India Northern Panorama Gay Tour, an exceptional Small Luxury Group Tour for gay men. Travel to astonish the worlds famous monument Taj Mahal, its admiring beauty and architecture. Surrender your soul in the captivating cultural capital city of Varanasi, or mesmerize in the colorful charm of Rajasthan, its unparalleled culture and exotica on this journey.
India’s sub continental status is well deserved. Hundreds, maybe thousands of cultures, more than a billion magnificently diverse people, and enough Himalaya-to-tropical land area to fit 5000 kilometers of coastline. The scent of roasted cumin seeds floats through an outdoor bazaar in Delhi ... a young girl’s bracelets jangle on her arm as she prepares for the daily chore.
Varanasi - the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. The rising sun outlines the Taj Mahal’s marble contours. This innovative trip takes us into un-chartered rural Rajasthan. In India, you must concentrate on the details to comprehend the whole—which is why seeing it in the intimacy makes so much difference. Stay in unique lodgings, according to your budget. Come; discover Mother India—in all her exoticism.
Day 1 - Upon arrival in Delhi, you are meet & greet at the airport and transferred to your Hotel. Please note that standard check in time is 2 PM.
We suggest that you are arrive in Delhi day early to comfortably start the tour next morning. Additional / optional services and accommodation can be arranged on individual request.
Delhi is a wondrous city with a rich history and culture. The "capital of seven empires" has many thousands of recognized monuments within its borders. Set amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers are remnants of a bygone time including forts, palaces and monuments - reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. Delhi, in the middle of the 17th Century, the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan established a New city on the ruins of previous settlements in the place that today is Delhi.
Upon arrival, a well groomed and professional Gay Tour Manager joins you and is at your service / disposal for the entire tour. He is at your service to discuss entire tour arrangements, to help you to settle down and answer any queries that you may have.
Subsequently, enjoy an in room full body massage by a smart Gay male therapist which will rejuvenate you.
Later, you join us for a private Welcome Dinner at a GAY HOME / Mister & Art House. Enjoy Authentic Indian Cuisine and Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Meet the members of Delhi’s vast gay community, interact with them & hopefully make friends for a Life time. (Dinner & unlimited open Bar are included)
Overnight at a luxury GAY MEN ONLY accommodation in Delhi, The Mister & Art House Gay Only Boutique Guesthouse, or The Park New Delhi Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - After breakfast (Around 9 AM), proceed on a guided tour to Old Delhi, the 300 year-old walled city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 as his capital. Begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi who died in 1948, at the site of his cremation. Continue on to visit the magnificent Red Fort build of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooking the Yamuna River. Within its walls are marble palaces and a grand audience chamber, the Diwan-I-Khas, where Mughal emperors held court and the Peacock Throne once stood. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and the minarets of the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, where people stream in and out continuously all day. Enjoy a ride through the winding streets of the markets in the Chandini Chowk area by bicycle rickshaw.
Visit to The Bangla Sahib Gurdwara. Topped by golden domes, this handsome white-marble gurdwara was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed before his death in 1664. Despite his tender years, the six-year-old guru tended to victims of Delhi's cholera and smallpox epidemic, and the waters of the gurdwara tank are said to have healing powers. Sikh pilgrims flock here at all hours, and devotional songs waft over the compound.
Later enjoy the holy communal lunch at langar hall of The Bangla Sahib. (Communal lunch on your discretion)
Later, enjoy a private guided tour of the Capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens for the British. Drive down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate and past the Rashtrpati Bhawan, the president’s residence and the Parliament Buildings.
Also visit Humayun's Tomb, the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Humayun, is situated on the Mathura Road. Echoing the Mughal style of architecture, the tomb was built by Humayun's wife Haji Begum in the year 1565. High arches and a double dome adorn the tomb that can be entered through two towering double-storied gateways.
Then see Imperial Delhi while visiting the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India at 72 meters high. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began construction of the tower in 1199, and by pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns he also erected the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque which today lies in ruins nearby. Then visit the Baha’i Temple also called the Lotus Temple. A lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionizing the concept of worship.
Overnight at a luxury GAY MEN ONLY accommodation in Delhi, The Mister & Art House Gay Only Boutique Guesthouse, or The Park New Delhi Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Today morning, we will pick you and transfer you to Airport to catch your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, you are meet & transferred to the hotel.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
In the evening visit the beautiful Aarti at Dass Ashwamedh Ghat on river Ganges.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Varanasi, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, or Taj Ganges Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 -
This morning go for a boat cruise, an interesting and adventurous way of exploring numerous Ghats, temples, and the rituals taking place on the banks of this holy river. You will see amazing glimpses of the religious practices and rituals performed by thousands of devotees on the banks of river Ganga. As part of their daily worship hundreds of Hindu devotees take a holy bath in the river and offer water to Surya.
Also, have private one to one meeting with a spiritual master to understand the traditions, customs, philosophy & beliefs of Hinduism, while cruising the holy Ganges on a private boat. For over 4,000 years, India--one of the most spiritually enriched places on earth--has been the cradle of spirituality.
Later take a guided walking tour of Ancient Varanasi & its temples. Visit the Vishwanath Temple which is devoted to lord Shiva, is the most sacred temple of Varanasi. It is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, in old Varanasi. Also, visit The Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that Goswami Tulsidas composed 'Ramacharitramanas' at the place where the temple is located.
After, return to the hotel for breakfast & rest.
Afternoon, we proceed to visit Sarnath is located at a distance of 8 km from Varanasi in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Realizing the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. built some of the finest monuments and legacies, a rare site to appreciate. The 34-metre-high 'Dhamek' stupa stands as a remarkable structure, which contains the remains of Lord Buddha.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Varanasi, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, or Taj Ganges Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Today morning, we will pick you and transfer you to Airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you are meet & driven to Agra, upon arrival in Agra, check in hotel.
Agra has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra.
In the evening, visit the Taj Mahal at dusk / sunset which was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as an memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build it; the white marble transported to the site by elephants from a quarry 200 miles away. The perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the delicate inlay marble work are amazing.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Agra, Radisson Hotel Agra, or Tajview Agra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - After brief rest, visit the Agra Fort, situated around the bend of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Enlarged by successive generations including Shah Jehan, who had the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Royal Pavilions, & Hall of Public Audience added and Aurangzeb who added outer ramparts.
Also, visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, to the north of the fort and across the river yamuna are several fine examples of mughal architecture. The itmad -ud -daula was built by the empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble screens.
Followed by visit to view the famous inlay marble work of Agra. Also visit the local bazaars of Agra. Discover Agra as a local at a relaxed place.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Agra, Radisson Hotel Agra, or Tajview Agra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Early morning visit of The Taj Mahal, which was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as an memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal, it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build it; the white marble transported to the site by elephants from a quarry 200 miles away. The perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the delicate inlay marble work are amazing.
Return to hotel. After breakfast, check out and we drive towards Jaipur, enroute stopping at Fatehpur Sikri. One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. It is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Enjoy a guided visit.
Later, continue to drive towards Jaipur, upon arrival check in at the hotel. Jaipur is known as Rajasthan’s “Pink city” from the pink color of the sandstone used to build the palaces and public buildings of the cit y. Jaipur, the city of victory, presides over another fascinating desert state and its people.
Upon arrival, enjoy an in room full body massage by a smart Gay male therapist which will rejuvenate you. (OPTIONAL @USD 69,- Per Person for 1 Hour)
Evening, we take you, guided to our "Indja Pink secret location” for the MOST stunning sunset view in entire Rajasthan, if not India. On top of the hills, in an ancient , majestic fort , you will get to see whole of jaipur laid out in front and below you. On the horizon , the sun sets , melting with immense beauty of Jaipur. we know , Your India trip will end soon, but the this image will stay with you for the rest of your life.
We will take you to Jaipur’s Gay / Gay friendly Cafe / Restaurant. Meet the members of Jaipur’s vast gay community, interact with them & hopefully make friends. Explore & discover the hidden but large GAY community of Jaipur & its meeting / cruising areas.
Followed by a private dinner at an extremely fine Rajasthani Cuisine specialty restaurant. Enjoy dinner amidst courtly splendor – A truly Royal experience. (Dinner & unlimited open Bar are included)
Overnight at a luxury GAY MEN ONLY accommodation in Delhi, The Mister & Art Haveli Jaipur Gay Guesthouse, or The Lemon Tree Premier Jaipur Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 - After breakfast, enjoy guided visit Amber Fort with an Elephant ride till the main entrance of the fort. Amber Fort, Maharaja Man Singh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful general, began construction of the fort in the 17th century.
Later we visit to the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its pink sandstone façade intricately carved into honeycomb screens, windows and balconies behind which the ladies of the court could watch the daily goings on and royal processions in the street below without being seen. Later, visit the City Palace, a large complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards which is now a museum which houses collections of Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts, traditional clothing and an armory.
City Palace, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state, India. a large complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards which is now a museum which houses collections of Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts, traditional clothing and an armory. The palace complex, located northeast of the centre of the grid-patterned Jaipur city, incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.
Next, stop in to see the amazing Astronomical Observatory (Jantar Mantar) built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, in 1726 to accurately predict movements of the moon and planets. Even today these instruments are precise. Following these visits you will have the opportunity to wander through the local markets.
Later we drive for ELEPHANT TOUR (Approx 3 hours Experience), The highlights of the Tour:
• Meet and greet with the founder and explained the schedule for the next 2-3 hours.
• You will be taught the basics of elephant language spoken by the care-takers (mahout) which will be very helpful to communicate with the elephants during time with them.
• Elephant feeding will last half an hour or so. Visitors will learn the
elephants eating habits and favorite foods.
• Traditional elephant body painting with natural colors.
• Post the painting; the client will give elephant water to drink through a clean water hose.
• Elephants ride along with the caretaker in the beautiful village.
• Lunch, Drinks, Paint, Photography + Videography (ALL INCLUSIVE)
Overnight at a luxury GAY MEN ONLY accommodation in Delhi, The Mister & Art Haveli Jaipur Gay Guesthouse, or The Lemon Tree Premier Jaipur Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9 - After breakfast, check out & we drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Udaipur was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through eleven gates.
Evening, enjoy a boat cruise on the tranquil Lake Pichola. Sail towards the luxurious marble Lake Palace located right in the middle of this dreamlike paradise or cruise to the Jag Mandir palace located on a tiny island, quite like a stray pearl glistening in all its glory.
Evening is at leisure on your own.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Udaipur, Trident Udaipur Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - After breakfast, proceed on a guided city tour of Udaipur.
Visiting the City Palace, now a museum, which overlooks Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows with glass, showing the craftsmanship and expense involved. Visit individual palaces, the museums, the hall of public audiences, and Saheliyon-ki-Bari (private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace).
Also, visit the fabulous Crystal Gallery. It is situated in the Fateh Prakash Palace is a breath taking collection of crystals. Maharana Sajjan Singh mainly ordered these crystals from F & C Osler England. But he could not see the crystals because of his untimely death.There is also an exquisite jewel studded carpet, which is beyond description.
We also take you for a traditional dance / puppet show in Bagore ki Haveli. Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat is the 17th century old historic mansion has its own rich cultural legacy. Once, the private mansion of Rajput royals now turned into a museum, becoming a major tourist destination in Udaipur. Puppet shows make the best part of Udaipur recreation.
Later, visit the Monsoon Palace, formerly known as the Sajjan Garh Palace, is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur Rajasthan in India, overlooking the lake Pichola. It offers a panoramic view of the city's lakes, palaces and surrounding countryside.
Evening is at leisure on your own.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Udaipur, Trident Udaipur Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Jodhpur via Ranakpur sightseeing.
Located in a quiet and secluded valley, is the site of the largest and most beautifully preserved Jain temples in India. The main temple, dating from 1439 is called the "four-sided temple. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 carved pillars, none of which are similarly carved. The light and shadow on the figures carefully sculpted leave an irresistible effect. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your Hotel.
Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive princely settlements in Rajasthan. This five hundred year old city was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs who were famous for their tales of daring and war. Jodhpur is known for its impressive forts, and the many battles associated with the tumultuous history of the region.
Later in the evening, we visit Osian, located at a short distance from Jodhpur, Osian sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, the Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset; even the Sand dunes are also the most picturesque spot around Jodhpur, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan.
Enjoy Beers at sunset in the dunes will enjoying the desert safari on camels. Followed by cultural performances and dinner in a camp in the sand dunes. (All above activities, beers, and drinks are included)
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Jodhpur, Radisson Hotel Jodhpur, or The Ummed Jodhpur Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 - After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which is an impregnable fortress towering above a 10km wall with soaring archways leading into the center. Rudyard Kipling once described the Fort as a mythical world of angels, fairies and giants. Inside the walls are several palaces including the Jaswant Thada, The museum displays an unusual collection of miniature paintings, glided palanquins and solid silver “howdah” presented by a Mughal emperor to the Maharaja.
Jai Pol or Jaya Pol (which means “the gate of victory) is one of the historic structures in the magnificent Fort Mehrangarh in Jodhpur. It is the most famous of the seven gates in the imposing fort. It is situated in a hill about 5 km from Jodhpur city. Jai Pol was constructed in 1806, by Maharaja Man Singh, the then ruler of the kingdom of Marwar.
Then to Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, India is one of India's most imposing and recent palaces. Umaid Bhavan palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is named after him only.
Later, Phool Mahal (means ‘The palace of flowers’) is now the most popular period room in Mehrangarh Fort Museum. It was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh in the eighteenth century as a private room for the king’s pleasure. The gold used for the construction of Phool Mahal is believed to have come from Gujarat as the booty of the war in which the king defeated a Mogul governor. The other attractions in Phool Mahal are paintings, portraits and raga mela.
Evening is at leisure on your own.
Overnight at a luxury gay friendly accommodation in Jodhpur, Radisson Hotel Jodhpur, or The Ummed Jodhpur Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 - After breakfast, check out from the Hotel and driven to Jodhpur airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you are meet and transferred to your Hotel.
Evening, our tour manager takes you to a Gay spa with our VIP spa pass which includes:
• A massage from a top category masseur (approx 60 minutes). You can choose a VIP masseur of your own choice.
• Unlimited Steam / Sauna
• A welcome drink.
Later, enjoy FAREWELL An Exceptional 5-course candle / lantern lit bespoke Terrace dinner (Fine Indian Cuisine) at Mister & Art House New Delhi, India's first luxury guest house for GAY MEN ONLY. A true memoir to take home. (Dinner & unlimited open Bar are included)
Overnight at a luxury GAY MEN ONLY accommodation in Delhi, The Mister & Art House Gay Only Boutique Guesthouse, or The Park New Delhi Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 14 - Breakfast at hotel.
Today Morning, we transfer to international airport to board flight to your country and taking with you Gay memories of a wonderful trip.
Meals: Breakfast
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