Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you
will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit.
Arrival transfer to your hotel and assistance for check-in will be provided. After
check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - New Delhi
After breakfast full day city tour of Delhi which is India's
bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties as well as
the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and
sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj
Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.
Covering India gate (war memorial), Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ) and Red Fort - Delhi's most magnificent monument. After that visit The National Museum is one of India's most prestigious institutions. The galleries of the museum follow a historical and chronological sequence. The Indus Valley Gallery displays many antiquities excavated from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, like terracotta toys, images and pots, jewellery, seals, bronze and copper implements and sculpture. Later on drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Later on visit Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi - Varanasi
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight
to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to hotel for check-in. 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 04 - Varanasi
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
evening come back to hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 05 - Varanasi -
Khajuraho
After breakfast morning free to relax at your hotel. In the afternoon in time
transfer to airport to catch flight to Khajuraho. The temples of Khajuraho are
Indias unique gift to the world, built by the Chandela kings some 1000 years ago-
which probably forms one of the best examples of Indian Erotic art. The Temples are
divided into 3 parts according to location- Western, Eastern & Southern occupying 13
sq kms out of which the Western Group is the most acclaimed. Kajuraho is a World Heritage
Site. Arrive Khajuraho and check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Khajuraho
Morning after breakfast, full day visit of the Western & Eastern
group of Temple complex. 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 0f 3
temples each of Hindus & Jains. Also visit the newly constructed hanuman Temple before
returning to hotel for overnight. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - Khajuraho - Gwalior
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Gwalior which
is named after a saint who cured the local chieftain Suraj Sen from leprosy. History of
Gwalior dates back to 8th century. From then onwards Gwalior was to become the cradle of
dynasties. The massive fort which overlooks the city is a testimony to its glory and
grandeur. Warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints contributed in making Gwalior the
city it is. On arrival check in into hotel.
After check-in visit Gwalior Fort - Standing 100 m above the city, this fort was built in the 15th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar. Teli-ka-mandir temple, dating 9th century flanks prominent Dravidian architecture. The Sas-Bahu temples are a couple of temples, similar in style but different in size. Man Singh Palace is a delightful blue palace with beautiful mosaic decorations in animal shapes. Also covering Teli Ka Mandir - the Indo-Aryan architectural beauty, Man singh Palace - a delightfully whimsical building. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 08 - Gwalior - Agra
After breakfast check-out and you depart on a three hours drive to Agra. Arrive Agra
and check-in into hotel. In the afternoon visit Agra Red Fort which is
surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous
palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it
was used by his son Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by
a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an
impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings
on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams.
In the late afternoon visit the Taj Mahal which is Indias most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river, this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. With the Sunset the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 09 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur
- Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and we take you to on a visit to Fatehpur
Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of
his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at
Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant,
containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland
Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs.
Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass
over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for
eternity."
After continue drive to Jaipur. Enroute visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. The marshes here are home to over 360 species of birds including the Siberian cranes that come to spend the winter here. On arrival check in into hotel. In the evening we have arranged your dinner at Indiana Restaurant. Enjoy your hot & delicious dinner with the Rajasthani Folk Dance & Music. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 10 - Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at
Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal
processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a juxtaposition accepted
quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. Ascend on elephant back, the
hill, on which the fort is situated.
In the afternoon half day city tour covering Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds, " one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Jaipur - Pushkar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar - the
city of Brahma. Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the
North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great
Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great
Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to
be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake
in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.
Enjoy a peaceful day in the idyllic village around the holy Pushkar Lake. One can walk around the entire lake in about an hour. There is drumming every evening at sunset from the 52 ghats surrounding the lake. Visit various temples and the sacred lake. ( Pushkar fair is world famous and normally is during the months of October or November.) Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Pushkar - Jodhpur
After an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur -
The Desert enchantment. Arrive Jodhpur and check-in into hotel. In the afternoon
visit Mehrangarh fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the
largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling
courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada - The 19th century royal cenotaph
and the museum located in the Umaid public gardens. After that a visit to Ummed
Bhawan Palace. A portion of the Ummed Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum.
The architectural splendors of these remnants will enthrall you. Overnight
at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Ranakpur. Visit Ranakpur Jain
Temples complex, one of the biggest and
the most important cluster of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli range. The
Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back
to the 15th century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400
pillars, no two of which are alike. The two other Jain temples in the complex are Neminath
and Parasnath temple.
Later on continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-in into hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore this city of lakes on your own. Or you may enjoy our optional boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola, cruising past the spectacular City Palace, Jag Mandir Island and the famous Jag Niwas Island, which used to be the summer palace of the Royals of Mewar and is now the renowned Lake Palace Hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 14 - Udaipur
Morning city tour visiting City Palace - the largest palace complex
in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. A
part of the palace is converted into a museum. Then visit Jagdish Temple,
drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen's resort for her friends). Later on
visit Ahar - The ancient capital of sisodias, 3 Km from udaipur, Ahar boasts of a
profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities
including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are
displayed in a small Govt. museum.
In the afternoon an excursion to Eklingji & Nagda temples. Eklingji, It is famous for the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls built in 734 A.D.The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar ruler. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or mandap under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Nagda, This ancient place in Mewar was the capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificient torana exquisitely carvedwith graceful apsaras. This ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 15 - Udaipur - Delhi (Departure)
After beakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to
Delhi. Arrive Delhi. Car & driver will be at your disposal until to IGI Airport to
catch flight for onward destination. (Breakfast)