Duration: 07
Nights / 08 Days
(Mumbai - Ratnagiri - Nagari - Sawantwadi - Karmali - Madgaon - Pune - Aurangabad
- Nasik - Mumbai)
Day 01 : Delhi : Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel.
Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city. Start with the
sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid
by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort,
overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest
mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the
mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area
is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. After visiting Old Delhi,
you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left
behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals
of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city
and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is
all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets,
colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the
best of 21st century standards. Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar,
the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing
India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's
residence. Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Varanasi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Varanasi
is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth
of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious
capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It
was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name
is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna
and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES. The shimmering red and golden water
of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples,
the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves. Visit Sarnath
? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites
in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the
ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum
which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at
the site. Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary
to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the
river. Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 04 : Varanasi
Proceed in the morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of
one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs.
for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city,
we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board
a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise
the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks
to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers
from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along
the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes
a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Return to hotel
for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for a day tour of Varanasi including the
Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved
in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey
Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas
Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed
on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university
in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 05 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer in time for flight to Khajuraho. Situated
in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting
temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived
from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region.
The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad
moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include,
women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing &
playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty,
all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed
and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking
at heaven. Reach Khajuraho. Proceed for an afternoon tour of the EXOTIC TEMPLES
(WESTERN, EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho. Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT
SHOW at the Western Temple Complex. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Proceed by surface to ORCHHA after breakfast.
ORCHHA : A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples
of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of
time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa. Proceed for sightseeing
of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Lunch will be at Orchha and then proceed
to the station (12 km away) for train to Agra. (This is a superfast train with
airline type seats and snacks / mineral water is served on board) Reach Agra
and transfer to hotel.
AGRA : Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor
to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and
white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm
that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 07 : Agra
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL : Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect
symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately
carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT : Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the
fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect
Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the
river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel
over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates
and walls of red sandstone and a moat. After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ
- The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Overnight will
be at Agra.
Day 08 : Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 km/6 hr )
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Fatehpur Sikri
is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed
the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity
was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din
Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male
heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint
blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur
Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar
shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like
the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house
and the Panchmahal. Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at
Hotel.
JAIPUR : The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back
to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known
as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens. This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more
about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built
as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess
of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu
vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting
the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus,
the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with
the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to
awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 09 : Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to
the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE : Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Afternoon sightseeing
tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE : A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR : This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL : The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Free in the evening for some exciting
shopping.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 : Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur (By Road 325 km/7 hr )
Start for Pushkar after breakfast. Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching
little town which attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of
India. Pushkar is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer
but separated from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain. The town clings to the
side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For
Hindus, Puhskar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty
of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search). Pushkar boasts temples, though
few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site,
since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous
is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated
to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the
hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar
as its site. Proceed to Udaipur. Reach by evening and relax. The city of Dawn,
Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills
of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur
is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for
the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale
palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry
the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection
in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the
jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping
first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and
ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple
and the local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION. Proceed for Evening
Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you
will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the
lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace
- the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the
Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi. Reach
and check in at hotel. Spend the afternoon in last minute shopping. Proceed
to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the FAREWELL DINNER. Board the
flight for home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
Classical and Royal North India Travel Reservation Form