Duration: 13
Nights / 14 Days
(Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar
- Udaipur - Delhi
)
Day 01 : 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
Start a day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI : A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the
Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
- the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire. Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid
to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI : An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include
a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial
avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. 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. Transferred to hotel and then proceed for a SOUND
& LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 : Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a full day tour of the
EXOTIC TEMPLES
(WESTERN, EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho. Relax in the evening or
proceed to the SHILPA GRAM for seeing the local artisans at work. You can also
enjoy a cycle ride through the rustic villages. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 07 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra ( By Road 170 km in 4 hr)
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 08 : 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 09 : 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 10 : 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 11 : Jaipur - Pushkar (By Road - 142 km/3 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. Enjoy the GHATS in the evening and the sunset. Overnight will be
at Pushkar.
Day 12 : Pushkar - Udaipur (By Road - 210 km/5 hr )
Breakfast will be at hotel. Enjoy the sightseeing of the small town dotted with
temples and ghats. Proceed to Udaipur. Enroute stop at Deogarh palace for lunch
and sightseeing. Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about
80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of
sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur,
the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the
ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act
of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some
Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib.
Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also
has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall
of mirrors, is just one of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands
atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and
the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements,
domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from
the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than
surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family
residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted
with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And
the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to
the guests. Reach Udaipur 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 13 : 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 14 : 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 India with Rajasthan Travel Reservation Form