Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
KIKINETWORK TRAVEL
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733
Price per person (Shared Room): $10,990
Single Room Supplement: add $1,990
Group size is 10 - 12 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Experience the spiritual, cultural, and historical richness of India on this exclusive journey. We’ll visit iconic landmarks, enjoy immersive cultural experiences, and unwind at luxurious accommodations.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the vibrant tapestry of India, beginning your journey in the bustling heart of Delhi. From the majestic architecture of the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb to the vibrant streets of Old Delhi, you'll immerse yourself in a rich blend of history and modernity. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of local cuisine, witness soulful rituals at a Sikh temple, and experience the warmth of Indian hospitality at the luxurious Leela Palace. This trip is an opportunity to connect with the essence of Indian culture, all while supporting local communities.
Your journey continues as you travel to Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal awaits. Marvel at the architectural wonder that symbolizes love and devotion, as we delve into the world of Mughal history at the Agra Fort. We’ll make our way to Lucknow and experience the art of traditional perfumery and the grandeur of Mughal architecture. And, we’ll finish our adventure in the spiritual city of Varanasi where you'll witness the mesmerizing Ganges rituals and the ancient practices that have thrived for millennia. This journey promises to awaken your senses and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Book now for an experience that transcends ordinary travel!
On this trip, I am honored to be working with my co-leader, Smita Suchde Gruetter, Founder of Hemlata.org. HEMLATA's program is unique as it is one of the few NGOs in India that is working to empower women by offering scholarships for university education supported by mentorship, life skills, development skills, and career skills. Graduate Fellows have proven that with this holistic model, they are not only ready to enter the workforce, but are successfully supporting themselves, contributing to their families, and their communities. We will meet some of Hemlata’s graduates on our trip and you will be happy to know that we will make a contribution of $500 to Hemlata.org for each of our travelers.
Arrive in Delhi late night of October 24th (or early morning of the 25th). After crossing immigration and baggage, you’ll be met by our representative at the arrival hall who will transfer you to our hotel (your room is available from 1400 hours).
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Leela Palace (Grand Deluxe Room)
Meals: None
Delhi reflects the legacy and heritage of Mughal Delhi, which is now known as Old Delhi. Pulsing with energy and color, Old Delhi is laced with a maze of narrow lanes where you’ll get a glimpse of the many flavors of the old town, from the wedding bazaar to spice markets to graceful architecture. In contrast to Old Delhi, the imperial city, or New Delhi, was created by the British and has numerous fine colonial structures, magnificent buildings, and wide boulevards laid according to the master plans of the great colonial architect Lutyens.
We’ll visit the New Delhi area to see the magnificent Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the residence of the President of India set on 330 acres, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate in New Delhi.
We’ll visit Humayun’s Tomb, which was built in the 16th century and is considered the architectural forerunner of Agra’s Taj Mahal. This tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, Humayan, launched the great Mughal architectural legacy, although the beauty of the Taj (and the money spent on it) tends to eclipse this magnificent garden tomb.
Later, we have organized a visit to a Sikh temple where we will witness the largest community kitchen serving free food to thousands of devotees.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Leela Palace (Grand Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Today we’ll start our tour by exploring the fascinating living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture and the lifestyle in Old Delhi with our specialist guide. We’ll wander in the busy and narrow streets of the mile-long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “Silver Street”, surrounded by shops and bazaars. Our guide will take us through the famous food streets and the biggest spice market – Khari Baoli - existing for centuries and now known for its wholesale groceries. We’ll visit the largest mosque of Old Delhi, Jama Masjid, with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes. This mosque can accommodate 20,000 people at one time!
We’ll stop for a light lunch and a visit to Khan Market, one of Delhi’s most ‘happening’ shopping areas where you are sure to pick up souvenirs, clothing, or jewelry.
Welcome dinner at Jamevar
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Leela Palace (Grand Deluxe Room)
Meals: Buffet breakfast, lunch, & dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head in our private coach to Agra.
The ancient city of Agra lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is one of the oldest settlements in India. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, it was the seat of power of the Mughals and three generations of Great Mughals ruled a huge empire from here. It was also a center of learning, culture, art, and religious philosophies which produced some of the most renowned writers and scholars.
We will first pay a visit to the beautiful Agra Fort, strategically situated along a bend on the Yamuna River. Built 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors, it is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details. The Mughal Emperor, and architect of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son here. At the fort, you will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a Marble Inlay workshop.
This evening, we’ll enjoy a sunset visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Experience the sublimity of the Taj Mahal - a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, color, and mood. A tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife, it was 22 years in the making (1631-1653) and is a cerebral experience that defies description. Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, the Taj Mahal is likened to “a vision, a dream, a poem, and a wonder”.
Dinner at Peshawari
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: ITC Mughal (Mughal Chambers)
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel & dinner
Morning sunrise visit to the Taj (optional)
Drive from Agra to Lucknow via Kannuj.
Kannauj is the perfume capital of India and a beautiful example of one of the last places to showcase the dying art of natural perfumery. Fragrances have always been a big part of Indian culture, whether it's wearing attars, lighting incense sticks, perfuming food with spices and essences, or adorning hair with fragrant flowers. We’ll visit an 8th-generation perfumer who uses age-old techniques of fragrance distillation and perfume blending that span 3000 years, and we’ll hear about his family's legacy in the art of perfumery for over 200 years,
Our visit here includes visiting the flower plantation and taking part in the plucking process for distillation. We’ll watch and learn about the process of distilling the finest perfumery ingredients in the world. Kannauj practices the 3000 year old art of distillation using copper stills.
You’ll be able to create your signature scent, identify ingredients, and blend them at the perfume bar while soaking in the fragrant history of the perfume house. This is followed by lunch.
Arrive and check into Taj Lucknow.
Dinner at the hotel.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Lucknow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on a city tour of Lucknow. Driving past the Tombs of Sadat Ali Khan and the Begum, we’ll reach the architecturally special Asafi Imambara, the world’s biggest hall that exists without any pillar support, wood, iron beams, or concrete walls. We’ll also see the Asfi Mosque and the Rumi Darwaza or Turkish Gate. Next, we’ll drive to the Husainabad Complex whose Clock Tower is the highest in Asia. Later we’ll visit the Husainabad Picture Gallery which houses life-size portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh.
After lunch at the Royal café, we’ll head out on a short heritage walk through Old Lucknow, starting from the Gol Darwaza. We’ll walk along the lanes of the Chowk, Lucknow’s oldest marketplace, exploring the history of the buildings and hearing anecdotes about them. Our tour ends at the Akbari Gate.
Later, we’ll step into a bygone era and enjoy a tea with the Nawab of Awadh, a descendant of Lucknow’s royalty. We’ll listen to fascinating tales, delve into rich heritage, and relax over tea and conversation. We’ll also visit designer Almas Abdullah and her husband Nawab Masood Abdullah who will show us their traditional designs of Chikan (a distinct embroidery work) and Aari Zardozi (use of silk and metal threads along with beads and sequins, to create designs)
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Lucknow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Tea
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the architectural marvel of La Martinière School, designed as a palatial home by the French Major-General Claude Martin. Later, we visit Dilkusha Palace and Gardens and drive past monuments that stand testimony to the 1857 Indian Mutiny.
Late afternoon, we’ll board our flight to Varanasi. At our hotel, we’ll be welcomed with a special ceremony.
Dinner at the hotel (vegetarian Thali)
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Brijrama Haveli (Ghats)- Nadhidhara (Base category- Non Ganges View)
Meals: Breakfast, & Dinner
A maze of a city that rises from the ghats (steps) on the western banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is in many senses the quintessential India. It is also one of the holiest tirthas, where many return to die in the hope that they may achieve moksha, the salvation of the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
We’ll start our day with a fascinating walk through the ghats, followed by a stroll in the back streets past old havelis, a labyrinth of streets with thousands of pilgrims. We’ll explore and discover the sacred and oldest living culture of this ancient city, visit the flower market, and also the craftsmen who have been keeping the art of hand weaving alive for generations. We’ll visit an artisan workshop where we’ll see the intricate process that weavers use on the handloom to make the most exquisite silk products like scarves, the eponymous Banaras sarees, and more.
Later, we’ll travel a short distance out of Varanasi to visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha is believed to have preached his first sermon after enlightenment. The Museum at Sarnath is closed on Fridays. The peaceful and traditional Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a lovely, bright space located close to the main market area in Sarnath.
Later in the evening, we’ll head off to the famous Ghats to watch the worship ceremony of the holy river Ganges as the sun goes down. We’ll be seeing innumerable worshipers, faith and devotion writ large on their faces as they watch a group of young priests perform an elaborate ritual in worship of the holy river. This is a ritual that has remained unchanged since time immemorial. This is a passionate and divine journey as the music and the oil lamps create a trance-like experience.
Guests will be seated on chairs in a private balcony to witness the evening aarti ceremony with a great view. We will arrange a Private Sankalp Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed by the main priests with Deep Daan ritual (setting off lighted lamps on the river)
Dinner on the rooftop
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Brijrama Haveli (Nadidhara Rooms)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Early this morning, we’ll take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise with live classical music. We’ll see pilgrims taking a dip in the holy Ganges and performing Hindu rituals; some of them practice yoga and meditation. We’ll see some of the elaborate rituals that take place throughout the day and performed in the river as boats float downstream carrying goods, fruit, vegetables, as well as pilgrims!
We return to our hotel for breakfast and have some free time for shopping and casual lunch on our own before we fly back to Delhi in the early afternoon.
On arrival in Delhi, our coach will take us to the lovely JW Marriott airport hotel for cocktails and snacks.
Transfer back to the airport again for your international flights by 2100 hours
Daily Summary:
Meals: breakfast, cocktails and snacks
Various departures
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: N/A
The Leela Palace features royal comforts and world-class amenities await. Catch glimpses of Dilli’s cultural richness in the vibrant paintings, carved wooden artefacts and brass figurines by celebrated Indian artists. Begin your day with a buffet breakfast at The Qube, then tackle work in our well-designed workspaces. At dusk, join us in offering aarti to our resident goddess in her courtyard abode. Take a dip in the pool or a few sips in The Library Bar before retiring to your luxurious suite in this 5-star hotel in New Delhi.
Embodying the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage, Lucknow merges a regal past with a bright future. The Taj Mahal, Lucknow sits on the banks of the Gomti River, featuring regal décor, beautiful domes, jaali work, expansive gardens, dignified columns and private balconies. Step inside and enjoy our warm hospitality, where we ensure your every need is met with utmost care. Fine art flourishes are seen everywhere including our stunning rooms and suites with wooden furniture, evergreen designs and plush furnishings. A city filled with beauty, heritage and culture, Lucknow will leave a lasting imprint on your mind, much like a stay at Taj Mahal, Lucknow, where each day is a gateway into nuanced luxury and indelible impressions.
An enduring marvel of Varanasi, this iconic palace stands as a proud testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Its architecture, a magnificent nod to the Maratha Dynasty, beckons you to step into a realm where history seamlessly melds with luxury. Erected in 1812, this is a regal escape for those yearning for a holiday steeped in royal comfort and heritage. Leave the daily grind behind and immerse yourself in an experience crafted for spiritual rejuvenation. Perched above the sacred Ganges, BrijRama Palace is an oasis of serenity, just moments away from Varanasi's most cherished landmarks. As the second oldest palace in Varanasi, it is more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a voyage through time. Here, amidst the whispers of history, we promise the spiritual healing and serene escape you seek, wrapped in the ageless charm of Varanasi.
Sprawled over 93077 sq. m of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways, the resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities. It recreates a paradise for the contemporary Mogul - exemplifying the splendour and perfection that was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Price per person (Shared Room): $10,990.00
Single Room Supplement: add $ 1,990.00
Group size is 10-12 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Commitment
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring that you will enjoy your journey. We work hard to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours and plan itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget.
Responsible Travel
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
Inspiring Through Travel
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, architecture, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration, and adventure.
Trusted Support
In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.
Disclaimer
Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost when you register for the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 45 days before the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept ACH transfers (1% fee and .30) and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 2.9 processing fee for MC and Visa credit cards, and American Express incurs a 3.9% fee. If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.
Airfare/Visas/Special Permits: You are responsible for your flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend the best flights for you. Please email me at kiki@kikinetwork.com for more details.
I will inform you of any visa needs, and you must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through. Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Please make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months after the latest expected end date of your planned trip, as some countries will not allow entry if your passport expires sooner.
Insurance is required for any KikiNetwork Travel trip. KikiNetwork Travel requires an insurance plan with 100% of trip cost insured, $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation, and a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. I am happy to work with you to recommend one of my recommended insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
Health and Safety Matters: Please visit your local hospital Travel Clinic. Your doctor will let you know what, if any, vaccinations or other health or safety precautions are necessary or recommended for your destinations. We are not physicians, and nothing we say should be interpreted as professional medical advice. Government health advisories can be found on the internet at: http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int
Cancellations: In addition to any cancellation penalties related to trip components we are not responsible for (e.g. permits, airfare, travel insurance, etc.), the following fees will apply:
Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
Responsibility/Release and Assumption of Risk: By paying and signing up for a KikiNetwork Travel trip you are agreeing to the following statement; I understand and am aware that during the travel itinerary in which I will participate under the arrangements of KikiNetwork Travel and its agents or subcontractors, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in unsafe areas or under unsafe conditions, the dangers of civil disturbance and war, unplanned forces of nature, or disease. In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in such travel itineraries, I have and do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this Release and Assumption of Risk and I hereby agree to all its conditions, especially noting and agreeing to the portion of this provision that releases the Company and its agents, employees, officers, associates, and subcontractors, to the extent permitted by law, from liability for the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of the Company’s affiliated companies or subcontractors.
