India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [76]
Important: Should limited time force you to include only the most obvious stops in your itinerary, you will invariably only make contact with those locals who depend on you for a living, which regrettably could leave you with a frustrated sense that many of India’s inhabitants are grasping, manipulative, or downright pushy. This is why it’s so important to get off the beaten tourist track, and book at least one homestay in order to experience firsthand the warmth, hospitality, and generosity of the Indian people and their culture, which celebrates an ancient philosophy of the guest as god.
1 North India Highlights in 16 Days
North India Highlights in 16 Days
Stunning Mughal architecture, heritage hotels, old palaces, forts, and colorful markets make North India an exciting experience that imparts a heady, sensory feeling in any visitor. No 2-week trip can exhaustively cover all the main sights, but this itinerary covers many of the most popular tourist attractions of northern India. It’s a hectic schedule, so keep in mind that relaxation is required between sights, if only to catch your breath and dwell on what you’ve seen before leaping forward to the next equally striking sight.
Days 1–3: Delhi
You’ll most likely arrive in Delhi in the wee hours of the morning. As a general rule, take it easy on Day 1 in India—the country takes serious acclimation. There’s no better way to ease into your trip than to start your vacation at Delhi’s finest hotel, Aman, a brand-new city property from one of the finest nonhotel “chains” on earth. Allow yourself a late morning on Day 2, and hire a car and driver for the day if you want to wander out for some slow-paced sightseeing. Take in central New Delhi’s imperial architecture—beginning at India Gate, built to commemorate those who died in World War I. From there, set off on foot along Rajpath to the beautifully ornate gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan, official residence of the president of India. Then drive south to visit the 12th-century Qutb Minar. For a break, escape to Lodi Gardens, where lawns and golfing greens are studded with the crumbling 15th-century tombs of once-powerful dynasties. A short drive west brings you to the splendid medieval buildings of Humayun’s Tomb (which your suite at Aman will overlook) and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. Finally, stop off at Dilli Haat and check out the range of handicrafts and handmade goods sold by artisans from around India, before you seek out one of Delhi’s superb restaurants, such as Spice Route at another contender for the title of Delhi’s best hotel, The Imperial.
On Day 3, explore Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad). Must-sees include Lal Qila (Red Fort) and Jama Masjid, both built by Shah Jahan, the most prolific architect of the Mughal empire. You can also stop off at vibrant Gauri Shankar Temple, which has an 800-year-old lingam (a phallic symbol used in the worship of the Hindu god Shiva); Sisganj Gurudwara, an unassuming but atmospheric and welcoming Sikh temple that marks the spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, was beheaded by Aurangzeb; and Sunehri and Fatehpuri masjids. If you can handle the massive crowds, wander around Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli (reputed to be Asia’s biggest spice market), and jam-packed Kinari Bazaar—but keep a close watch on your belongings at all times.
Days 4 & 5: Varanasi & Khajuraho
Fly into Varanasi, a crumbling maze of a city that rises from the ghats (steps) on the western banks of the Ganges River. Varanasi is in many ways quintessential India—it is one of the holiest of Indian pilgrimage sites, home of Shiva, where the devout come to wash away their sins. Many come here to die with the hope that they may achieve moksha, salvation of the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Take a boat cruise past the ghats at dawn; you can repeat this at sunset or, better still, head for Dasashwamedh Ghat to watch the Ganga Fire Arti. For 45 minutes, young Brahmin priests perform age-old prayer rituals with