Journey to the East

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Journey to the East
Tour Ref. # RV/393    BOOK NOW
Discover the diverse cultures, scenic beauty and Historical Places of South India

Special Feature: Historical sites, Erotic Temples etc..
Price: 06 nights from US$ 965
Destination: South India
Departure Date: As per the client's choice
Transportation : Air-conditioned Car with an expert driver for Arrival & Departure transfers

ITINERARY

Day 01- Delhi - Gwalior
A train journey abroad the Shatabdi Express, brings you to the fort city of Gwalior, home of the famous Scindia dynasty. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon a tour of the spectacular fort with its riot of colorful tile work and outstanding stonework. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 02- Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Khanjuraho. En-route visit Orchha which is a small village, but like Mandu, it too has an old world charm and is surrounded by history. Located on an island in the Betwa river, this 16th century capital is famous for its magnificent chattris or tombs and monuments. As you drive up the road, into the city, the buildings around give a sense of what it must have been like to be in Orchha a few centuries ago. Arrive Khajuraho and check into your hotel. Rest of the morning free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 03- Khajuraho
After breakfast, full day visit of the Western & Eastern group of Temple complex of Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas. While some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility, others clearly manifest the influence of Vaishnaism, Jainism, and tantrism. These temples have an architectural character distinct from that of any other group of temples elsewhere in the country. Instead of being contained within the customary enclosure wall, each temple stands on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though none of the temples are very large, they are still imposing structures because of their elegant proportions and rich surface sculpture.

In the morning, you visit the Western group of temples and the museum and in the afternoon the Eastern group. You will see exquisitely sculptured Temples of Kandariya Mahadeb, Laxman, Vishwanath, Parvati, Chittragupta, Varaha & Jagdamba in the western complex, dedicated to different Gods & Goddess, which presently comprises of 12 temples. The Eastern Group of temples, adjoining the Kajuraho village comprises of 3 temples each of Hindus & Jains. Also visit the newly constructed hanuman Temple before returning to hotel for overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 04- Khajuraho - Varanasi
A morning flight brings you to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India. On arrival check into your Hotel. Later on half day city tour of Varanasi. One of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage sites and also a major tourist attraction. It has been the religious capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for more than 2,000 years. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3,000 years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. The mythological name of the city was Kashi, meaning light or luminescence, and the city indeed illuminates with a spiritual light. Two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, meet the holy Ganges River at the northern and southern tips of the city. In medieval times and until as recently as the mid-20th century, the city was known as Banares. Varanasi seems to have been the result of putting together the names of the rivers Varuna and Assi. This religious city is crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets swells with throngs of people. Varanasi is a city that cannot be described--only experienced. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 05- Varanasi - Kolkata (Calcutta)
3006 ASR HWH Mail      Varanasi (BSB)         1650 Hrs          Kolkata (HWH)       0750 Hrs + 1 day
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the holy river Ganges, which presents an incredible scene as multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. The riverfront, as seen from a boat at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere: in a decorated doorway; in a glimpse of a glittering temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the chant of the priests; and in the fragrance of flower oblations. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Later on come back to the hotel.

After breakfast an excursion to Sarnath - where Bhuddhism first made its appearance nearly 2500 years ago and where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his 5 disciples. It's an important centre of Buddhism. It's remarkable that nowadays "only" 6.6 million Buddhists (on a population of 670 million with 80% Hindu). At that time Buddha came to that small village to preach the "middle" way to the Nirvana  after he gained the state of enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Due to the support of the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka Sarnath developed to a big en mighty Buddhist centre, among other things as the erection of magnificent stupas and Buddhist monasteries. In the year 640 AD Sarnath was visited by a Chinese traveller who noticed that 1,500 priests accommodated here and that there was a 100m high stupa. Due to Moslem invasions (as usual with great vandalism) and afterwards ruled by the Hindus Sarnath  declined and diapered out of the history. Excavations started in 1836 by British archaeologists.

In the late afternoon, you drive to Railway station and board the Kalka Mail Express train departing at 1650 hours. Sleeper berths will be pre-reserved for you in an air-conditioned compartment. Overnight train. (Breakfast)

Day 06- Kolkata (Calcutta)
Arrive at 0750 hours and you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel (if rooms are available then early check-in will be provided).

What Bengal does today, India does tomorrow. Sadly this adage is no longer true. At one time, Calcutta was the proud intellectual and cultural capital of India, and its inhabitants made outstanding contributions to art, medicine, science and social reform. As you travel through the city you will see remnants of this glorious past. You start the day with a walking tour, beginning with the Nakhoda Mosque along Chitpur Road. This will give you an idea why Calcutta was known as the 'City of Palaces'. You will stop for a coffee at the home of Sabhasachi Deb, the ancestors of Raja Naba Krishna Deb, the Advisor to Lord Clive. Since the Debs are one of the oldest families in the city, a visit to their ancestral home will give you an idea of the grandeur for which this city was so well known. You may enjoy more coffee at the famous India Coffee House, mingling with students, who hotly debate topics ranging from Bush’s War on Terrorism to the price of fish. Then you can stroll down College Street, sharing space with trams, cows, bullocks and carts. Late in the afternoon, you will visit the weavers who do the delightful Kantha work of West Bengal. Kantha literally means rag, and is created on old saris, laid one on top of the other and quilted in white asymmetrical circles and swirls. Colored threads are then extracted from the borders end of the saris and used to embroider folk motifs. A Kantha is a family enterprise, many women work together on each one, and the kantha sari is a prize possession of most Bengali women. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 07- Kolkata - Delhi (Departure)
After breakfast rest of the morning free to relax at your hotel. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and in time transfer to airport to catch flight back to Delhi. On arrival you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Car will be at your disposal until transfer to International Airport to catch to onward destination. (Breakfast)