|
|
Highlights of North India & Nepal
Duration:
12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
- Varanasi - Katmandu - Pokhra - Delhi
Day 01: 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
Start
a Full 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 Houseand the President's Residence
and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight
will be at Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur (By Road 260 km/6 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital
of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses
and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique
part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent,
the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to
maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance
to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal
emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
 The
bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder
Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally
translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought
this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink
City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however,
form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given
a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
Reach Jaipur
and check in at hotel.
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 04: Jaipur
Proceed for morning excursion
will be taken to the Amber Fort. Ride to the Fort 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 or roam the city. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur - Agra (By Road 221 km/5 hr)
Drive to
Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route after breakfast.
The deserted,
red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the
late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city
and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine
what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit
the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your
drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at 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 06: Agra
Proceed for sightseeing of Agra after breakfast.
TAJ MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in
1631 in the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess.
She died while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a
rebellion, after giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor
that all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months.
When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that
he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631
and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on
it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture
and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol
of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time
for the emperor to keep his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and
by, it was felt that it was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there,
as it would cost an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen
as the only alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra,
only to be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later.
After Taj we will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525
AD. After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
 Day
07: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will
be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and transfer
to Orchha, 12 km away.
It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA
rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably
withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were
built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy
your lunch at Orchha.
Continue drive 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 relax. In the evening
proceed for the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 08: Khajuraho - Varanasi: (By Air )
 Breakfast
will be at hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the exotic and erotic temples of
Khajuraho.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon
arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely
situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi,
one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the
names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and
south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval
times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi,
by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient
living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center
for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by
millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking
experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks;
the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring
hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and
the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi
- The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is
also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some
of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled
in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of
silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi
silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's items across
the world today.
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. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment
of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. 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.
Spend the
evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
 Day
09: Varanasi - Katmandu
By Air
In the early morning drive 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. Then 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. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided 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.
Transfer to the airport for
flight to Kathmandu. Reach Katmandu.
The Katmandu Valley, the political,
commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first for the majority of visitors
to Nepal. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities -
Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples,
elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO
World Heritage sites in the valley.
Relax for the rest of the day. Overnight
will be at Katmandu.
Day 10: Katmandu
Proceed for a
day tour after breakfast covering Swambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Shopping
and rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight will be at Katmandu.
Day 11: Katmandu - Pokhra (By Local flight)
 Breakfast
will be at hotel.
Take a flight to the tranquil valley - Pokhara.
Reach Pokhara in the morning, transfer to hotel, refresh & relax with
the spectacular panorama of Annapurna range forming the backdrop. Stretching from
the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna
South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8091m), it is Machhapuchhre
(the fishtail), which dominates all others in this neighborhood. Boastfully levitating
in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed
mountain.
In the later day, enjoy the stroll around the valley with
the boat ride (optional) on the famous fewa lake as next compliment.
Overnight will be in Pokhara.
Day 12: Pokhra
We start
our day with the early morning visit to Sarangkot for the fabulous sunrise. After
the spectacular sunrise, we drive back to our hotel to start our remaining activities
for the day with the breakfast at the hotel.
Today, we take you to the
famous Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's or David's) locally known as Patale
Chhango (Hell's Fall), an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara
Airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David…)
was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground
passage beneath the fall.
Bindhyabasubu Temple at the old bazaar, Seti
Gandaki, the boisterous river running completely underground at the places, Mahendra
cave (House of Bats), the natures' wonder at Pokhara & Pokhara Museum.
After lunch, start exploring the city by driving to the Begnas Lake &
Rupa Lake located 15 Km from Pokhara divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya
Danda, offering the perfect nature retreat with their relative seclusion.
End your trip by visiting the Tibetan Monastery.
Overnight will
be in Pokhara.
Day 13: Pokhra - Katmandu (By Local flight)
Katmandu
- Delhi - Next Destination:
By Air
Leave after breakfast and
proceed to Katmandu by flight. Transfer to the international airport for connecting
flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi and take connecting flight home.
TOUR
ENDS
Highlights
of North India & Nepal,
North India Holiday Packages Reservation Form
|
Copyright
© All India
Holiday Packages. All Rights Reserved (No rights
for reproduction of Images / Contents from this website)
