A HIDDEN secret of India, the amazing Chand Baori stepwell is a must do on everyone's Indian adventure.
Built over a thousand years ago, this beautiful feat of engineering in the village of Abhenari near Jaipur is one of the highlights of the exclusive Senior Traveller Jewels of India tour with Wendy Wu tours.
The well was so named as it was built by King Chand Raja in the 9th Century. One of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in the world the well has 3500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the water at the bottom which centuries ago was the water source to villagers throughout the year.
The Chand Baori has a precise geometrical pattern, the steps form a magical maze as the stairs encircle the water on the three sides while the fourth side has a pavilion. No longer used as a well, it now attracts local and international visitors and is considered one of the hidden secrets of India.
This often overlooked landmark is one of many sights to marvel at on the nine-day tour in October. The tour kicks off with a two-night stay in India's bustling capital Delhi, population 18 million. The city's location has given it a focal position in Indian history and many great empires have been rule from here. The monuments and ruins of these are scattered throughout the city, often cheek by jowl with modern structures and high-rise towers.
Day two takes in a full day of sightseeing in Old Delhi seeing some of the city's historical and architectural gems including the Red Fort, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1857. There will also be stops at India's largest mosque Jama Masjud, the imposing modern Lakshmi Narayan Hindu temple and Hamyun's Tomb (of the second Mughal emperor) built in the mid-16th century. This tomb was, in fact, the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal.
There will also be plenty of time to amble through Delhi's markets including Connaught Markets (great for linen, clothing, saris and handicrafts) and the oriental Chadni Chowk bazaar.
No holiday to this region would be complete without a trip to historic Agra and the magnificent Taj Mahal. After an early rise to view this iconic masterpiece - built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 - the tour also includes a marble inlay workshop to learn more about the intricate art of marble laying.
In fabulous Jaipur, known as the Pink City for the colour of the buildings in the old town, the tour visits Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Amer Fort (or Amber Fort as the British called it). Erected in 1799 by the Sawia Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so the veiled women of his harem could observe unnoticed the lively street scenes below. In Amer Fort, the tour includes a Jeep ride and also dinner at the 1135 AD restaurant, located inside the highest ramparts of the magnificent fort.
While in Jaipur there's also the change to shop for local produce, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner at a local Rajasthani home and visit the Maharaja's City Palace - the former royal residence part of which has been converted into a museum.
The tour includes return airfares, all meals, sightseeing and is fully escorted by one of Wendy Wu's professional local guide. Departing October 6, 2017 for 9 days the tour is $3,640 per person twin share. Call the reservation team on 1300 727 998