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Royal Pakcages The
Mystical North
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The Mystical North
ITINERARY Day 01 - Arrive Mumbai Day 02 - Mumbai Later on half day city sightseeing of Mumbai, as it was formerly known - remains India's city of dreams. Built largely by the British around one of the best-protected natural harbors in the world, Mumbai is India's business center and one of the most important commercial hubs between Singapore and Europe. It generates more than a third of the country's GNP, and half of India's foreign trade moves through this busy seaport on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai also is home to the country's prolific Bollywood film industry, which cranks out more feature films than any place in the world. Covering The Gateway of India which is Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name. Also visit Dhobi Ghat, A unique feature of
Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it,
and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The
"laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens,
each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed
on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry.
Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is
at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families
work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast) Day 03 - Mumbai - Varanasi
(by Flight) 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 In the late afternoon 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. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast) Day 05 - Varanasi - Khajuraho (by
Flight) In the afternoon half 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. 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 06 - Khajuraho - Jhansi -
Agra (by Train) In the late afternoon continue drive to Jhansi
- which is a place closely associated with Rani Laxmibai who fought against the British
during the Revolt of 1857. Her fort in Jhansi is the reminder of her courage and fighting
spirit. Car and driver will be at your disposal until transfer to Jhansi Railway station
to catch SHATABDI EXPRESS train to Agra. On arrival you will be met by our local
representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel
The Oberoi Amarvilas which is the only hotel with direct, uninterrupted views of
the Taj Mahal. The hotel lies just 600 metres from what is one of the most beautiful
buildings in the world. The Oberoi Armavilas opened in January 2001 and is breathtakingly
luxurious hotel. There is only one way to truly experience the Taj Mahal. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast) Day 07 - Agra 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. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you
can explore the local markets for shopping. Agra is also known for its
fabulous handicrafts such as Marble and soft stone inlay work, gold thread embroidery
(zari and zardozi), metalware, exquisite hand -knotted silk and woollen carpets and
leather goods including bags, shoes and clothing The Mughals were great patrons of arts
and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist
herself in zari embroidery work. Semi-precious
and precious jewelry in Mughal style is also available. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast) Day 08 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri
- Bharatpur - Jaipur Also visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. You will enjoy a Rickshaw ride inside the Sanctuary for Bird Watching. Bharatpur is world renowned for its World Heritage listed Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. After continue drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and
check-in into hotel Taj Rambagh Palace which is a magnificent building
spread over 47 acres of gardens. Rambagh Palace is Jaipur’s foremost Royal Palace
residence. Located close to the walled ‘Pink City’, spectacular forts, and all
the unique shopping bazaars of Jaipur, the Palace unveils the rich culture and history of
the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. Built in 1835 as a hunting lodge, converted to a palace
in 1925 as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and finally converted as India’s
first palace hotel in 1957. An architectural masterpiece, Rambagh presents a fine blend of
Rajput and Mughal architecture. Sensitively restored to its former glory with refurbished
rooms overlooking courtyards with fountains or verdant gardens, airy verandahs, idyllic
front lawns and a warm intimate lobby, guests relive the royal lifestyle at Rambagh. Rest
of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast) Day 09 - Jaipur Morning 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. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthanfort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated. Afternoon coverning 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
which is blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a
part of the palace. The palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of
textiles, paintings, manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge
urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world.
Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone
elephants, is monumental. 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. 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 - Udaipur
(by Flight) On arrival you will be met by our representative,
holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to
hotel Taj Lake Palace which is one of the most beautiful palaces in the
world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white
marble. The Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acers
of rock. It was initially called Jaginwas after its founder Maharana Jagjit Singh . The
Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable
buildings at Agra. Overnight at hotel. Day 11 - Udaipur Later an excursion to Nathdwara and
learn about the art of Pichwai Paintings traditionally done in a variety of media : -
brocaded, block printed, embroidered or worked in gold. There are 24 iconographic
renderings of the Krishna Legend traditionally portrayed in the Nathdwara Pichwais.
Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast) Day 12 - Udaipur - Delhi
(by Flight) Arrival transfer to hotel Taj Palace
which is a perfect embodiment of all qualities synonymous with the quality of Taj
Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. Standing apart in service, its facilities and of course, in
its distinguished patronage, this hotel has played host to Heads of State, corporate
moguls and high profile businessmen from across the world. Nestled in six acres of lush
greens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of the city, Taj Palace Hotel is the only one
in the top-of-the-line category near Gurgaon, and a mere 10 minutes drive from the
airport. After check-in rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast) Day 13 - Delhi First of all visit India Gate which is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today, an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ). Later on visit Lotus Temple(Bahai Temple) which is the newest most extravagant architectural wonder of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. The temple in white is shaped like a half opened lotus flower. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the Lotus Temple is a marvel of 20th century architecture. The lotus shaped temple in a modern and contemporary form captivates into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion; divine in origin, all embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence. In the late afternoon visit Qutab Minar which
is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. It is a magnificent structure whose
construction started in 1199 by a Muslim King Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named)
and was finished by his heir IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front
of it since 5th century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron
Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something, it is granted. Later on
drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast) Day 14 - Delhi (Departure) |
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