Tour details
paint on the buildings. This was apparently done to imitate the magnificent, red sandstone buildings of the Mughals and in an attempt to impress the Prince of Wales when he visited in 1876.
Later this afternoon we visit the Maharaja’s City Palace to explore the former royal residence; part of the building has been converted into a museum, while the royal family of Jaipur still use the remaining sections of the palace. Close to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Today we stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), en route to Amer Fort, or ‘‘Amber Fort’’ as the British called it. Erected in 1799 by the Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so that the veiled ladies of his harem could observe, unnoticed, the lively street scenes below. Inside Amer fort we visit the Hall of Victory which houses the famed Sheesh Mahal. We drive to Fatehpur Sikri, located 40km from Agra. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 after it was – International economy flights with Singapore Airlines from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
– All domestic transportation in India
– All accommodation
– All meals
– Touring with a national expert and English-speaking local guides
– Sightseeing and entrance fees
– Visa fee and processing for NZ, AU and UK passport holders
– One exclusive experience
October 11-25, 2019
$6490 a person share (plus tipping:
US$90 – about NZ$120). Single passengers can travel on a willing to share basis at the twin share price or pay an additional $1250 to have single accommodation throughout the tour. Ask about our willing to share option. Land only price $4990pp.
Call 0800 266610 or visit wendywutours.co.nz/stuff-escapes. A $2000 deposit is required per person and final payment is due by August 9, 2019.
prophesised that the then childless Akbar would have sons if he moved his capital to the site.
At great expense to the empire, the capital was moved here but sadly only occupied for 14 years before slowly being deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city due to a scarcity of water.
While here we visit the remarkably wellpreserved and graceful buildings within the Ghost City including the Jama Masjid and the tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace.
Enjoy an evening at the ‘‘Mohabbat The Taj’’ show – a retelling of the Taj Mahal’s story. Prepare to be swept up by the dance, music, and songs as you learn how the love between the Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz inspired the Taj. Rise early this morning to view the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun is rising. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.
We then visit Agra Fort, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River and built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. Its imposing red
Jacob is an actor, playwright and co-founder of the award-winning Indian Ink Theatre Company. Malaysian-born, the third son of Indian immigrant parents hailing from Kerala, Jacob was raised in New Zealand. He completed a degree in microbiology and a primary school teaching diploma before finally wearing his parents down and attending Toi Whakaari: The NZ Drama School in 1993.
Stints on television shows Shortland St and Outrageous Fortune followed but he is, perhaps, best known for writing and performing his first play, Krishnan’s Dairy. Premiering in 1997, this love story set in a corner shop went on to win Production of the Year in New Zealand and a Fringe First Award in Edinburgh in 1999. Krishnan’s Dairy toured India for the first time in 2016 receiving standing ovations and critical acclaim including being hailed as ‘‘one of the top 10 Indian plays of all time’’. It’s set to be turned into a feature film titled Tip Top Taj Mahal.
German-born, and raised in New Zealand and the Middle East, Trupti is Stuff’s editorial travel director. She moved back to her mother’s hometown of Bangalore, India, as a teenager, where she spent a good part of her life before returning to New Zealand. From Goa’s laidback hippie beaches in the east, and the ancient temples in the north to the lagoons and lakes of Kerala’s backwaters in the south, her travels have taken her all over India.
sandstone ramparts form a crescent along the riverfront and encompass an enormous complex of courtly buildings, ranging in style from the early eclecticism of Akbar to the sublime elegance of Shah Jahan.
Later visit Itmad- ud- Daulah’s Tomb – built in memory of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Jehangir’s wazir. Also known as the ‘baby Taj’, it was the first Mughal building to use the craft of facing buildings with white marble and decorating them with inlaid semi-precious stones, an art which reached its zenith in the Taj Mahal. We will stay in Gurgaon, an emerging city located 30km from Delhi. Tonight we will visit the Kingdom of Dreams for a magical Bollywood performance.