World Vision Northern India Highlights

Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There are no activities planned for the rest of the day so you are free to explore this bustling capital city. India’s capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city but certainly one of the most interesting. Delhi comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to this Muslim history. New Delhi is the imperial city created as India’s capital by the British, intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings displaying various modern styles of architecture. For those arriving early, explore some of the many attractions on your own - explore the Janatar Mantar, wander the local markets, catch the metro anywhere, visit the Crafts Museum, Indira Gandhi Museum or Birla House (the site of Gandhi’s assassination) or relax in the magical Lodi Gardens. Overnight Delhi

Meals:  D

This morning we'll have a group breakfast and tour briefing before beginning our sightseeing tour. We'll visit Old Delhi and New Delhi, take in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid & Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Birla Temple and India Gate. Designed by the builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jehan, the Red Fort is famous for its delicate carvings and Royal Chambers. The Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of the father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Humayun’s Tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Himayun. Its design and layout is based on the description of Islamic paradise gardens and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. The Qutab Minar has walls inscribed with intricately carved quotations from the Koran and is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. Overnight in Delhi

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to the domestic airport to board our flight (07:25 / 09:15) to Jaipur. Upon arrival we'll be met and taken to the hotel to store our luggage before beginning our exploration of Jaipur. We begin at the Amber Fort, the honey coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills just north of the town centre. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open to striking views of the gorge. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderness hues and the intriguing Chamber of Mirrors. We return to town to view the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. We conclude at the City Palace, now a museum that contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory, old carpets, and even amazingly embroidered clothes of the Maharajas and the Maharanis. After dark we recommend a visit to the Jal Mahal, it is lit up at night and the reflections on the lake are stunning. Overnight in Jaipur

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we depart for Agra by road. The distance is 240km (approx 6 hours) and en-route we visit the ghost city Fatehpur Sikri. Built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. There is the imperial Jami Masjid, the tomb of Shaik Salim Chisti who predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jehangir, the Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public Audience and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines. Upon arrival to Agra we'll check in to our accommodations and enjoy the evening. Agra is a great place to try barbecue meats (kebabs) mixed with Indian spices. Petha, pieces of white pumpkin dipped in sugar syrup, and Gajak, a crumbly sweet made with sesame and jaggery, are delicious local sweets and sold everywhere - try them. For a splurge have a drink at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Built in typical Mughal style, barely 600m from the Taj Mahal, they have the most stunning view of the monument. Tonight you will be joined by WV staff at a welcome dinner to introduce you to the communities you will encounter over the next couple of days. Overnight in Agra

Meals:  B,L,D

We depart the hotel early this morning and make our way to the Taj Mahal to watch as the sun rises over this extraordinary building. Built by Shah Jahan’s as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal the beauty of this structure is unmatched. On the death of his beloved wife, in wild extravagance, Shah Jahan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. We have time to walk the corridors and gardens before our first visit to a World Vision area program, a slum community near the Taj Mahal. World Vision staff will guide you through the Agra Area Program. We will receive a traditional welcome by the community and interact with children in a remedial education centre focused on combatting illiteracy levels in the city. You will also have the opportunity to meet men, women, and children who are leaders in their community. Hear from children on how they are educating others on issues such as gender discrimination or child protection. From women on how they are improving livelihoods through small business creation, and men on caring for their family and community. Optional Evening Sadar Bazaar. Overnight in Agra.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will return to Agra Area Program. World Vision staff will lead you through a small community and you will encounter the living conditions of people who call Agra home. Meet a sponsored child and talk to her and find out about her life. What is it like to be living in a slum settlement in the city of Agra? Then you will see how World Vision uses sponsorship and funding to holistically tackle the various issues faced by children in these vulnerable communities. After we bid farewell to our new friends in Agra, we will board our air conditioned train to Lucknow. The train departs at 1:45pm and arrives at 7:50pm. Upon arrival you will be taken to your accommodation for the evening. Overnight Lucknow

Meals:  B,L,D

Drive with World Vision staff to a rural community less than two hours away from the city of Lucknow. This area program was especially set up to tackle the issue of malnutrition so we will look at how World Vision partners with the government to improve health practices in the community. We will visit a government run day care center for children below five years of age living in poverty and look at how World Vision has made it child friendly. We will look at how even simple health practices like the washing of hands is taught to children through a peer education behavior change model. Children will teach you how to wash your hands properly, with soap, so bring a dry towel. Then meet an empowered group of women who have learned how to maintain and repair traditional water pumps, and perhaps they will teach you too. Sit down with our field staff and get your questions answered about World Vision’s work in bringing life in all its fullness to children and their communities. Overnight Lucknow

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we'll rise early to catch our air conditioned train at 7am to Varanasi. Upon arrival at about 1:30pm, we'll be transferred to the accommodation, and settle in. First impressions of Varanasi are that of many people, smells and other stimuli in what might seems like a chaotic cacophony! Varanasi is steeped with religious history and culture and the great temples and mosques provide for a fascinating insight into the heart of Indian culture. During your two days here you have the chance to appreciate these sights through guided sightseeing and personal exploration. This afternoon there is time to explore and a good place to start is excavated site of Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Overnight in Varanasi.

Meals:  B,L,D

Before dawn you will go on an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges. A principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats where pilgrims make their morning cleansing wash in the river. Also there are the burning ghats where cremations are undertaken. Return to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day will be full of sightseeing activities including the old city which stands on the west bank of the sacred Ganges and extends back from the ghats in a winding maze of narrow streets. The city tour will include visits to a range of temples and sights including: Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banras Hindu University, Golden Temple (Vishwanath Temple), Aurangzeb Mosque, Monkey Temple (Durga Temple), and Mother India Temple. Our day concludes at Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of the holy river to witness the Ganga Aarti. This beautiful ritual of light and rhythm is performed daily in the midst of the crowd tourists and devotees. Overnight in Varanasi

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast we will organize for your transfer to either the airport or train station for your onward journey. Namaste!

Meals:  B