For those attending the Congress of Evolutionaries in New Delhi, December 28-30, here are some optional Pre- and Post-Gathering tours you can take
Pre Tour #1 – December 27 – Full day tour of New & Old Delhi
December 27 – Full day tour of New & Old Delhi
Tour the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy, as you embark on your journey through this city where you will experience the sights and sounds of what is truly India. Morning highlights include a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort (from outside) the most opulent Fort and the Palace of the Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. 
In the afternoon, it’s New Delhi that was designed and built by the British in the 1920s – and was designed as 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. You will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
Price Per Person: $45 ($47 via credit card)
Lunch will be an additional charge
Post Tour #2 – January 1 & 2 – Fatehpur Sikri & Agra ONLY
January 1 to 2 – Two day/One night tour to Fatehpur Sikri & Agra – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
January 1: To Fatehpur Sikri & Agra
The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Then to Agra, the former 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. 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. Later enjoy a Tonga (horse & buggy) ride in the local market. Overnight in Agra.
January 2: Taj Mahal and return to Delhi
Early morning, proceed for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the monument to love, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 20 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. There will be ample time to visit, meditate and spiritually absorb this very special place. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and some free time on your own to explore, we will leave in the early afternoon for our return to Delhi.
Includes:
- First Class accommodation on twin sharing basis for one night at the Clarks Shiraz Hotel (or similar).
- All taxes.
- Breakfast on 2nd day
- Air Conditioned transportation to Agra
- Monument entrance fees to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri.
- Services of professional local English-speaking guide at the time of city tours.
- All currently applicable entrances at the monuments.
Price Per Person: $179 ($189 via credit card)
Single Occupancy Supplement: $89 ($94 via credit card)
Post Tour #3 – January 1 – 4 – Fatehpur Sikri, Agra & Jaipur
January 1 to 4 – Three nights/Four days – This is the same as Post Tour #2 with an added continuation to Jaipur.
January 1: To Fatehpur Sikri & Agra
The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Then to Agra, the former 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. 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. Later enjoy a Tonga (horse & buggy) ride in the local market. Overnight in Agra.
January 2: Taj Mahal & to Jaipur
Early morning, proceed for a sunrise visit of Taj Mahal, the monument to love, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 20 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. There will be ample time to visit, meditate and spiritually absorb this very special place. After a leisurely breakfast and time to roam, you will then continue to Jaipur. Known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur is the capital of the colorful 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 how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Overnight in Jaipur.
January 3: In Jaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a half-day excursion to the inspiring Amber Fort. A marvelous example of Rajput architecture, its terraces and ramparts are reflected in the Maota Lake below. We will go up to the base of the fort in a Jeep. The interior of the fort is rich with numerous 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 visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. After touring, we return to our coach via Jeep.
In the afternoon, venture into the city for a comprehensive tour. You will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Also included is a visit to the photogenic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
Across the road from the palaces is the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India, and featuring the most striking instrument, the Brihat Samrat Yantra Sundial. Evening at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur.
January 4: Return to Delhi
After breakfast, return to Delhi (about a 5-hour drive).
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Price Per Person: $599 ($629 via credit card)
Single Occupancy Supplement: $139 ($147 via credit card)
Includes:
- First Class accommodation on twin sharing basis for one night at the Clarks Shiraz Hotel (or similar).
- First Class (Superior Room) accommodation on twin sharing basis for two nights at the Park Prime Hotel (or similar) in Jaipur.
- All taxes.
- Breakfasts on days 2, 3 and 4
- Air Conditioned transportation throughout
- Monument entrance fees to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri
- Entrance fees to Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar
- Services of professional local English-speaking guides at the time of city tours.
- All currently applicable entrances at the monuments.
Travel Insurance
Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance.
If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
Reservations and Payments:
Full payment per person along with a completed and signed Application must be submitted with your reservation to confirm the tour(s). All reservations must be received at Body Mind Spirit Journeys’ office on or before October 31 to guarantee space. Reservations received after October 31st will be accepted if space remains and may be subject to an increase in price and availability of hotel accommodations. Final payment due on or before December 1, 2012. Therefore, we highly recommend that you submit your registration and payment as early as possible.
