THE SPIRIT & COLOURS OF INDIA BY PRIVATE JET

19 October 2024: As Your Tour Manager, Jo Taylor Welcomes You On This Journey

19 October 2024: Your Accompanying Tour Doctor For This Journey is Dr Mike Beckoff

Take some time to relax at the Fullerton Hotel this afternoon before we celebrate the commencement of our grand journey during dinner.

Joining our private jet for the first time this morning, we depart Singapore bound for Agra. Upon arrival, we make our entrance to the distinctive Oberoi Amarvilas. Greeted by a setting sun, we are drawn to our hotel’s bar. It is from here that we gaze upon the unmistakable form of the Taj Mahal. This evening, choose where to dine. Our hotel contains two restaurants: take a seat at the Italian-inspired Bellevue or try the Mughal cuisine expertly cooked at Esphahan. You may prefer to venture out to the nearby Peshawri restaurant.

Having made the approach to the Taj Mahal aboard our hotel’s golf buggies early this morning, the tale of how this symbol of undying love came to be is recounted for us. With the story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal still playing out in our minds, we have the option of joining a professional photographer who will teach us the skills required to capture the Taj’s best angles. After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we explore the majestic Agra Fort.

This afternoon, set out on your first Your World experience:

— You may elect to admire the finely honed skills of a local artisan during a marble inlay demonstration. 
— Hear Agra’s enthralling history, told from the perspective of those who once lived and traded along the Yamuna River. Visit some of the region’s most famous sites, including the Armenian Cemetery, Akbar’s Church and the Baroque Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 
— Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment at our hotel or simply relax and enjoy some free time. 

This evening, enjoy our Welcome Dinner on the lawns of the Oberoi Amarvilas, while Kathak dancers perform for us.

We enjoy the short flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest of Hindu cities. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel, the Taj Ganges, in time for lunch. You then have the option to head to Sarnath, a nearby archaeological site. It is said that Buddha delivered his first sermon in the forest here; for this reason, Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world are drawn here. Opportunities to hear a short talk on Buddhism or meditate with local monks also present themselves while you are here. Of course, you’re also welcome to remain at our hotel to enjoy its high-end hospitality, should you prefer.  

This afternoon, we survey the streets of Varanasi, the air thick with incense and spirituality. As the setting sun begins casting its orange glow across the sky, we board a boat to drift along the Ganges River to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where our private Aarti ceremony awaits our arrival. Incense spirals heavenward, while ceremonial flames symbolise offerings to the gods.   

For those who are eager, rise early to further absorb Varanasi’s entrancing atmosphere. As we emerge from the city’s narrow lanes and make our approach to the water’s edge, our attention is captured by the golden exterior of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A sunrise boat ride along the Ganges then reveals great numbers of pilgrims engaged in bathing rituals. Boarding our jet once more, we depart for Chennai, a city renowned for its fine tradition of music and dance. Following a visit to Fort St George and its associated museum, we arrive at the opulent Leela Palace Chennai, from where we enjoy glorious sea views over two nights.

The region’s inspiring artforms are on display today. Choose your preferred medium courtesy of these Your World experiences:
— Take a drive along the coast this morning and arrive at the nearby Dakshinachitra Museum, where a wealth of art, craft and architecture showcases the talents of southern India’s artists. Close by, admire Mahabalipuram’s collection of ornate rock sculptures and temples, which illuminate India’s extensive mythology. 
— You may otherwise prefer to remain in Chennai and embrace the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Upon entering the revered institutions dedicated to this exquisite art, you will gradually acquire an understanding of the dancer’s graceful movements and subtle gestures, breathing life into the stories they convey.

Enjoy the elegant interiors and delectable cuisine of one of our hotel’s fine-dining restaurants this evening.

Lunch is served in-flight as we cross to India’s opposing coast. Our private jet soon lands in the city of Kochi, once the centre of the Indian spice trade. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa welcomes us for a three-night stay. Setting the stage for our special Kerala-themed dinner, Kathakali dancers go through their paces. Looking on, we detect the subtleties of the dancers’ hand gestures and the fluid movements of their bodies. Afterwards, we are welcomed to our seats within the hotel’s gardens. As we dine, we continue to be enthralled by the dancers’ elaborate costumes and animated expressions.

Further south, along India’s western coast, we arrive in Alappuzha, from where we board traditional houseboats for a cruise along the Kerala Backwaters. Constructed using an ancient technique, the hulls of our vessels are built without a single nail, while the curved lines of their roofs are created by means of handwoven bamboo and palm. As the daily routines of local residents unfold along the water’s edge before us, the area’s plentiful bird and plant life carry on with natural rhythms of their own. Enjoy lunch aboard your boat before returning to our hotel. You may like to try the offerings of another of our hotel’s restaurants this evening.