India Dance and Music Itinerary

Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the old and new India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors who have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

You will be transported 400 years back and will ride on a cycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk known as the Moonlit Square of India.  Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and be bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of the holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as the Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance one’s senses.

The Emperor’s beloved daughter, Jahanara, designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of the Red Fort with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight.

The total duration of the tour will be 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes. It is an extensive tour that covers 20 main sites that include palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars with several stops. The tour ends at an old Haveli (mansion) built in1860 that has a photo gallery depicting the lifestyle of the Mughals and a small lounge to relax and to enjoy some local snacks.

Afterwards visit some of the workshops and shops in Old Delhi that make and sellIndian musical instruments(Chandni Chowk and Darya Ganj).

Visit Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti. A local resident of this 12th century village will be your tour guide. After the visit to the Basti, you may want to go to the Dargarh and listen to Qawwali, which is a musical prayer sung in a group accompanied by rhythmic claps. This musical tradition stretches back more than 700 years. Often listeners, and even artists themselves, are transported to a trance-like state where they feel at one with the Supreme.

Note: Thursday & Friday evenings are a sure bet for experiencing Qawwali at the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Performance times are 6:00 – 7:30 PM and 9:00 – 10:30 PM.

Start the day with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where ‘shabad kirtan’ (devotional hymns) is sung almost the whole day.

Shabad Kirtan is a ‘kirtan-style’ singing of Shabads (devotional hymns) from Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhism. It began in the 16th century as the musical expression of mystical poetry conceived by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. Following him, all the Sikh gurus sang in the then prevalent classical and folk music styles accompanied by stringed and percussion instruments. The style was where the text was of prime significance and the music played a supporting, albeit important role.

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Drive past Sansad Bhawan (the Parliament House) and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s House), the one-time Imperial Residence of the British Viceroys governing India. Then drive along the Rajpath past the Secretarial Buildings and Government Offices. Visit India Gate for a photo-stop. It is a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during all the wars until now starting from World War I. At the end drive to South Delhi to visit Qutab Minar, the 12th century Tower of Victory built by a Slave King, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. It is a prototype of all Minars (towers) in India.

Visit Sangeet Natak Akademi which functions as the apex body of the performing arts in the country to preserve and promote the vast cultural heritage of India expressed in music, dance and drama. The main attraction here is The Gallery of Musical Instruments(remains closed on Sundays and National holidays). This is a museum cum gallery of Indian musical instruments that has more than 200 musical instruments on display here.

In the morning drive to Jaipur (approx. 5 hours), on arrival check into the hotel.

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City thanks to the color of the buildings in the city. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.

On a fascinating late afternoon walk mingle and talk with the locals while learning about some of the regions culinary delights: pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops, jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. You also have the option of seeing and trying the art of Henna painting.  This is a 2½ hour walk.

In the morning start your tour by visiting the magnificent Amber Fort. It was once the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire. From the road you can climb up to the fort in approximately 10 minutes but a jeep or elephant ride will spare you the trouble of walking up to the fortress. Once on the top, you will stroll with your guide through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls.

In the afternoon visit a School of Hindustani Classical Music, Rajasthan SangeetSansthan. (Note: Prior permission will be required for a visit. Visit will not be possible on National holidays and weekends).

In the evening visit Laxmi Narayan Temple (also called the Birla temple) for an evening aarti ceremony. The temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari Hill.

Start the day with an interaction with an eminent Hindustani classical Musician at his home. (Note: Since the Musicians regularly travel through India and the world giving concerts in different cities, we will need to check their schedules in advance for availability).

In the afternoon visit the City Palace that houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings and an armory. Continue on to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar) built in the 17th century by Jai Singh, a famous astronomer. The observatory has a 900-foot-high sundial. The Central museum founded in 1876 has a large collection of antiques. Later drive past theHawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Hawa Mahal built in a unique design is the landmark of Jaipur and was used by the ladies of the court to watch the daily goings on in the street below. The pink sandstone carvings are extremely intricate and it is a great place to take pictures.

Post breakfast depart by surface for Agra and en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri was the fortified capital of the Mughal Empire built by Emperor Akbar in year 1569 AD. However it was abandoned 15 years later allegedly due to the severe scarcity of water here. The monument complex that is a ‘World Heritage Site’ now houses graceful buildings within such as the Jami Masjid, the Tomb of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and other palaces. It is said that Mian Tansen used to present musical concerts for Emperor Akbar. Mian Tansen is considered to be the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music. He was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist known for a large number of compositions and also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the rabab (a string instrument of Central Asia). He was among the Navaratnas (Nine Jewels) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who had conferred the title Mian (an honorific meaning learned man) to Tansen.

The Tomb of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti is considered to be a holy place by the local people who visit it in large numbers to offer their prayers. On Thursdays, Qawwalis are sung by group of singers in front of the sacred Dargah.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri drive on to Agra. Upon arrival check in to your hotel

The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the Taj Mahal in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets are each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Post breakfast visit the massive Agra Fort which was originally started by the Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience). Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It’s a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Late afternoon enjoy Hi Tea with local family and later proceed for Kachpura Heritage Walk. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset from across the river.

Today morning assisted departure transfer to the station in time to board Shatabdi Expresstrain for Jhansi. (0811/1045 hours)

On arrival at Jhansi station, you will be met and driven to Khajuraho (approx. 4 hours). En-route visit Orcha that is a marvelous example of a medieval Fort Palace. Within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions and temples, near the confluence of the Betwa and Jamni rivers.

The Raj Mahal with its Hall of Private Audience exemplifies Bundela Rajput architecture. Despite the neglected appearance, there are some beautiful murals on the ceilings and walls of both religious and secular themes. The Jahangir Mahal was built in the 17th century and synthesizes both Hindu and Muslim styles. Around the central square courtyard are the three storied royal apartments decorated with domes, arches and hanging balconies.  The decorative turquoise blue tiles, and latticed screens give this palace a delicate and airy feel.

Post lunch at Amar Mahal continue your drive to Khajuraho.

On arrival you will check into your hotel.

Morning visit the famous Western Group of Temples with your guide.

The name Khajuraho is derived from the Hindi word khajur meaning date palm.The city was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²). The temples of Khajuraho are an example of religion laced with erotica.

Late evening you will be transferred to famous Western Group of Temples for the light and sound show which portrays the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and tells the story of the exclusive temples from the 10th century to the present day. The 50-minute fascinating show is held every evening where floodlights sweep across the temples as Indian classical music soundtracks a potted history of Khajuraho narrated by the ‘master sculptor’.

Today assisted departure transfer to the airport to board flight for Varanasi. (9W 2424 – 1345/1445 hours)

On arrival at Varanasi, you will be redmet and transfer to the hotel.

In the evening visit Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the evening aarti that is a musicalceremony performed to Goddess Ganga (river). It is a spectacular sight where hundreds of devotees throng the ghats to participate in this ceremony to worship the holy river Ganga. Offerings of tiny oil lamps and flowers are made to the river at the end of this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps floating along with the flow of the river.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Visit ‘Bharat Kala Bhavan’ which lies within Benaras Hindu University. Its outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles began with the private collection of the enlightened Rai Krishnadasa. The sculpture collection includes terracotta and clay objects, stone and bronze and cast metal objects. Ancient terracotta varying from ritual icons to toys to utilitarian objects date to the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan, Sunga and Gupta period.

In the afternoon visit a Music School for an interactive session (2 hours) with a Sitar exponent Pandit Devbrat Mishra for a performance of Sitar accompanied by Tabla.Afterwards have a question and answer session with him on Hindustani classical music followed by an interaction with the students of Indian classical music.

Late evening visit Manikarnika Ghat to take the Death and Rebirth walk. “One can survive everything nowadays, except death.” In India dying is accepted as a part of life, and when one dies, there are a multitude of rituals and ceremonies that need to be performed. This experience takes you to the Manikarnika Ghat to take a look at the various death rituals passage that the Hindus perform. Hindus, who carry out a myriad of rituals in their lifetime, believe that humans are reborn according to their karma and hence, perform many death rituals to ensure that the soul rests in peace. You may wonder why Hindus burn or cremate the body instead of buying it. The answer lies in the belief. Here, your tour guide will introduce you to the history and mythology associated with this Ghat. You will get to understand the rites and see the inner workings of this unique place.

In the morning visit a Yoga Center where you will be taught to do various ‘Asanas’ with meditative Indian music in the background.

After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, one of the major Buddhist centers in the world. Having achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha (the ‘Awakened One’) delivered his first sermon here. It was the 6th century then, when he also set in motion the Wheel of Law, the Dharma Chakra. Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkhood.

In the afternoon again proceed to a Music School where you can try your hands on tabla in the watchful eyes of a Tabla teacher.

Today morning assisted departure transfer to the station to board the train for Lucknow. (Howarh – Amritsar Mail – 0927/1520 hours)

Upon arrival at Lucknow station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It rose to prominence as the center of the Nawabs of Avadh. These decadent Muslim rulers, also known as the Nawabs of Oudh, controlled a region of north-central India for about a century. Most of the Avadh rulers were hopeless at running the affairs of state however they were great patrons of the arts, especially dance and music.

In the morning visit one of the famous Music schools of Hindustani classical music, Bhatkande Music Institute University. It is famous for imparting traditional music education and training. Visit the campus and have an interaction with students of Hindustani classical music. (Note: Special permission is required to take foreign visitors inside the campus).

In the afternoon proceed for a Heritage Walk in Lucknow. Lucknow is not just any other city but a chapter that folds and unfolds itself each time one visits this epicenter of culture.  You will walk the lanes and by-lanes of Chowk, exploring the unexplored and explaining how vast a history this city of superlatives holds. They say each building in the old city has an anecdote and a gamut of tales connected to it.

In the morning proceed for an exciting city tour of Lucknow.

Driving past Sadat Ali and Begum Tombs and the Chatar Manzil (outside view only). You will see the world’s most unique architecture, Asifi Imambara. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula’. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls. The “Nawab” (Prince) lays in peace inside. Also see the Rumi Darwaza or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque.

Tongas (horse driven passenger carriages) wait to welcome you on board when you come out of this grand complex. On the bumpy ride of this transport system of yesteryears you reach the Husainabad Complex. The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, ‘Big Ben’. Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative.

Visit Begum Akhtar’s grave. This will be followed by a walk to an array of shops in the market that sell Indian musical instruments.

Dinner with an Aristocrat Family  

This evening, the aristocrat of Lucknow will welcome you to his family home and museum that houses antiques and artifacts. Enjoy cocktails and spend time chatting with the aristocrat and his family about the art, culture, cuisine, craft, architecture and history of Lucknow. At theRoyal Kitchen you could learn some secret recipes from the Awadhi menu.

Morning is at leisure.

In the afternoon assisted departure transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. (9W 7075 – 1455/1600 hours)

On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met and transferred to the airport hotel (room reserved for wash and change),

Late night assisted departure transfer to the International airport to board the fight for home.