and old-world shops filled with exquisite handmade silks. Fly to Khajuraho, a World Heritage site where abundant date palm trees flourish amidst ancient temples constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries. Master craftsmen created extraordinary sculptures and murals in tribute to the Chandelas, and to celebrate the erotic state of being. Explore both the Eastern and Western Groups of temples, constructed with secondary and main spiral superstructures that reflect the gradually rising Himalayan peaks. Detailed stone reliefs depict village life including musicians, potters, farmers, as well as larger-than-life deities, such as the 11-headed Vishnu. Your state-of-the-art hotel employs a vibrant combination of traditional and contemporary hospitality. RADISSON HOTEL KHAJURAHO. (B Daily)

Days 7/8 - Orchaa/Jhansi/Agra
Spend a morning at leisure before departing for Orchaa - a medieval township constructed in the 16th century. Continue to Jhansi and board the Shatabdi Express to Agra. Next day, see the eclectic architecture of the Red Fort and the ornate mausoleum, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Witness the architectural wonder of love that took 22 years to build, the Taj Mahal. The stunningly designed temple of white marble with perfect balance and symmetry, elegant domes, intricate carved screens and expert inlay work will leave you breathless with its sensual beauty. Built in traditional red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era is your lovely hotel. TRIDENT HILTON. (B Daily)

Day 9/10 - Bharatpur/Ranthambhore National Park
Enjoy the chaotic scenery of rural India as you drive to the Red Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri built in the late 16th century and the Bulund Darwaza - the largest gateway in the world. Continue to Bharatpur and board the Jan Shatabdi Express for Ranthambhore National Park, one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers due to their habituation to humans. Over 98,000 acres of mainly deciduous forest dotted with ruins reflecting a bygone era, including its namesake, the Ranthambhore Fort. During your safari expeditions, you may even see one of the 26-odd tigers hunting in full-view of your vehicle. A myriad of wildlife makes their home here in the land of the tiger, such as jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard and marsh crocodile. Graceful Sambar and spotted deer, and blue bull and Indian gazelle roam the area. Of 272 bird species, the Indian Gray Hornbill is commonly sighted in pairs, and you can spot the Gray-lag Goose by its pink beak and legs. Your hotel is an elegant and friendly hide-away. RANTHAMBHORE REGENCY HOTEL. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 11 - Pushkar
The tiny town of Pushkar has a staggering 400 temples, the most important dedicated to Lord Brahma. Enjoy a camel ride through the local bazaar filled with a dizzying array of handicrafts. View the mystical waters of the lake through the many ghats, including Gau Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were sprinkled into the lake. At the Brahma Temple, witness evening prayers. Your spacious tented camp revels in the feel of Rajasthan with rich silks and creatively designed furniture. ORCHARD CAMP. (B,L,D)

Days 12/13 - Jaipur
Arrive at the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, founded in 1727 A.D. Explore Amber Fort, tour the vast complex of Jaipur's City Palace, the 16th century Royal Observatory, the Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Marvel at the colorful dress of the city's residents and their incredibly sweet countenances as you stroll amidst a plethora of shops and market stalls. Your regal accomodations are set on the banks of Lake Mansagar. TRIDENT HILTON JAIPUR. (B Daily)

Days 14/15 - Delhi/New York
Following breakfast, drive back to Delhi, where a day room awaits you at the TAJ AMBASSADOR HOTEL. The remainder of your day is at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and board your flight home with incredible memories of roaming tigers, ancient ruins and incredible people. (B,D; Meals Aloft)

Your Journey Includes:

• All local flights within India per itinerary and Shatabdi Express train transportation.
• Superior or best accommodations throughtout as indicated or similar.
• Breakfast daily and other meals per itinerary. Complimentary bottled water at meals and while touring.
• Transportation in cities and sightseeing drives by air-conditioned motorcoach.
• Services of English-speaking local guide for all city sightseeing.
• Accompanied by professional naturalist with a minimum of ten travelers.
• Wildlife viewing by safari vehicles.
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All entry fees to national parks, wildlife reserves and points of interest.
• Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.

2009 Dates	Main Trip Land Only	Single Supplement	Airfare
Feb 21- Mar 7	$4,495	$1,595	$2,000
Mar 16-30	$4,495	$1,595	$2,000
Oct 3-17	$5,095	$1,995	$2,100
Nov 7-21	$5,095	$1,995	$2,100
Dec 26- Jan 9	$5,295	$1,995	$2,100

*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes Inc. at (800) 627-1244