INDIEN UNFORGETTABLE GLORY - 15 TAGE ADVENTURE-TRIP - Chamäleon Reisen

INDIEN
UNFORGETTABLE GLORY
   15 TAGE ADVENTURE-TRIP

            Erlebnisberater/in
             Eleonore Sárközi
            +49 30 347996-207
     e.sarkoezi@chamaeleon-reisen.de

HIGHLIGHTS
     Die verschiedenen Gesichter Delhis.
        Der beeindruckende Taj Mahal.
      Typisches Landleben in Rajasthan.
           Märchenhaftes Udaipur.
Auf Tigersuche im Ranthambore-Nationalpark.

REISEVERLAUF
   Rajasthan, das Indien der Maharadschas, als Edelsteine das bevorzugte Baumaterial waren,
   führt an die Grenze dessen, was die Fantasie zulässt. Es macht sprachlos und berührt die Seele
   ganz tief. Ob du von den Abenteuern dieser Reise jemals ganz zurückkommst, ist keineswegs
   sicher. Aber du solltest es bei deiner Buchung in Betracht ziehen.

   Bist du vorbereitet auf das Unfassbare? Die Siegessäule Qutub Minar, das Meisterwerk der
   Steinmetze aus dem 13. Jahrhundert. Das Humayun-Mausoleum, das zum Vorbild des Taj
   Mahal wurde und ebenfalls am Fluss Yamuna lag, der es sich dann aber anders überlegte. Die
   Freitagsmoschee Jama Masjid mit dem Fassungsvermögen von 20.000 Gläubigen. Und
   zwischen all dem Delhi1 2, Stadt mit Puls 200. Einfach unfassbar!

   In Agra 3 stehen die Weltkulturerben Tür an Tür. Natürlich überwältigt die Dimension des
   Roten Forts, das erst das Machtzentrum der Mogulkaiser und später das Gefängnis von
   Großmogul Shah Jahan wurde, der aus grenzenloser Liebe zu seiner Frau Mumtaz das Grabmal
   Taj Mahal bauen ließ und den Staat damit in den Ruin trieb. Heute, 370 Jahre danach, hat es
   sich dennoch gelohnt, denn das Taj Mahal mit seinem Architekturgarten nach den Regeln des
   Korans, ist immer noch das schönste Bauwerk der Menschheit.

   Einst war Fort Madhogarh 4 ein Schloss in den Händen der Maharadschas und wurde 400
   Jahre lang von Generation zu Generation vererbt. Und als die Ära der Alleinherrscher aus der
   Zeit fiel, geschah dem Palast das Beste, was ihm passieren konnte. Er wurde zum
   familiengeführten Hotel, wo in allen Ritzen noch der Geist der Maharadschas lauert. Heute auf
   uns.

   So kann's gehen: Anlässlich des Besuchs von Kronprinz Albert Eduard, ließ der Maharadscha
   ganz Jaipur 5 6 mit Mann und Maus rosa streichen. In Indien die Farbe der Gastlichkeit. Fort
   Amber mit den zigtausend Spiegeln im Sheesh Mahal hatte Glück. Da war die Farbe aus, und
   der Palast der Winde war ohnehin schon rot. Bis auf seine 953 Fensterchen, damit die
   Haremsdamen was zu gucken hatten. Du wirst heute auch noch gucken, ungläubig und
   fasziniert, wenn im Bollywood-Kino die Post abgeht.

Es war einmal, da galt Ranthambore 7 als Lieblingspirsch der Maharadschas. Jetzt nur noch
mit der Kamera, denn das Wohnzimmer des Indischen Tigers ist heute ein Nationalpark. Und
weil die Großkatzen tagsüber ziemlich faul sind, warten wir mit unserer Safari lieber bis zum
Abend. Dann aber richtig. Deine nächste Sehfari führt dich in Bundi 8 die Treppen des
Stufenbrunnens 46 Meter tief ins Erdreich zu Reliefs, Skulpturen und geschnitzten Terrassen.
Die wären oben auch nicht schlecht gewesen, aber da war schon der Altstadt-Markt. Viel
Vergnügen.

Indiens Nächte sind hell. Was natürlich damit zu tun hat, dass es keine Ladenschlusszeiten
gibt. In den Dörfern schon gar nicht. Aber wenn sich der Trubel endlich legt, gehen über dir die
Lichter an. Ein sensationeller Sternenhimmel lässt nur eine Option zu: die Nacht am See.
Träumen bis zum Umfallen und dann ab ins Komfortzelt. Unsere zweite Nacht in Bijaipur 9
0 geht auch nicht ohne Sterne ab. Hier aber ist es der Glanz üppiger Zeiten, als das Schloss
Bijaipur noch Sitz des Maharadschas war. 400 Jahre ist das her. Aber die Tradition der
Gastfreundschaft ist unverändert, für uns heute in der 13. Generation.

Wir geben es zu: Zwei Tage Udaipur q w sind zwei Tage zu wenig. Also Konzentration auf das
Schönste unter den wachsamen Augen der elf weißen Paläste. Die Marmorplätze, die
Boulevards entlang der Seen, die Altstadt mit dem Zentrum der Künstler und Artisten, die
Basare für alles, was man nicht braucht. Aber toll. Und obertoll geht es weiter, im
monumentalen Stadtpalast hoch über der Stadt und im Boot zum schneeweißen Lake Palace
im Pichola-See, wo James Bond mit Bösewicht Octopussy abgerechnet hat.

Wenn wir am Pushkar-See ankommen, stehen auf den heiligen Treppen der Ghats die
Gläubigen, um ihre Seelen reinzuwaschen und Gesundheit zu erbitten. Wie wär's? Nach der
Segnung gibt's einen roten Punkt auf die Stirn und sobald deine Rosenblätter verstreut sind,
bist du von deinen Sünden befreit. Schaden wird es nicht. In den Basargassen von Pushkar e
r wartet zwischen very sweet und very spicy eine leicht chaotische Nacht mit heiligen Kühen
auf dich. Vielleicht deine faszinierendste. Und wenn du stark bist, halte durch bis zum
Sonnenaufgang, wenn die ersten Gläubigen schon wieder mit ihrer Seele beschäftigt sind.

Der Shatabdi-Express hat uns in der Nacht zurück nach Delhi t gebracht. Noch Zeit bis zum
Abflug? Die »große Seele« Gandhi lohnt. Geist, Leben und Wirken des gewaltlosen Kämpfers für
die Unabhängigkeit Indiens von Great Britain. Dann müssen auch wir dich gehen lassen. Aber
nur bis zu deinem nächsten Adventure-Trip mit Chamäleon.

LEISTUNGEN BEI CHAMÄLEON
       ●   Adventure-Trip mit höchstens 12 Gästen
       ●   Garantierte Durchführung aller Termine
       ●   Fahrten im Reiseminibus und Zug sowie mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln und Taxis
       ●   14 Übernachtungen in Hotels und Heritage-Hotels sowie in einem komfortablen
           Zeltcamp am See
       ●   3 x Frühstück, 1 x Mittagessen, 2 x Abendessen
       ●   Aktivitäten laut Tag-für-Tag-Programm
       ●   Eintrittsgelder
       ●   190 m² Regenwald auf deinen Namen
       ●   Englisch sprechende einheimische Reiseleitung in internationaler Reisegruppe

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS TRIP
       ●   This is our most popular trip to Rajasthan and one of the top-selling trips in our entire
           range. Opulent, whimsical, and endlessly fascinating – Rajasthan will no doubt capture
           your imagination and your heart too.
       ●   Don't worry if you find the idea of travelling to India daunting at first - your local leader
           will be on hand to give you all the insider info to help you have a memorable experience
           of this captivating, but sometimes challenging, country.
       ●   Walk past hills, shimmering lakes, and marble palaces of Udaipur – India's most
           romantic city and one of our favourites. Read more about why here: https://www.
           intrepidtravel.com/adventures/venice-of-the-east-india-udaipur/

●   Watch the sunset from a rampart on Fort Madhogarh, one of our heritage hotels (and a
       former royal residence) that will be your accommodation while here.
   ●   Keep your adrenaline charged with an evening tiger-spotting safari among the lakes and
       jungles of one of India's best known national parks - Ranthambhore.
   ●   Visit our local friends in their home on the border of sacred Pushkar Lake and the
       evocative Thar Desert. Share a meal together and gain insight into local life.
   ●   Could any visit to India be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal? Here's what you
       need to know about your visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.
       com/adventures/taj-mahal-travel-guide/

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
   ●   We include some key sights in each destination as well as aim to provide some free
       time for you to make your own discoveries. Past travellers have found that some
       research before they travel on what they are most interested in seeing and doing has
       allowed them to maximise their time in each place.
   ●   While there is no guarantee you will see a tiger during your safari in Ranthambhore, you
       may have a chance to see a variety of other wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, deer,
       langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, and birdlife.
   ●   Make sure your luggage is light and compact enough to be able to carry it up and down
       multiple flights of stairs (ie. in train stations, hotels without elevators).
   ●   There are a number of long travel days on this trip. Some journeys take between six to
       eight hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers, and the
       diverse scenery. We are covering a lot of this vast country during the trip, so the journey
       is all part of the India experience.
   ●   It's important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates
       in the evening, particularly in the desert. Layers are one of the best ways to tackle this
       disparity in weather. We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain
       level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past
       the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it's
       hot.

IHR TAG-FÜR-TAG-PROGRAMM
               Day 1 Delhi - 27.02.2022
              Namaste! Welcome to India. If you have the day free, joining one of our Urban Adventures is a
              great introduction to the city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you're
              going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details
              and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to
              provide to your leader. After the meeting, head out for your first optional dinner together with
              your group.

              You will stay at a hotel.

There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance,
please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour
with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Optional Activities
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
Delhi - Culture Vulture Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500

 Day 2 Delhi - 28.02.2022
In the morning, navigate the city's metro system to discover Old Delhi on a walking tour. Hitch a ride on a
traditional cycle rickshaw through a typical Indian traffic jam in the streets around the Chandni Chowk
marketplace. Visit Delhi's oldest mosque of Jama Masjid, which is also India's largest. Escape from the
frenetic pace of the city streets by ducking into a Sikh temple, Sheeshganj Gurudwara, to observe the spiritual
side of this bustling metropolis. The communal kitchen welcomes all, and there's a chance to have a simple
meal here together. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights of Delhi. Many past travellers have
recommended the Delhi Food Walk or Home Cooked Delhi tours with Urban Adventures as a great way to

safely (and deliciously!) explore the tastes of India.

               You will stay at the same property as the night before.

There are no meals included on this day.

Included Activities
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi - Jama Masjid

 Day 3 Agra - 01.03.2022
Travel to Agra by one of India's express air-conditioned trains (approx 3 hours/230km). Steeped in Mughal
heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples, and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal and learn why
Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. Buzz around Agra in a motorised rickshaw and
explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the
Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great
emperor. For a meal that makes a difference while in Agra, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout, a remarkable
social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks.

               You will stay at a hotel.

Special Information
Read more about Sheroes Hangout here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/sheroes-hangout-india/

Included & Optional Activities
Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra - Agra Fort
Agra - Red Fort guided tour
Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300

 Day 4 Madhogarh - 02.03.2022
Take a local bus to Bassi, a small town in the middle of rural Rajasthan (approx 4 hours/210km). Then travel
by private transport to your accommodation for the night (approx 45 min/20km) in Madhogarh. On a walk

through the village, see craftspeople at work and meet some of our local friends. In the evening, stay in the
beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rajasthan's royal families for
centuries. Dinner is included here tonight.

               You will stay at a lodge.

Meals Included
Dinner

Included Activities
Madhogarh - Leader-led village walk
Madhogarh - Dinner at Fort Madhogarh

 Day 5 Jaipur - 03.03.2022
Travel on by private vehicle to Jaipur (approx 90min/50km). On arrival, take a walk around the ‘Pink City' of
Jaipur. Get among the crowds of the city's bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Set on
a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture. The
Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall
illuminates with the light of a single match. After the tour, you'll have further free time to spend as you wish.

               You will stay at a hotel.

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Jaipur - Amber Fort
Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour

 Day 6 Jaipur - 04.03.2022
Today is a full free day that you can jam pack with experiences of your choice. This morning, you could take
an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon is a highlight of the
trip for many travellers. Jump on a rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds'.
Alternatively, head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of

intriguing astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema
to experience a Bollywood film.

               You will stay at the same property as the night before.

There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The balloon activity must be booked in advance. Please see Important Notes for more information.

Optional activities
Jaipur - City Palace - INR700
Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) - INR200

 Day 7 Ranthambore National Park - 05.03.2022
Continuing on from Jaipur by private vehicle, head to Ranthambhore (approximately 5 hours/200km).
Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and was one of
the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park's 10th-century fort, and in the evening take a
4WD safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild
boars and birds.

Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On trips departing during
this time, you'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16km
from Ranthambhore and due to its hilly terrain isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers also inhabit this area
and spottings are more favorable at this time of year as they move here away from flooded areas of
Ranthambhore.

               You will stay at a hotel.

There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We require a scanned copy of your passport bio page at the time of booking to secure a permit for your

Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore follow a strict booking process whereby
permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we
cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.

The safety of our travellers is our highest concern and your tour leader has the authority to cancel or
reschedule the jeep safari if they believe the vehicles available do not meet our safety standards.

Included Activities
Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari

 Day 8 Bundi - 06.03.2022
Next, travel to Bundi by private vehicle (approx 4 hours/150km). Navigate Bundi's narrow streets on an
insightful walking tour, including wandering through the downtown market. Stop in at Bundi's intriguing and
intricate step wells (baori), an architectural marvel, and once the source of water for the town. Check out the
16th-century Bundi Palace with its famous murals before checking into our next heritage stay for the night.

               You will stay at a lodge.

There are no meals included on this day.

Included Activities
Bundi - Stepwell
Bundi - Bundi Palace

 Day 9 Paangarh Lake - 07.03.2022
Take off from Bundi and take a local train to Bassi. cross the Chittorgarh countryside to Paangarh Lake. Enjoy
the view out to the 15th-century fort and unwind with a cup of chai while watching the sunset over the lake.
You'll spend tonight in a beautiful permanent tented camp, right on the lakeshore - a truly relaxing experience
away from the chaos of India's cities.

               Pangarh Camp

               http://pangarh.com

There are no meals included on this day.

 Day 10 Bijaipur - 08.03.2022
This morning we drive in an open-top jeep out into the countryside past tranquil villages. You might be lucky
enough to spot some native wildlife as we drive through the region. Meet some villagers and maybe even get
a henna tattoo - a temporary but very traditional souvenir. Arrive at our next heritage stay and enjoy a meal
of authentic local specialties.

               You will stay at a lodge.

Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner

Included & Optional Activities
Bijaipur - Leader-led village tour
Bijaipur - Henna tattoo - INR150

 Day 11 Udaipur - 09.03.2022
Depart the heritage stay and begin your next journey by private vehicle takes us to Udaipur (approximately 4
hours/180km). Take in the city's hills, lakes, and white marble palaces, or delve into its twisting alleys and
bazaars filled with silver, leather goods, and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers, and
musicians, there's plenty to entertain you here. After a city walk with your leader, the rest of your day is free.

               You will stay at a hotel.

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour

 Day 12 Udaipur - 10.03.2022
Visit Udaipur's City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Some suggestions for your free time after

the tour include an optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (seasonal) to marvel at the island
palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir and seeing a cultural performance that combines seven traditional
Rajasthani folk dances in the evening.

               You will stay at the same property as the night before.

There are no meals included on this day.

Included & Optional activities
Udaipur - City Palace
Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR120
Udaipur - Lake boat ride - INR400

 Day 13 Pushkar - 11.03.2022
Take a six-hour air-conditioned train to Ajmer and then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar, a place
synonymous with Rajasthan. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar
Lake, and watch as the devout worship by the holy waters and at the Brahma Temple. At lunchtime, share a
meal with a local family and learn about their life living in this desert city. The rest of the day is free for you to
explore further.

               You will stay at a hotel.

Meals Included
Lunch
Special Information
Please note that due to animal welfare concerns, we will no longer be including a camel ride in Pushkar on
this trip.

Included Activities
Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
Pushkar - Home-cooked lunch

 Day 14 Pushkar - Delhi - 12.03.2022
Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town this morning. Board the

Shatabdi Express train, departing Ajmer around 2 pm for the trip back to Delhi, arriving at around 10:40 pm.
Transfer to the hotel on arrival for your final night of the trip.

              You will stay at a hotel.

There are no meals included on this day.

Optional activities
Pushkar - Savitri Temple - Free

 Day 15 Delhi - 13.03.2022
There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time.

There are no meals included on this day.

ZUR REISE
https://www.chamaeleon-reisen.de/Asien/Indien/Unforgettable-glory

               Änderungen und Irrtümer vorbehalten / Stand: 05.06.2022
      Reiseveranstalter: Chamäleon Reisen GmbH, Pannwitzstraße 5, 13403 Berlin